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Hello Betamax, Consumer hardware could be the next big leap in AI. OpenAI is even working with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive to design the first must-own AI device. But what if that device already exists, and you sat in one today? That's the provocation at the heart of today's featured story, drawn from an episode of Xiaojun Podcast featuring Yin Qi, chairman of Chinese AI firm StepFun. Yin argues that the real future of AI isn't another chatbot or app, but the car. It's a compelling thesis, as cars solve a problem many AI startups would rather ignore: defensibility. With frontier models expensive to train and app-layer products tough to differentiate, cars offer a closed loop between intelligence and action. Data in, decisions out, real-world feedback back in. That loop is hard to replicate with a chatbot sitting in a browser tab. Read the rest of the piece for why Yin believes the AI stack is moving off the screen and into physical machines. Peter Cowan, engagement editor |
TOP STORYWill cars drive the future of AI? This Chinese company thinks so  This podcast summary goes deep on why app-layer AI startups struggle to build data flywheels - and why cars offer something different. Interestingly, Yin also argues that chatbots limit the power of AI by using text layouts that look like messaging apps. In his view, that format is a transitional demo, and real AI products will need purpose-built hardware designed around the model, not the other way around. Enter stage (or lane) right: cars. |
FROM OUR ARCHIVESIndia missed the semiconductor train. Can it now lead in AI?  The India AI Impact Summit has dominated headlines this week, with the likes of OpenAI's Sam Altman and Anthropic's Dario Amodei in attendance. What better time to take a look in our archives at this piece on the country's AI ambitions? Guest writer Amit Verma brought up how India missed out on the semiconductor wave that Taiwan rode and discussed if it was making the same mistakes with AI. From compute bottlenecks to brain drain, he breaks down the structural gaps that could hold the country back. Undoubtedly, India is participating in the AI boom, but can the country shape it? That's a harder question to answer. |
A VISUAL STORY YOU SHOULDN'T MISSCars drive cleantech, too  It's up for debate whether cars are the future of AI. It seems less debatable if EVs are the future of cars, as this visual story shows. According to Tech in Asia data, the vast majority of funding into China's cleantech sector is flowing into EVs, with more than US$740 million snapped up in the last 12 months. No wonder then that brands like BYD and Geely dominate both domestic and international markets. However, the data also shows a huge drop in overall funding for cleantech firms in China, from US$4.8 trillion in 2024 to US$784 billion in 2025. The pullback suggests a sector consolidating around the winners, many of them EV brands. |
TRENDING NEWS1️⃣ India seeks over $200b in AI infrastructure investment by 2028 Announced at the AI Impact Summit, the government aims to attract investments by offering tax incentives, venture capital, and policy support. 2️⃣ China's Unitree aims to ship 20,000 humanoid robots in 2026 The firm shipped just 5,500 units in 2025, but it has drawn attention after its robots were featured at China's recent Spring Festival Gala, where they performed complex movements. 3️⃣ Ford to launch $30k EV to take on Chinese rivals in the US On top of drawing in the most capital in China's cleantech sector, the country's EV makers are also expanding into the US. Ford aims to compete with them through the budget offering. 4️⃣ Startups file 70% of AI investment patents in S Korea: report The report from the Korea Capital Market Institute showed that most of the patents focused on AI applications for tasks like trading automation and stock analysis. 5️⃣ India in talks on age-based social media restrictions Should the policy push through, the country will follow the likes of Australia and Spain in putting an age limit on social media access. |
BE WHERE ASIA'S ECONOMIC DECISIONS TAKE SHAPELearn how policy, capital, and tech drive growth across the region  Building on the success of last year's inaugural edition, Asia Economic Summit is returning this June with the theme "Accelerating Southeast Asia: Navigating Shifts in Economics, Policy, and Technology." It will bring together senior leaders from the government, major corporations, and capital markets to discuss how to leverage AI policy, infrastructure, and investment to support Asia's economic growth. This is a closed summit for 200+ highly curated decision-makers who will zoom in on real challenges in regulation, implementation, and financing across Southeast Asia. Attendees can expect new participating brands, diverse viewpoints, and the same focus on practical outcomes from the debut event. Slots are limited, so early sign-ups are encouraged. Pre-register now on the AES 2026 microsite to receive updates and secure early access. |
PRESS PEEKS The following press releases were published as they were received, without any editing from the Tech in Asia team. You, too, can publish your own press release on our site by simply filling out this form. Our team will get back to you by the next business day. |
EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out our curated list of trending tech events and Tech in Asia's signature events.  | Get clarity across customer journeys Tech in Asia, in collaboration with TelinPRO, is thrilled to announce the launch of The Omnichannel Marketing Playbook, an e-learning platform for marketing leaders and decision-makers navigating complex execution across channels. It provides a structured learning experience, helping organizations connect customer journeys, align channels, and execute with clarity and confidence. Explore the platform and its approach to strengthening execution across customer journeys. |  | Peak State: The Mindset of the World's Top Performers We're going behind the scenes with leaders who don't just talk about discipline but live it. Grace Park and Cole Sirucek, co-founders of DocDoc, have built a patient-empowerment engine that spans multiple markets and has partnered with global giants like AXA and Aon. Rob Bier, who has helped scale over 40 growth companies, will be facilitating an interactive workshop that explores how top leaders can develop judgment, culture, and decision discipline alongside intelligent machines. Join us for this exclusive event! Secure your access today - limited seats available. |
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