Asus, a major player in the smartphone market, has confirmed that its smartphone business will be put on indefinite hold. The company's chairman, Jonney Shih, announced during a recent event in Taiwan that Asus would no longer release new mobile phone models, citing the fact that the industry has become increasingly saturated and that consumers are now holding onto their devices for longer periods of time.
Instead, Asus plans to focus its efforts on developing AI products such as robots and smart glasses. This strategic shift comes after a year where the company saw a 26.1% increase in revenue, primarily due to the growth of its AI server business. Shih emphasized that while the smartphone market may not be viable for Asus, other parts of the company's business can continue to thrive.
The news comes as no surprise to many, as Asus has been gradually scaling back its phone release schedule over the years. The ROG Phone line, which was once a prominent player in the gaming phone niche, has seen sales decline significantly. With prices starting at $1,200 for the latest model, it appears that the market segment for high-end gaming phones is dwindling.
Shih's comments also highlight the challenges faced by traditional smartphone manufacturers in recent years. The rise of Chinese OEMs such as Vivo and Xiaomi has made it increasingly difficult for niche players to compete. Furthermore, with consumers holding onto their devices for longer periods, the need for frequent updates and new models has decreased, making it even more challenging for companies like Asus to maintain a profitable presence in the market.
While this news may come as a disappointment to some fans of Asus's smartphones, the company's decision to focus on AI products is seen as a savvy move. By leveraging its expertise in this area, Asus can potentially tap into emerging markets and technologies that are expected to drive growth in the coming years.
Instead, Asus plans to focus its efforts on developing AI products such as robots and smart glasses. This strategic shift comes after a year where the company saw a 26.1% increase in revenue, primarily due to the growth of its AI server business. Shih emphasized that while the smartphone market may not be viable for Asus, other parts of the company's business can continue to thrive.
The news comes as no surprise to many, as Asus has been gradually scaling back its phone release schedule over the years. The ROG Phone line, which was once a prominent player in the gaming phone niche, has seen sales decline significantly. With prices starting at $1,200 for the latest model, it appears that the market segment for high-end gaming phones is dwindling.
Shih's comments also highlight the challenges faced by traditional smartphone manufacturers in recent years. The rise of Chinese OEMs such as Vivo and Xiaomi has made it increasingly difficult for niche players to compete. Furthermore, with consumers holding onto their devices for longer periods, the need for frequent updates and new models has decreased, making it even more challenging for companies like Asus to maintain a profitable presence in the market.
While this news may come as a disappointment to some fans of Asus's smartphones, the company's decision to focus on AI products is seen as a savvy move. By leveraging its expertise in this area, Asus can potentially tap into emerging markets and technologies that are expected to drive growth in the coming years.