Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 210 Internal Conflict within the Orange System

On the 13th floor of the North China Power Electronics Building, the original "Laifen Technology" sign on the left has been replaced by the brand-new "Chengjia Smart".

Through the glass door, the interior decoration is simple yet exudes a sense of technology.

In the open office area, young engineers are having a lively discussion in front of their computers.

Since joining the Orange family, it's truly been a case of "it's good to have a big tree to lean on." The company has not only become much wealthier, but everyone has also received a collective raise.

The atmosphere was equally lively in the small conference room.

General Manager Ye Xinghong, sleeves rolled up, stood in front of the whiteboard, conducting the final review of the Orange 2Q mini massager with key members of the R&D team before its market launch.

Because R&D Director Liu Zhiyu was temporarily transferred by Chen Mo to the advanced R&D department of Orange Technology, Ye Xinghong personally took charge of the product development this time.

The whiteboard was covered with various parameters and sketches.

Ye Xinghong picked up a marker and, under the watchful eyes of everyone, began to give his final summary.

"Alright, everyone, let's go over the final proposal for Orange 2Q one last time!" His voice was loud and clear, carrying an undeniable decisiveness.

"The core objective is clear: to differentiate ourselves by using motion-sensing interaction and a mini massage module on top of basic call functionality, while keeping the cost firmly under 200 yuan!"

He turned and pointed to the form on the whiteboard.

"Hardware configuration and cost are our lifeline."
Basic battery life: 62 units of Yuancheng's second-generation 920mAh ultra-thin gaseous lithium battery.

This is the confidence in our battery life provided by the Orange Group, so we must use the best.

Call core: MTK 6250D single-chip solution from Lianfa Technology, integrating 2G communication and audio processing, 9 chips.

Saves you money and space!

Body Sensing Soul: Orange MYT-2.0 Gyroscope, 18 pieces.

It allows you to switch massage modes using body sensation and adjust the intensity with the directional keys. This is our core selling point that distinguishes us from all other massagers on the market!
Massage core: 4 sets of Orange Micro MYW-1.0 eccentric rotor motors, supporting stepless speed regulation, 3-level adjustable intensity, 40 pieces.

The effectiveness of a massage depends entirely on this!
Exterior: Aviation aluminum frame, anodized matte finish, with PC back panel, 20 pieces.

The quality must be high; it can't look like something from a street stall.

Other miscellaneous items: PCBs, antennas, interfaces, etc., 49 pieces.

The layout should be compact, and signal strength and heat dissipation should be well managed.

"Total cost, exactly 200 yuan! Not a penny more, not a penny less!" Ye Xinghong slammed his pen down on the numbers on the whiteboard: "Brothers in supply chain and production supervision, stick to this number. Whoever exceeds it in any link, they'd better figure out a way!"

Next, he switched to the design drawings.

"How do you achieve a sense of sophistication? Director Li has done a great job!"
Material and craftsmanship: Aviation aluminum frame + semi-transparent PC back panel, the contrast of materials creates visual depth.

Physical buttons are hidden wherever possible, and the operation mainly relies on the gyroscope to sense and operate. Flipping the device to answer calls and shaking it to switch massage modes reduces the sense of cheapness while increasing the sense of technology and fun.

Function focus: Don't try to do too much! Just focus on two main functions: calling and massage.

The massage module has three intensity levels, which are differentiated by changes in the motor vibration frequency.

Focus is key to creating a great user experience!

Finally, there is risk control.

"Potential risk: The biggest problem is accidental touches from the gyroscope's motion sensing function!"

The algorithm team's anti-shake algorithm must be powerful enough to prevent people from suddenly starting to massage or make phone calls while walking or running.

Test it like crazy!

He put down his pen and looked around at everyone: "Final confirmation of product specifications:"
Size: 95mm×50mm×12mm, about the size of a palm, easy to carry.

Weight: 185g, with stainless steel counterweights for a solid feel and to ensure adequate intensity for heavy massage.

Interaction: Press and hold the only button on the side to turn the device on or off, shake to switch massage modes, and flip to answer calls.

Color scheme: Space Gray (aviation aluminum) + Matte Black (PC backplate), with the side buttons accented in brand orange.

"Do you have any other questions?"

The meeting room fell silent for a moment, and everyone shook their heads.

"Alright, meeting adjourned! Everyone to your positions, proceed with the final plan!" Ye Xinghong ended the meeting swiftly and decisively.

