Daily Tech Roundup: Dawn of 5G-A Promises to Bring AI to Your Mobile, Strong Interest in Apple’s Vision Pro Belies Lackluster Sales

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Technicians install 5G-A equipment in Tongling, Anhui province, on May 7. Photo: VCG

Welcome to the Daily Tech Roundup — a briefing of the top technology news making headlines in China and the rest of Asia.

Dawn of 5G-A promises to bring AI and much more to your mobile

Commercial use of 5G Advanced networks starts this year as telecom operators and device manufacturers gear up for the upgraded wireless technology which will allow the use of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) on mobile devices.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

The commercial use of 5G Advanced networks begins this year, with over 60 telecom operators and partners, facilitating mobile AI.
Apple’s Vision Pro faces strong interest but challenges in China, including high price and functional limitations.
Hesai Technology rejects U.S. allegations of military ties, while Pony.ai and SAIC Motor receive approval for unmanned robotaxis in Shanghai.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.: Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. is a major player in the telecommunications and ICT industries. This year, it is spearheading the commercial rollout of 5G Advanced networks to bring about the “mobile AI era.” Additionally, Huawei is stepping back from its co-developed premium electric vehicle brand, Aito, by selling its trademarks and patents to partner Seres Group, signaling a focus on its role as a supplier of smart driving technologies through its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance.

Apple Inc.: Apple Inc.'s Vision Pro, the company’s first immersive virtual reality headset, faces challenges replicating iPhone success in China. Despite strong consumer interest for trials, issues like high price and limited functionality may hinder sales. The Vision Pro requires extensive setup including selecting from 28 sizes of light-blocking covers and temporary inserts for glasses wearers.

Hesai Technology Co. Ltd.: Hesai Technology Co. Ltd., a Shanghai-based developer of sensor technologies for self-driving cars, has rejected U.S. Department of Defense allegations of having ties to the Chinese military. Hesai filed a motion for summary judgment in a Washington, D.C., court, refuting claims based on its purported affiliation with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Pony.ai Inc.: Pony.ai Inc. has received permission from Shanghai to operate unmanned robotaxis. The permit, issued during the 2024 World AI Conference, allows the company to deploy robotaxis without human drivers on predetermined routes totaling 205 kilometers in Pudong. This marks a significant step in autonomous vehicle deployment in the city.

SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd.: SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd. has received permission to operate unmanned robotaxis in Shanghai. The permit, issued during the 2024 World AI Conference, allows the deployment of robotaxis on predetermined routes totaling 205 kilometers in Pudong, Shanghai. This milestone is part of Shanghai's efforts to roll out autonomous vehicles.

Seres Group Co. Ltd.: Seres Group Co. Ltd. is a Chinese carmaker collaborating with Huawei on the Aito premium electric vehicle (EV) brand. The company is acquiring 919 registered or pending trademarks and 44 exterior design patents related to Aito for 2.5 billion yuan ($343.7 million), indicating Huawei's reduced direct control over the brand. This move aligns with Huawei's strategy to focus on its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance, emphasizing its role as a supplier of smart driving technologies.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

2024：: Commercial use of 5G Advanced networks starts as telecom operators and device manufacturers gear up for the upgraded wireless technology.

Wednesday, 2024：: Hesai Technology Co. Ltd. filed a motion for summary judgment in a Washington, D.C., court.

Wednesday, 2024：: Huawei's co-developed partner, Seres Auto, plans to spend 2.5 billion yuan acquiring 919 registered or pending trademarks and 44 design patents of Aito from Huawei.

Thursday, 2024：: Shanghai issued permits during the 2024 World AI Conference allowing Pony.ai and SAIC Motor to operate unmanned robotaxis in the city.

May 2024：: Hesai Technology Co. Ltd. sued the U.S. Department of Defense for including it on a list of companies accused of aiding China’s military.