reputation

Huawei lost to Google, Qualcomm and TSMC. What he didn’t lose was something more important: his reputation.

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Last week were the Xataka Awards 2025. Stella Li, global vice president of BYD, took the Xataka Legend. He Galaxy S25 Ultra It swept the super high range. Freepik was crowned as best Spanish technology company. It was a night of proper names, drinks and conversations with readers. But There is a prize that, for those of us who spend a lot of time in Xatakaas workers or as readers, has a special weight. Not because of its glamour, but because of what it represents. The Community Award is not decided by any jury. There are no internal debates. You, the readers, decide with your votes. It is the device that you liked the most, without filters. In fact, it is the only one that is not delivered by any employee of the house, but rather by members of the community who represent it on stage. In the image that heads this article, three of them with Cristina Isidoro, PR Manager of Huawei in Spain, who collected the award. Because this year he won it Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro. And when I saw the result, I smiled slightly: it was more than just a reward for a well-made smartwatch. It was pure symbolism. Look at the historical list of winners of this award: Almost all, Chinese devices or devices with a Chinese soul that share a pattern: focus on value for money, practical innovation, and in some cases, arriving wanting to break molds. But among all of them, Huawei is the only one that did not arrive yesterday promising a lot for little. It is the only one that was already in the world elite, disputing the throne with Samsung and in fact about to snatch it awaybefore the United States decided to use it as a pawn in its trade war. Because Huawei has not conquered the perception of premium quality by offering more gigabytes for fewer euros. It conquered it by being, for years, simply a great option. He P20 Pro It was the first mobile phone with a triple camera that really worked. The Mate 20 Pro was an unapologetic technical beast compared to the high-end greats. Their MateBook laptops have been worthy rivals of the Surface. And their GT watches already stood out for batteries that lasted weeks when Apple asked for a charger every night. They weren’t cheap. They were good. And that difference, in the technology market, is abysmal. Then 2019 arrived. EntityList. American veto. Goodbye Google, goodbye Qualcomm, goodbye TSMC. Sales outside China plummeted and the Western narrative was unanimous: Huawei was dead. Without the Google ecosystem, without access to the supply chain, it was impossible to survive in this business. But no one explained to them that it was impossible. Instead of giving up, they built their own universe. HarmonyOS on more than a billion devices. Kirin Chips own, then Ascend for AI. Huawei Cloud growing in Asia, Africa and Latin America. They didn’t beg to go back to Google Play like we might perhaps have expected them to do. They simply built another entire ecosystem. Without one word higher than another. At the beginning of the month I was in China and was able to try several of their devices, including some that just left there. The premium feel is real. And something that we do have here, the GT 6 Pro, is not a gadget 150 euros that promises too much and falls halfway. It is a watch in the 400 euro range that performs very well. and the community of Xataka has passed sentence with his prize. That doesn’t happen by chance. Xiaomi shines in value for money. Realme and Oppo play there. Nothing has its aesthetic indie. But Huawei is the only Chinese brand that, when you mention it, the European consumer automatically thinks of “serious quality”, without the asterisks that others have. And she did it right after they tried to destroy her. The Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro is a great watch. But winning the 2025 Community Award means something else: It is the recognition of the only Chinese brand that has come out of the perception low cost without giving up its origin. It is the prize that, in a way, China had been pursuing for decades. Respect without conditions. And it has been won by a company that they tried to annihilate. Sometimes vetoes don’t kill. They forge legacies. Featured image | Xataka In Xataka | The LG OLED Signature AI T4 is the best television of the year for a simple reason: we are saying goodbye to the black monolith

this time it takes aim directly at its ‘reputation abuse policy’

