Chapter 321: Crush! Baby Lian Yi!
In 2009, global mobile phone shipments reached 1.25 billion units, about 30 million more than in history.
This is because the early arrival of the intelligent wave has stimulated a wave of mobile phone replacement among many users around the world.
When it comes to these brands specifically, Nokia is still ranked first, with shipments of 438 million units and a market share of about 36%, including about 40 million smartphones, which is almost 28 million units less than in history.
Samsung ranked second with shipments of 216 million units.
LG ranked third with shipments of around 122 million units.
Motorola, ranked fourth, shipped about 58 million units.
Sony Ericsson ranked fifth with shipments of around 53 million units.
Apple shipped about 25 million units.
Quantum Technology shipments are around 15.8 million units.
Coolpad's shipments were around 15 million units.
HTC shipped 9 million units.
From this we can see that Nokia seems to be still in its heyday. Not only does it still occupy the top position in the world, but its share of key markets has not changed much.
But Nokia already feels that it is facing a crisis because it is not doing well on the road to intelligence.
In 2009, Nokia's smartphone shipments reached about 68 million units, making it the undisputed number one in the smartphone market.
However, the Nokia N97 and Nokia N97i, which they had high hopes for, all failed, with sales of only a few million units.
It is not the flagship models that support the shipment of smartphones, but the mid- and low-priced models.
But in this world, the situation is even more tragic, because the three-way battle between IOS, Google, and quantum technology, especially the battle between quantum technology and Google Android, not only triggered the smartphone revolution ahead of schedule, but also made the standards and concepts of smartphones more deeply rooted in people's hearts.
Whether it's Google's flagship phone, Apple's, or Quantum Technology, users around the world have discovered that Nokia's flagship phone does not meet the standards.
So in this world, Nokia's smartphone shipments were almost halved.
One of the worst-off brands is Motorola.
In just a few years, it fell directly from the second to the fourth in the world, and its previous shipments were halved.
You should know that a few years ago, Motorola's shipments had remained stable at over 100 million units.
In terms of pure shipments, Samsung is the dark horse.
What makes people most envious is undoubtedly Apple and quantum technology.
Although the shipment volumes of these two companies are not high, especially Quantum Technology's shipments of only 15.8 million units, both Apple and Quantum Technology are flagship phones.
For example, the lowest price of Quantum Technology is more than US$550 per unit, and the highest configuration is more than US$1,000.
According to relevant statistics, the average price of quantum mobile phones is around US$700, which means that in 2009, Quantum Technology's revenue from selling mobile phone terminals alone exceeded US$10 billion.
And everyone is paying close attention to the market share of the three major smartphone platforms.
Among them, there are more than 41 million Apple iOS terminals.
Quantum Technology’s X operating terminals have exceeded 46 million.
Google's Android terminals are approximately 26.5 million.
When this data came out, it caused not exclamations but shock.
Is Quantum Technology crazy? A month and a half ago, the number of terminals using Quantum Technology X operating system was only 31.5 million, but now it has soared to 46 million?! What happened?
Although Bill Gates waved the Quantum NOTE to the world, it brought great popularity to the phone and greatly increased its brand value.
Although Coolpad K1 continues to sell well.
But in just one and a half months, the number of terminals for this operating system increased by about 15 million. Isn’t that crazy?
Although Quantum NOTE sold about 3.9 million units in the past month and a half due to the popularity of public opinion, Coolpad K1 also sold about 4.8 million units.
The remaining shipments were all created by Huawei and ZTE, and Meizu's M9 sales in China also exceeded 1.8 million units.
Huawei and ZTE, relying on their ultra-cheap smartphones, directly cooperated with global operators and sold six to seven million units in less than a month.
As a result, X operating system has a greater lead over Android.
A month and a half ago, the lead was only about 8 million, but now it is directly ahead by nearly 20 million.
This is already far ahead.
All of a sudden, the global media was full of publicity.
But in addition to the battle between Android and X operating systems, there is another manufacturer that has occupied the headlines of technology media.
That's Motorola's financial report.
Although the specific data has not yet come out, relevant investment institutions have already given rough data.
In 2009, Motorola's annual revenue was approximately US$22 billion, but it was still in the red.
But the sad thing is that this loss was achieved by reducing shipments and cutting many product lines.
The mobile terminal department's annual revenue was approximately US$7 billion, a sharp drop of 41% compared to 2009.
This data is quite bad.
Moreover, many people found out after checking the financial reports that although Motorola sold more than 50 million mobile phones, its revenue from mobile phone sales was not as good as that of Quantum Technology.
