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

"What about the call recording?"

Wu Zhixuan asked.

Hong Feng opened the phone app and dialed a test number.

Once connected, tap the record button on the screen.

The call recording begins immediately.

After hanging up,

Recording files are automatically saved in the call recording folder.

It can be renamed, played, and deleted.

"It perfectly meets the needs of domestic business people."

Lin Bing added:

"And we've made optimizations."

A one-hour call only takes up about 20MB of space.

Lu Chen picked up the second prototype.

This is a white version of the Conquer Online 1.

Unlike the calm and composed nature of black.

The white version looks lighter and more stylish.

Both the front and rear windows are pure white.

The mid-frame is also made of polished silver aluminum alloy.

Under the light,

The entire machine resembles a meticulously carved piece of white jade.

He opened the camera app.

It features a 500-megapixel rear camera with an LED flash.

The viewfinder interface is simple and clear.

The focus frame moves according to the position of the finger tap.

Lu Chen took a picture of the laboratory window.

The imaging speed is very fast, and the photo quality is excellent for a mobile phone in 2009.

At least it achieved clear details, accurate color reproduction, and good noise control.

"This camera produces better images than the Nokia N97."

Zheng Yong leaned over and took a look.

"We bought the camera from Sony."

Lin Bing explained.

"Although the cost is high, it's well worth it."

"Mobile phone photography will be a major selling point in the future."

Lu Chen swiped left to turn the page again.

Three apps appeared on the desktop: App Store, Journey Community, and Z-Dimension.

These three software programs were all planned from the very beginning of their development.

The app store has also removed the words "Journey" from the beginning.

After all, app stores are an important software distribution channel.

The goal is to extend this technology to other mobile phone brands as much as possible in the future.

If it carries too much of a technological feel from the Journey series.

We may encounter difficulties when negotiating with mobile phone manufacturers.

Lu Chen casually opened the Z-Dimensional APP.

The loading speed is very fast.

The page has been redesigned specifically for mobile devices.

The video covers are displayed side by side in pairs.

It's almost identical to the early Bilibili app.

Overall, Lu Chen felt the work was quite well done.

Next,

The two prototypes were passed from hand to hand among the crowd.

Everyone got to experience it for themselves.

The atmosphere in the laboratory was tense from the beginning.

It gradually turned into excitement.

It eventually turned into an almost frenzied excitement.

"It's so smooth! Is this really an Android system?"

An engineer who switched jobs from Nokia said:

"Even the Symbian system I used to work on wasn't this smooth."

"The texture! The feel!"

Zhao Yongqiang repeatedly stroked the glass back panel of the fuselage.

I used to think the build quality of the iPhone 3G was good enough.

But this is what made me realize,

What truly defines excellent workmanship!

"ZUI's system logic is so clear!"

Another software engineer was also lamenting.

"Each function should be placed where it should be."

The learning curve is virtually nonexistent.

Lu Chen listened to everyone's discussion.

A huge weight has finally been lifted off my shoulders.

He knew that Conquer Online 1 had succeeded!

Judging from the engineering prototype at least, it was a success!

This machine boasts a design language that is ahead of its time.

A smooth and fluid system experience.

Solid build quality.

It is not perfect yet.

For example, battery life still needs optimization.

The system's functions are still relatively rudimentary.

There is still room for improvement in heat dissipation during high-load operation.

But it already possesses all the qualities to become a blockbuster.

"Everyone."

Lu Chen clapped his hands, and the laboratory fell silent.

All eyes were on him.

"The prototype passed our internal testing."

Lu Chen's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet laboratory.

This means,

During the development phase of Conquer Online 1,

Officially over!

After a brief silence, applause broke out.

First came a few scattered sounds.

They then quickly merged into one.

Finally, it turned into thunderous applause.

Some people hugged each other, some high-fived in celebration, and some secretly wiped away tears.

Over the past few months...

All the hardships and pain they endured, all the breakdowns and hesitations.

Now, all of this has an answer.

"but."

Lu Chen raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet.

"The end of research and development is just the beginning."

Next,

We are facing challenges related to mass production, quality control, distribution channels, and the market.

Before mass production

We must first answer the most crucial question.

How much do we want for this phone?

The group moved the venue to the meeting room.

At this moment, on the projection screen in the conference room...

This displays a detailed cost analysis table for Conquer Online 1.

Lin Bing stood in front,

He pointed at the various data points with a laser pointer.

"Combining the costs of all hardware components..."

This includes processors, memory, flash memory, screens, batteries, camera modules, various sensors, structural components, RF modules, PCBs, as well as packaging and accessories.

Lin Bing rattled off all the items in one breath.

He adjusted his glasses and continued:

"Given the supply chain prices and initial production scale we've negotiated so far,"

The hardware cost per unit is approximately 1700 RMB.

A murmur arose from the audience.

The hardware cost of 1700 yuan was no small sum in 2009.

Keep in mind that at that time, a person's monthly income was only around 2500 yuan.

"This doesn't even include the cost sharing of R&D, marketing expenses, channel revenue sharing, and our own profit."

Lin Bing added.

"If we follow the industry's conventional pricing logic,

Including the various costs mentioned above,

The retail price should be at least 2500 yuan.

It may even target the 3000 yuan price range.

This is essential to ensure healthy profit margins and continued investment in research and development.

Zheng Yong raised his hand to speak.

He was previously in charge of the distribution channels for Journey to the West Z1.

They have the best understanding of market terminal prices.

"Mr. Lin is right."

Referring to competing products in the market,

The Meizu M8 starts at 2380 yuan, and demand exceeds supply.

The HTC G1 is priced at $399 in Europe and America.

Converted to RMB, it would cost around 2700 yuan.

Needless to say, the Apple iPhone 3G is also extremely expensive, even when sold in China.

If we price it in the range of 2500 to 2800 yuan,

With the design and ZUI system of Conquer Online 1,

I am confident that I can open up the market!

Zhao Yongqiang frowned and said:

"Isn't the price too high?"

Isn't our goal to make smartphones for the masses?

More than 2500 yuan,

Many users who want to experience smartphones may be deterred from doing so.

do not forget,

The success of the Z1

Affordable pricing is one of the key factors.

"But a cell phone isn't an MP4 player!"

Wu Zhixuan retorted:

"The cost and technical complexity are on completely different levels."

We used the best glass, a custom-made mid-frame, and a high-specification screen and camera.

These are not cheap items.

The price is too low.

Will it make people doubt our quality?

Or it doesn't make any money at all.

Is it going to turn into a loss-making venture that only generates buzz?

An argument broke out in the meeting room.

On the one hand, it supports mid-to-high-end pricing to ensure profits.

On the one hand, they decided to quickly capture the market with affordable pricing.

The two factions each held their own views and argued with each other.

Lu Chen listened quietly without offering any opinions.

He knew,

The price directly determines the fate of Conquer Online 1.

The hardware cost is 1700 yuan.

It wasn't much different from the iPhone 4 at the time.

But Apple dares to sell its products for over 5000 yuan.

Is Conquer Online going to raise its price and become China's Apple?

This goes against Lu Chen's original intention in making mobile phones.