19亿美元的91助手死了，但“手机助手”已经秽土转生

Core Viewpoint - The decline of mobile assistant applications, once popular in the smartphone ecosystem, is highlighted by the demise of 91 Assistant, signaling a broader trend of obsolescence in this sector [2][48]. Group 1: Historical Context - Mobile assistants like 91 Assistant, iTools, and others were once essential tools for managing smartphones, especially in the early days of iOS and Android [3][4][9]. - The acquisition of 91 Wireless by Baidu for $1.9 billion in 2013 marked a significant moment in the mobile assistant landscape, but ultimately, Baidu's strategy did not align with the future of mobile applications [15][18]. - The mobile application market was once vibrant, characterized by intense competition among various mobile assistant platforms [13]. Group 2: Evolution of User Needs - As smartphones became more capable and independent, the need for desktop-based management tools diminished, leading to a shift towards cloud services and streaming [29][30]. - Users' attitudes towards app payments have evolved, with a growing willingness to pay for quality applications, reducing reliance on cracked or pirated apps [32]. Group 3: Current Landscape - The remaining mobile assistants, such as iTools and 爱思助手 (i4), have had to pivot their business models, focusing on niche services like device verification reports [38][41]. - The market for mobile assistants has contracted significantly, with many smaller players unable to adapt and thus ceasing operations [47]. - The rise of integrated features within smartphones, such as Apple's own verification tools, poses further challenges for existing mobile assistant applications [44]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The emergence of new types of "assistants" in technology suggests a shift in how users interact with devices, potentially leading to a new era where traditional mobile assistants become obsolete [51][55].