8 o'clock, 1 Krypton News | Original images in WeChat chat records can be cleared to normal image quality; Dong Mingzhu says she won't compete with Lei Jun; Li Ka-shing plans to sell 43 ports for $22.8 billion.
Top 3 Big News
WeChat Slims Down Again: Original Images in Chat Records Can Be Cleaned to Normal Quality
Recently, both the iOS and Android versions of WeChat have received hot updates. This update makes the cleaning process more detailed and frees up more storage space. Open the WeChat app on your phone. In the "Me - Settings - General - Storage Space" interface, you can see a new line of small text below the cache area: including XX MB of original images and videos in chat records.
As shown on the page, above the option, there is a row of small text: Cleaning original images and videos can save storage space. After cleaning, you can still see images and videos of normal quality in the chat. Click on the option, and a prompt will pop up asking you to "View by file size" or "View by chat size". Then you can view specific original images and videos according to size, time, and type, and select the content you want to clean.
According to netizens' actual tests, the cleaned content will still be displayed in the chat records, but the image quality has been reduced. This function can not only avoid the situation of "image expired" but also free up storage space, achieving the goal of slimming down WeChat. (Kuaikeji)
Dong Mingzhu Responds to Whether to Learn from Lei Jun: Not Competing with Lei Jun
On March 5th, Dong Mingzhu, a deputy to the National People's Congress and the chairperson of Gree Electric Appliances, stated that Gree has become an internet celebrity through its real - life products. When asked whether Gree, with such a great brand, would do more and larger - scale things like Lei Jun, Dong Mingzhu responded, "I'm not competing with him." (Caixin Technology)
Li Ka-shing Plans to Sell 43 Ports for $22.8 Billion, Covering 23 Countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas
CK Hutchison Holdings Limited issued a strategic restructuring announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange late on the 4th, announcing that it had reached a principle agreement with a consortium led by BlackRock to sell the core assets of its global port business, including the stakes in two ports in Panama. The consortium members include BlackRock, its Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), and Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) under Mediterranean Shipping Company.
According to the announcement, CK Hutchison plans to sell all of its stakes in Hutchison Port Holdings (HPHS) and Hutchison Port Group Holdings Limited (HPGHL) to the consortium. Together, they control 80% of the global stakes in Hutchison Ports. The target assets cover 43 ports in 23 countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including 199 berths and core resources such as the supporting intelligent terminal management system and global logistics network. (Caixin Press)
Large Companies/Large Events
Apple's 64GB era officially comes to an end. All iPad models now come with a minimum standard storage of 128GB.
Apple officially launched the 11 - inch iPad (A16) on the evening of March 4th, with storage starting at 128GB for the first time. Coupled with the previously released iPhone 16e, which also starts with 128GB storage, this marks Apple's complete departure from the 64GB era. Currently, all iPhone and iPad models come with a minimum standard storage of at least 128GB.
The storage capacity of Apple phones has undergone continuous changes. In 2007, the original base - model had 4GB of storage. Subsequently, the iPhone 3G and 3GS had a minimum of 8GB, and the iPhone 3GS had a maximum of 32GB. The iPhone 4S introduced a 64GB version and iCloud service. From the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 7, the base storage was 16GB. In 2016, the iPhone 7 offered options of 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Starting in 2017, the iPhone 8 started with 64GB. Since the iPhone 11, Apple's phone products have gradually abandoned the 64GB memory option. By 2025, all iPhone and iPad models will start with 128GB of storage. (Kuaikeji)
National Committee Member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Suggests Breaking the "Degree-Only" Mentality in Employment and Giving All Job Seekers a Fair Chance to Compete
Recently, Li Baoju, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said in an interview that the current craze for postgraduate entrance exams and civil service exams is closely related to the phenomenon of employment discrimination in society. He pointed out that some enterprises tend to focus solely on academic degrees, setting excessive degree requirements and even imposing restrictions on the types of postgraduate degrees. Objectively, this practice forces young people to blindly pursue higher academic qualifications. Data shows that the postgraduate entrance exam participation rate of undergraduate graduates at some universities has reached as high as 80%, and this trend needs attention.
Regarding employers, Li Baoju proposed establishing a scientific talent evaluation system. First, cancel unreasonable degree thresholds and restrictions on the applicant's alma mater, and give all job seekers a fair chance to compete. Second, change the concept of employment, shifting from a single degree evaluation to a comprehensive ability assessment, and focus on the professional qualities, practical abilities, and career development potential of job seekers. (China Newsweek)
Dong Mingzhu said: Products become internet-famous only because they are excellent. Being an internet celebrity is not something you can achieve just as you wish.
