Meizu Technology Shifts Focus to AI, Exits Smartphone Business

Meizu Technology's decision to exit the smartphone business marks a significant shift in strategy, as the company owned by Geely, a prominent car manufacturer, embraces AI as the future of its operations. In a Weibo post, Meizu announced plans to invest "All in AI," signaling a departure from its traditional focus on smartphones.

The restructuring of the FlymeOS team to develop new AI terminal devices is a strategic move aimed at leveraging globally available LLMs, such as OpenAI, to drive innovation in the AI space. This shift underscores Meizu's commitment to exploring new avenues for growth and innovation beyond the smartphone market.

Meizu's Flyme Auto, an infotainment system for Geely-made vehicles, including Polestar and Lotus, demonstrates the company's readiness to expand its presence in the automotive sector. By integrating seamlessly with FlymeOS 10 devices like the Meizu 20 and Meizu 21 flagships, Flyme Auto aims to enhance the multi-terminal experience for users across different platforms.

Shen Ziyu, Chairman and CEO of Xingji Meizu Group, emphasized the changing dynamics of the smartphone market, citing the extended upgrade cycles of users and the increasing parity among competing brands in terms of performance and features. As a result, Meizu has opted not to release new smartphone models such as the Meizu 21 Pro, Meizu 22, and Meizu 23 series.

Looking ahead, Meizu plans to launch a new mobile operating system tailored for the AI era in 2024, signaling its commitment to innovation in the AI space. Additionally, the company aims to release its first AI-enabled hardware product later this year, further solidifying its position in the AI market.

Despite its exit from the smartphone business, Meizu reassures existing smartphone users of continued support, including access to offline stores in China. However, there is no mention of support for overseas devices, as Meizu has been largely absent from the international market in recent years.

Overall, Meizu's strategic pivot towards AI reflects its determination to embrace emerging technologies and diversify its product offerings beyond smartphones. As the company embarks on this new chapter, its focus on AI-driven innovation holds the promise of exciting developments in the years to come.

Meizu Technology's decision to exit the smartphone business marks a significant shift in strategy