After the meeting, Ye Xinghong first called Chen Mo's secretary, Zhou Yumeng, and after a brief conversation, they scheduled a time.

Afterwards, he personally led the design director, Li Qiaoli, downstairs to Orange Technology on the 12th floor.

Chen Mo was already in conference room number 2 at Orange Technology. He had also called Zeng Baifang, the person in charge of Zhicheng's centralized procurement, to coordinate the Orange Group's supply chain in the future.

"President Chen, President Zeng!" Ye Xinghong and Li Qiaoli nodded in greeting.

"Have a seat!" Chen Mo smiled. "I heard the 2Q plan is finalized? Come on, show us your results!"

Ye Xinghong immediately connected his laptop to the projector in the conference room. The light shone on the white screen, displaying the exquisite renderings and detailed BOM (Bill of Materials) of the Orange 2Q.

"President Chen, President Zeng, this is the result of our Orange Family team's hard work over the past two weeks—the Orange 2Q Massager!"

Ye Xinghong began his report, his tone confident and composed.

He emphasized the product's core innovation: using the OrangeTech gyroscope to achieve novel haptic interactions such as shaking to switch modes and flipping to answer phone calls.

Meanwhile, it creates a rich and layered massage experience through four sets of eccentric motors in different directions, and also supports three levels of intensity adjustment.

Yeh Hsing-hung emphasized that these designs make the product distinctly different from single-function massage devices.

While strictly controlling the cost to 200 yuan, the Orange Home version of Orange 2Q achieves a maximum combination of "intelligent experience" and "practical functions".

Li Qiaoli added some details about ID design (appearance design), material selection, and tactile optimization, and showed several product renderings from different angles.

Chen Mo leaned forward slightly, listening very carefully, and nodding occasionally.

After the report concluded, Chen Mo smiled and clapped.

"Excellent! Mr. Ye, Director Li, the team is very efficient. I am very satisfied with this plan. Orange 2Q will proceed according to the direction and configuration you have set, and we will expedite the next stage of the listing process!"

Then, Chen Mo changed the subject.

"Now that the framework of Orange 2Q has been set up and the R&D process is running smoothly, let's just take over the Orange 1Q power bank product line as well."

From now on, power banks will be under the 'Orange Home Smart' brand and become an independent product series.

This way, you'll have three main product lines: high-speed hair dryers, massagers, and power banks. This will create a basic product matrix, preventing the entire company from plunging into crisis if one business segment encounters a problem.

After a moment's thought, Ye Xinghong asked a crucial question.

"Mr. Chen, if we take over Orange 1Q, will we still need to retain the 2G calling function in the design of subsequent products?"

This problem has been bothering him for a long time. A power bank with a call function, a massager with a call function—Mr. Chen's design is really quite unconventional.

Chen Mo pondered for a moment.

He added the call function mainly to capitalize on the sales and R&D opportunities recognized by the system.

However, with the emergence of more "cutting-edge technology" accessories in the future, the application scenarios developed by users will far exceed expectations.

At this point, forcibly binding basic call functionality to all products could indeed become bloated and costly, and users might not be willing to accept it!

“Alright!” Chen Mo made the decision: “The first generation of the Q series products will retain the 2G calling module as a transition and technology verification, but starting with the second generation products, you can consider switching to a more universal smart module!”

"Intelligent module?" Ye Xinghong and Li Qiaoli both looked puzzled.

"Correct!"

Chen Mo explained: "For example, the Orange 1Q Power Bank 2nd Generation can connect to a mobile app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi without a SIM card."

Use a more precise NTC temperature measurement solution to monitor battery level and cell health.

Users can view all data in real time and even set charging strategies using the "Orange Home App" on their mobile phones.

Ye Xinghong's eyes lit up immediately, and he clapped his hands: "I understand, President Chen!"

"Just like the second-generation massager, you can choose more customized massage programs and intensity combinations through the app. The hair dryer can also preset the blowing mode and temperature level in the app, achieving more precise control!"

Chen Mo nodded approvingly, but then waved his hand to add.

"That's the right approach!"

But remember one thing: don't make something smart for the sake of smart technology and cram all the operations into the app.

Some of the most frequently used and basic functions, such as switches and gear adjustments, must retain intuitive physical buttons or operating methods.

What we need to do is make things more convenient for users, not more troublesome.

