3 6 Ke·2026-01-29 04:13Core Viewpoint - The competition among major tech companies during the 2026 Spring Festival revolves around distributing cash rewards through AI, but this strategy reflects a deeper strategic anxiety rather than genuine innovation [2][8]. Group 1: Cash Incentives and User Engagement - The cash rewards being offered are seen as a form of "bribery" rather than a sustainable way to engage users with AI technology [5][6]. - Unlike the successful launch of WeChat red envelopes in 2015, which created a closed-loop system for mobile payments, the current AI cash incentives lack a similar follow-up mechanism to foster user habits [4][5]. - Users are unlikely to develop a dependency on AI simply because of small cash rewards, as the interaction may not lead to meaningful engagement with the technology [5][20]. Group 2: Strategic Competition and Market Positioning - The current battle among tech giants is described as a "sovereignty defense war," where companies are trying to maintain their market position against the backdrop of AI's transformative potential [8][9]. - The rise of AI threatens to diminish the importance of traditional apps, as users may prefer direct interactions with AI rather than navigating multiple applications [12][13]. - Companies are concerned about becoming mere conduits for AI services, losing their established market dominance [13][15]. Group 3: User Fatigue and Market Dynamics - Users in 2026 are more sophisticated and less impressed by cash rewards compared to 2015, leading to a sense of fatigue towards such incentives [17][18]. - The expectation that cash can drive user engagement with AI is flawed, as users prioritize functionality and effectiveness over monetary incentives [20][27]. - The current approach of using cash rewards is seen as a desperate measure by companies that have not yet found a viable strategy for engaging users in the AI era [22][28]. Group 4: Recommendations for Future Strategies - Companies should consider more innovative ways to engage users, such as creating interactive experiences that enhance AI's utility rather than relying solely on cash incentives [30][31]. - Fostering user-generated content and leveraging influencers could be more effective in demonstrating AI's capabilities and attracting users [31][32]. - The focus should shift from merely distributing cash to creating meaningful interactions that showcase the practical benefits of AI, thereby establishing a stronger user connection [32].