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Huawei Refutes Allegations of Model Overlap Between Pangu and Qwen
Huawei’s AI research division has publicly denied claims that its Pangu large language model (LLM) copied or shares substantial similarities with Alibaba’s Qwen model, amid growing scrutiny in China’s rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector.
The Allegations
The controversy began circulating online after technical similarities were observed between outputs of Huawei’s Pangu 3.0 model and Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen-7B, sparking speculation within the AI developer community. Some developers and analysts pointed to overlapping code behavior, prompting concerns that Huawei may have reused or fine-tuned Qwen checkpoints to develop its own model.
These claims, though largely based on anecdotal comparisons, gained traction on Chinese social media and tech forums, prompting both companies to respond.
Huawei’s Response: A Strong Denial
In a formal statement, Huawei’s Noah’s Ark Lab, the research team behind the Pangu models, firmly denied the allegations:
“Pangu 3.0 was developed entirely in-house with independent architecture, training data, and optimization strategies. No third-party checkpoints, including those of Qwen, were used at any stage of its development.”
Huawei emphasized that Pangu was built using proprietary datasets and computational resources, and follows strict internal protocols to ensure originality and security. The lab also noted that coincidental similarity in output or structure can occur in LLMs due to the shared nature of open benchmarks and training tasks.
Alibaba’s Position
Alibaba has not formally accused Huawei of misconduct but acknowledged that discussions around model similarity are common in an open-source landscape. A spokesperson for Alibaba Cloud stated:
“Qwen is an open-source model, and we encourage transparency and innovation in the AI community. We believe in fair use but expect proper attribution and responsible development.”
Open-Source and IP in the AI Era
This incident underscores the complexities of intellectual property (IP) and originality in the age of large language models, where many models are trained on overlapping public datasets and often share architectural similarities (e.g., transformer-based frameworks).
As open-source AI models proliferate, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between inspiration, fine-tuning, and outright duplication—especially when internal checkpoints and training logs are not made public.
Industry Impact
- Transparency and reproducibility are becoming critical as AI adoption accelerates.
- Tech companies are being pressured to clarify the provenance of their models, especially in China’s competitive AI market.
- The case highlights a broader challenge: ensuring trust while maintaining proprietary innovation.
What’s Next?
Huawei has reaffirmed its commitment to developing foundational AI technologies independently, and it’s likely to increase its disclosure around model development processes going forward to avoid similar controversies.
Meanwhile, industry observers suggest that clearer industry standards and third-party audits may be needed to resolve such disputes in the future—especially as foundation models become key digital infrastructure.
The dispute between Huawei and the rumors around its Pangu model highlight the growing tension between open-source collaboration and proprietary AI development. While Huawei has strongly denied any overlap with Alibaba’s Qwen, the incident serves as a reminder that transparency, documentation, and ethical practices are becoming essential for companies building AI at scale.
Samsung Sees Second-Quarter Profit Plunge as AI Chip Momentum Wanes
Samsung Electronics has issued a cautious earnings forecast for the second quarter of 2025, projecting a 39% year-over-year decline in operating profit, largely attributed to slowing demand for AI-related semiconductors. The South Korean tech giant, known globally for its dominance in memory chips and consumer electronics, is feeling the impact of a cooling AI hardware market after an initial surge of investment in 2023–2024.
According to preliminary guidance released by Samsung, operating profit for the quarter is expected to come in at approximately ₩5.5 trillion ($4 billion) down significantly from ₩9.1 trillion ($6.6 billion) during the same period last year. Analysts point to diminished demand for AI accelerators and data center chips, which had previously driven a surge in semiconductor revenues.
Despite the long-term potential of AI technologies, several factors are contributing to the short-term slowdown:
- Inventory adjustments by hyperscalers and cloud providers
- Delays in AI infrastructure expansion
- Intensifying competition from rivals like NVIDIA and AMD
Memory and Foundry Businesses Under Pressure
Samsung’s memory business—traditionally its most profitable segment—has been particularly vulnerable. Although DRAM and NAND prices had shown signs of recovery earlier in the year, demand from AI servers and enterprise customers appears to have flattened, affecting both shipment volumes and pricing.