Is the tech industry really that bleak?
Motorola was at its peak two years ago, but suddenly it fell? Then, another piece of news broke.
Motorola may sell its mobile device division.
For a time, the entire market was in turmoil.
Some leaders even called Lin Xiao directly to ask whether he had any relevant ideas about quantum technology. If so, the state department would strongly support it.
Sure enough, in the eyes of the whole world, although Motorola's performance has plummeted this year, it is still a golden brand.
Relevant state departments believe that once Quantum Technology acquires Motorola, it will be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort and become even more powerful.
Then, Lin Xiao actually held a meeting with Quantum Technology, Xia Xi, Wu Lingxi, Masayoshi Son and others.
In the eyes of many people, Motorola's brand is still very authoritative and has a large number of patents, but the concept may not be very good and is a bit old.
Quantum technology is not lacking in new ideas and is full of innovative vitality, but it lacks solid foundation.
Once Quantum Technology acquires Motorola, the effect of one plus one being greater than two may emerge, and the success of Lenovo's acquisition of IBM computer terminals may be repeated.
Of course, according to estimates, the acquisition price will be very, very, very expensive, exceeding more than 10 billion US dollars.
In order to develop semiconductors, Quantum Technology built a new factory and established Linxia Optoelectronics with Sharp to develop AMOLED screens. These investments together cost hundreds of billions of RMB.
And they are all bank loans.
But if Quantum Technology is really willing to acquire Motorola, then Masayoshi Son from outside and relevant national banks from inside would be willing to lend the money.
Historically, Google acquired Motorola for more than 10 billion US dollars, and a few years later sold it to Lenovo for more than 2 billion US dollars.
Even though it was several times cheaper, Lian's attempt to acquire Motorola was still considered a very failed acquisition.
Lin Xiao thought about this problem very seriously.
Lian’s attempt to acquire Motorola failed, but Quantum Technology may not fail, and the two parties seem to be a very good match.
Moreover, Motorola has a huge number of patents. Once it is acquired, Quantum Technology will gain the initiative in the patent war that may break out in the future.
but……
There is a huge conflict.
That is, once Motorola is acquired, what will happen to the Quantum Mobile phone brand? Giving up is impossible. Lin Xiao spent two full years and spent an astronomical amount of money to build the brand value of the Quantum Mobile phone bit by bit.
A dual-brand strategy? Like Swatch Group buying Longines and turning it into a mid-range brand?
After acquiring Motorola, Quantum Technology remains a high-end brand, but will Motorola become a mid-range brand?
Like Huawei and Honor?
It’s really cool to think about it.
But... there's no need for that.
Because Lin Xiao’s strategy is to use quantum technology to conquer the world’s high-end brands, while low- and mid-end mobile phones will all be left to domestic allies.
And its focus is to promote the X operating system.
Once you have created two brands of your own and cover all low- and mid-end brands in the future, perhaps others will not be willing to play with you.
After the meeting, Quantum Technology decided not to participate in this game.
Everyone chose to obey.
But it seems that many people feel regretful, especially the senior executives of Quantum Technology. To them, swallowing up this world-renowned brand sounds great.
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"Boss Lin, there are rumors that Quantum Technology intends to acquire Motorola. Is this true?"
While attending a high-end conference, reporters surrounded Lin Xiao and asked him this question.
And from their words, you can tell that they are very much looking forward to it.
Even now, the entire Internet is full of enthusiasm, whether they are fans of Ergou or ordinary domestic netizens, they all seem to be very eager to see Quantum Technology acquire Motorola and then become a top global brand in one fell swoop.
At this time, Lin Xiao could of course release a smoke bomb to muddy the waters.
Once Lin Xiao says that Quantum Technology is interested in acquiring Motorola, it will most likely trigger a scramble between Google and Microsoft, which will drive up Motorola's price.
Looks like a hundred benefits.
There are two harms: it will make these new domestic mobile phone brands feel a sense of crisis and distrust.
Because Lin Xiao made it very clear every time that Quantum Technology would be responsible for the global high-end market, and the rest of the vast market would be handed over to domestic mobile phone brands. All we need to do is stand firmly on the side of the X operating system.
Everyone recognizes you as the leader, but you come down and compete for food with everyone.
Another thing is that Master Ergou always keeps his word. If you said you were interested in acquisition but ultimately did not do so, it would disappoint everyone.
So, Lin Xiao said in a decisive tone: "No, Quantum Technology has no intention of acquiring Motorola."
Once this attitude comes out.
