Huawei Slashes Prices on Premium Devices During JD.com Promotion

Huawei announced significant price cuts on several high-end devices, including smartphones, headphones, watches, and tablets, offering discounts of up to 3,000 yuan ($411) during a special promotion on JD.com. The “Super Brand Day” event, which took place over the weekend, saw Huawei reducing prices on its premium range of products, as part of a limited-time offer running from Saturday evening to midnight on Sunday. This move is part of Huawei’s ongoing efforts to boost sales and attract more customers amidst increasing competition in the tech market.

 

Starlink to Introduce Direct-to-Cell Services in Ukraine Through Kyivstar Partnership

Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading mobile operator, has entered into an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to roll out direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, enabling mobile devices to connect to satellites instead of traditional cell towers. The service will initially offer messaging functionality, with voice and data services to follow in later stages. Expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025, this service will provide crucial communication capabilities in Ukraine, including for military purposes. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites were launched earlier this year, and the technology has already been introduced in the U.S., Japan, and New Zealand. Ukraine will become the first conflict zone where the service is implemented, with Starlink aiming to overcome jamming efforts by Russia. This move follows Elon Musk’s continued support for Ukraine through satellite internet services, solidifying his involvement in the region’s communication infrastructure.

 

Nvidia Completes $700 Million Acquisition of Run:ai After Regulatory Scrutiny

Nvidia has successfully completed its $700 million acquisition of Israeli AI startup Run:ai, following regulatory scrutiny from antitrust authorities. The European Commission granted unconditional approval for the deal earlier in December, after initially flagging concerns about potential competition issues. The acquisition, which had been under investigation due to Nvidia’s dominant position in the graphics processing unit (GPU) market, was cleared after the Commission determined it would not hinder competition. The U.S. Department of Justice is also reviewing the deal on antitrust grounds. Run:ai, known for its AI infrastructure optimization tools, announced plans to make its software open-source, extending its compatibility beyond Nvidia’s GPUs to support the broader AI ecosystem.