Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 405 Those who know how to have fun first enjoy the world.
In the following period, Jobs and Chen Xuebing suddenly began exchanging emails frequently.

The main topic of discussion was the American version of Starlink.

Chen Xuebing gave this software a name that is sure to be catchy.

WhatsApp.

Overseas, Mr. Chen doesn't have the worry of "whether or not to copy".

The phonetic variation of the English greeting "What's up" echoes the core function of instant messaging software—"quick greetings"—and reflects Apple's marketing strategy to emphasize the term "Application."

Old Joe was extremely satisfied with the name and became the first person to praise General Manager Chen's creative talent in naming.

—The term "App" has become a consensus between Apple and Kirin, and a concept they plan to promote together.

WhatsApp has registered a separate LLC as agreed, with Singularity.Inc (Singularity's independent legal entity), a red-chip structured U.S. company established by Singularity, holding 20% ​​of the shares.

Singularity doesn't contribute a single penny; it only provides Starlink's code and consulting services, as well as sharing some wildly registered international patents.

However, recently, during the consultation process, Old Joe has been sneaking in some personal questions. Even when asking about the WhatsApp software, he always asks him questions about the app store.

Steve Jobs generally doesn't "consult" others. When Chen Xuebing offered to speak during his time in China, he wasn't willing to listen. However, recently, Chen Xuebing has been frequently sending him information about the implementation logic of Apple's applications for him to "evaluate." Chen Xuebing sensed that the development of Apple's 3G version had reached a critical stage and would be launched soon. That's why Jobs was so sensitive to the reaction of the Kirin in the Chinese market and wanted to consider things more thoroughly.

Chen Xuebing was also happy to offer some suggestions.

Apple's current rise to power is not necessarily a bad thing for Singularity.

To put it simply, we are all working together to redefine the smartphone.

Based on the financial logic of the present and for many years to come, once a Western concept is hyped up, the Eastern counterpart will not be inferior, let alone a partner like Kirin and Apple, which are similar in many ways and can hold joint press conferences.

Logical reasoning—something he had learned from his previous life as a stock trader.

When he first entered the industry, he actually thought about riding on Apple's coattails. He even created a picture that looked 90% similar to Apple's design. Later, he felt that it was too low-class, and his strength was expanding rapidly, so he had the idea of ​​surpassing it.

But the market is also constantly teaching him that in the product market of this advanced country, it is too difficult to make breakthroughs in personalization. Creating concepts is a patent of the world's top 100 companies. Singularity is not even ranked among the world's top technology companies. We cannot look at the value of Singularity from the perspective of a newcomer. Android is now just a company that was acquired by Google for $5000 million. Before the market explodes, Singularity is still a nobody.

If you think about it calmly, this state of being penniless is actually an opportunity.

His industry strategy allows him to seize more of these opportunities.

For system promotion, the operator is the key.

On April 10, the "OpenKOS" websites in both China and the United States simultaneously launched the Kunlun OS basic framework and the Kunlun first-generation developer free toolkit, which were also uploaded to the LINUX Foundation, along with a list of technical introductions for some conditional open-source layers.

The Linux Foundation subsequently released [these documents].

Linux is like an open public square.

The advantages of the Kunlun system now go beyond just the UI. A year and a half of research has generated a large number of technical patents, which are now being made public and are divided into a fully open source layer and a conditionally open source layer.

The fully open-source layer is equivalent to the infrastructure of this plaza, including the modified Linux kernel, flash memory optimization code, input subsystem, power management code, driver patches, .jar to .kapp tools, one-click flashing software and other basic toolchains, as well as some motherboard wiring diagram documentation resources, all of which are available to anyone.

This document already allows everyone to access a lot of code for free. A manufacturer capable of making full-touchscreen phones can use this infrastructure to turn an ordinary full-screen phone into a full-screen smartphone.

However, these belong to the Linux GPL layer, and to use them, one must assume the same anti-open source obligations and contribute to the Linux ecosystem.

In addition, this open-source layer includes a disclaimer stating that "due to insufficient technology," situations such as "instant shutdown when battery reaches 30% and sudden drop in network speed" may occur.