Other domestic mobile phone manufacturers breathed a sigh of relief.
However, many people across the country are a little disappointed.
Alas, our wish for domestic brands to swallow up international brands has not been realized, and we have not been given the sense of national pride.
The reporter actually asked this question: "Mr. Lin, the acquisition of Motorola can make Quantum Technology a global enterprise in the shortest time, and it will greatly enhance Quantum Technology's brand value, number of patents, and global prestige. Why don't you do this?"
Lin Xiao replied: "Compared to sudden improvement, I prefer to take one step at a time. This was the case with Facebook at the time, and later with WeChat, and the same is true for quantum technology."
Probably shortly after Lin Xiao made his public statement, he received a call from Microsoft CEO Ballmer.
"Lin, is what you said true?"
Lin Xiao: "Yes, Quantum Technology has no intention of acquiring Motorola."
Before, Ballmer probably thought that it was hard to predict what was going on. But now, after dealing with Lin Xiao for so many years, he believed what he said.
Ballmer: “I understand.”
Next, he didn't even say that he hoped you would keep my call a secret.
Because Ballmer's call meant that Microsoft was interested in acquiring Motorola's mobile terminal division.
After hesitating for a long time, Ballmer asked, "You have been fighting with Google for so long. Do you think it will be interested?"
Lin Xiao: "Absolutely. I'm even a little bit determined to win."
Ballmer: "How much do you think Google would be willing to pay for Motorola's mobile device division? Of course, it's very presumptuous of me to ask this question."
Lin Xiao was silent for a while: "Probably between 12 billion and 14 billion."
After these words came out, Ballmer was confused again.
He had always known that Lin Xiao was very honest, but he never expected him to be so honest.
The Chinese man before him was just like the rumors said, not like a businessman at all.
"Thank you!" Ballmer hung up the phone.
……………………
Then, more rumors emerged.
Google is interested in acquiring Motorola.
Or rather, the global media have seen Google's determination in this regard.
Indeed, compared to history, Google's urgency to acquire Motorola is greater.
Historically, its only competitor was iOS, as Nokia's Symbian did not develop smoothly.
After all, Android is open source, and it is not even a direct competitor to Apple's IOS.
Historically, mobile phone brands such as HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson, Lenovo, and Motorola have joined the Android camp, and some of their products have achieved great success.
Therefore, at this time in history, Google Android had almost no sense of crisis.
But now, the situation has changed suddenly.
In the first half of the year, Android's situation was very good as major brands joined the camp.
The launch of Samsung and Motorola products has made Android's market share surpass Quantum Technology's X operating system.
But who knows, in the last three months, everything went wrong.
Not to mention that Quantum NOTE is popular all over the world, the key is that Lin Xiao relied on the tactics of a large number of machines and cheap machines to instantly complete the reversal.
In just three months, it not only defeated Google again, but also directly narrowed the gap to 20 million units.
Of course, not only in the eyes of Google, but also in the eyes of Microsoft and the global technology media, this war has just begun.
In the whole of 2009, the total global smartphone shipments were just over 100 million, accounting for only one-tenth of the total global mobile phone shipments.
The market is still very, very large, and this victory or defeat doesn’t matter at all.
But the key point is... everyone knows that 2009 is a slow year for quantum technology, and even according to Lin Xiao's idea, there will be no press conference this year.
2010 was the year when various technical indicators of quantum technology exploded.
Although, whether it is SOC, the new screen, the new camera module, the latest CMOS, etc., they are not yet mature.
However, Lin Xiao's crazy rush and aggressive strategy have made his product planning a generation behind that of his competitors, at least for now.
Of course, if things don't go well.
Then quantum technology will be in big trouble this year, and there may be a gap in flagship products.
But if everything goes relatively smoothly, then everyone is in trouble, and it's a huge trouble.
Because whether it is SOC, screen, Cmos, etc., quantum technology and supply chain have exclusive agreements.
For Google, the most dangerous thing is the instability of other mobile phone brands.
For global mobile phone manufacturers, they basically follow whoever wins, and no one will go against the trend.
Now X OS has a market share of nearly 20 million units ahead of Android. Will Samsung or LG be shaken? In the past, HTC was a staunch supporter of Google, and it was HTC that became very popular because of Android phones.
But in this world, HTC is the one whose fortune has been most greatly harnessed by quantum technology.
So Google finds that it may not have a very strong base in the future.
Unlike Quantum Technology, which develops its own mobile phone operating system and produces its own mobile phones.
So Google needs a base, and acquiring Motorola becomes very urgent.