The company’s foundry business, which manufactures chips for third-party clients, has also faced capacity underutilization amid a broader tech slowdown and conservative customer spending.
AI Boom: From Hype to Reality Check
The AI sector experienced a rapid investment boom in the past two years, fueled by generative AI models and large-scale language processing infrastructure. However, analysts warn that the market is now transitioning from hypergrowth to a more sustainable pace, as customers focus on ROI, software optimization, and cloud resource efficiency.
Samsung’s results suggest that even top-tier semiconductor suppliers are not immune to these market adjustments.
Outlook and Strategic Shifts
Despite the current downturn, Samsung remains optimistic about the medium- to long-term growth of AI and high-performance computing. The company is expected to:
- Increase investment in next-generation HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) and AI-focused DRAM
- Expand partnerships with hyperscalers and fabless chip companies
- Optimize operations to better manage cyclical demand swings
Meanwhile, the consumer electronics and mobile segments may offer modest support to earnings, as global smartphone demand begins to recover gradually.
What This Means for the Tech Sector
Samsung’s Q2 forecast serves as a bellwether for the global semiconductor industry, signaling that the post-pandemic tech boom may be entering a more measured phase of growth. Investors and stakeholders across the supply chain will be closely watching the company’s full earnings report and guidance later this month.
While Samsung’s projected profit drop reflects short-term headwinds in the AI chip market, the company remains a pivotal player in shaping the future of AI hardware. As demand stabilizes and innovation continues, Samsung’s strategic pivots in memory and foundry technologies will be key to its long-term resilience.
Apple Pushes Back on EU Antitrust Sanctions with Court Appeal
Apple has officially launched a legal battle to overturn a €500 million ($587 million) fine imposed by the European Commission earlier this year, marking another high-stakes confrontation between the tech giant and EU regulators over competition and digital market practices.
The Basis of the Fine
The fine stems from an antitrust investigation into Apple’s alleged restrictions on music streaming apps, particularly Spotify, within its App Store ecosystem. According to the European Commission, Apple abused its dominant market position by preventing app developers from informing users about cheaper subscription options available outside the App Store, such as through their own websites.
This practice, commonly referred to as “anti-steering,” limited consumer choice and forced developers to accept Apple’s in-app payment system, which typically charges a 15–30% commission on subscriptions.
Apple’s Appeal: What’s at Stake
Apple is appealing the decision before the General Court of the European Union, arguing that:
- The EU’s ruling lacks evidence of consumer harm.
- Developers can still communicate with users outside the app, such as via email.
- The App Store has played a vital role in promoting competition and innovation, rather than stifling it.
In a public statement, Apple emphasized that Spotify has grown significantly under its App Store policies and holds the dominant position in Europe’s music streaming market.
🔍 Broader Implications
This case is being closely watched as part of a broader shift in EU tech regulation. The European Union has increased scrutiny of major platforms under its Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) frameworks—measures designed to curb market dominance and protect consumer rights in the digital economy.
If the fine is upheld, it could set a precedent for how app stores and digital platforms must treat third-party developers, especially regarding transparency and alternative payment methods.
Global Impact
This legal battle mirrors similar tensions around the world. Apple faces increasing pressure in the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and the U.K. to loosen control over its App Store and allow alternative billing systems. A ruling against Apple in the EU could encourage regulators in other countries to take firmer action.
What’s Next?
The legal process at the EU General Court could take months or even years. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to continue lobbying and refining its business practices to comply with growing regulatory demands without compromising what it calls the security and integrity of its App Store ecosystem.
Apple’s decision to challenge the EU’s $587 million antitrust fine reflects not just a fight over app store rules, but a larger battle over the future of platform governance in the digital economy. The outcome could reshape how developers, consumers, and tech giants interact not only in Europe, but globally.
Ingram Micro Confirms Ransomware Incident Affecting Internal Systems
Ingram Micro, a global leader in technology and supply chain services, has officially confirmed that it experienced a ransomware attack affecting parts of its internal systems.
