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].

Core Insights - The music industry is significantly outperforming the film industry, with concert revenues contributing 90% of the total 220 billion RMB in the performance sector, which saw an 85% increase year-on-year, while film box office revenues are projected to decline by 23% in 2024 [1][2][9]. Group 1: Industry Performance - The performance industry, including music, theater, and dance, generated a total box office revenue of 220 billion RMB last year, with music alone accounting for 90% of this figure [1]. - The concert segment is the primary driver of growth within the music industry, contributing 90% of its revenue, while other forms like music festivals account for the remaining 10% [1]. - In contrast, the film industry is facing a downturn, with total box office revenues expected to drop by 23% in 2024 [1]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Investors are losing patience with the film industry, as evidenced by the drastic decline in the market value of companies like iQIYI, which has seen a 90% drop from its peak, while Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) has increased its market value significantly [1][2]. - TME's market value has grown from 210 billion RMB to 330 billion RMB, indicating a 27-fold increase compared to iQIYI's current valuation [1]. Group 3: Company Comparisons - Alibaba Pictures, after rebranding to Damai Entertainment, has seen its stock price rise over 140% this year, while Maoyan Entertainment's stock has only increased by 1% [2]. - Damai's revenue has outperformed that of Alibaba Pictures' film projects, highlighting its dominance in the ticketing market [6][8]. Group 4: Financial Performance - TME's revenue from music subscriptions grew by 25.9% to 15.227 billion RMB, driven by a 16.6% increase in paid users and an increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) [20]. - In contrast, iQIYI's revenue has stagnated, with its net profit remaining precarious, indicating a stark difference in financial health between the two companies [19][20]. Group 5: Consumer Behavior - The willingness of consumers to pay high ticket prices for concerts, despite the rising costs, contrasts with the challenges faced by the film industry regarding ticket pricing [2][15]. - The music industry has successfully increased its membership numbers and ARPU, while the film industry struggles with a saturated membership model [2][21]. Group 6: Global Trends - The trend of music surpassing film in market value is not unique to China, as evidenced by global reports indicating that music rights have outstripped film rights in value [26]. - Major streaming platforms like Spotify continue to show robust growth, while traditional film platforms like Netflix are facing challenges in maintaining subscriber growth [30].