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

Hong Feng is thirty-three years old this year.

But when he looked at Lu Chen across the table, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He knew Lu Chen was young, but he didn't expect him to be this young.

Hong Feng recalled the scene of Lin Bing calling him.

He said on the phone that the founder of Journey Technology wanted to meet with him to discuss mobile operating systems.

Hong Feng hesitated at first.

He's doing very well at Google.

The Google Music and Chinese input method projects he was in charge of have also made considerable progress.

But Lin Bing's departure piqued his curiosity.

What kind of company could attract this former boss to give up his position at Google?

more importantly,

Lin Bing said on the phone:

"What they're doing might revolutionize your understanding of mobile operating systems."

This statement piqued Hong Feng's interest.

The waiter came over, and Lu Chen ordered a latte.

While waiting for the coffee to arrive, Hong Feng got down to business.

"Mr. Lu,

Lin Bing told me that you guys are making mobile phones.

But as far as I know,

ZhengTu Technology previously made MP4 players and mobile games.

The mobile phone industry is far more complex than the MP4 industry.

Meizu M8 has already taken the lead.

Apple, HTC, and Nokia are all eyeing the market with great interest.

Where does your confidence come from?

"It can't just be based on a pretty design, can it?"

Hong Feng was ruthless from the start.

They were even somewhat aggressive.

These questions left Lu Chen completely bewildered.

He then remembered.

Rumor has it that when Lei Jun interviewed Hong Feng back then...

Hong Feng conducted a reverse interview.

They immediately threw out a whole bunch of questions.

Lei Jun was left speechless by the question.

It seems Lu Chen has encountered the same situation.

However, Lu Chen had indeed worked on a game called Journey Z1.

Have a good understanding of all aspects of electronic products.

Lu Chen calmly said:

Mr. Hong,

You need to understand that the success of the Conquer Online Z1 was not accidental.

Before it,

There are no such MP4 players on the Chinese market.

Therefore, we seized the opportunity on the eve of the emergence of capacitive touchscreen devices.

It is precisely positioned as a touch-screen entertainment terminal.

And it combines design, experience, and content.

This is what made the Z1 a nationwide sensation.

The waiter then served the coffee.

Lu Chen took a sip and continued:

This proves that our team has a keen understanding of user needs.

And the ability to transform that into products.

The same principle applies to making mobile phones.

What we see

This represents the transformation of smartphones from fashion items to practical devices.

Therefore, our Journey 1 and ZUI system,

This is a completely new solution designed for this purpose.

Hong Feng didn't stop there and continued to ask questions:

"The specific concept of the ZUI system"

Lin Bing mentioned some things to me,

It is indeed very attractive.

However, bringing this idea to fruition requires extremely strong engineering capabilities.

Your current software team,

Especially in terms of system underlying layers and framework, how capable are you?

Hong Feng posed a second pointed question, directly addressing the team's shortcomings.

"Frankly, it's very weak right now."

Lu Chen readily admitted it.

"That's exactly why we need you."

We have a clear and ambitious blueprint.

There is sufficient funding support.

Dean Lin oversees the overall technical direction;

But we lack someone to lead the software team.

The core architect who turned the ZUI system from blueprint to reality

You are the most suitable candidate.

Please come.

He is the head of the ZUI system software development team.

You build your own team.

We will give you maximum decision-making freedom and resource support.

Hong Feng remained silent for a moment.

Suddenly, a seemingly unrelated question was asked:

"Mr. Lu, what kind of mobile phones do you usually use?"

What are your complaints about them?

Lu Chen smiled.

He took out several pieces of equipment that he currently uses frequently from his pocket.

A Nokia E71, a Conquer Online Z1, and an iPhone 3G.

Nokia is stable, but its system and user experience are outdated.

The iPhone is stunning, but many details don't suit Chinese consumers' habits, and its price is prohibitively high.

The Z1 offers the smoothest experience, but it's not a phone.

He pointed to the iPhone and said.

For example, it doesn't record calls.

There is no convenient harassment blocking function.

Inconvenient file management

The input method is also not localized enough.

These dissatisfactions in the details,

This is precisely where we need to focus our efforts.

What we need to do is...

Not another iOS or stock Android.

Rather, it is a user who truly understands Chinese users.

And a system that users can't live without.

Hearing Lu Chen speak so knowledgeably about the product details.

It accurately points out the pain points of the current product.

A hint of approval flashed in Hong Feng's eyes.

What he needs is a like-minded partner.

He is a true product expert and a partner who values ​​user experience.

Instead of a boss who only talks big but doesn't deliver.

The time that follows.

Hong Feng then asked several questions about the technical roadmap, resource allocation, and team management.

Lu Chen answered each question one by one.

Do not deliberately avoid difficulties.

The discussion consistently revolved around the product, users, and the team itself.

The Q&A session is nearing its end.

The scrutinizing look on Hong Feng's face gradually faded.

Instead, there was a sense of eagerness.

"One last question."

Hong Feng took a deep breath.

"Mr. Lu, what are your ultimate expectations for the ZUI system?"

Or, to put it another way, what level do you hope it will reach?

Lu Chen thought for a moment, then slowly spoke:

I hope,

ZUI system is poised to become the best Android system in the hearts of Chinese users.

none of them!

even,

Someday in the future, we can remove the word "Android".

Become a truly independent system!

Hong Feng listened quietly, his expression gradually changing.

A few minutes later,

He picked up his now-cold coffee and took a sip.

Then he looked at Lu Chen, extended his hand, and said:

"Mr. Lu, you've successfully convinced me."

I wasn't convinced by your description.

Rather, it is your understanding of the product.

And his honest attitude convinced him.

"I accept this challenge!"

Lu Chen gripped his hand tightly and replied:

Welcome to Journey Technology

ZUI system, I'm counting on you!

The two hands are clasped together.

……

Hong Feng joined.

It's like giving the slow-moving Journey 1 a rocket.

He started working with astonishing efficiency.

First of all,

He spent two whole days with Lin Bing and Lu Chen.

This section details the overall architecture, core modules, and development milestones of the ZUI system.

A detailed review and planning were conducted.

That originally creative project proposal.

Hong Feng used rigorous engineering thinking to refine it into an executable technical roadmap.

Immediately afterwards, Lin Bing and Hong Feng began recruiting.

The two leveraged their connections at Google and in the industry to create a powerful attraction.

In just one month,

Several engineers who were key technical personnel in well-known foreign companies or internet companies were recruited to Hangzhou.

Among them are many experienced Android system kernel engineers, UI design experts, and senior architects.

A formidable system development team is beginning to take shape.

at the same time,

Lin Bing is also making every effort to advance the research and development of mobile phone hardware and the establishment of the supply chain.

He personally led the team and repeatedly discussed the engineering implementation plan for Journey 1 with Zhao Yongqiang and others.

Facing the challenge of an all-glass body with a metal frame.

They work with numerous domestic and international glass cover manufacturers and metal processing plants.

Intensive technical verification and prototyping testing were conducted.

Every detail has been repeatedly demonstrated and tested.

Lu Chen oversaw the overall situation and ensured the stability of funds.

The company's cash is like its lifeblood.

A steady stream of funds flowed into the Journey 1 research and development project, which was frantically devouring funds.

He also needs to pay attention to the stability of the existing production and sales of Journey Z1 and the game business.

To provide continuous financial support to the company.