The Linux Foundation criticized this disclaimer, claiming it violated the GPL agreement, but Singularity ignored it by donating $100 million from its members.

It's not our problem, it's a technical issue. This kind of situation is generally unlikely to occur, and it may never happen, and it will never happen to an individual user.

Of course, someone could reverse engineer it, modify it, and then open-source it again, but that would take a huge amount of time.

On the other hand, there is the conditional open source layer.

This is equivalent to a collaborative booth in the LINUX Plaza, which includes a list of core independent patents and collaboratively licensed patents such as Kunlun UI, developer toolkit (SDK), capacitive touch screen algorithm, and TD-SCDMA baseband optimization code.

These technologies isolate GPL layer infections through IPC communication scheduling and have a DSP (coprocessor) IPC acceleration scheme.

The Kunlun UI framework code and SDK can be downloaded for free by individuals and software developers without the authorization agreement process. Manufacturers pay $0.5 per device, but must agree to the revenue sharing agreement framework: the app store's revenue will be uniformly deducted by MS layer at 20%.

Other technologies require a contract to acquire.

With Kunlun UI, a full-screen smartphone can also become a "Kunlun full-screen smartphone".

It can be said that Singulato has left no barriers for outsiders in manufacturing Kunlun mobile phones.

However, there is a performance barrier.

As a partner of Singularity, we are able to create better products for the underlying framework of the fully open-source layer, and this list of technologies is constantly expanding.

In addition, there is a completely undisclosed strategic closed-source layer.

Besides the MS layer (currently an app store agreement), this also includes some proprietary black technologies that cannot be disclosed to the public and are unique to Singularity.

For example, the battery "endurance" algorithm.

Even though the battery is only at 50%, it shows as being at around 60%.

The last 20% of battery drained very slowly; it was actually because the screen brightness was secretly reduced and GPS was turned off.

When the battery is charged to 80%, it displays 90%, which makes users feel that Qidian's charging technology is really impressive.

Another example is the JIT compiler.

Before the program runs, it has already been fully compiled into a "machine code manual" that the CPU can directly understand. The next time the CPU encounters this "hot code", it will no longer need a translator to translate it on the spot, but will directly execute the prepared and optimized machine code "manual".

The advantage of doing this is that programs that users run frequently will open very quickly.

However, when a program that is not frequently used is first started, the JIT is still in the "observation" phase, and most of the code is still executed by the slow interpreter. Moreover, because the JIT will secretly monitor the usage frequency of the code, it will be a little slower than normal.

However, users may get the illusion that their phones open apps very quickly.

Another example is dynamic memory compression.

The phone will compress background apps that have been running for more than a minute into data to save some battery power, but when you switch apps after a minute, you will find that the app has restarted.

Users will find the phone to be both fast and power-efficient.

These cutting-edge technologies all have negative effects.

The technology involved is not advanced, and the cost of replication is not high. The fact that Kunlun Business Group was able to come up with this idea is based on their understanding of user experience gained from long-term discussions about the system.

Singularity will not advertise these things or offer any technological premiums; it will simply let users experience them quietly.

Users will naturally assume that this reflects the technical sophistication of the system's original manufacturer.

Of course, these technologies are all integrated into options such as "Performance Mode" and "Battery Life Mode," which can be manually turned off.

To build long-term trust with customers, Singularity does not deceive them; it only empowers them. This is something you only discover after using Singularity products for an extended period.

The release of the system's two versions, "KOS1.0" and "KOSmini," sparked heated discussions on forums such as Tianya Digital Community, Mop, ZOL, and Mobile Home.

Emerging technology communities in the United States, such as Reddit and HowardForums, and XDA-Developers, accommodate tech enthusiasts from all over the world. Although this topic is not as popular as in China, the enthusiasts who follow it are generally more technically skilled.

The common point of excitement for everyone is: open source and free!
In just two days, the Chinese community saw over 3000 downloads, while American websites saw over 8000, and the official Linux distribution channels saw over 10,000 downloads.

Although most people didn't have a suitable full-screen ROM to flash, they still chose to download "KOS1.0".

This is something completely new for enthusiasts, and everyone wants to see what's inside.

