Tech

China’s maglev breakthrough hits 700 km/h in seconds, reshaping the future of transport

China sets world record with maglev train hitting 700 km/h in just two seconds, revolutionising ultra-high-speed transport

Published

4 weeks ago

December 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

China sets world record with maglev train hitting 700 km/h in just two seconds, revolutionising ultra-high-speed transport

In Short:
– Chinese researchers set a world record, accelerating a test vehicle to 700 km/h in two seconds.
– This milestone positions China as a leader in ultra-high-speed maglev technology and future transport developments.

China has set a new world record in magnetic levitation technology after accelerating a ton-class superconducting maglev test vehicle to 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds. The achievement, reported by state broadcaster CCTV, marks the fastest acceleration ever recorded for an electric maglev system and cements China’s position at the forefront of ultra-high-speed transport innovation.

The test was conducted by researchers at the National University of Defense Technology on a 400-metre track, where footage showed the vehicle flashing across the rail-like structure in a blur, leaving a misty trail behind it. The breakthrough follows more than a decade of research tackling complex challenges such as ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion, electric suspension guidance systems, and high-field superconducting magnets, all of which are critical to stable travel at extreme speeds.

Hyperloop technology

Beyond headline-grabbing velocity, the milestone opens the door to future transport systems, including vacuum-tube maglev networks, commonly referred to as hyperloop technology. Scientists say the same advancements could also be applied to aerospace launch assistance, electromagnetic launch systems, and advanced experimental testing. According to Professor Li Jie from the National University of Defense Technology, the successful trial will significantly accelerate China’s research into frontier technologies, with future work focusing on pipeline-based high-speed transport and aerospace equipment testing.

While China now leads in superconducting maglev acceleration, global competition remains fierce. Japan still holds the record for the fastest manned train, with its L0 Series maglev reaching 603 kilometres per hour during testing in 2015. China, however, operates the world’s only commercial maglev service — the Shanghai Maglev — which currently runs at 300 kilometres per hour after its top speed was reduced from 431 kilometres per hour in 2021.

The December test builds on earlier progress made this year, including a 1.1-ton test sled that reached 650 kilometres per hour in seven seconds over a 600-metre track in June 2025. Together, these developments signal rapid momentum in China’s push toward next-generation transport systems that could redefine how people and payloads move across the planet.

Tech

TSMC posts record profits on AI chip boom

TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.

Published

4 days ago

January 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has posted a record net profit for the fourth quarter, driven by strong demand for advanced chips.

Net profit surged 35% year-on-year, exceeding analyst expectations and signalling a dominant position in the semiconductor market.

Quarterly revenue also rose 20.5% compared to last year, supported by robust sales in AI and high-performance computing segments. The company’s success reflects the growing global appetite for cutting-edge semiconductor technology.

Looking ahead, TSMC plans to ramp up capital expenditure, projecting investments of up to $56 billion in 2026. The positive results have sparked an upbeat reaction across global markets, highlighting TSMC’s influence in the tech sector.

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#TSMC #Semiconductors #AIChips #TechNews #HighPerformanceComputing #StockMarket #QuarterlyEarnings #TechInvesting

Tech

X restricts Grok AI as global backlash grows

X restricts Grok AI from creating sexualized images amid global backlash and regulatory concerns, aligning with UK guidelines.

Published

5 days ago

January 15, 2026

Harvey Vargas

X restricts Grok AI from creating sexualized images amid global backlash and regulatory concerns, aligning with UK guidelines.

X has announced new restrictions on its Grok AI chatbot, preventing it from generating sexualized images of women amid mounting criticism and regulatory scrutiny worldwide.

The move comes after concerns over non-consensual image manipulation sparked widespread backlash from users, advocacy groups, and authorities.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the platform’s latest changes align with British law, as Ofcom launches a formal investigation to determine whether X has violated the Online Safety Act.

Regulators are closely monitoring the situation, highlighting growing global concerns about the ethical use of AI in image generation. Critics have argued that X’s initial measures were insufficient and did not adequately address the risks associated with sexualized AI content.

The controversy has also prompted action in Southeast Asia. Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Grok entirely, citing the platform’s potential to generate inappropriate content.

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Tech

AI drives memory prices higher as SK hynix and TSMC expand

Explore the rising global memory market driven by AI demand and hear insights from Brad Gastwirth on industry trends.

Published

6 days ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Explore the rising global memory market driven by AI demand and hear insights from Brad Gastwirth on industry trends.

The global memory market is on the rise, with prices climbing steadily thanks to booming AI infrastructure demand.

Companies like SK hynix and TSMC are investing heavily in advanced packaging and new facilities to meet this unprecedented growth.

We speak with Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies about the forces behind this upward momentum. From the difference between AI-driven and consumer-driven demand to the increasing memory requirements per AI system, Brad breaks down the trends shaping the industry.

We also explore the implications of lean DRAM and NAND inventories, disciplined supply growth, and the challenges of expanding packaging capacity versus wafer fabrication. Tune in to understand why incremental demand surprises can have a huge impact on memory pricing.

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#AIMemory #SKHynix #TSMC #TechInvesting #MemoryMarket #AIInfrastructure #Semiconductors #TickerNews