Meizu Shuts Down Android Smartphone Enterprise, Says Will Go All in on AI

Meizu, the Chinese shopper electronics model, has formally introduced its exit from the Android smartphone enterprise. The firm launched the Meizu 21 in China in November 2023, and it would now change into its final conventional telephone to hit the market. The model additionally revealed that it’s going to now be specializing in synthetic intelligence (AI) and growing each software program and {hardware} options across the rising know-how. Notably, that is the second time Meizu is exiting a longtime enterprise, with the primary coming in 2007 when it moved away from manufacturing MP3 gadgets.

The data first got here from a Weibo put up by Li Nan, the previous advertising and marketing director of Meizu, and was later confirmed by the corporate by way of a video on its web site. During the announcement, firm CEO Ziyu Shen said that modifications within the smartphone market had been the primary motive behind the pivot. He famous that customers now take a median of 51 months or somewhat over 4 years to improve a smartphone.

Additionally, he highlighted that rival firms have additionally contributed to the added competitors, as now a lot of them supply related efficiency in smoothness, pictures, and software program expertise. He added, that now the Chinese model wished to go “All in [on] AI”. It will now give attention to terminal AI gadgets and can supply options each by way of {hardware} in addition to software program.

Going ahead, Meizu will modify its Flyme OS for smartphones into an working system for AI gadgets. It may also develop a brand new cellular OS that can give attention to AI options, and allow smartphones to combine AI. Shen additionally referenced gadgets corresponding to Humane’s AI Pin and Rabbit R1, hinting that it would strive its fingers on completely different kind components. Additionally, the announcement revealed that the Chinese shopper tech model may unveil its first AI {hardware} later this yr. No particulars had been shared on what it may be.

Meizu additional said that the prevailing smartphones in China will proceed to be supported, and the offline retail shops may also stay unaffected. It just isn’t positive whether or not the smartphones within the worldwide market may also be supported or not. This makes the Meizu 21 the final smartphone by the corporate, as it isn’t identified whether or not it can ever return to work on the speculated Meizu 21 Pro, or Meizu 22 sequence.