The world is in trouble

Chapter 321 Crushing Victory! My Precious Lian Yi!
In 2009, global mobile phone shipments reached 12.5 billion units, about 30 million more than in previous years.

This is because the early arrival of the smart technology wave has spurred a wave of device upgrades among many users worldwide.

Specifically, Nokia remains number one among these brands, with shipments of 4.38 million units and a market share of around 36%, including approximately 40 million smartphones. This is almost 28 million fewer units than in its historical record.

Samsung ranked second with 2.16 million units shipped.

LG ranked third with shipments of approximately 1.22 million units.

Motorola, ranked fourth, shipped approximately 5800 million units.

Sony Ericsson ranked fifth, with shipments of approximately 5300 million units.

Apple shipped approximately 2500 million units.

Quantum technology shipments are around 1580 million units.

Coolpad shipped approximately 1500 million units.

HTC shipped 900 million units.

This shows that Nokia still seems to be at its peak, not only consistently holding the number one position globally, but also with little change in its key market share.

However, Nokia itself already felt a great crisis because they were not making good progress on the road to intelligentization.

In 2009, Nokia shipped approximately 6800 million smartphones, making it the undisputed number one in the smartphone market.

However, the Nokia N97 and Nokia N97i, which they had high hopes for, were both failures, with sales of only a few million units.

The main drivers of smartphone shipments are not flagship models, but mid-to-low-priced models.

The situation is even more dire in this world, because the three-way battle between iOS, Google, and quantum technology, especially the battle between quantum technology and Google's Android, not only triggered the smartphone revolution ahead of schedule, but also made the standards and concepts of smartphones more deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Whether it's Google's flagship phones, Apple's, or quantum technology, users worldwide have found that Nokia's flagship phones do not meet the standards.

Therefore, Nokia's smartphone shipments nearly halved in this world.

The brand that suffered the most was Motorola.

In just a few years, it plummeted from second to fourth in the world, with its shipments halved compared to before.

Just a few years ago, Motorola's shipments consistently exceeded 100 million units.

In terms of sheer shipment volume, Samsung has emerged as a dark horse.

The most coveted things are undoubtedly Apple and quantum technology.

Although the shipment volumes of these two companies are not high, especially Quantum Technology's shipments, which are only 1580 million units, both Apple and Quantum Technology are flagship phones.

For example, the lowest price for a quantum technology unit is over $550, while the highest configuration exceeds $1000.

According to relevant statistics, the average price of a quantum phone shipped is around $700, which means that in 2009, quantum technology's revenue from selling mobile phone terminals alone exceeded $100 billion.

And the market share of the three major smartphone platforms is something everyone is paying close attention to.

Of these, over 4100 million were Apple iOS devices.

There are over 4600 million quantum technology X-operation terminals.

Google's Android devices number approximately 2650 million.

The moment this data came out, it didn't just elicit gasps, it caused shock.

Has quantum technology gone mad?
A month and a half ago, there were only 3150 million terminals using the Quantum Technology X Operating System. Now, the number has skyrocketed to 4600 million!
What happened?

Although Bill Gates waved the Quantum NOTE around the world, generating immense buzz for the phone and significantly boosting its brand value, the phone still managed to achieve remarkable success.

Although the Coolpad K1 continues to sell well.

But in just one and a half months, the number of terminals using this operating system increased by about 1500 million. Isn't that crazy?
Upon checking the relevant data, it became clear that...

Although the Quantum NOTE sold around 390 million units in the past month and a half due to the popularity of the media, the Coolpad K1 also sold around 480 million units.

The remaining shipments were all generated by Huawei and ZTE, while Meizu's M9 sold over 180 million units in China.

Huawei and ZTE, with their ultra-low-priced smartphones, directly partnered with global operators and sold six to seven million units in less than a month.

This further widens the lead of the X operating system over the Android system.

A month and a half ago, the lead was only around 8 million, but now it's nearly 20 million.

This is already far ahead.

Instantly, the global media launched a massive publicity campaign.

But aside from the battle between Android and X operating systems, one other manufacturer dominated the headlines in the tech media.

That's Motorola's financial report.

Although specific data is not yet available, relevant investment institutions have provided approximate figures.

Motorola's total revenue in 2009 was approximately $220 billion, but it was still operating at a loss.

Tragically, this loss was achieved by reducing shipments and cutting many product lines.

The mobile terminal division's annual revenue was approximately $70 billion, a 41% drop compared to 2009.

This data is quite alarming.

Moreover, many people only realized after checking the financial statements that, despite Motorola selling more than 50 million mobile phones, its revenue from mobile phone sales was still less than that of Quantum Technology.

