Meizu exits Android smartphone market to target AI field

Chinese phone maker Meizu, known for its sleek designs and Flyme OS software, has announced its exit from the Android smartphone business to focus entirely on artificial intelligence (AI).  Following the launch of the Meizu 21 in November 2023, potentially making it the brand's last traditional smartphone. 

Meizu enters into AI 

Meizu will now dedicate its resources to developing both software and hardware solutions within the burgeoning AI field. It is worth noting that Meizu is the same company that withdrew its operations from manufacturing MP3 devices in 2007. 

Meizu's CEO elaborates new agenda

The decision was announced by the official website and later confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ziyu Shen in a video message who attributed several factors to the cause. Shen acknowledged the evolving smartphone market, where consumers hold onto their phones for longer (currently averaging 51 months) and smartphone offerings from various brands have become increasingly similar in terms of performance and features.

"We want to go 'All in AI,'" Shen declared, outlining Meizu's new direction. The company plans to focus on developing AI-powered devices, offering 'terminal AI solutions' that encompass both hardware and software.

How Meizo is going to shape the AI field?

To support this transition, Meizu will transform its Flyme OS for smartphones into an operating system for AI devices. Moreover, a new mobile OS specifically designed for AI features will be developed, which will allow smartphones to integrate with AI technology. Shen referenced existing AI devices like 'Humane's AI Pin' and 'Rabbit R1', hinting at exploring diverse form factors beyond traditional smartphones.

While Meizu emphasized that existing smartphones in China will continue to receive support and its offline retail network will remain operational, the fate of support for international markets remains unclear. The announcement effectively makes the Meizu 21 the brand's final smartphone, leaving the future of the previously rumored Meizu 21 Pro and Meizu 22 series uncertain. Meizu's ambitious foray into AI presents a new chapter for the company, one that promises innovative solutions and potentially disrupts the evolving technological landscape.