On March 5th, when asked by a reporter about her view on entrepreneurs becoming internet celebrities, Dong Mingzhu, a deputy to the National People's Congress and the chairperson of Gree Electric Appliances, said, "Being an internet celebrity is not something you can achieve just as you wish. Products become internet-famous because they are excellent. There are two types of internet celebrities. One type uses virtual concepts to become internet-famous, while Gree achieves this through its real products."
Previously, Gree Electric Appliances announced the launch of a new strategic brand, "Dong Mingzhu's Healthy Home", and successively initiated the work of renaming its stores in many places, including the renaming of its online live-streaming rooms, which attracted consumers' attention. This time, Gree directly links "health" with Dong Mingzhu herself, obviously aiming to make full use of Dong Mingzhu's online influence. (Yangtze Evening Post, The Paper)
National Political Consultative Conference Member Proposes: Clearly Label the Use of Prepared Dishes in Restaurants
Recently, Li Baoju, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said in an interview that he proposed to clearly label the use of prepared dishes in restaurants to protect consumers' right to know. He pointed out that as a product of the development of the food industry, prepared dishes generally represent industrial progress. Under standardized processing conditions, the food safety of prepared dishes can be guaranteed. However, consumers should have full right to know - catering operators are obliged to clearly mark the distinction between prepared dishes and freshly - made dishes on the menu. It is recommended that the food hygiene supervision department incorporate the label management of prepared dishes into the regular supervision system and effectively safeguard consumers' rights through institutional norms. (China Newsweek)
Yu Miaojie, a deputy to the National People's Congress: Propose to raise the individual income tax threshold to 100,000 yuan per year
Yu Miaojie, a deputy to the National People's Congress, an economist, and the president of Liaoning University, submitted a proposal during the 2025 Two Sessions to moderately adjust and optimize the individual income tax rates to better promote fairness and sharing. "Raising the individual income tax threshold to 100,000 yuan per year, and after superimposing special additional deductions such as supporting the elderly and children's education, the annual tax - free quota for a family can reach 160,000 yuan." Yu Miaojie believes that this move can specifically reduce the burden on the middle - income group and release consumption potential.
"From the perspective of the country, it is necessary to boost consumption now. If we want to boost consumption, we must first ensure that the common people increase their income, which is more important than creating consumption scenarios." Yu Miaojie said that in 2018, the per capita national gross income was still below 10,000 US dollars per year. Now, this figure has reached about 12,000 US dollars per year. While the per capita income is increasing, the purchasing power of the common people is also constantly increasing. To better achieve the inclusive and shared goal of "raising the low - income group" and "expanding the middle - income group", the individual income tax threshold should also be adjusted in line with the times. (Southern Weekly)
YouTube Launches Cheaper Subscription Plan in the US, Most Videos Are Ad-Free
YouTube, owned by Alphabet, launched a $7.99 monthly subscription service on Wednesday. Most videos, except for music, are ad-free. The company hopes to compete more directly with Netflix and Disney's products through this plan. This plan, called "Premium Lite", is mainly targeted at customers who rarely watch music videos or listen to music. (Sina Finance)
DFM Takes Over SAIC's Business Consulting Company
36Kr learned that Tianyancha App shows that recently, Wuhan Shangfeng Business Consulting Co., Ltd. underwent industrial and commercial changes. The former wholly - owned shareholder, Shanghai Automotive Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., withdrew, and Dongfeng Asset Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, was added as a new wholly - owned shareholder. Meanwhile, Wang Yongqing stepped down as the legal representative and executive director of the company, and Wang You was added as the legal representative, director, and general manager. Many key personnel also changed. Wuhan Shangfeng Business Consulting Co., Ltd. was established in November 2023, with a registered capital of 84.576 million RMB. Its business scope includes socio - economic consulting services, consulting and planning services, and enterprise management consulting.
