Chinese smartphone manufacturer Meizu has announced its exit from the smartphone market to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. This decision comes as a result of intensifying competition in the smartphone industry, with devices from different brands becoming increasingly similar in terms of performance, software, features, and camera capabilities.
Meizu’s CEO, Shen Ziyu, explained that with Chinese consumers now replacing their phones on average every 51 months, the company no longer sees the value in continuing to invest in the smartphone business. However, Meizu assures existing smartphone users that they will continue to receive software updates and support.
With the new strategic direction, Meizu aims to position itself as a leader in AI development and explore new product categories that it refers to as “devices of tomorrow.” There are strong indications that the company’s future solutions will be intertwined with the automotive industry. In 2022, Meizu was acquired by Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely, which suggests increased focus on AI-powered automotive technologies.
Meizu, originally known for its MP3 and MP4 players, entered the smartphone market in 2007, shortly after the debut of the first iPhone. The company’s first smartphone, the Meizu M8, was released in 2009 and heavily influenced by Apple’s iPhone in terms of design and modified Windows CE 6.0 operating system.
Over the years, Meizu gained recognition for offering smartphones with a good balance of quality and affordability, directly competing with brands like Xiaomi. Its latest smartphone, the Meizu 21, was unveiled in November 2021.
Meizu’s shift away from smartphones follows a similar trend in the industry. Earlier this year, Bullitt, known for producing CAT and Motorola Defy phones, closed its operations in the smartphone market. Additionally, HMD, the company behind Nokia smartphones, announced the cessation of Nokia phone production to focus on developing its own brand.
As Meizu ventures into AI and emerging technologies, the company is expected to bring innovative solutions to various industries while bidding farewell to its smartphone legacy.
An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Q: Why is Meizu exiting the smartphone market?
A: Meizu is exiting the smartphone market due to increasing competition and the similarity between devices in terms of performance, software, features, and camera capabilities.
Q: What will happen to existing Meizu smartphone users?
A: Meizu assures existing smartphone users that they will continue to receive software updates and support.
Q: What will be Meizu’s focus after exiting the smartphone market?
A: Meizu aims to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. It plans to position itself as a leader in AI development and explore new product categories referred to as “devices of tomorrow.”
Q: Can you provide more information about Meizu’s acquisition by Geely?
A: Meizu was acquired by Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely in 2022. This suggests that Meizu will have increased focus on AI-powered automotive technologies.
Q: How did Meizu start in the smartphone market?
A: Meizu entered the smartphone market in 2007, shortly after the debut of the first iPhone. Its first smartphone, the Meizu M8, was released in 2009 and heavily influenced by Apple’s iPhone in terms of design and modified Windows CE 6.0 operating system.
Q: What is Meizu known for in addition to smartphones?
A: Meizu was originally known for its MP3 and MP4 players before entering the smartphone market.
Suggested related links:
– Meizu: Official website of Meizu, where you can find more information about their products and technologies.
– Geely: Official website of Geely, the Chinese automotive conglomerate that acquired Meizu. Learn more about Geely’s activities in the automotive industry.