DeepSeek, the Hangzhou-based AI startup behind the open-source DeepSeek models, completed its first external funding round on June 16, 2026. The round raised approximately 51 billion yuan ($7 billion) at a valuation of nearly 400 billion yuan ($55 billion). Investors include founder Liang Wenfeng, Tencent, CATL, NetEase, JD.com, Monolith Management, IDG Capital, Zhenge Valley Investment, Shixiang Technology, and the National AI Industry Investment Fund. Liang Wenfeng structured the deal so that most external investors contribute through limited partnerships he manages, with a five-year lock-up and no voting rights; only the National AI Industry Fund receives direct equity and voting rights. Previously funded solely by High-Flyer Quant, DeepSeek plans to use the proceeds for AI infrastructure expansion, R&D, employee equity incentives, and accelerating commercialization.
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Google has announced a new Google Home smart speaker, the first to integrate its Gemini for Home AI assistant, priced at $100 and set to ship on June 25. The spherical speaker delivers 360° sound, an advanced microphone system that adapts to the room, and capacitive touch controls. Internally, it uses a quad-core Cortex-A55 processor, 1GB RAM, and 4GB storage. Gemini for Home supports natural conversational interactions, multi-step voice commands, and real‑time correction when a user changes their request mid‑sentence. Paired with a Google TV Streamer, two speakers can form a stereo surround system.
Lingyi iTech's embodied intelligent robot super factory in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei has entered large-scale operation, becoming the region's first facility capable of producing 10,000 units. The plant offers a full-chain turnkey service from core components and modules to final assembly and testing. Key innovations include a modular assembly line with force-vision dual guidance and <15-minute changeover, and a first-of-its-kind automated whole-machine flow line that assembles legs, torso, head, and arms in a paced manner. The testing system uses an industry-first overhead ring track accommodating 6–12 robots simultaneously, simulating real-world tasks while saving ~25% energy. Full digital traceability from screw torque to motion curves, combined with AI root cause analysis, enables quality closed-loop optimization within 24 hours. Production capacity is expected to ramp up to 500,000 units per year by 2030.
Lenovo’s AI Mini host is now available as an AI-native home edge device, priced at 2999 yuan. It features a 6nm CIP P1 processor (CD8180) with 12-core Armv9.2 CPU, 10-core Immortalis G720 GPU, and a 30 TOPS NPU, totaling 45 TOPS AI compute. The system comes with 8GB LPDDR5 memory and a 256GB SSD, pre-installed with the Tianxi Claw OS, enabling one-click deployment of Skills and integration with QQ, WeChat, and Feishu. Multiple user accounts are supported, and the device includes developer mode with Ubuntu compatibility. Connectivity includes two USB 3.2 Type-A, two full-function Type-C, DP 1.4, HDMI 1.4, two USB 2.0, and a 2.5GbE port.
BYD officially launched the Tang EV, the first D-class flagship SUV under the Dynasty series, with a starting price of 239,900 RMB. Three core variants offer CLTC ranges of 800 km, 850 km (AWD), and 950 km, the latter setting a global record for a full-size electric SUV. All models feature a 1000V architecture, second-generation Blade Battery, and 10C fast charging that replenishes 10–70% in 5 minutes. Intelligent driving includes a standard LiDAR-based God’s Eye 5.0 system with city and highway NOA, while the cabin gets a 3nm chip, multiple screens, 27-speaker Devialet audio, and dual-chamber air suspension with rear-wheel steering. Pre-orders topped 150,000 units by launch day.