Government Work Report: The Resident Medical Insurance Premium to Be Increased by Another 30 Yuan in 2025
The Government Work Report states that in 2025, the per - capita financial subsidies for resident medical insurance and basic public health services will be increased by another 30 yuan and 5 yuan respectively. Steadily promote the provincial - level overall planning of basic medical insurance, improve the financing and benefit adjustment mechanisms of basic medical insurance, deepen the reform of medical insurance payment methods, and promote hierarchical diagnosis and treatment. Establish a comprehensive traceability mechanism for drugs and medical consumables, strictly supervise the medical insurance fund, and ensure that every penny is used to improve the health and well - being of the people. (Xinhua News Agency)
US Court Rejects Musk's Request for Preliminary Injunction Against OpenAI
On March 4 local time, a US federal court rejected the preliminary injunction previously requested by Elon Musk, which aimed to prevent ChatGPT maker OpenAI from transforming into a for - profit company. According to reports, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, stated that Musk failed to meet the "high - threshold" evidence requirements necessary to obtain a preliminary injunction to stop OpenAI from transitioning from a non - profit organization to a for - profit entity. (CCTV News)
Lei Jun: Counteract involution and emphasize technological innovation, personalization, and high - end development
On March 4th, Lei Jun, a deputy to the National People's Congress, received an exclusive interview from CCTV reporters. When talking about the involution phenomenon caused by the intensifying homogeneous competition in the industry, he called on the industrial development to emphasize technological innovation, personalization, and high - end development, and break the involution situation through differential innovation. At the same time, he also opposed unfair competition, slandering peers and other behaviors to maintain a good market order. (CCTV News)
National Development and Reform Commission: Since 24:00 on March 5th, domestic gasoline and diesel prices have been reduced by 135 yuan and 130 yuan per ton respectively
36Kr learned that the National Development and Reform Commission announced that, based on the recent changes in international oil prices and in accordance with the current refined oil price formation mechanism, since 24:00 on March 5th, 2025, domestic gasoline and diesel prices (standard products) have been reduced by 135 yuan and 130 yuan per ton respectively.
Personnel Adjustments May Be Made Among Senior Management of Lotus Cars
Recently, there have been rumors that Mao Jingbo is about to step down as the President of Lotus China and be transferred to the overseas market. An insider from Lotus Cars confirmed this: "General Manager Mao (Mao Jingbo) hasn't been seen in the office for several days." Moreover, the updates on her social media also stopped on February 14th. There are also changes in several important positions. It is understood that Lu Yulin, the Vice President of Lotus China, will leave at the end of this month. Jia Xiaohui, the CMO of Polestar Technology, has joined Lotus Cars. (China Economic Net)
Disney's ABC News and Entertainment Network Division Reportedly Cuts Nearly 6% of Staff
It is reported that The Walt Disney Company has laid off about 200 employees in its ABC News and Disney Entertainment Network Division, accounting for nearly 6% of the employees in the relevant business. (Jiemian News)
Tesla Launches Time-Limited Purchase Subsidy Policy for Model 3
36Kr learned that Tesla China announced that customers who place an order to purchase any Model 3 vehicle before March 17 (inclusive) and take delivery within the order validity period can enjoy a time-limited insurance subsidy of 8,000 yuan.
SAIC Responds to Big Data Price Discrimination
Currently, both new employment groups such as food delivery riders and consumers have reported three issues with platform companies. Firstly, the algorithms are opaque. Secondly, there is big data price discrimination. Thirdly, there is fraudulent order brushing and false reviews. In response to the above issues, the market regulatory authorities will actively cooperate with relevant departments to strengthen comprehensive governance, urge platform companies to improve algorithm transparency, optimize algorithm rules, and effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of workers in new forms of employment. (Shangguan News)
South Korea's per capita GNI reached $36,600 in 2024, surpassing Japan for the second consecutive year
Preliminary verified data released by the Bank of Korea on March 5 showed that South Korea's per capita gross national income (GNI) in 2024 was $36,624, a year-on-year increase of 1.2%, surpassing Japan (over $34,500) for the second consecutive year. Among countries with a total population of over 50 million, South Korea's per capita GNI ranks only after that of the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. (Jiemian News)
Unitree Technology Establishes New Company Tianyi Technology in Shenzhen
According to Tianyancha App, on March 5th, Shenzhen Tianyi Technology Co., Ltd. was established. The legal representative is Zhou Changhui, and the registered capital is 100,000 RMB. The business scope includes research and development of intelligent robots, sales of intelligent robots, sales of industrial robots, research and development of mechanical equipment, manufacturing of mechanical and electrical equipment, manufacturing of service - consumer robots, wholesale of computer software, hardware and auxiliary equipment, manufacturing of computer software, hardware and peripheral equipment, etc. Shareholder information shows that the company is wholly - owned by Hangzhou Unitree Technology Co., Ltd. (Jiemian News)
The Cutting - Edge of AI
OpenAI Launches NextGenAI to Accelerate Scientific Breakthroughs and Educational Transformation
On March 4th, OpenAI announced the launch of NextGenAI. NextGenAI is a pioneering alliance composed of 15 leading research institutions, dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and transform education. OpenAI stated that artificial intelligence has the potential to drive progress in scientific research and education, provided that people have the appropriate tools to utilize it. To this end, OpenAI has committed to providing $50 million in research grants, computing resource support, and API access to empower students, educators, and researchers to advance the frontiers of knowledge. (Jiemian News)
Samsung Plans to Gradually Expand Galaxy AI Features to More Devices This Month
On March 5th, Samsung Electronics announced that it will make Galaxy AI features available on more Galaxy devices through the One UI 7 beta program. The beta version will be first rolled out for Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 models in the markets of India, South Korea, the UK, and the US starting from March 6th, and will be gradually extended to more devices within this month, including the Galaxy S23 series, Tab S10 series, and A55 models. The official One UI 7 update will be pushed in April. (Jiemian News)
Investment and Financing
"Zhaona New Energy" Completes Angel Round Financing of Tens of Millions of Yuan
36Kr learned from the official WeChat account of Zhaona New Energy that recently, "Zhaona New Energy" completed an angel round financing of tens of millions of yuan. This round of financing was jointly led by Jinbang Capital and Jinyuan Development Group, followed by Snowline Capital. The old shareholder, Jiangyin Talent Science and Technology Innovation Angel Fund, continued to increase its investment. Zhaona New Energy is a R & D and manufacturing enterprise dedicated to the industrialization of all - solid - state sodium - ion batteries. Its R & D and operation headquarters are located in Shanghai. It has set up an overseas forward - looking technology R & D center in Osaka, Japan, and built a pilot production line for the production of key materials for all - solid - state batteries in Jiangyin.