Is the tech industry really that bad?

Motorola was at its peak just two years ago, but suddenly it plummeted?
Then, another piece of news broke.

Motorola may sell its mobile devices division.

In an instant, the entire market was in turmoil.

Some leaders even called Lin Xiao directly to inquire if he had any ideas about quantum technology, and if so, the government would provide strong support.

Indeed, in the eyes of the world, although Motorola's performance has plummeted this year, it is still a golden brand.

Relevant national departments believe that once Quantum Technology acquires Motorola, it will achieve twice the result with half the effort, like adding wings to a tiger.

Then, Lin Xiao actually held a meeting with Quantum Technology, Xia Xi, Wu Lingxi, Sun Zhengyi and others.

To many, Motorola's brand remains highly authoritative and boasts a vast number of patents, though its core concepts may be outdated and no longer relevant.

Quantum technology is not lacking in new ideas and is full of innovative vitality, but it lacks a solid foundation.

If Quantum Technology acquires Motorola, it may have a synergistic effect, potentially replicating the success of Lenovo's acquisition of IBM's computer terminals.

Of course, it is estimated that the acquisition price will be extremely, extremely, extremely expensive, exceeding more than 10 billion US dollars.

Quantum Technology has invested tens of billions of RMB in developing semiconductors, building new factories, and establishing Linxia Optoelectronics with Sharp to develop AMOLED screens.

And all of them are bank loans.

However, if Quantum Technology is truly willing to acquire Motorola, then both Masayoshi Son from outside the company and relevant national banks from within the country would be willing to lend the money.

Historically, Google acquired Motorola for over ten billion US dollars, and then sold it to Lenovo for over two billion US dollars a few years later.

Even though the price was several times lower, the acquisition of Motorola was still considered a major failure.

Lin Xiao thought about this question very seriously.

Lian Xiang's attempt to acquire Motorola failed, but Quantum Technology may not fail, and the two sides seem to be a very good fit.

Moreover, Motorola has a vast number of patents, and if acquired, Quantum Technology will gain a very proactive position in any potential patent wars in the future.

but……

There is a huge conflict.

What happens to the Quantum Phone brand once Motorola is acquired?
Giving up was out of the question. Lin Xiao spent two whole years and astronomical sums of money to gradually build up the brand value of the quantum phone.

Dual-brand strategy?
It's like the Swatch Group acquiring Longines and then turning it into a mid-range brand?

After acquiring Motorola, Quantum Technology remains a high-end brand, but Motorola has become a mid-range brand?

Just like Huawei and Honor?

It feels really good to think about that.

But... there's no need for that.

Lin Xiao's strategy is to conquer the world's high-end brands with quantum technology, while leaving the mid-to-low-end mobile phones entirely to domestic allies.

Moreover, its focus is on promoting the X operating system.

Once you create two brands and cover the entire mid-to-low-end market in the future, others may not want to play with you.

After the meeting, Quantum Technology decided not to participate in this game.

Everyone chose to obey.

But it seems that many people feel regretful, especially the top executives of Quantum Technology. In their view, acquiring this globally renowned brand sounds very satisfying.

........................

"Mr. Lin, there are rumors that Quantum Technology is interested in acquiring Motorola. Is that true?"

At a high-level conference, reporters surrounded Lin Xiao and asked him this question.

Moreover, you could tell from their words that they were really looking forward to it.

Even now, the public across the internet is enthusiastic. Whether it's fans of "Ergou" or ordinary Chinese netizens, they all seem eager to see Quantum Technology acquire Motorola and leap into becoming a top global brand.

At this point, Lin Xiao could certainly release a smokescreen to muddy the waters.

If Lin Xiao says that Quantum Technology is interested in acquiring Motorola, it will likely trigger a bidding war between Google and Microsoft, which will drive up Motorola's price.

It seems to be very profitable.

However, there are two downsides: it will create a sense of crisis and distrust among these emerging domestic mobile phone brands.

Because Lin Xiao has always made it very clear that quantum technology will be responsible for the global high-end market, while the remaining vast market will be handed over to domestic mobile phone brands. All that is needed is for everyone to stand firmly on the side of the X operating system.

Everyone recognized you as their leader, but then you stepped down and started competing with them for food.

Another point is that Er Gou, the leader of the cult, always keeps his word. He said he was interested in making an acquisition, but in the end, he didn't, which disappointed everyone.

Therefore, Lin Xiao said in a resolute tone: "No, Quantum Technology has no intention of acquiring Motorola."

