August 21, 2025 · 24-Hour AI Briefing: Baidu AI Cloud, Meta Hiring Freeze, Alibaba’s Zebra IPO, Amazon Tablet Shift
In the global race for artificial intelligence, every day brings fresh developments and breakthroughs. In the past 24 hours, the AI world has seen several noteworthy moves: Baidu’s AI cloud revenue outshining expectations, Meta’s temporary hiring pause, Alibaba’s Banma Network filing for an IPO, and Amazon preparing a major shift for its Fire tablets. Together, these stories highlight the growing influence of AI across industries and the strategies companies are taking to stay ahead.
1. Baidu Q2 revenue misses expectations, but AI Cloud shines
Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, completed over 2.2 million rides in Q2, up 148% year-over-year. By August, total rides exceeded 14 million, with expanded pilot operations in Hong Kong now covering more complex business and residential areas.
Fueled by AI, Baidu’s new business revenue surpassed RMB 10 billion for the first time in Q2, up 34% year-over-year. Baidu’s intelligent cloud also grew 27%.
Commentary: In the AI era, finding new growth engines is vital for traditional search companies. Baidu’s bets on autonomous driving, AI cloud, and its ERNIE large language model seem promising. Yet competition is fierce: Alibaba and DeepSeek in LLMs, Tencent Cloud and Alibaba Cloud in AI public cloud. Does Baidu still have other cards to play?
2. Meta responds to “AI hiring freeze” reports
Reports surfaced that Meta froze hiring in its AI division. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone quickly clarified on X that this is part of routine organizational planning. As the company builds frameworks for new AI projects, some hiring has been temporarily paused.
Commentary: Meta’s recent acquisitions and moves in AI have rapidly strengthened its capabilities, making every announcement closely watched. The spokesperson reframed the “pause” as a proactive restructuring for future initiatives. Is this a minor strategic adjustment, or preparation for a major new project?
3. Alibaba’s Banma Network files for Hong Kong IPO
Alibaba announced that after the spinoff, it will retain over 30% of Banma Network, which will continue to be accounted for under the equity method. The IPO aims to increase Banma’s market transparency and valuation. Meanwhile, Alibaba’s AliExpress launched a new AI-powered marketing agent: merchants only need to “sign up,” and the AI agent will automatically allocate resources inside and outside the platform to accelerate sales.
Commentary: Banma Network, a provider of smart cockpit solutions for automobiles, has tapped Deutsche Bank, CICC, and Guotai Junan International as joint sponsors. A successful listing would give Banma independent financing channels for R&D, tech upgrades, and expansion. At the same time, Alibaba’s integration of AI into e-commerce is unlocking new opportunities, with the AliExpress AI Agent already boosting product sales.
4. Amazon shifts Fire tablet OS to Android
Amazon plans to switch its Fire tablet OS to Android with its next release in 2026, alongside a high-end model codenamed “Kittyhawk,” priced around $400. According to IDC, Apple remains the market leader with a 33% share in Q2 2025, followed by Samsung (18.7%), Lenovo (8.2%), and Amazon (8%).
Commentary: By abandoning its proprietary system for Android, Amazon is strengthening its app ecosystem and user appeal. But with a $400 price tag, consumer adoption remains uncertain.
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