May/June 2017

More articles in this issue:

• The Rise of Digital Currency
• Future of Work-Hire Pursuits
• Check Your Wearable
• Disrupt Markets, Not People's Lives
• Humanizing the Self-Driving Car

Tencent, a company best known for online multiplayer games and the messaging service WeChat, recently announced it acquired a five percent stake in Tesla Motors.

Tencent Invests in Tesla

Tencent, a company best known for online multiplayer games and the messaging service WeChat, recently announced it acquired a five percent stake in Tesla Motors. The $1.8 billion stock purchase will help Tencent compete with Baidu, entering the automotive space with its mapping software. The investment allows Tesla to ramp up its business strategy in China, according to Richard Windsor, an analyst with Edison Investment Research.

Google Translate Now Available in China

The Google Translate app is now available in mainland China, as the search company released a new version of software for Android and iOS. It does not require services such as the use of a virtual private network (VPN). The new version of the app includes instant visual translation between English and Korean.

China and Israel Strengthen Tech Relationship

Chinese investments in Israel’s high-tech sector have reached one third of Israel’s total, as Chinese companies look to Israel for investments in emerging technologies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said, at a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, that Israel and China could explore “many ways of technological cooperation.” During his March visit to China, Netanyahu met with the heads of major Chinese companies, including, Alibaba, Baidu, Lenovo, Wahaha and Wanda. Netanyahu said, “Israel is open for business with China.”

Microsoft Releases Windows OS for Chinese Government

Microsoft has entered a partnership with state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and plans to release a new version of the Windows 10 operating system for use in government. CETC — traditionally known for developing software for Chinese government and military — owns a 51 percent stake in the joint venture, C&M Information Technology Co. Ltd.

Xaomi Eyeing SoC Production

According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, Chinese smartphone maker Xaomi wants to begin building its own system on a chip (SoC) processors for its smartphones. Xaomi reportedly paid $15 million to acquire mobile processor technology from Leadcore Technology Ltd. Previously, Xaomi relied on Qualcomm SoCs in its mobile lineup. By manufacturing its own chips, Xaomi joins the ranks of Apple, Huawei and Samsung.