This attitude was adopted.

Other domestic mobile phone manufacturers breathed a sigh of relief.

Many people across the country were somewhat disappointed.

Alas, our desire for domestic brands to swallow up international brands has not been realized, and this sense of national pride has not been given to us. The reporter actually asked this question as well: "Mr. Lin, acquiring Motorola would have allowed Quantum Technology to become a global company in the shortest possible time, greatly enhancing its brand value, number of patents, and global prestige. Why didn't you do that?"

Lin Xiao replied, "Compared to sudden advancements, I prefer to take things one step at a time. That was the case with Facebook back then, and it was the same with WeChat later on, and it's the same with quantum technology."

Shortly after Lin Xiao made his public statement, he received a call from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

"Lin, is what you're saying true?"

Lin Xiao: "Yes, Quantum Technology has no intention of acquiring Motorola."

In the past, Ballmer would probably have thought that there was something fishy going on and it was hard to predict. But now, after dealing with Lin Xiao for so many years, he directly believed what Lin Xiao said.

Ballmer: "I understand."

He didn't even say that he hoped you would keep my phone call a secret.

Because Ballmer's phone call implies that Microsoft is interested in acquiring Motorola's mobile phone division.

After hesitating for a long time, Ballmer asked, "You've been fighting with Google for so long, do you think it would be interested?"

Lin Xiao: "Absolutely, I'm even pretty determined to get it."

Ballmer: "So how much do you think Google would be willing to spend to acquire Motorola's mobile division? Of course, I'm asking this very presumptuous question."

Lin Xiao was silent for a moment: "Probably between 12 billion and 14 billion."

Upon hearing this, Ballmer was once again dumbfounded.

He had always known that Lin Xiao was honest, but he never expected him to be this honest.

The Chinese man in front of me really doesn't seem like a businessman at all, just like the rumors suggest.

"Thank you!" Ballmer hung up the phone.

........................

Then, more rumors emerged.

Google is interested in acquiring Motorola.

Or rather, the global media has recognized Google's resolve in this regard.

Indeed, Google's urgency to acquire Motorola is much greater than it has been in the past.

Historically, its only competitor was iOS, because Nokia's Symbian did not develop very well.

Android is open source, and it's not even a direct competitor to Apple's iOS.

Historically, with the addition of mobile phone brands such as HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson, Lenovo, and Motorola to the Android camp, and some of their products achieving great success.

Therefore, at this point in history, Google's Android had almost no sense of crisis.

But now, the situation has completely changed.

In the first half of the year, Android was in a very favorable situation due to the entry of major brands into the market.

The launch of products from Samsung and Motorola enabled Android to rapidly surpass Quantum Technology's X operating system in market share.

But who knows, things completely went wrong in the last three months.

Not only did Quantum NOTE become a global sensation, but Lin Xiao also achieved a dramatic turnaround in an instant by employing a strategy of overwhelming numbers and cheap, high-cost machines.

In just three months, they not only regained their lead over Google, but also widened the gap to 20 million units.

Of course, not only Google, but also Microsoft and global tech media believe that this war has only just begun.

Throughout 2009, global smartphone shipments totaled just over 100 million, accounting for only one-tenth of total global mobile phone shipments.

The market is still very, very large, so this kind of win or loss is nothing at all.

But the key point is... everyone knows that 2009 was a slow year for quantum technology, and Lin Xiao even planned not to hold a press conference this year.

2010 was the year that saw a breakthrough in various technological indicators of quantum technology.

Although, neither the SOC, the brand-new screen, the brand-new camera module, nor the latest CMOS, etc., are yet to be mature.

However, Lin Xiao's aggressive early start and radical strategy have resulted in his product planning being at least a generation behind his competitors.

Of course, if everything doesn't go well.

Quantum technology is in big trouble this year, and there may be a gap in flagship products.

If everything goes relatively smoothly, then everyone will be in trouble, and it will be huge trouble.

Because whether it's SOC, screen, or CMOS, quantum technology and the supply chain have exclusive agreements.

For Google, the most dangerous thing is the wavering of other mobile phone brands.

For global mobile phone manufacturers, they basically follow whoever wins; no one will go against the trend.

Now that Android's X operating system has a market share of nearly 20 million units, will Samsung waver? Will LG waver?
Historically, Google's staunch supporter was HTC, and it was also HTC that became a huge success because of Android phones.

But in this world, HTC is the one whose fortune has been most severely taken over by quantum technology.

Therefore, Google realized that it might not have a very strong core base in the future.

Unlike quantum technology, it doesn't involve developing its own mobile operating system or manufacturing mobile phones.

