AI adoption is accelerating, prompting global cloud providers to step up data center investment. Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba, announced a new round of global infrastructure expansion at the 2026 Apsara Conference, with plans to broaden its data center footprint across eight countries and regions over the next 12 months.

Solar cell manufacturer and systems integrator United Renewable Energy (URE) is still awaiting a final decision on the location of its US solar module plant, a joint venture with Sino-American Silicon Products (SAS), although production has now been set to begin in the third quarter of 2027. The upcoming US plant is expected to lift overseas revenue in its solar power business, which accounts for 70% of the company’s total revenue; overseas sales currently account for roughly 20% of revenue in this segment and could double in 2027 amid strong demand. Moreover, the company is actively developing and testing solar power products for use in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites with an eye on future growth, according to company chairman Sam Hong.

Meta Platforms used its Connect 2026 conference on September 23 to push its eyewear lineup toward both ends of the market, adding a camera-free audio model aimed at privacy-conscious buyers and a US$1,299.99 virtual reality (VR) device that fits headset-class hardware into a frame of about 100 grams. The range now runs from a US$249 Meta Adventurer to the new Meta VR Glasses, and the expansion comes as Samsung and Google prepare to launch their own glasses later this fall.