People's Daily Online officially introduced its first digital employee, No. 001, on July 29. This launch marks an expansion of AI application in complex office scenarios and a shift from merely having AI technologies to using AI to create real value.
Unlike traditional AI tools that support the execution of narrowly specialized tasks, digital employee No. 001 functions as a specialist in digital collaboration in the office. It represents a versatile digital worker that can be managed, interacted with, whose work can be evaluated, and whose operations can be tracked.
This AI employee is closely integrated with the organization's workflows and is capable of connecting to core office platforms such as OA systems, WeCom, Tencent's corporate communication platform, and email. Employees do not require special skills to use it; they can assign tasks through various channels.
It can independently perform tasks such as editing and formatting documents, as well as processing workflows. In addition to drafting official documents, it assists in document management, meeting organization, analysis and decision-making, task control, and collaborative work.
The digital employee operates on secure local nodes. This ensures local data processing, level-based permission management, and full control over the working process, guaranteeing the security of corporate data and compliance from the outset.
A company representative stated that after launching digital employee No. 001, People's Daily Online will continue to strengthen research and development, accelerate the modernization and iterations of intelligent digital employees, and gradually introduce a wider range of digital workers with higher levels of intelligence and professional capabilities. The company plans to expand the application of its developments in the office environment and study how AI can transform work methods and organizational structures, thereby stimulating systemic changes in the mass media.
A new regulation from the National Traffic Council (Contran) introduces the possibility for certain vehicles, which would otherwise be sent to a yard, to remain under the owner's custody through 'monitored custody'. In practice, this means the car can be equipped with an electronic apparatus so that its movement is supervised by the competent authorities.
This change was formalized by Contran Resolution No. 1,025/2026, released at the end of June, which details the processes for collection, custody, release, and auction of seized vehicles. This new standard is already in effect and replaces Resolution No. 623/2016.
The analogy with an 'electronic ankle bracelet for cars' arose due to this functionality, but it is important to clarify that this equipment does not constitute an isolated penalty, nor does it guarantee that any vehicle subject to removal can continue circulating freely.
Permission for monitored custody is a prerogative of the supervising body or entity and is conditional upon meeting several requirements. As stipulated in the resolution, the traffic authority has the faculty to allow the vehicle to remain under the responsibility of its owner or legal possessor, instead of being immediately sent to a custody facility.
For this to happen, the vehicle must satisfy specific criteria. Even with authorized monitored custody, all other penalties and administrative measures provided for in traffic legislation remain valid. Furthermore, monitored custody must be implemented through technologies previously approved by the Union's highest executive traffic body, and these systems must comply with technical standards for traceability, information security, monitoring, and interoperability. The objective is to allow the public power to track the vehicle while it is not in a yard.
The system must also enable the inspection of compliance with the conditions imposed for monitored custody. The bodies responsible for removal and custody services can use these solutions, provided they have received prior approval. The rule is strict: if the conditions of monitored custody are violated, including the removal, disabling, or tampering with the monitoring device itself, an administrative restriction on circulation will be imposed. In such cases, the vehicle may be removed and taken to the custody location designated by the responsible body. Additionally, a new monitored custody will not be granted for the same reason that generated the initial measure. The resolution further defines that such non-compliance constitutes an infraction provided for in Article 239 of the Brazilian Traffic Code.
Despite the popular nickname, this innovation does not offer a general way for drivers to avoid vehicle impoundment. The decision depends on the competent authority and can only be made if all requirements defined by Contran are met. The resolution itself points out that the implementation of monitored custody must take into account criteria such as administrative efficiency, optimization of storage capacity, and rationalization of removal services.
In summary, the measure aims to reduce the need to send certain vehicles to yards, especially when electronic tracking and regularization of the situation are possible. It is important to note that monitored custody does not exempt the owner from costs; the resolution stipulates that expenses for removal and custody must be borne by the owner or interested party, following relevant legislation, including in this monitoring regime. The charge is made on a 24-hour daily basis, with a maximum ceiling of six months.
Therefore, this new modality does not cancel the owner's obligations, but rather offers an alternative for certain vehicles to remain outside custody centers while undergoing electronic monitoring. Contran Resolution No. 1,025/2026 is already in force and integrates recent modifications to Brazilian regulations regarding vehicle inspection, custody, and removal.
Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison highly praised India's progress in space technology during the Indo-Mediterranean Dialogue. He predicts that India is capable of becoming a space power within the next twenty to thirty years.
Morrison justified his optimism by pointing to India's favorable geographical location, its manufacturing capabilities, and its growing technological base. During an online meeting as part of the Indo-Mediterranean Dialogue, the former prime minister emphasized that opportunities are opening up in many sectors, including investment, manufacturing, and technology.
He stated: 'I believe that as India's space economy matures, India will become a space power within the next 20-30 years.' Furthermore, Morrison noted the importance of India's serious approach to its democracy and institutions, as this is a significant factor for attracting foreign investment.
Reorientation of capital from China
The former Australian Prime Minister also commented on the trend of international companies reviewing their presence in China. He suggested that India will actively compete for this capital leaving China. Morrison believes that India has strong chances to claim these investments.
Establishment of a terminal on Cocos Islands
In parallel, in July of this year, Australian Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to install temporary infrastructure for tracking spacecraft on the Cocos Islands. This measure is intended to support Indian space projects, particularly the first manned flight project. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi met with his Australian counterpart during the second stage of his trilateral visit.
