Rebirth 08: Can a mobile game company also build a tech empire?

When Lu Chen took out the design drawing and slowly unfolded it on the tea table.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment.

Just one glance,

Lin Bing's breathing suddenly stopped.

He seemed to be frozen in place.

His eyes were fixed on the device in the design drawing.

The design language of this phone is unlike any other phone on the market in 2009.

Even the iPhone 3G, Nokia N97, and Meizu M8 that Lin Bing was familiar with.

None of them have the wow factor that this phone brings.

It seems to be a product from another world.

Lin Bing leaned forward involuntarily, almost pressing her face against the blueprints.

The overall design of Journey 1 presents an extremely simple design language.

The edges and corners are finished with sharp and clean edges.

It lacks the rounded curves common in this era.

The front of the phone is completely covered by a piece of glass.

It only has a narrow earpiece opening at the top, without any physical buttons.

The virtual icons for multitasking, main menu, and back button are arranged in order below.

Instead, it adds a touch of elegance to the phone without appearing out of place at all.

The edges of the fuselage are no longer rounded.

Instead, it features a clean and sharp metal frame with distinct angles.

Use highlights in the design drawings to emphasize the cold, metallic texture.

On the mid-frame, the volume buttons, mute switch, and power button are neatly arranged.

The overall effect is harmonious and natural.

The back is a single piece of glass.

The top right corner contains the camera and flash module.

In the center is that familiar "Z" logo.

It also has a metallic sheen.

Conquer Online 1 doesn't seem like an industrial product.

It is a meticulously crafted obsidian.

Lu Chen did not give Lin Bing a long list of parameters.

It's not a complicated technical explanation either.

Based solely on this one meticulously drawn design.

An unprecedented momentum has surged forth.

"All-glass body...metal frame..."

Lin Bing muttered to herself.

His fingers were unconsciously rubbing against the paper of the design drawing.

His brain was working at lightning speed.

They were evaluating every detail of the design.

What was the smartphone market like in 2009?

The Nokia N97 and HTC G1 still use plastic bodies and physical keyboards.

The iPhone 3G still maintains its rounded body design.

This square design is something we've never seen before.

"This...this is..."

Lin Bing's voice was dry and hoarse.

He raised his head.

His eyes were filled with disbelief and shock.

This is a kind of awe brought about by the beauty of industry.

"Is this your design?"

The first mobile phone for the game "Conquer Online"?

"Yes, our internal codename is 'Conquer Online 1'."

Lu Chen's voice was calm.

"We don't want that plasticky feel."

Avoid thick borders.

Avoid random key presses;

What we want is one that we can hold in our hands.

It allows people to feel the precision and reliability of the equipment.

It runs on the ZUI system.

It should be as clear and efficient as its hardware.

Abandon all complicated operations.

Lu Chen seized the opportunity and continued:

Dean Lin,

Lei Jun has his resources and experience.

But I want to ask,

Is he capable of producing such a disruptive design right now?

But we have what we have.

More than just having a good idea,

There is also a ZUI system plan.

An opportunity to define the future of mobile phones

From software to hardware, a complete plan is formed.

What we're trying to make isn't just another good Android phone.

Rather, it is a product that can define a new era benchmark.

Come on, Dean Lin!

Hearing Lu Chen's invitation once again.

Lin Bing's gaze returned to the blueprints, and she couldn't look away for a long time.

His brain was processing the information overload from this image at lightning speed.

This design is more than just a visual innovation.

It embodies a completely new product philosophy.

This is not just a pursuit of minimalism.

It's still about redefining the user experience.

Lei Jun's invitation paints a grand picture of an ecological blueprint and commercial prospects.

And what Lu Chen placed in front of him at that moment.

It is something of the future that is both within reach and even more awe-inspiring.

The former requires him to consider the pros and cons.

The latter, however, directly struck a chord with his professional ideals and passion for products.

"President Lu..."

Lin Bing spoke again.

His voice was still trembling slightly.

But there was a newfound enthusiasm.

Are you sure you can do it?

Whether from the perspective of technology or cost,

This is too difficult.

"That's why we need you, Dean Lin."

Lu Chen braced himself on the table with both hands and leaned forward.

I have this idea.

With this blueprint,

They have the determination to make it a reality.

But I need a top-notch commander.

To command this tough battle

Someone needs to understand the soul behind this design.

Able to lead the team to overcome those technical challenges,

Being able to negotiate with giants in the supply chain

It can perfectly fit the ZUI system into this device.

Lu Chen said, word by word:

I think,

To truly understand this phone

And have the ability to bring it into this world.

Only you!

The tea room was completely silent.

Only the faint sound of traffic on the street could be heard.

Lin Bing lowered her head.

His fingers repeatedly rubbed the edge of the drawing.

This is the phone shown in the design sketch.

In his eyes, it seemed to have come to life.

It radiates an alluring light.

more importantly,

He saw the possibility of being involved and personally turning the design into reality.

This is an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

A few minutes later,

Lin Bing let out a long breath.

He raised his head.

The hesitation and weariness in his eyes had vanished.

Instead, he had a determined look in his eyes, tinged with a hint of excitement.

"Mr. Lu,"

Lin Bing reached out, solemnly picked up the design drawing, and carefully placed it back into the file folder.

"Could I keep this design drawing for now?"

Lu Chen's lips finally couldn't help but curl upwards.

He understood the meaning behind those words.

"Of course, Dean Lin."

He also reached out and shook hands tightly with Lin Bing.

"This was originally meant for those who were capable of achieving it."

……

A week later, Lin Bing officially submitted his resignation to Google China.

The news caused a stir within a small circle of people in the industry.

The departure of the vice president of Google's China Engineering Research Institute is undoubtedly big news.

Various speculations have emerged.

But both Lin Bing and Lu Chen kept a low profile.

The handover process took almost a month.

During this period,

Lin Bing not only had to handle her own work, but also had to appease her team.

And communicated with relevant colleagues at Google headquarters.

At the same time, he is also having in-depth communication with his family.

Giving up Google's high salary and prestige.

Join a little-known startup.

This decision was equally significant for his family.

Fortunately, his wife eventually understood and supported his decision to pursue a challenge.

2009 3 Month 5 Day.

Today is the Jingzhe solar term.

The city of Hangzhou is already showing signs of spring.

The new office of Journey Technology has welcomed its most important new member to date.

There was no grand welcoming ceremony.

Lu Chen only gathered the core team, including Jiang Chang, Wu Zhixuan, Zheng Yong, Zhao Yongqiang, and others.

A brief internal meeting was held in the conference room.

"Everyone, this is Lin Bing, please welcome her!"

"Clap clap clap..."

A round of enthusiastic applause broke out.

"From today onwards,"

Lin Bing will officially join our ZhengTu Technology team.

He served as the company's president.

He is fully responsible for the hardware development of our next-generation smartphone, "Zhengtu 1".

And the development of the ZUI operating system.