21 Robots Join Beijing Half-Marathon
The robots have officially entered the race, literally. Fez – Beijing’s Yizhuang Half-Marathon just made history in what looked more like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie (but with less CGI and more sneakers). On Saturday, April 20, 21 humanoid robots laced up and joined thousands of human runners on the 21-kilometer route. Machines and people ran side-by-side in a real marathon event for the first time ever, and yes, it was as wonderfully bizarre as it sounds. According to Reuters, the robots came in all shapes and sizes, from under 1.2 meters tall to a full 1.8 meters. Some were designed to look like actual humans, one even boasted a feminine face, capable of winking and smiling. The robot squad wasn’t there just for show. They’d spent weeks in rigorous training, supported by full-on engineering and navigation teams. Beijing officials even likened the event to a Formula 1 race, only with more awkward running and fewer crashes (well, mostly). These robots were developed by companies like DroidUP and Noetix Robotics, with trainers literally running behind them, sometimes holding them up when their circuits had a little too much excitement. One robot sported boxing gloves, another wore a headband with the phrase “Committed to Win” in Chinese. Honestly? Iconic. After 2 hours and 40 minutes of this robo-race, the star of the show was “Tiangong Ultra,” a humanoid marvel from the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. Read also: Protoclone: The Creepy-Cool Future of Muscle Robots Is Here Tiangong was powered by long legs, a smart running algorithm, and just three battery swaps, because even robots need pit stops. Meanwhile, the human winner clocked in at 1 hour and 2 minutes. Not bad for someone who doesn’t run on lithium. Beijing’s robot center is partially owned by government-backed firms, but also includes heavyweights like Xiaomi and UBTECH. Their CTO, Tang Jian, didn’t hold back. “I don’t want to brag, but Western robot companies haven’t done this.” Consider the mic dropped. Of course, not all robots crushed it. One collapsed at the starting line and just… lay there for a bit like a robotic damsel in distress. Another sprinted straight into a wall, taking its trainer down with it. Still, after a few hiccups and some dramatic recoveries, most of them managed to finish the course. While some analysts question whether marathon running is really a benchmark of industrial potential, China’s bet is clearly to make humanoid robots a part of the country’s economic future. That said, experts like Oregon State’s Alan Fern think these flashy demos are more entertaining than practical. Still, if the future of robotics includes headbands, sneakers, and sass, we’re here for it.
China’s Most Famous Replicas
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then one country might just be the biggest fan of world architecture. Fez – China has become known for replicating famous landmarks from around the world. These copies range from architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House to historical monuments like the Colosseum. Some of these replicas serve as entertainment attractions, while others function as government buildings or residential areas. While some criticize these replicas as inauthentic imitations, architecture has always borrowed elements from different cultures. For example, the White House in Washington, DC shares similarities with the Irish Parliament in Dublin, which was influenced by Roman architecture. Here are eight of the most famous replicas found across China: ‘The White House’ – Hangzhou In Hangzhou, businessman Huang Qiaoling built an exact copy of the US White House, complete with an Oval Office and a gallery of American presidents. His estate also features mini versions of Mount Rushmore and the Washington Monument. This replica has become a tourist attraction, even drawing a visit from former US President George W. Bush in 2002. ‘The Great Sphinx of Giza’ – Chuzhou, Anhui Province For thousands of years, Egypt’s Great Sphinx stood alone. That changed when a full-scale replica appeared in an entertainment park in Chuzhou, China. This modern version of the iconic monument has drawn both admiration and controversy. Austria’s ‘Hallstatt’ – Huizhou, Guangdong Province The town of Hallstatt in Austria, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its stunning lakeside scenery. In 2012, a Chinese corporation spent $1 billion to create a near-exact replica in Huizhou, complete with European-style houses, cobblestone streets, and a church modeled after the original. ‘The Kremlin’ – Beijing, Mentougou District Beijing’s Mentougou district is home to a building that closely resembles Moscow’s Kremlin. The Chinese version serves as a government office, and houses departments like the local weather bureau. The project had a price tag of approximately 9.34 million yuan (USD 1.54 million). ‘The Colosseum’ – Macau Macau, China’s only city where gambling is legal, features a replica of Rome’s renowned Colosseum. Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf amusement park, the structure is not a full-scale copy but still captures the essence of the ancient Roman arena. ‘Chateau Maisons-Laffitte’ – Beijing Originally designed by French architect François Mansart in the 17th century, the Chateau Maisons-Laffitte now has a Chinese twin. The Beijing version, known as the Chateau Laffitte Hotel, blends European elegance with modern luxury. ‘Karnak Temple’ – Wuhan, Hubei Province Egypt’s Karnak Temple, one of the world’s most famous ancient sites, has an unexpected twin in Wuhan. This replica stands inside Wanguo Park, an abandoned theme park intended to showcase global architecture. Various English towns – Songjiang, Shanghai China hasn’t only copied individual landmarks; it has recreated entire towns. Thames Town, just 40 minutes from downtown Shanghai, was designed to resemble a classic English village. While many homes were bought by wealthy investors, the town remains largely unoccupied, earning it the nickname of a “ghost town.” China’s fascination with replicas reflects both admiration and ambition. These structures allow locals and tourists to experience world-famous landmarks without traveling abroad. While opinions on these copies vary, they exhibit the country’s unique approach to blending global culture with Chinese development. Read also: A Girl’s Guide to Relationships
DeepSeek: China’s Silent Challenger to the AI Giants
A new conversational AI, born from limited resources and unexpected innovation, is quietly challenging the tech world’s giants. Fez – DeepSeek, the conversational agent developed by a Chinese startup, is shaking up the global tech landscape. Despite having limited resources, it competes with top American models. Here’s a closer look at this phenomenon that is reshaping the rules of artificial intelligence (AI). Launched by a startup based in Hangzhou, China, a city known for its thriving tech scene, DeepSeek quickly rose to become the most downloaded app on the App Store. The chatbot can write complex code, solve math problems, and answer a variety of queries, positioning itself alongside American models like ChatGPT or Claude. Yet, what makes DeepSeek stand out is that it was built on limited resources: it only required a fraction of the chips used by its competitors, with a budget of just $5.6 million, far less than the billions invested by giants like Nvidia or Meta. DeepSeek stands out for its openness and versatility. Available on both mobile and desktop, it can compose songs, suggest recipes based on available ingredients, or offer advice on handling everyday situations. However, there are limitations. While the chatbot excels in English and Chinese, it avoids sensitive or censored topics in Chinese politics, particularly those related to President Xi Jinping, offering to “talk about something else.” This censorship reflects the broader restrictions faced by Chinese tech companies, often under government surveillance. One of the most striking aspects of DeepSeek isn’t just its ability to deliver high-quality results, but how efficiently it does so. Unlike Western models such as ChatGPT, which require massive resources to perform complex calculations, DeepSeek achieves similar results using four to five times fewer resources. It’s not just about performance or the quality of responses; it’s about energy and computational efficiency. DeepSeek’s algorithm is designed to optimize resource use, delivering results with far lower energy consumption than traditional models. This challenges the current AI model, which is based on enormous data centers and high-performance chips. What’s even more surprising is that DeepSeek achieves these results without relying on the powerful NVIDIA chips often considered essential for AI models like ChatGPT. By optimizing its algorithm and model structure, DeepSeek proves that it’s possible to overcome the limitations imposed by cutting-edge technology. The rise of DeepSeek had an immediate impact on the market. Shares of major tech companies like Nvidia and SoftBank dropped by 3% and 8%, respectively, following the announcement. Some analysts, like Marc Andreessen, have called this a “historic turning point,” similar to the launch of the Sputnik satellite by the Soviet Union. Beyond its technical performance, DeepSeek’s open-source approach sets it apart from its rivals. By making its model accessible to everyone, the Chinese startup promotes a vision of collaborative AI, breaking away from the proprietary practices of Western companies. DeepSeek’s success is not just a technological milestone but a geopolitical one. China aims to become a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2030, with massive investments in the sector. Chinese companies, long seen as dependent on Western technologies, are now proving that they can bypass these obstacles. DeepSeek is stepping out as a shift in the AI landscape. By showing that it’s possible to achieve excellence with limited resources, it lays the foundation for a more accessible and collaborative technological model. However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Between Chinese censorship restrictions and fierce competition from American giants, DeepSeek will need to demonstrate resilience to maintain its momentum. Nevertheless, this chatbot represents a significant turning point, not only for artificial intelligence but for the balance of power in the global digital economy. Read also: One City, One Must-See Spot: The Ultimate Moroccan Travel Itinerary
