Huawei announces new AI innovations at developer conference

Chinese tech giant Huawei unveiled the Pangu 5.0 large language model at its annual developer conference in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, with the new model having increased compatibility with various business scenarios and accuracy in tackling complex tasks.

The announcement highlighted Huawei's determination to push the boundaries of AI despite challenges in securing crucial components.

"The Pangu Large Model has helped to reshape many industries, from finance, weather forecasting and coal mining, to smart cars and offices. AI has brought significant enhancements across many fields. AI has always been very important for Huawei. We were the first company in the world to launch on-device AI on smartphones. We believe AI must collaborate with us and serve our needs," said Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei Terminal Business Group.

Huawei also announced plans to launch AI voice repair technology by year-end, aimed at bridging the communication gap for hearing-impaired individuals.

"There are nearly 28 million speech and hearing-impaired individuals in China. We can use AI voice repair to help them communicate better. This function will come online at the end of the year. We will also open up its algorithm to the public, so that more people can benefit from it," said He Gang, CEO of Huawei Terminal Business Group.

Huawei's technological advancements come amid the tech rivalry between China and the United States. Last month, the U.S. revoked more export licenses for chips to Huawei, impacting both the company and its American suppliers.

Huawei reported a strong financial performance in 2023. The company credits this success to improved product offerings, with flagship smartphone sales surging nearly 70 percent in the first half of the year.

While Huawei and other Chinese companies continue to make significant advances, more U.S. suppliers risk losing revenue in the world's largest semiconductor market.

Analysts warn that the blockade of Chinese tech could erode the benefits of technological advancements, which is driven by globalization and fair competition among the world's most cutting-edge firms.

"Semiconductors are global products. No single country or company can monopolize the entire supply chain. While American firms know their technologies are strategic, they cannot sustain long-term growth without fully participating in market circulation, in which China is the largest consumer. Instead of a tit-for-tat response, Beijing should open up to more collaboration, especially in East Asia," said Sun Xingjie, a professor with School of International Relations of Sun Yat-sen University.

Huawei announces new AI innovations at developer conference

Residents in Keaton Beach in Florida returned to a haunting void after Hurricane Helene rampaged the coastal U.S. community, reducing homes to rubbles.

Keaton Beach, nestled in Florida's Big Bend region, has suffered the wrath of the hurricane, which left at least 40 people killed and dozens of homes disappeared.

The category four storm reduced many houses to mere foundations, including the cherished two-story blue and white house where Ashlyn Pitts, a resident, shared precious memories with her grandmother.

"This was where our home was. This was where we lived full-time. It was a big two-story blue and white house," said Pitts.

"It's very devastating. We all grew up down here. My grandpa passed away, and all the memories we have are down here, and it's just so sad," said Mekailyn Schell, another resident.

Glenda Padgett, another resident, rebuilt her family home after Hurricane Hermine struck in 2016, only to face loss again.

"This one just took it. There's nothing left of it. I see my bed that I wish I had taken with me, a 2,000-dollar bed for my back. Honestly, there's just nothing here. I don't even know where to start. I've got my grandchildren living with me, and everything they had was here, and everything I had was here," said Padgett.

With her home gone, Glenda also lost her livelihood and the means to support her three grandchildren. The structure had two apartments downstairs that she would rent to local fishermen.

With her livelihood shattered and no insurance coverage to aid in rebuilding, Glenda faces an uncertain future.

"I love Keaton. I love it. I have no insurance. I couldn't afford it. I don't know what I'm going to do. I can't rebuild. I don't have the money. Maybe I can clean this up and put in a camper, but I don't know. I haven't really thought about it. I never thought this would happen," said Padgett.

"It's gone. Right down there on the left. Well, it was, but now it's just gone, with a lot of others," said Shannon Millinor, a resident.

As the community grapples with the harsh reality of their losses, the lack of insurance coverage exacerbates the crisis. As Millinor noted, residents with flood insurance may expect their insurance providers to try to withhold payouts for hurricane-induced damage.

"I don't know (if we'll rebuild). I don't know if we have the funds to do it. It depends on how the insurance works out," he said.

It was a grim day for the residents of Keaton Beach. They anticipated some damage but never imagined losing everything.

Hurricane Helene devastates US coastal community with homes vanished