The feedback came very quickly.

"I checked, and neither QQ nor Xunlei has any plans to develop this system! Without the support of these two companies, this system is doomed!"

"If you don't understand, just ask. Is this phone system better than Nokia's Symbian?"

"Open source, open source, you know? Symbian is a closed system, it's not for you to use!"

"No equipment, no equipment! It can't be flashed on regular phones! I personally tested it on a Motorola V3X and it couldn't be flashed! It made my phone unusable and I had to send it back to the factory, which is too costly! I'll consider it when the counterfeit factories have a thousand-yuan touchscreen phone. Right now, I'm just watching the show!"

"My E680i was successfully flashed! It works! I read the technical documentation, and it says you need 32MB/128MB of RAM/ROM to flash! The V3x is from years ago, it doesn't even have touch hardware, so it definitely can't be flashed! Just stick with KOSmini! Maybe it can revive it!"

"Don't panic if your device is bricked! Huaqiangbei has released a 'SIM card unlocker' to crack network locks. Tutorial: 1. Remove the casing 2. Use jumper wires 3. Solder the chip."

"Teach me how to turn my phone into scrap metal? Get the hell out of here!"

"HTCHermes successfully cracked EDGE for internet access! It's dozens of times cooler than the original Windows system! Do you know the joy of UC Touchscreen Browser? Browsing the internet is so awesome! With the arrival of the 3G era, it will definitely revolutionize internet terminals. I'm looking forward to the performance of the original Kirin phone; I will definitely buy one!! But the data charges are too high. If I play for one night, my house will be under China Mobile's control!"

"Dude, you've already bypassed the EDGE speed limit, haven't you thought about installing a Wi-Fi router? How much money do you have at home?"

"The person upstairs is an idiot. You think you know everything? Does HTC Hermes even have a Wi-Fi module?"

"Kirin is available! They really know how to make internet-enabled devices; they've thought of everything. They're even opening 3G experience stores with free Wi-Fi. One just opened near my house. Once Kirin is launched, I can order it offline and experience it the same day! Brothers who want to order online, wait for my message!"

Those who know how to have fun first enjoy the world.

Chen Xuebing browsed the comments on his computer and smiled.

Some tech-savvy users have already experienced the benefits of Kunlun OS and Kirin, praising them highly. With such people around, Kunlun phones will have no shortage of promoters.

This also gave him more motivation.

He picked up his phone and dialed Wang Jianzhou's number.

"Mr. Wang, our system is now fully online as you requested. Have you finished the evaluation? When will the map cooperation be announced?"

The original plan was to launch "KOSmini" and "KOS1.0" was intended to be open-sourced after the launch of Kirin. However, Wang Jianzhou wanted to see the market reaction and claimed that releasing it earlier would also allow for network access compatibility testing. So Chen Xuebing asked Qidian to release both versions together.

"It's done! But Mr. Chen, you guys actually had a backup plan? With this open-source layer condition, can our contract phones guarantee full authorization?"

“We naturally have to give face to mobile contract providers.”

"Really?"

"Given our relationship, even if you bring Nokia in, I'll still grant you the license." Mr. Chen knew perfectly well that Nokia would never transform itself, so he just made a casual remark.

Mr. Wang tentatively inquired about Motorola, a long-time friend from the GSM era, with a strong brand reputation.

"Motorola is out of the question."

Motorola is now like a centipede that has died but hasn't quite died yet, searching everywhere for a way to survive. In its early days, it also made quite a few touchscreen phones. What they lack is capacitive touchscreen technology. If they had transformed and survived earlier, they would have become a powerful competitor, and might even have squeezed their own production capacity in the supply chain.

Moreover, Motorola's 1.7 communication patents include a large number of 1G and 2G SEPs (Standard Essential Patents), while communication patents were very few in the 3G era. When these patents were later sold in a package, they were a bargain, costing less than $20 each. Holding them for anti-malicious litigation was still a good idea, as he was waiting for Spreadtrum to clean up Motorola's mess.

Mr. Wang only mentioned it briefly before smiling and stating his core demand: "Our technicians reported that Kunlun's optimization for the TD standard isn't very strong? There's no optimization algorithm for time slot scheduling at the physical layer. Spreadtrum has the relevant technology, so why aren't you using it?"