For example, with a hair dryer, you can save several frequently used custom modes in the Orange Home App, but switching modes and adjusting the air temperature and heat still require buttons on the machine itself for direct operation!

"Understood!" Ye Xinghong immediately grasped the point: "Our goal is to ensure a convenient basic experience through physical operation, to achieve advanced functions and ecosystem linkage through App integration, and ultimately to make users inseparable from our 'Orange Home App' and hardware ecosystem." "That's right, that's exactly what I mean!" Chen Mo was very satisfied with Ye Xinghong's comprehension.

"I have a suggestion for you: you can look up the geek who discovered the bug that allowed the OTG function of the Orange 1 to charge the Apple 4."

And the team that developed the 'Orange Massager App' and the 'Orange Level App'.

We need to find a way to bring them into the Orange family.

We will closely monitor what new and interesting features each generation of Orange phone users develop, as their needs will be the best compass for your next generation of enhanced 'Q series' products.

Products developed based on user needs tend to have higher market acceptance.

Ye Xinghong nodded solemnly: "Understood, President Chen! This is about driving innovation with the wisdom of our users!"

Chen Mo then turned his gaze to Li Qiaoli: "Director Li, how is the finalization of the exterior design for the Orange 3 going?"

Li Qiaoli immediately sat up straight and reported earnestly: "As per your requirements, the design direction for the glass body cover has been determined, and several draft designs have been completed."

"Currently, I am working with Jianggong to finalize the internal stacking structure and hardware specifications to ensure that there are no conflicts between the ID design and MD (structural design)."

"The final plan will probably take about another week to be finalized."

"Okay, good! Get it done as soon as possible!" Chen Mo nodded, indicating the report was over: "You guys go ahead and get busy."

Ye Xinghong and Li Qiaoli got up to say goodbye.

Back on the 13th floor of Orange Smart Home, Ye Xinghong immediately arranged for people to investigate the developers and teams that Chen Mo had mentioned.

When investigating the geek who discovered the bug that allowed OTG to charge Apple's emergency batteries, it was found that the person seemed to be from North America.

The Orange Family team tried to contact the other party through private chat on the forum, but the other party had no interest in joining Orange Family, so they had to give up.

However, the investigation team that developed the "Massage Device APP" and "Level Instrument APP" had a smooth experience and quickly provided feedback.

Both apps were developed by a small team called "Xiaoxiao Studio," which is registered in the electronics industry incubation park in Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

Ye Xinghong personally called the number listed in the registration information, identified himself and explained his purpose: Orange Smart was interested in acquiring or investing in their studio.

On the other end of the phone, the person in charge of Xiaoxiao Studio was clearly very surprised, and hesitated for a few seconds before speaking.

"Mr. Ye, thank you very much for Orange Family's favor."

However, to be honest, another company recently expressed a similar interest in us.

"How about this, let's schedule a time for both of you to come over and talk?"

Ye Xinghong's heart skipped a beat. Had someone already set their sights on this team so quickly?

He agreed without saying a word and arranged a time to meet.

Ye Xinghong never expected that at the same moment, in the general manager's office of Chengbao Internet next door, Wang Teng was reporting to He Jian.

“Brother Jian, according to the data from the ‘App Treasure’ backend, the two mini-apps developed by Xiaoxiao Studio have a stable daily active user count of over 10.”

Although the total number of users is not large, their stickiness is very high, and with the big sales of Orange 2, its potential is good.

I've already made contact; they're located in the Nanshan Incubator Park and have invited us to come over to discuss the acquisition in detail!

On the appointed day, Ye Xinghong and his assistant arrived on time at the simple office where Xiaoxiao Studio was located in Nanshan Incubation Park.

As soon as he pushed open the glass door, he saw a figure he never expected to see there: He Jian, the general manager of Chengbao Internet, was sitting on the guest sofa with Wang Teng.

"Mr. He?"

"Mr. Ye?"

The two exclaimed in surprise almost simultaneously.

The next second, the two of them suddenly realized.

It turns out that the "other company" that also wanted to acquire Xiaoxiao Studio was actually their own sister company!

The young founders of Xiaoxiao Studio, sitting opposite, watched this dramatic scene. Their original plan of "the snipe and the clam fight, and the fisherman benefits" was instantly thwarted, and their faces turned as bitter as bitter gourds.

