Core Viewpoint - ByteDance is reportedly planning to launch an AI phone, tentatively named "Doubao Phone," by the end of this year or early next year, with ZTE as the ODM manufacturer for production. However, ByteDance has denied any plans to release its own phone products, focusing instead on exploring AI capabilities for various hardware manufacturers [1][3]. Group 1: AI Hardware Developments - ByteDance has previously ventured into hardware, launching educational products like the Dali Smart Learning Lamp in 2020, but faced regulatory challenges leading to a reduction in its education business [3]. - In 2021, ByteDance acquired Pico, marking a significant step in its hardware strategy. Pico expanded its team and released new products, achieving a leading position in the domestic VR market, but has since faced business contraction and staff reductions starting in 2023 [3][4]. - ByteDance has made recent acquisitions, including the headphone brand Oladance, and is reportedly developing lightweight mixed reality (XR) glasses to compete with similar products from Meta [3][4]. Group 2: AI Ecosystem and Strategy - ByteDance has established a comprehensive layout in the AI hardware sector, integrating various devices such as phones, headphones, and glasses to create a closed-loop experience that combines software and hardware [4]. - The company has made significant advancements in AI models, recently open-sourcing the M3-Agent framework, which outperforms models like GPT-4o in various tests [4]. - ByteDance's AI applications, including products like Gauth and Cici, have rapidly gained traction both domestically and internationally, with Gauth reportedly serving educational resources to 300 million users globally [4]. Group 3: Future Directions - ByteDance appears to be moving towards a "soft and hard integration" ecosystem, similar to international competitors like Apple and Meta, as a strategic choice and a necessary response to competition [5].

Group 1 - ByteDance is reportedly developing an AI phone called "Doubao," with ZTE as the ODM manufacturer, planned for internal testing by the end of this year or early next year, but the company has denied any plans to launch a phone product [2] - This is the third time in a year that ByteDance has been rumored to enter the mobile phone business, with previous denials regarding collaborations with Nubia and the hiring of former Honor CEO Zhao Ming [3] - ByteDance's hardware exploration dates back to the acquisition of Smartisan's team and patents in late 2018, leading to the establishment of the "New Stone Laboratory," which has since shifted focus to educational hardware after initial products underperformed [3] Group 2 - With the rise of generative AI technology, ByteDance is increasing its hardware efforts, focusing on partnerships and ecosystem empowerment rather than developing its own devices [4] - In 2024, ByteDance fully acquired headphone manufacturer Oladance and launched the AI-enabled smart headphones "Ola Friend," while also collaborating with Yingmu Technology for smart glasses [4] - ByteDance's current strategy indicates a preference for being an AI technology and service provider, embedding its capabilities into various hardware rather than manufacturing its own devices [4]

Core Viewpoint - ByteDance is reportedly developing an AI phone named "Doubao Phone," with ZTE as the ODM manufacturer, but the company has denied any plans to launch its own phone products [1][2]. Group 1: AI Hardware Ecosystem - ByteDance has been expanding its AI hardware ecosystem, covering areas such as smart office, smart toys, smart learning, and smart wearables [1]. - The company previously launched its first AI smart earphone, Ola Friend, which integrates with the Doubao model and the Doubao app [1]. - ByteDance has collaborated with Zhongke Lanyun to combine the AI interaction capabilities of the Doubao model with the connectivity performance of the AB6003G WiFi IoT chip [1]. Group 2: Denial of Phone Development - Despite various rumors about developing its own AI phone, ByteDance has consistently stated that it has no plans to launch such a product [2]. - In June of the previous year, there were claims that ByteDance would secretly start an AI phone project through the acquisition of Smartisan Technology, which the company denied [2]. - In January of this year, reports suggested a partnership with Nubia to develop an AI phone, but this information was also refuted by ByteDance [2].