"TD optimization requires custom code, which will break cross-system compatibility. Don't worry, we have integrated these technologies into the conditional open source layer, and they can be used on TD-compliant phones. We will grant authorization."

Chen Xuebing explained, knowing that this wasn't Wang Jianzhou's real purpose in asking the question, and continued, "President Wang, although the Kirin is a TD phone, Kunlun is designed for all standards. Our unified modem interface in the hardware abstraction layer supports multi-standard baseband chips, but its core is mobile internet. In China, China Mobile has a first-mover advantage in 3G. I see that some high-end users have high expectations for touchscreen internet access. They are high-quality customers who can afford it and are unwilling to wait. As long as you seize the opportunity, this system will definitely be of greater help to China Mobile."

Wang Jianzhou naturally understood the situation. After a moment's thought, he said, "Touchscreen internet access. Mr. Chen, this UC Browser is having a huge impact on our Mobile Dream Network. WAP paid services have almost no room to survive on this phone. Do you think we can port some of our existing ringback tones and game services over?"

“High-quality programs can be ported, and I can even help you pin them to the top, but the payment method can't be the old SMS SP anymore, Mr. Wang. We're on a train heading towards a new era. SP is already outdated, so don't go backwards.”

If Chen Xuebing were a PC manufacturer, he would be overjoyed at Mr. Wang's SP cooperation.

What the internet needs most right now is a paid subscription model, and SMS payment is probably the fastest way to do that.

But he no longer needs the operating system on his phone.

Kunlun IP can be directly linked to the API interface of the banking system and Alipay payment. As long as there is money in the card, there are plenty of payment ports, so why deduct it from the phone bill?
"Then can our mobile Fetion service also be included?" Mr. Wang, with his large business and numerous operations, negotiated the terms step by step.

Chen Xuebing chuckled: "Would I dare not let you in? I said back then that I would work with China Mobile on the software business and choose the development direction that best suits China Mobile. It seems that President Wang does not trust me and still wants to go it alone. Then let's compete fairly and have a go at it."

"What are you saying, Mr. Chen! Of course, the map cooperation will continue! We're helping Kunlun expand its ecosystem! We'll announce our cooperation with Kunlun's service layer tomorrow!"

"But what about QQ? Their mobile QQ is installed in the built-in ROM of the Chinese version of the Nokia N95, and it can't be uninstalled, you know that?"

QQ has recently completely separated from Fetion and instead integrated into China Unicom's "Super Message" launched in September 2006, intending to make a comeback in the mobile field by relying on China Unicom's future WCDMA standard.

Mr. Wang wasn't too fond of this traitor, but he didn't hold a grudge either. He just hoped that QQ wouldn't be allowed to compete in this system.

On the first day of its launch on Kunlun, QQ issued a vague user statement: "Focusing on the mainstream mobile ecosystem and carefully evaluating emerging ecosystems," using ambiguous wording.

Netizens all thought that QQ didn't want to develop Kunlun, but in fact, the initiative has always been in Kunlun's hands. In fact, Tencent is based in Shenzhen and has always been wary of Singularity. It has long had information about the huge future shipment volume of Kunlun machines. This is to avoid the embarrassment of QQ not being able to enter the Kunlun ecosystem in the future.

Chen Xuebing simply smiled and said, "Kunlun treats all manufacturers equally. QQ can bring in a large number of users, so why wouldn't I let it in? I still want to make money from QQ."

Wang Jianzhou was somewhat puzzled.

Chen Xuebing offered no explanation.

They felt that Starlink and QQ were destined for a life-or-death competition.

In fact, they are not entirely contradictory.

QQ is a virtual identity social platform, a product of the PC Internet era, emphasizing a sense of presence in virtual space.

What Starlink aims to do is act as a connector for real-world relationships and a life assistant.

The most valuable thing is the API that connects to real life.

When QQ wanted to enter the market, he opened his doors to welcome QQ users and convert them into paying customers.

But if Tencent understands WeChat, he will definitely block it to death.

(End of this chapter)