As expected, the two companies are one family, and Orange Family and Orange Baby tacitly avoided raising prices for each other.

After a brief discussion before leaving the venue, both parties, based on their respective bottom lines, offered a unified acquisition price: 200 million yuan for a full acquisition.

This price was already quite good for a small studio, and after discussing it, the founders of Xiaoxiao Studio finally agreed.

However, once the studio agreed to be sold, new problems arose.

Should this team belong to Orange Home Smart, or should it be merged into Orange Treasure Connect?
Ye Xinghong smiled and spoke first: "President He, your Chengbao Internet is full of talented people and experts."

Our Orange Home is just starting out, and we are in dire need of a reliable software team to support the development of smart hardware apps and the construction of the ecosystem.

This Xiaoxiao Studio is a perfect fit, why don't we merge it into our Orange Family?

He Jian chuckled and refused to budge an inch.

"Mr. Ye is joking."

It is precisely because our Orange Treasure business has expanded so far, encompassing 'App Treasure', games, and various content ecosystems, that we are in dire need of R&D talent in every area.

Although this studio is small, it has good potential and can be a good supplement to our development team.

As for the app support your Orange family needs, that's easy to handle!

In the future, you can treat these projects as sister company projects and entrust them to Orange Treasure for development. We guarantee priority scheduling, and the price is negotiable!

Ye Xinghong was naturally unwilling to give up this easy opportunity and argued his case.

Neither of them could convince the other, and the matter eventually had to be taken to the big boss, Chen Mo.

One is He Jian, the general manager of Orange Treasure, who took the initiative to "go south to invest in Orange" in the early days and is in charge of Orange Group's important traffic entrance and content platform on the mobile Internet.

One is Ye Xinghong, the general manager of Orange Home, which he recently acquired and is responsible for developing the smart hardware ecosystem.

Both sides had ample reasons, and no one else could resolve the dispute, so it could only be brought to Chen Mo's attention!
Chen Mo looked at the two generals standing in front of his desk and couldn't help but feel a headache. He called them to sit on the sofa in the reception area of ​​his office and personally made them tea.

"President Chen, you have to stand up for the Cheng family in this matter!"

Ye Xinghong first complained and put down his celadon teacup.

"Acquiring software teams to improve the ecosystem is a strategic direction you personally set. Our Orange family has a weak foundation, and we are counting on this fresh blood!"

He Jian retorted, "President Chen, we at Chengbao have been tracking and evaluating Xiaoxiao Studio for almost three months now, and it's already on our acquisition list."

He glared at Ye Xinghong indignantly before speaking.

"Now the Orange family is trying to take all the credit right away. Isn't that a bit unreasonable?"

Chen Mo waved his hand, signaling the two to calm down.

"Alright, alright, I understand what you all mean. You're all doing this for the company's business development, and that's definitely right!"

He first acknowledged the two people's motivations, and then tried to reconcile them.

"Chengbao is the eldest brother of our Orange Group. He's very powerful. Let's show him some style!"

Orange Home is a newly launched business that needs support.

Mr. He, from the perspective of Orange Group's overall strategy, Orange Home's smart ecosystem layout is one of the key focuses for the future, and it does indeed require a dedicated software team.

look"

He Jian's face darkened noticeably. He remained silent for a few seconds before finally nodding with difficulty, his tone stiff: "I obey the company's decision!"

After saying that, he stood up.

"Mr. Chen, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now. I have a meeting over there!"

He Jian then took his leave, his hurried departure clearly revealing his displeasure.

Ye Xinghong knew he had offended He Jian this time, but he didn't regret it.

Anyway, the third most important person in the Orange family—design director Li Qiaoli—and He Jian didn't get along very well to begin with, so it didn't matter if the two families were a little distant.

Chen Mo watched He Jian leave and sighed softly.

He was not unaware that such a "biased" decision towards the Orange family would make the Orange Treasure team feel wronged and dissatisfied, but as the decision-maker, he had to consider the long-term development plan of the Orange Group as a whole.

At this stage, prioritizing the development of the underlying capabilities of the smart home hardware ecosystem is even more urgent.

"It's understandable that Cheng Bao is suffering some grievances; it's just an inevitable growing pain during rapid development!" Chen Mo thought to himself.

We can only hope that He Jian and Cheng Bao's brothers can understand and that we can find an opportunity to give them more compensation in the subsequent allocation of resources.

(End of this chapter)