What’s Going On?
According to a company statement, Ingram Micro recently identified ransomware activity targeting specific internal systems. While the full extent of the incident is still being investigated, the company took immediate steps to isolate and contain the attack as soon as it was discovered.
At this time, Ingram Micro has not disclosed:
Whether any customer or partner data was compromised. How the ransomware entered the system. If a ransom was demanded or paid.
How Is Ingram Micro Responding?
The company is actively working with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to investigate the breach and strengthen its defenses. Ingram Micro says it is also focused on restoring affected systems and ensuring that day-to-day operations continue with minimal disruption.
So far, there have been no major reports of service outages, which suggests the attack may have been limited to internal operations rather than customer-facing systems.
Why This Matters
This incident is part of a growing trend: ransomware attacks are becoming more frequent, more sophisticated, and more costly. Even large corporations with strong IT infrastructures are not immune.
Ingram Micro plays a key role in the global tech supply chain, distributing hardware, software, and cloud services to thousands of companies worldwide. A serious cyberattack on such a company could have ripple effects across industries—which is why this story matters to businesses, partners, and IT professionals alike.
What’s Next?
As investigations continue, Ingram Micro has promised to:
Share updates as more information becomes available. Strengthen its cybersecurity posture to prevent future attacks. Communicate transparently with stakeholders and customers.
BRICS Nations Demand Stronger Safeguards on AI Data Use
At the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have taken a united stand on one of the most pressing global tech issues: how artificial intelligence (AI) uses data.
AI systems—especially large language models and image generators—are trained on massive amounts of data, often scraped from the internet. But much of this data includes copyrighted content, personal information, or culturally sensitive material. Many creators, journalists, and everyday internet users are now asking:
“Who gave permission to use my data?”
BRICS Wants Rules
The BRICS countries argue that there should be clear international rules to protect individuals, organizations, and nations from the unauthorized use of their data in AI development. This includes:
Preventing AI companies from collecting data without permission. Ensuring artists, writers, and researchers get credit or compensation if their work is used to train AI. Protecting the digital rights of people in developing countries, who are often the most vulnerable to data misuse.
Why BRICS Is Speaking Up
Big tech companies, mostly based in the U.S. and Europe, dominate the AI industry. BRICS leaders believe this creates a power imbalance, where a few companies benefit from the global internet—but don’t share the rewards fairly.
This call reflects a broader push from the Global South to level the playing field in digital innovation. It also mirrors ongoing efforts by BRICS to promote digital sovereignty—giving countries more control over their own data and tech futures.
What Could Change?
If BRICS countries implement stricter data laws or demand transparency from AI developers:
AI companies might need to rethink how they gather and use training data. There could be new requirements for compensating creators or obtaining licenses. We may see more AI systems built locally using ethically sourced data.
Bottom Line
BRICS leaders are sending a strong message:
AI must grow with fairness, respect, and accountability.
Their united front could influence how the next generation of AI is developed—especially in how it treats people’s data and creative work.
Azoria Delays Tesla ETF Launch Following Musk’s Political Party Announcement
In a surprising twist blending politics and finance, investment firm Azoria has announced a delay in the launch of its highly anticipated Tesla-focused ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund). The decision comes shortly after Elon Musk revealed plans to start his own political party, a move that has stirred up a mix of intrigue and concern across both Wall Street and Silicon Valley.
Why the Delay?
Azoria had been preparing to roll out an ETF centered around Tesla — one of the most-watched and volatile stocks on the market. With Musk at the helm, Tesla’s stock performance is often closely tied to his actions and public image. So when Musk dropped the bombshell about starting a political party, it raised some red flags for the firm.
Simply put, political involvement could add a new layer of unpredictability to Tesla’s stock. ETFs are designed to give investors exposure to certain assets or sectors with as little risk as possible. But when the CEO of the main company in your fund suddenly enters politics, the landscape changes — fast.
What This Means for Investors
For those looking to invest in a Tesla-focused ETF, this postponement is a sign that market sentiment and public perception are just as influential as financial fundamentals. Azoria appears to be hitting pause not because Tesla is underperforming, but because they want to see how this political move plays out.