During the meeting, captured against the backdrop of the media in Melbourne, both leaders warmly shook hands, demonstrating the deepening strategic partnership between the two democracies.
On August 12, 2026, the ASUS Zenbook DUO 2026 was launched, the latest notebook from ASUS's premium line. The event took place at Casa Bisutti in São Paulo, gathering journalists, influencers, partners, and industry professionals.
Diego Fernandez, ASUS's LATAM Marketing Director, began the presentation by discussing the brand's position in Latin America. He reported that ASUS not only maintains leadership in gaming notebooks in the region but has also achieved market share leadership in consumer notebooks in Brazil, according to GfK data. It was within this context of leadership that ASUS chose to launch the Zenbook DUO in the country.
Fernandez emphasized the strategic importance of Brazil for ASUS, stating that the company is committed to introducing its innovations to Brazilian consumers more quickly. He stressed that the launch of the ASUS Zenbook DUO after gaining market share leadership reinforces the brand's path of delivering advanced technology to those who need daily productivity and mobility.
Murilo Tunholi, ASUS's Technical PR in Brazil, presented the product, highlighting its design and practicality. Considering that many users already work with multiple screens daily, the new version of the Zenbook DUO offers not only two screens but also high performance, lightness, and remarkable battery life of up to 18 hours with both screens active, or 32 hours with only one screen on.
Tunholi detailed that this notebook complements the existing Zenbook line, which includes the Zenbook S14 and Zenbook A14 and A16 models. The DUO features two impressive screens, a body constructed from Ceraluminum—an exclusive material that provides greater lightness and resistance—and a powerful processor, the Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3. Weighing only 1.65 kilograms, it is ready to meet both performance and mobility demands.
The executive also clarified the positioning of the Zenbook DUO in the brand's Brazilian portfolio, classifying it as an ultra-premium and top-of-the-line product for consumers. However, he mentioned that several features of this model are also available in other Zenbooks and even in ASUS Vivobooks, ensuring that consumers do not necessarily have to opt for the ultra-premium segment to access cutting-edge functionalities.
The ASUS Zenbook DUO 2026 has differentiated usage modules, allowing it to be applied in various contexts and routines:
This is the standard use, where the keyboard remains attached to the machine, without the need to use both screens simultaneously.
In this mode, one screen is positioned above and another below, supported by a rear stand that allows the notebook to be elevated without extra accessories, similar to the functionality of the Nintendo Switch 2. The angle can be adjusted according to the desired height. This mode can operate with or without a keyboard, as the touchscreens support a virtual keyboard. There is an ergonomic limitation that each user must consider.
The two screens are arranged vertically, side by side, with the keyboard connected. This mode is recommended for programmers, scientific researchers, or journalists who need parallel screens for comparing materials. Together, the two screens offer an expanded area of 19.8 inches.
The notebook is placed horizontally on a surface, with the screen expanded or duplicated, allowing two people to work at the same time, each using one screen.
The ASUS Zenbook DUO (2026) is the first notebook in the country to incorporate the Intel® Core™ Ultra X9 (Series 3) processor, recently released by Intel. This chip features 16 CPU cores, integrated Intel® Arc™ B390 graphics, and a total platform capacity of up to 180 TOPS for artificial intelligence tasks.
Internal tests conducted by ASUS, comparing the new model with the 2025 generation of the Zenbook DUO (which used the Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2), demonstrated that the new chip provides up to 26% faster multitasking, up to 112% more powerful graphics in games, and up to 203% faster AI processing.
To support this increase in performance, ASUS redesigned the notebook's cooling system, implementing larger fans, each with 97 blades, and a TDP of up to 45 W.
Carlos Buarque, Intel's Marketing Director in Brazil, commented on the partnership, stating that it aims to bring innovation and performance into daily life through thin, light notebooks with longer battery life. He cited the ASUS Zenbook DUO with the new Intel® Core™ Ultra X9 processor as an example of the union between high performance and energy efficiency in a portable format.
Although classified as a productivity notebook, the Zenbook DUO 2026 also has gaming capabilities. Murilo Tunholi explained that the Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 has a very robust integrated graphics card, comparable to a dedicated laptop GPU. He demonstrated that it is possible to run Cyberpunk 2077 with all settings on maximum, achieving 28 frames per second—an experience similar to a console—and that the resolution can be reduced to obtain more frames while maintaining the 1.65 kg weight. Furthermore, the device runs Battlefield 6 with high FPS rates, eliminating the need for an additional laptop for leisure time.
The model introduces a dual-battery system with a combined capacity of 99 Wh, supporting up to 32 hours of video playback using a single screen, or up to 18 hours with both screens on. Fast charging allows reaching 60% charge in 49 minutes using a USB Type-C port.
The chassis is made of Ceraluminum™, a ceramic material developed by ASUS, which the company describes as 30% lighter and three times more scratch-resistant than traditional anodized aluminum. The retractable hinge and magnetic pin system enable the five usage modes mentioned (notebook, dual screen with or without keyboard, desktop, and shared) without the need for external monitors, adapters, or additional accessories.
In specifications, the notebook weighs 1.65 kg in total (1.35 kg for the main body plus 0.3 kg for the detachable keyboard), has a chassis 5% smaller than the 2025 model, and has reduced the spacing between the two 14-inch OLED screens by 70%, contributing to a sense of visual continuity. The ASUS Zenbook DUO (2026) UX8407 was launched in Brazil on August 12, 2026, with a suggested price of R$ 29,999.00, and is available at the ASUS Store and partner retailers.
