NEWS  AI  February 19, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Meizu has declared its intention to pivot entirely towards artificial intelligence (AI), signaling the end of its pursuit of traditional Android smartphones. This strategic move marks a significant departure from Meizu's previous ventures and underscores the company's commitment to innovation and adaptation in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

Established over a decade ago, Meizu has garnered attention for its unconventional approaches to smartphone design and functionality. However, despite its occasional forays into groundbreaking concepts, such as devices devoid of charging ports or buttons, Meizu has struggled to assert dominance in key markets, particularly outside of China. Previous attempts to penetrate the US market yielded limited success, relegating Meizu to a peripheral position in the global smartphone arena.

In a recent announcement, Meizu disclosed its intention to realign its focus exclusively towards AI-driven endeavors, discontinuing its involvement in traditional smartphone projects. While the specifics regarding the cessation of smartphone production remain unclear, the company's emphasis on projects like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1 hints at a transition towards alternative form factors.

The transition extends beyond hardware, with Meizu redirecting resources from the development of its Android-based FlymeOS towards AI terminal devices. Moreover, Meizu has teased the imminent launch of a novel mobile operating system centered around AI capabilities, slated for release later this year. Concurrently, the company plans to introduce new hardware products, further solidifying its commitment to the AI ecosystem.

The Meizu 20 series, released in the preceding year, will serve as the swan song for the company's traditional Android offerings, with the Meizu 21 series conspicuously absent from the roadmap. Despite this strategic shift, Meizu assures continued support for its existing smartphone user base in China. However, the implications for international customers remain uncertain, with no official statement addressing their standing in light of Meizu's pivot towards AI.

Meizu's bold decision to embrace AI wholeheartedly reflects a broader trend within the tech industry, where companies increasingly prioritize innovation and differentiation to stay competitive. By aligning its strategic direction with the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, Meizu seeks to carve out a distinct niche in the market while simultaneously diversifying its product portfolio.

 IMAGES CREDITS: MEIZU | COVER IMAGE: ANDREAS VOGLER STUDIO