Will it affect Tesla’s brand? Could it invite regulatory scrutiny? Will investor confidence take a hit? These are questions Azoria — and many others — are asking.
A Wait-and-See Approach
For now, Azoria is taking a cautious stance. While the ETF may still launch in the future, they’re likely monitoring both Tesla’s market performance and public response to Musk’s political ambitions before making any further moves.
As always, when business and politics mix — especially with a figure as polarizing as Elon Musk — the market watches closely. And in this case, so does Azoria.
Amazon Prime Day 2025: Major Discounts on OnePlus 13 Series, Buds, and More Tech Deals
Amazon Prime Day 2025 is here, and it’s bringing some of the biggest tech deals of the year! Whether you’re in the market for a new smartphone, earbuds, or smart accessories, this year’s sale features incredible discounts on the OnePlus 13 Series, along with price cuts on the latest OnePlus Buds and other must-have gadgets.
Here’s a full breakdown of what’s on offer and why you should consider grabbing these deals before they’re gone.
Top Deal: OnePlus 13 Series
The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13 Pro are among the hottest Android phones of 2025. Known for their flagship performance, stunning displays, and ultra-fast charging, these phones rarely go on sale—making Prime Day the perfect time to upgrade.
OnePlus 13 Key Features:
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset 6.8” AMOLED QHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage Hasselblad triple camera system 100W wired and 50W wireless charging
Prime Day Deal:
OnePlus 13 (8GB/128GB): Was $899 → Now $749 OnePlus 13 Pro (12GB/256GB): Was $1099 → Now $899
Includes free 6-month screen protection and a fast charger in the box.
OnePlus Buds 4 Pro – High-End Audio on a Budget
Looking for premium wireless earbuds without the premium price tag? The OnePlus Buds 4 Pro bring impressive sound quality, ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), and a long-lasting battery—perfect for both work and travel.
Prime Day Deal:
OnePlus Buds 4 Pro: Was $149 → Now $99 Available in Cosmic Black and Lunar White
Highlights:
12.4mm drivers for punchy bass Spatial audio support 45dB Active Noise Cancellation Up to 39 hours battery with case
More OnePlus Accessories on Sale
Prime Day 2025 also includes bundle deals and discounts on OnePlus accessories, including:
OnePlus Watch 2: Was $299 → Now $229 Features AMOLED display, GPS, and 100-hour battery life OnePlus SuperVOOC Chargers (80W/100W): Up to 30% off Protective Cases and Screen Guards: Buy 2, get 1 free offer
Why You Should Buy During Prime Day
Exclusive Deals for Prime Members These discounts are only available to Amazon Prime subscribers. If you’re not a member, you can still sign up for a 30-day free trial to access all deals. Limited-Time Offers Many of these tech deals are lightning deals, meaning they could sell out quickly or expire within hours. Bundle Savings Amazon is offering bundle promotions—buying a OnePlus 13 device with accessories like the Buds 4 Pro or Watch 2 can save you an extra $50–$100.
How to Grab These Deals
Head to the Amazon Prime Day 2025 homepage. Log in with your Prime account. Search for “OnePlus 13 Series deals”, or click through the “Mobile & Tech” category. Add to cart and check out quickly quantities are limited!
TikTok in Focus as U.S. Prepares for Fresh China Talks
In a development that could reshape the ongoing geopolitical and tech landscape, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will begin new negotiations with China this week with TikTok at the center of the discussions. The announcement renews attention on the short-form video app’s future in the U.S. and signals a potential pivot in policy direction as digital sovereignty, national security, and tech diplomacy intersect.
Background: TikTok and National Security Concerns
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has long been under scrutiny by U.S. lawmakers over concerns related to data privacy, user surveillance, and potential influence by the Chinese government. Although TikTok has repeatedly denied any misuse of U.S. user data, it remains a focal point in debates about foreign control over digital platforms and the protection of sensitive information.
Under Trump’s previous administration, executive orders were issued to ban or force the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations, citing national security risks. Legal challenges delayed those efforts, and the issue eventually transitioned into the Biden administration’s broader review of Chinese tech investments in the U.S.