Therefore, Google needed a solid foundation, making the acquisition of Motorola extremely urgent.

Then it was reported that Microsoft was also interested in acquiring Motorola.

Amid this uproar, Motorola's CEO publicly stated that Motorola currently has no intention of selling its mobile device division.

..............................

Taking advantage of this break, Lin Xiao visited Samsung and LG once again.

This is, of course, a rehash of an old topic: the hope that Samsung and LG will join the X operating system camp.

It has been almost a year since Lin Xiao last visited Samsung.

This time the situation is different; the X operating system has taken the lead over Android.

Samsung's Lee Kun-hee slowly asked, "Mr. Lim, if Samsung is willing to produce phones with the X operating system, is SOFT still willing to give up 16% of its shares?"

Lin Xiao: "I'm very sorry, President Li, but we can only offer 13% of the shares now."

Lee Kun-hee: "Just because you've gained a slight lead, does that mean you're going to raise the price on Samsung? Don't forget, Samsung shipped the second-largest number of units globally this year, reaching 2.1 million."

Lin Xiao: "That's not the case. In the past year, in order to repay our allies, we gave away some shares, so the share left for Samsung was naturally less. 13% is still a very, very high number, even a number that the entire Quantum Technology Group opposes, a number that all shareholders oppose. Moreover, in return, Samsung must ensure that the shipment volume of phones with the X operating system is no less than that of Android phones."

In comparison, quantum technology remains tolerant and non-domineering.

Unlike Google, which has a completely exclusive agreement, you can be blocked by Google once you choose to cooperate with quantum technology.

Lin Xiao did not become complacent because of his brief victory.

Lee Kun-hee: "If we sell 20% of XSOFT to Samsung, Samsung will be willing to produce phones with the X operating system, but we cannot guarantee the shipment volume."

Lin Xiao looked at the old man in front of him. Wasn't he a business tycoon?
Is it because they're completely unresponsive to reason?
Do you still not agree with my negotiation style and my work style?
Is this back-and-forth, pulling and tugging really necessary?

In the end, they still parted on bad terms.

………………

The meeting with Samsung ended badly, but unexpectedly, things went well with LG.

Although LG ranked third in shipments this year, exceeding 1.2 million units, it failed in the smartphone market this year, especially in Android phones, and was fiercely attacked by low-cost phones from the quantum technology camp.

However, it still refuses to guarantee shipment volume.

In other words, LG will still choose to cooperate with Android, but it can also produce phones with the X operating system, and it is unwilling to agree to Lin Xiao's demand that the shipment volume exceed that of Android.

Lin Xiao agreed!

However, he stipulated that LG phones running the X operating system must not be inferior to Android phones in terms of configuration and specifications.

Moreover, this operating system requires both parties to send personnel to jointly customize it.

In return, Xsoft was willing to give up 5% of its shares to LG.

Of course, LG wanted a higher stake, but Lin Xiao's style remained consistent: I was very generous and would offer a high price from the start, but that was also my bottom line.

Therefore, there will likely be some further stretching.

However, there is a high probability that this cooperation will be achieved.

Because at least LG has already shown a related trend.

Then, Lin Xiao suddenly thought of this possibility: Could it be that in the future, quantum technology and LG will share the market share that historically belonged to Samsung?

It's not impossible.

.......................................

Another Spring Festival is approaching.

This time, the chief director of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala program called again, warmly inviting Lin Xiao to participate.

Because Lin Xiao is arguably the most talked-about person this year.

This is an honor, one that would have been almost impossible to refuse in the past.

But... at this point, Lin Xiao might already have the right to refuse.

Moreover, Quantum Technology and Lightning Group remain Spring Hope's biggest sponsors this year, accounting for more than half of the total sponsorship fees.

Lin Xiao: "I'm very sorry, but I will probably have to go back to my village to celebrate the Spring Festival this year and spend time with my elders."

The other party replied, "I understand, I understand. Filial piety is the most important virtue. We all need to learn from President Lin."

Then, the other party continued to warmly invite Lin Xiao to be a guest on CCTV, and Lin Xiao readily agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Xiao looked out the window.

Lian Zheng, with graying temples, is leading a team to inspect the work in the new production area.

He picked up his phone and dialed Lian Yi's number.

“Hello…” The other person’s voice trembled slightly.

Because this was the first call between the two parties in a long time, Xiao Shuidi's hands were trembling slightly.

Lin Xiao asked softly, "Baby, are you coming home for Chinese New Year this year?"

....................................

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(End of this chapter)