ByteDance Ltd, the parent company of TikTok, has launched its AI-powered smartphone, the Nubia M153, stirring both excitement and concern. Competitors like Tencent and Alibaba worry about security risks and diminishing user engagement on their platforms. In response, ByteDance implemented restrictions on its AI features, notably limiting Doubao, the AI assistant, from accessing key functions in popular apps such as Alipay and Taobao. Users are still able to log in manually, but accounts face limitations if operated via Doubao. These changes come amid ongoing scrutiny of TikTok’s U.S. operations, with fears about national security persisting. Amid these challenges, ByteDance is heavily investing in AI technology, planning to allocate over $12 billion towards infrastructure and semiconductor purchases by 2025. As ByteDance’s valuation surpasses $400 billion, boosted by expectations of AI growth, the company continues to navigate the complexities of both innovation and market competition.
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