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 tools for managing smartphones, reflects a significant shift in technology and user behavior, leading to their obsolescence in the current digital landscape [6][8][31]. Group 1: Historical Context - Mobile assistants like 91 Assistant, iTools, and others were once essential for managing iOS and Android devices, providing functionalities such as app sideloading and jailbreaking [12][15][18]. - The acquisition of 91 Wireless by Baidu for $1.9 billion in 2013 marked a peak for mobile assistants, but ultimately highlighted Baidu's misjudgment of the market's future [21][23]. - The initial appeal of mobile assistants stemmed from their ability to offer features that were not available through official app stores, catering to a user base that sought free or alternative applications [24][34]. Group 2: Market Evolution - As smartphones became more capable and independent, the need for computer-based management tools diminished, leading to the rise of cloud services and streaming [30][32]. - The increasing awareness of copyright and the convenience of app stores have shifted user preferences towards legitimate app purchases, reducing reliance on mobile assistants [34][35]. - Android's ecosystem has evolved, with manufacturers developing their own app stores, further diminishing the role of third-party mobile assistants [35]. Group 3: Current Landscape - Despite the decline, some mobile assistants like iTools and 爱思助手 (iDevice Assistant) have adapted by focusing on niche functionalities, such as device verification reports for second-hand phone transactions [39][41]. - The market for mobile assistants has contracted significantly, with many smaller players unable to pivot successfully and thus ceasing operations [46]. - The emergence of new types of "assistants," such as those for headsets, indicates a potential shift in the technology landscape, reminiscent of the early days of mobile assistants [50][53].