Huixin Biotech Completes Nearly 100 Million Yuan in Series A Financing
36Kr learned that Huixin Biotech has successfully completed its Series A financing, raising nearly 100 million yuan. This round of financing has attracted investments from well - known investors and received strong support from the Haoyue China Healthcare Industry Fund. Haoyue Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor for this round of financing and will continue to provide long - term strategic support to Huixin Biotech. This financing will accelerate Huixin Biotech's global business layout, promote the full automation process of upstream separation and purification in the exosome and cell industries, and at the same time achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement, enhancing the overall efficiency of the industrial chain.
Financial Reports of Large Companies
J&T Express: Revenue Reached $10.259 Billion in 2024, a 15.9% Year-on-Year Increase
36Kr learned that J&T Express released an announcement stating that the company's revenue in 2024 was $10.259 billion, a 15.9% year-on-year increase; the adjusted net profit was $200 million, turning a profit from a loss compared to the previous year. In 2024, the company handled a total of 24.65 billion packages, a 31.0% increase from the 18.81 billion packages in 2023.
Adidas: Global revenue reached 23.683 billion euros in 2024, a 12% increase year-on-year
36Kr learned that Adidas' latest financial report shows that its global revenue for the whole year of 2024 was 23.683 billion euros, a 12% increase year-on-year on a currency-neutral basis (the same below). Among them, the performance in the Greater China region has been growing for seven consecutive quarters, and the annual revenue has returned to double-digit growth. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Adidas' revenue in the Greater China region was 794 million euros, a 16.1% increase year-on-year; the annual revenue was 3.459 billion euros, a 10.3% increase year-on-year. During the same period, the company's operating profit increased by more than 1 billion euros year-on-year to 1.337 billion euros; the gross profit margin also increased by 3.3 percentage points year-on-year to 50.8%. Adidas expects its revenue to continue to maintain double-digit growth in 2025.
Cool Products
The exclusive version of Huawei Mate 70 Pro is on sale, with multiple versions temporarily out of stock
The exclusive version of Huawei Mate 70 Pro is on sale, starting at 6,199 yuan, and is equipped with the HarmonyOS 4.3 operating system. After the launch, multiple versions of the first - sale products of the exclusive version of Mate 70 Pro were sold out. Huawei Mall shows that the 12GB + 256GB version, 12GB + 1TB version, and the 12GB + 512GB Harmony NEXT Pioneer Edition of this model are all marked as "temporarily out of stock". In addition, the 12GB + 256GB version will go on sale at 10:08 on March 6. (Jiemian News)
Apple Launches iPad Air with M3 Chip and New Magic Keyboard, Starting at $599
Apple announced that starting March 5th, customers can pre - order the iPad Air equipped with the powerful M3 chip and the Magic Keyboard, and it will be available starting March 12th. The iPad Air with the M3 is nearly twice as fast as the iPad Air with the M1 and 3.5 times faster than the iPad Air with the A14 Bionic chip. The Wi - Fi model of the 11 - inch iPad Air starts at $599, and the Wi - Fi + Cellular model starts at $749. The Wi - Fi model of the 13 - inch iPad Air starts at $799, and the Wi - Fi + Cellular model starts at $949. (Cailian Press)
Apple Launches M4 Chip-Equipped MacBook Air Starting at $999
Apple has introduced a brand - new MacBook Air equipped with the M4 chip. Among them, the starting price for the 13 - inch model is $999, and the starting price for the 15 - inch model is $1199. (Sina Finance)
Compiled | Guo Zihe