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What Brussels has launched today is not just another technical note on how Google works, but a movement that points directly to the way in which it decides what we see when we search for information. An internal policy designed to combat spam has ended up at the center of a new European file because, according to the Commissionyou could be relegating content from legitimate media and publishers. An issue that, for the Commission, deserves to be thoroughly reviewed to determine if its application is having undesired effects. We are facing an action that opens an official procedure in which the Commission will evaluate whether Google is complying with the obligations of the DMA in relation to the treatment that publishers receive in its search engine. Brussels wants to check whether the access and positioning conditions comply with the equity criteria provided for services designated as gatekeeper. This initial phase does not involve attributing a violation, but it does activate a detailed process that will determine how the regulations are actually being applied. Politics under suspicion. Google includes ‘reputation abuse policy’ in its Search spam rules and presents it as a tool to address practices aimed at manipulating ranking in results when sites include content from commercial partners. From a technical perspective, the motivation makes sense: the ecosystem is full of practices that try to exploit gaps to obtain a better position in the results. The Commission’s question is whether this policy is affecting publications that use commercial collaborations within a legitimate editorial framework. For media outlets, these deals are an important source of revenue, and their demotion in Google Search can have real effects on audiences. Brussels wants to know to what extent its application may be penalizing actors who are not seeking to manipulate anything. The analysis will revolve around that fine line. DMA in action. The Digital Markets Law establishes its own regime for the platforms considered gatekeepersthe large platforms that act as a gateway between companies and users in the digital environment. These services are required to ensure that their internal rules are understandable, justified and reviewable by the Commission, even before there is demonstrated harm. The investigation is framed in that model: Brussels wants to validate that the policy applied by Google complies with the reinforced obligations that accompany that status. Blow to the revenue model. The executive vice president for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, was explicit about the point that most worries Brussels: “We are concerned that Google’s policies do not allow news publishers to be treated in a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory manner in search results.” He also stressed that the loss of income comes “at a difficult time for the sector,” which makes this investigation more than just a technical review. A long and complicated relationship. Brussels has maintained constant scrutiny over Google for years, visible in sanctions like the 2,950 million euros imposed in September 2025 for practices in its advertising business, or in the 2017 Google Shopping fine, ratified by the European Court of Justice in 2024. This new investigation does not start from scratch: it adds to a history that reflects how the Commission has tightened its surveillance as the company’s activity has covered more sectors. Pressure from Washington. The case also comes at a time when some of the loudest criticism of the European digital framework comes from the United States. Donald Trump has denounced that measures like the DMA hurt American companies and has warned of possible additional tariffs if they persist. Without being part of the file, these statements illustrate the political context in which Google’s policy is examined and show how European regulation coexists with growing commercial sensitivity on the other side of the Atlantic. The possible outcomes. From now on, Brussels will examine documentation, ask Alphabet for clarification and evaluate whether the policy fits into the DMA’s obligations. If it detects non-compliance, it will inform the company of its conclusions and the measures it considers necessary to correct them. The procedure can be closed without sanctions, with internal adjustments by Google or with the imposition of formal obligations and, ultimately, fines. The Commission plans to complete the analysis within a period of up to twelve months. Images | sarah b | 1981 Digital In Xataka | Apple accepts crumbs in China: the 15% that shows who has the power

The straps in oil completely sank Stellantis’s reputation. But it wasn’t the only

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The Stellantis Puretch engines scandal still resonates in the industry. It is not for less, because hundreds of thousands of vehicles from the automobile group were affected, passing through everything A Front of Facts and Compensation that has completely broken the reputation of the company. However, it is worth mentioning that the wet distribution belt technology caused by Stellantis’s collapse It is not exclusive to the Franco-Toalian group: Ford and Volkswagen also used the damn belt bathed in oil, although with different consequences. Revolutionary technology, in theory. The story began with an apparently brilliant idea: eliminating the expensive maintenance of the distribution strap and creating a system that would last the useful life of the vehicle. The solution was a belt bathed in oil that, according to engineers, would reduce friction and increase durability to 240,000 kilometers. The oil should provide greater elasticity to rubber and protect the wear component. Status of the distribution strap of a Peugeot 3004 after 40,000 km. Image: OGS MEChanics Ford, the pioneer he rectified in time. The American brand It was the first to implement this technology Wet belt, even before EcoBoost engines reached the market. Ford installed the system inside the engine instead of using a traditional side box, but when the first problems began to appear, the company did not think twice. Without getting into large trouble or generating media scandals, he replaced the belt with a chain in its three -cylinder eco -ost engines with deactivation. Volkswagen’s strategy. The German group also adopted the wet strap, mainly in diesel engines such as the three cylinders 1.6 TDI and even in the 2.0 TDI. However, its implementation It was less risky: The wet belt did not drive the camshafts, but only the oil pump. This crucial technical difference explains why the consequences for Volkswagen have not been as devastating as Stellantis lives. Between the lines. The key difference is that Stellantis turned the wet strap into the main element of the distribution system, the person in charge of synchronizing the valve train. When it fails, the consequences are catastrophic, assuming breakdowns of several thousand euros that can leave the engine completely unusable. Ford and Volkswagen, on the other hand, limited their use to less critical functions or quickly rectified when they detected the first symptoms. Why the system failed. In trichylindrical engines, especially in urban use, fuel drops without burn are mixed with crankcase oil. This abrasive mixture prematurely degrades the belt, and the particles detached obstruct filters and ducts, causing insufficiency in oil pressure. Do not stop the fault in time can end up destroying the engine, so yes, The controversy was not in vain. The problem was magnified in Stellantis because the group was more optimistic than the rest to incorporate this technology. While Ford solved the problem with relative discretion and Volkswagen kept him under control (he would only miss that at that time he had another stumbling block like that of his diesel models), Stellantis has been involved in a scandal of gigantic proportions. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles with 1.0 and 1.2 Puretech engines manufactured between 2012 and 2023 have been called to review. The company has had to expand guarantees, create reimbursement systems and even change CEO, with Antonio Filosa under command after the dismissal of Carlos Tavares. How to know if your car is affected. If you have doubts about whether your car mounts chain or the problem tank bathing in oil that caused all this debacle, you can check the motor code. The 1.2 Puretch with chain (insurance) engines have “EB2lted” or “EB2LTEDH2” and are present in models such as Peugeot 408, Opel Frontera and Fiat 600. The problematic engines are mainly in Citroën C3 and C4, Peugeot 208, 308 and 3008, Opel Corsa and Mokka, and DS 3 and DS 7, manufactured between 2012 and 2023. Stellantis expanded the guarantees and guarantees and offers reimbursements for repairsbut the ideal would be for you to detect the failure in time to save a good disgust and claim to the manufacturer. Cover image | Cat Magazine In Xataka | “The first thing, lower the windows”: using the car air conditioning is no mystery. Use it well, yes

