Meizu, a leading Chinese technology firm, recently announced a pivotal strategic shift by discontinuing the development of new smartphones. Instead, the company is redirecting its focus towards pioneering “tomorrow’s devices” driven by artificial intelligence (AI), embracing an “All in AI” approach to innovation.
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This transition reflects a broader evolution within Meizu, as highlighted by Shen Ziyu, Chairman and CEO of Xingji Meizu Group, who noted the company’s transformation from a traditional “mobile phone company” to an “ecological group” in 2023. Meizu has already made strides in creating immersive multi-terminal experiences, sharing core competencies via its Unbounded Zhixing open platform, and establishing its MYVU brand as a leader in AR glasses.
Shen also cited shifts in the smartphone market, where consumers are delaying upgrades due to comparable performance across brands and an increasingly competitive landscape marked by incremental innovations and industry tactics. Consequently, Meizu has opted to exit the smartphone business altogether, canceling the development of upcoming models like Meizu 21 Pro, Meizu 22, and Meizu 23.
This decision aligns with Meizu’s history of strategic pivots, notably abandoning its successful MP3 line to embrace smartphones. The company’s foray into AI, exemplified by the development of MYVU smart glasses, underscores its commitment to pioneering future technologies.
After extensive preparation, including team building and resource allocation, Meizu is poised to fully immerse itself in the AI field. Plans include launching a new mobile operating system tailored for the AI era in 2024 and introducing the first AI hardware product later this year.
Despite this transition, Meizu assures users of continued support for existing products and services, with uninterrupted access to offline stores throughout China. Former Meizu executive Li Nan lauds the company’s strategic shift, endorsing Meizu’s bold move towards AI innovation amid industry trends. Additionally, Meizu’s ongoing efforts in developing “Open All Hardware For AI LLM” signify further advancements in this transformative journey.