What US’ Ban of TikTok and ByteDance Apps Means for Users
Why are millions of Americans suddenly unable to download their favorite apps? Fez – The popular video-sharing app TikTok and other ByteDance-owned applications remain unavailable in the United States following the enforcement of a federal ban. Despite a brief delay in implementation, these apps have not returned to U.S. app stores, leaving millions of users uncertain about their future. The U.S. government officially banned ByteDance apps on January 19, including TikTok, CapCut, and Lemon8. This action was taken under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, citing national security concerns. A day after the ban, an executive order delayed its enforcement for 75 days, but this postponement did not lead to the return of these apps to the App Store or Google Play. Apple later confirmed through a support page that the apps would remain unavailable for download or updates in the U.S. as of January 19. The ban affects multiple ByteDance-owned apps, including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, Marvel Snap, TikTok Studio, and TikTok Shop Seller Center. Other ByteDance apps may also fall under this restriction. Users in the U.S. who already have these apps installed can still use them. However, they cannot download them again if deleted or transfer them to new devices. In-app purchases and subscriptions are also blocked, limiting the functionality of these apps for existing users. The ban is the latest development in the long-standing conflict between ByteDance and the U.S. government, which began in 2020. Data privacy and national security concerns have driven efforts to restrict ByteDance’s presence in the U.S. market. Officials argue that the company’s ties to the Chinese government pose potential risks to American users’ data. To comply with the ban, tech giants like Apple and Google must legally block access to ByteDance apps in the U.S. This means U.S.-based users cannot find these apps in app stores, leaving them with limited options to continue using them. The decision highlights the growing tension between technology, national security, and international business interests. The ban leaves millions of American users without access to TikTok and other ByteDance apps on their devices. Whether this restriction will be lifted or further expanded remains unclear. As the situation continues to evolve, users are left wondering how it will shape their online experiences and the tech landscape in the U.S. The ByteDance ban marks a significant turning point in the relationship between global tech companies and national governments. Its long-term effects on user behavior, app usage, and international tech policies are yet to be fully understood. Read also: Yves Saint Laurent’s New Exhibit: A Love Letter to Marrakech and Hamish Bowles
Could RedNote be the New TikTok?
With the looming possibility of a TikTok ban in the US, users are flocking to a rising alternative, eager to explore what the new platform offers. Fez – As the United States approaches a potential ban on TikTok, users are migrating to alternative platforms. One such platform, Xiaohongshu—known internationally as RedNote —is experiencing a significant surge in downloads, becoming the most downloaded free app on the Apple App Store. RedNote is a Chinese social media platform that blends lifestyle content with e-commerce features. Launched in 2013, it has amassed over 300 million users, primarily in China, the New York Post reports. The platform allows users to share experiences, discover trends, and engage in social shopping. Users, often referred to as “TikTok refugees,” are exploring RedNote’s features, which include short-form videos, live streams, and product reviews. The platform’s emphasis on lifestyle inspiration and community-building tools has attracted a diverse user base. The influx of American users on RedNote has led to a unique cultural exchange. Live chatrooms now host discussions between American and Chinese users, sharing societal insights and experiences. To accommodate the new user base, RedNote is enhancing its English language accessibility, making navigation more intuitive for non-Chinese speakers. The future of RedNote in the US remains uncertain. While it offers a platform for displaced TikTok users, questions about data privacy and content moderation persist, similar to those being asked about TikTok. Additionally, the US government’s stance on Chinese-owned apps could impact RedNote’s operations. Despite these challenges, RedNote’s rapid growth indicates a strong demand for alternative social media platforms. As TikTok faces potential restrictions, platforms like RedNote are emerging as viable alternatives. Whether RedNote will become a mainstay in the world of US social media depends on its ability to navigate cultural differences, regulatory challenges, and user expectations. Read also: Remember When MrBeast Turned Squid Game Into Reality?
