Luo Yonghao and Smartphones: From Smartisan to AIOS, Where "Beautiful" is Just the Beginning

Luo Yonghao and Smartphones: From Smartisan to AIOS, Where "Beautiful" is Just the BeginningRecently, a netizen shared their years-long experience using Smartisan phones on social media, from the T1 to the Nut R1 and R2, ultimately needing to replace their aging R2. This post garnered significant attention, with Luo Yonghao himself retweeting and commenting, sparking discussions about his potential return to the mobile phone industry

Luo Yonghao and Smartphones: From Smartisan to AIOS, Where "Beautiful" is Just the Beginning

Recently, a netizen shared their years-long experience using Smartisan phones on social media, from the T1 to the Nut R1 and R2, ultimately needing to replace their aging R2. This post garnered significant attention, with Luo Yonghao himself retweeting and commenting, sparking discussions about his potential return to the mobile phone industry.

The netizen's post briefly recounted their journey with Smartisan, showcasing the brand's loyal user base that spanned from the initial T1 to the later Nut series. The core of the post lay in the user's need for a new phone due to the aging Nut R2, leading them to consider Xiaomi as a replacement given Smartisan's exit from the phone market. This seemingly simple user experience sharing unexpectedly touched Luo Yonghao, prompting reflection on his future direction.

After retweeting, Luo Yonghao offered a thought-provoking comment: "Hard to say. Simply making phones again is pointless, but for AIOS well, computer pioneer Alan Kay taught us, 'Those who really care about software will make their own hardware.'" This wasn't a direct answer regarding a phone business reboot, but a deeper exploration of his philosophy on technology and product development. He emphasized that simply manufacturing phones lacks meaning, focusing instead on AIOS development. Quoting Alan Kay highlights his dedication to deep software-hardware integration, suggesting AIOS is a significant driver behind a potential return to phones. This isn't merely a business decision but a commitment to his technological ideals.

In the comments, a netizen directly asked about a new phone, emphasizing their desire for aesthetic appeal: "Really? I want it beautiful." Luo Yonghao's concise reply: "Mm, beautiful is just the basic skill," reflects his high standards for product design. For him, "beautiful" is fundamental; the crucial aspects are inner quality and technological innovation. This echoes his past pursuit of design and user experience at Smartisan, implying any future phone will prioritize deep technological capabilities beyond mere aesthetics.

Luo Yonghao's entrepreneurial journey inevitably includes Smartisan Technology, founded in May 2012. SmartisanOS, launched in March 2013, was a core strength, praised for its smoothness and user experience. The Smartisan T1, released in May 2014, marked Smartisan's entry into the phone market, establishing a niche with its unique design and system experience. However, Smartisan declared bankruptcy in late 2018, leaving Luo Yonghao with substantial debt, a significant personal and professional setback.

Yet, Luo Yonghao didn't succumb. Through livestreaming commerce, he repaid his debts, achieving a professional rebirth. This period provided valuable business experience and connections, laying a strong foundation for his future. In July 2022, he founded ThinRedLine, focusing on AR and AI, demonstrating a shift towards cutting-edge technology with AIOS as a central focus.

From Smartisan to ThinRedLine, Luo Yonghao's journey has been challenging. Past failures provided valuable lessons, leading to greater maturity and stability. He no longer fixates on a simple phone business, aiming for broader technological horizons through AIOS. Any return to the phone industry would be driven by deeper technological considerations rather than mere business. "Beautiful is just the basic skill" encapsulates not just product design, but Luo Yonghao's aspirations for himself and his future endeavors. He seeks not only commercial success but a relentless pursuit of technological ideals and superior user experiences.