Meizu, a once-dominant force in the Chinese smartphone industry, has announced its departure from traditional smartphone manufacturing to embrace a future centered around Artificial Intelligence (AI). This "All in AI" approach signifies a profound reorientation of Meizu's business model and technological focus, aiming to position the company at the vanguard of AI-driven innovations.
Shen Ziyu, Chairman and CEO of Xingji Meizu Group, articulated the company's transformative journey, stating that Meizu has evolved from a mere "mobile phone company" into an "ecological group" with a broadened horizon. "In 2023, we successfully transitioned our focus and are now 'All in AI,' laying down the foundation for tomorrow's devices," Shen remarked, highlighting the strategic shift that has been brewing within the company.
The decision to pivot to AI stems from a nuanced understanding of the current smartphone market dynamics, characterized by incremental upgrades and a fiercely competitive environment. Shen pointed out that the smartphone innovation landscape has become a "stacked parameters" arms race, with consumers taking longer to upgrade their devices due to the marginal performance differences across various brands. This saturation has prompted Meizu to explore new horizons, leading to the bold move of discontinuing its upcoming smartphone models, including the anticipated Meizu 21 Pro, Meizu 22, and Meizu 23.
Reflecting on Meizu's history of embracing change, Shen drew parallels between the company's previous strategic shifts, such as moving from MP3 players to smartphones and venturing into MYVU smart glasses. "Just as we pioneered with our MP3 line and later with MYVU, our 'All in AI' approach is a continuation of Meizu's legacy of innovation and forward-thinking," Shen stated.
As part of its "All in AI" strategy, Meizu is set to introduce a new mobile operating system tailored for the AI era in 2024, along with its first AI hardware product slated for release later this year. The company reassures its user base that support for existing products and services will remain steadfast, ensuring a seamless transition into this new AI-focused paradigm.
Former Meizu executive Li Nan commended the company's visionary shift, emphasizing the transformative potential of a genuine commitment to AI. "While others may dabble in AI features as gimmicks, Meizu's 'All in AI' approach is a testament to its dedication to real innovation and future-proofing its offerings," Li Nan asserted.
Meizu's ambitious AI roadmap includes the launch of six AI-centric hardware products over the next three years, starting with the debut of the first AI Device in 2024. This phased rollout underscores Meizu's commitment to not just entering but leading in the AI space.
As Meizu embarks on its "All in AI" journey, the tech industry and consumers alike watch with keen interest. This pivot not only represents a significant shift for Meizu but also signals a broader trend in the technology sector, where AI is increasingly becoming the focal point of innovation and development.
