Core Points - 91 Assistant, acquired by Baidu for $1.9 billion, is shutting down its services on September 27, leading to the permanent loss of all user data [5][35][70] - The decline of 91 Assistant reflects a broader trend in the mobile application market, where third-party app stores are losing relevance as mobile ecosystems mature [15][72] Group 1: Company Background - 91 Assistant was originally developed as iPhone PC Suite by a user frustrated with iTunes, later acquired by NetDragon and rebranded [19][21] - At its peak, 91 Assistant had over 127 million users and 10 billion app downloads, making it one of the largest third-party app platforms in China [33] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The mobile application market was initially characterized by a lack of quality control, leading to the rise of third-party app stores like 91 Assistant and Wandoujia [16][28] - The acquisition by Baidu in 2013 aimed to secure a foothold in the mobile app distribution market, where Baidu's own app store had only a 6.7% market share compared to competitors [40][41] Group 3: Industry Evolution - The shift in control from software to hardware manufacturers has diminished the role of third-party app stores, as mobile manufacturers began to enhance their own app distribution channels [50][64] - The establishment of the Hardcore Alliance in 2014 by major smartphone manufacturers aimed to unify app distribution and improve user experience, further reducing the need for third-party stores [61][64] Group 4: Conclusion - The closure of 91 Assistant illustrates the transition from a chaotic app distribution environment to a more organized ecosystem, where user needs are met directly by manufacturers [70][72] - The fate of 91 Assistant serves as a reminder that third-party applications often thrive in transitional periods but may struggle to survive as the market matures [72]