Soon after, it was reported that Microsoft also intended to acquire Motorola.
Amid this heated discussion, Motorola's CEO publicly stated that Motorola has no intention of selling its mobile terminal division so far.
…………………………
Lin Xiao took advantage of this opportunity to visit Samsung and LG again.
Of course, it's just another old topic. I hope Samsung and LG can join the X operating system camp.
Almost a year has passed since Lin Xiao last visited Samsung.
This time the situation is different again, X operating system has taken the lead over Android.
Samsung's Lee Kun-hee slowly asked, "Mr. Lin, if Samsung is willing to produce mobile phones with X operating system, will SOFT still be willing to sell 16% of its shares?"
Lin Xiao: "I'm very sorry, President Li, we can only sell 13% of the shares now."
Lee Kun-hee: "Because you have a small lead, do you have to raise the price to Samsung? Don't forget that Samsung's shipments ranked second in the world this year, reaching 210 million units."
Lin Xiao: "That's not the case. Rather, we gave some shares to our allies in return for the past year, so the share left for Samsung is naturally a little less. 13% is still a very, very high number, a number that even the entire Quantum Technology Group opposes, and all shareholders oppose. In return, Samsung must ensure that the shipment volume of phones running the X operating system is no less than that of Android phones."
In comparison, quantum technology remains tolerant and not overbearing.
Unlike Google, which has a completely exclusive agreement, once you choose to cooperate with Quantum Technology, you will be blocked by Google.
Lin Xiao did not get carried away by his short-term victory.
Lee Kun-hee: "XSOFT sold 20% of its shares to Samsung. We at Samsung are willing to produce mobile phones equipped with X operating system, but we cannot guarantee the shipment volume."
Lin Xiao looked at the old man in front of him. Isn't he a business tycoon? Is he just stubborn? My negotiation style, my work style, you still don't agree with it? Do you have to go through this tug of war?
In the end, they still parted on bad terms.
………………
The meeting with Samsung ended unpleasantly, but I didn't expect to gain something from LG.
Although LG ranked third this year with shipments exceeding 120 million units, it failed in the smartphone market, especially in Android phones, and was fiercely competed with by cheap phones from the quantum technology camp.
However, it is still unwilling to guarantee shipment volumes.
In other words, LG will still choose to cooperate with Android, but it can also produce mobile phones with the X operating system, and is unwilling to agree to Lin Xiao's shipment volume exceeding Android.
Lin Xiao agreed!
However, he made a request that the configuration and parameters of LG phones equipped with X operating system must not be lower than those of Android phones.
Moreover, regarding this operating system, both parties need to send people to tailor it together.
In return, Xsoft is willing to transfer 5% of its shares to LG.
Of course, LG wants a higher share, but Lin Xiao’s style remains consistent. I am very generous and will give a very high price at the beginning, but this is also my bottom price.
Therefore, there will probably be some pulling and tug-of-war.
However, there is a high probability that this cooperation will be achieved.
Because at least LG has shown a relevant trend.
Then, Lin Xiao suddenly thought of this possibility: Will Quantum Technology and LG appear in the future to divide the market share that has historically belonged to Samsung?
It's not impossible.
………………………………
Another Spring Festival is coming.
This time, the chief director of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala program team called again and enthusiastically invited Lin Xiao to participate.
Because Lin Xiao is the most influential figure this year.
This is an honor. In the past, it would have been an honor that could not be refused.
But... at this moment, Lin Xiao might have the qualifications to refuse.
What's more, this year Quantum Technology and Lightning Group are still the largest sponsors of Chunwang, accounting for almost more than half of the total sponsorship fees.
Lin Xiao: "I'm very sorry. I may have to go back to the village to celebrate the Spring Festival this year and spend time with my elders at home."
The other party: "I understand, I understand. Filial piety is the most important virtue. We all need to learn from Mr. Lin."
Then, the other party still enthusiastically invited Lin Xiao to visit CCTV frequently, and Lin Xiao readily agreed.
After Lin Xiao put down the phone, he looked out the window.
Lian Zheng, with white hair on his temples, is leading a team to inspect the work in the new production area.
He picked up his cell phone and dialed Lian Yi.
"Hello..." The other party's little water drop's voice trembled slightly.
Because this was the first call between the two parties in a long time, Little Water Drop's hands were shaking slightly.
Lin Xiao said softly: "Baby, are you going home for the New Year this year?"
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Note: I'm done. If you have monthly tickets, please continue to give them to me. Thank you very much! (End of this chapter)
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