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].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing competition between Apple and Google regarding app distribution and security, highlighting Apple's stance on a controlled ecosystem versus Google's recent moves to enhance security in the Android environment while still allowing sideloading. Group 1: Apple's Position - Apple CEO Tim Cook previously stated that users have a choice between a secure platform (iOS) and one that allows sideloading (Android), implying that having only one App Store on iOS is justified [1] - Cook criticized the Android ecosystem, claiming that the number of malicious apps on Android is over 47 times that of iOS, attributing this to the rigorous app review process of the App Store [3] Group 2: Google's Response - Google announced that starting in 2026, it will verify the identity of developers distributing apps on Android devices, even if they choose to bypass the Google Play Store [3][11] - This move aims to combat the proliferation of malware in the Android ecosystem while still allowing developers to use sideloading or third-party app stores [5] Group 3: Security Concerns - The Android ecosystem has seen a significant increase in malware, with a 2018 report indicating that only 0.04% of apps from the Google Play Store were classified as potentially harmful, compared to 0.92% from other sources, showing a 23-fold difference [6] - Despite Google's efforts to enhance security with AI technology in Android 16, sideloading remains a significant vulnerability, as users may unknowingly install malicious apps [8][10] Group 4: Developer Compliance - Google’s new requirement for developers to register their identity aims to reduce the risks associated with malicious applications, as it increases the cost for black and gray market distributors [12] - The move towards a more controlled environment reflects a shift in Google's approach, balancing the historical openness of Android with the need for improved security [11]

Group 1 - Huawei's HarmonyOS computers will support sideloading in the future, with gradual opening planned as the system matures and user base grows [1][4] - Sideloading refers to the installation of applications directly on devices without using official app stores [4] - Huawei plans to launch two new HarmonyOS computers in the second half of this year, one of which will merge tablet and computer experiences, described as a "detachable keyboard computer" [4] Group 2 - The HarmonyOS computer ecosystem is expanding, with expectations to exceed 2,500 native applications and over 1,200 peripheral adaptations by the end of June [4] - Major applications such as QQ, Feishu, and DingTalk have completed deep adaptations for HarmonyOS computers [4] - Huawei's new self-developed HarmonyOS computer IDE, DevEco Studio, is now in preview for enterprise developers, enabling them to develop Harmony applications [4] - HarmonyOS 6 has entered developer Beta, featuring smarter, lower latency, and more open characteristics [4]