Renewed Talks: What’s at Stake?
The upcoming talks signal a renewed attempt to negotiate a deal that could allow TikTok to operate in the U.S. under new conditions, possibly involving:
- Data localization requirements
- Third-party oversight of algorithms and content moderation
- A potential forced divestiture or restructuring of TikTok’s U.S. operations
While no details of the negotiation agenda have been officially released, the renewed engagement suggests both sides may be seeking a middle ground especially as tensions persist over trade, technology, and cybersecurity.
Trump’s Role and Strategic Timing
Trump’s comments come amid rising speculation about the future of U.S.– China tech relations and his own positioning ahead of the 2024 presidential race. By reintroducing TikTok into the national conversation, he is not only reviving a key issue from his previous term but also reinforcing a tough on China stance that resonates with a significant portion of the electorate.
Whether these negotiations will yield a concrete deal or serve as political signaling remains to be seen. However, their timing is notable, coming as ByteDance continues to grow TikTok’s U.S. user base and influence particularly among younger demographics.
Broader Implications
This development highlights several key trends:
- Tech companies operating across borders are increasingly caught in geopolitical crossfire
- Governments are stepping up efforts to regulate foreign-owned digital platforms
- Data security and algorithmic transparency remain critical concerns in global tech diplomacy
If the U.S. and China can reach an agreement on TikTok, it may serve as a model or warning for future negotiations involving cross-border tech platforms.
EU Antitrust Complaint Targets Google’s AI Overviews Feature, Say Independent Publishers
Independent publishers in Europe have filed an antitrust complaint against Google, targeting its new feature called AI Overviews. They claim this feature is harming their businesses by diverting traffic and reducing visibility of their content in Google search results.
This complaint has been submitted to the European Commission (EC), the executive arm of the EU responsible for enforcing competition laws.
What Are Google’s AI Overviews?
AI Overviews is a feature that uses generative AI to summarize answers directly at the top of Google Search results. Instead of just showing blue links, Google’s AI may now answer user questions in full sentences or paragraphs — pulling from multiple sources.
Example:
Instead of showing a list of links for “How to make lasagna”, AI Overviews may generate a full recipe right in the search result, meaning users don’t have to click through to publisher websites.
Why Are Publishers Complaining?
Independent publishers argue that:
Traffic Loss: With AI giving complete answers, users don’t need to click on the publishers’ links, which means less website traffic. Revenue Impact: Less traffic results in fewer ad views, hurting their advertising revenue, which is a major source of income for many online publications. Content Usage Without Permission: Publishers claim that their original content is being used to train and feed AI responses without proper compensation or credit. Unfair Competition: They argue that Google is prioritizing its own AI product over independent news sites and content creators, potentially violating EU competition law.
What Does the Antitrust Complaint Seek?
The complaint asks the European Commission to:
Investigate Google for possible antitrust violations. Take action to ensure fair competition. Possibly restrict or regulate how AI Overviews are implemented in Europe.
The complaint follows other antitrust scrutiny Google has faced in Europe, including:
Fines for promoting its own services in search. Investigations into its advertising practices and app store rules.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
This complaint could:
Affect how AI features are rolled out across Europe. Set new rules for how tech companies like Google use generative AI in search. Give smaller publishers more protection or compensation for their content.
Google’s Response (So Far)
As of now, Google has defended AI Overviews by saying:
It’s designed to enhance the search experience, not replace sources. AI Overviews often link to original websites, which may actually help publishers. They are open to dialogue with regulators and publishers.
European Union Maintains Schedule for Rollout of AI Legislation
The European Union has confirmed it will adhere to its planned timeline for implementing the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. Despite industry pressure and concerns about compliance readiness, EU officials emphasized the importance of moving forward without delay to ensure ethical, safe, and transparent AI development. The legislation, which categorizes AI systems by risk level, is set to come into effect in phases starting in 2025, with full enforcement expected by 2026. The decision reflects the EU’s commitment to leading in responsible AI governance globally.