Batmancito. And that is giving a huge reputation to his parents

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Based on grimaces, babbling and laughter Batmancito has become the most famous baby in the networks. And that Batmancito does not make grimaces or babble or smile. He is not even a real baby. Sounds strange, but it has a fairly simple explanation: Batmancito is A doll Rebornthe hyperrealist replica of a child of a few months than his “parents”, Alejandra and Jaime, commissioned to look like them. In addition to telling their day to day, both upload animated videos artificially in which the baby is seen gesturing, laughing or even riding on horseback. Based on publications, Batmancito has become a celebrity. And his parents have gained enormous visibility. With you, Batmancito. Babies Reborn They are not new. Not much less. In Spain there was a lot of talk about them a decade ago, after A report by Samantha Villar, and years later the interest rebounded again thanks to the series premiere ‘Servant’. Instagram influencerIn networks: Batmancito, a Reborn In charge of Alejandro and Jaime, a couple of Colombians who have managed to get viral. In Tiktok They add 1.2 million followers, in Instagram530,000 and in Facebook694,000. In your profiles the Reborn It has a fundamental weight, especially over the last months. @Alejayjaime My son’s reaction to see the snow 😍😍😍 I’m so happy ♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer And why have they viralized? Publications in networks Alejandra and Jaime They started long before the arrival of Batmancito and in them the couple (she, 26, he 55) talked about her life: travel, sport, shopping, skiing, fashion, luxury, more fashion … until at the end of January alee He shared an ad With his followers: “I am super happy. I’m very good with my baby Reborn’s therapy. My baby is going to get to me, which is real, very beautiful, spectacular.” Shortly after He showed Batmancito. The doll is a Reborn Hyperrealist, like many others, but the couple assures that “with Ia” has been created, joining photos of Jaime and away. “They made a version of us, as if it were our baby,” explained The young woman in January. Batmancito (which is what they have called) have also transcended some more data: they claim that he created it A company in Canadacountry where There are professionals dedicated to the elaboration of replicas of hyperrealist babies. A few days ago The Spanish interviewed However, a manufacturer with two decades of experience that questions that the Colombian couple’s doll would really be created with the help of artificial intelligence: “It is a kit elaborated from the manual work of a Brazilian artist who created it seven years ago.” @Alejayjaime My mother’s reaction when she saw my son 😍🙏 ♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer A Reborn, a story. That Batmancito is triumphing in networks is not so much merit of the doll and its greater or lesser level of realism (the Reborn Hyperrealist are no novelty) like Alejandra and Jaime. First for its content. In addition to showing the doll and dressing it with baby clothes (of course with the Batman shield), the couple hangs videos in which artificially encourage to the childmaking walk, gesturejump … or even Practice skiing, Mount on horseback either Ball a ball On the beach. All accompanied by music, laughs and babies. The other key is that Alejandro and Jaime have accompanied the history of Batmancito of his own, in which there are no lack of emotional doses. She assures that has a tumor that prevents her from being a mother, which has led her to receive psychological treatment and, finally, “participate in a therapy with a baby Reborn“. He He recounted recently On television, in tears, as the doll has allowed him to “revive” paternity after “losing” three children. “I have managed to feel that lost paternal part again.” Of emergency to the sets. With those ingredients Batmancito has not taken long to become famous. Throughout the last weeks the couple has gone through the sets of Antena 3 either TV5While Alejandro and Jaime continue to go up to videos in which they show how They have led to Reborn Urgencia for a fever (“has 41º”, she cries out in The video), they give the bottle at night or take the doll to ski or riding classes. There is also no lack of videos in which the couple is They complain angrily of the criticisms of some people to know their history. It is not the only content that goes up. In your Instagram account you can also see a video in which Alejandro account His “secret” to have “55 years and the vitality of a 25 man” (The link to the selection of products on Amazon can be found in the profile) or Alejandra Sample dresses of Shein. In Xataka | If you are unable to trust that happiness lasts too long, Tiktok has the diagnosis: you see “weird lamps”

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