Zhang Long was quite helpless regarding Ma Dong's disappointment:
"Chairman, Changliao can use Gaode Navigation to offer local tours and local gourmet food, with direct navigation."
"But our SOSO Maps is just a basic map, without a mobile version launched yet, only web-based route planning, not even a navigation function!"
"WeChat wants to learn from Changliao to do local tours and local gourmet food, but it can't. SOSO Maps and Gaode Navigation are too far apart!"
Precisely because of this, Gaode Navigation, which costs 50 per month, currently has 40 million users.
Previously, Sogou Maps' free navigation only had a few million users; its map resource packs, navigation packs, and accuracy were not on the same level.
And Tencent's SOSO Maps was even worse than Sogou Maps, having not even launched a mobile version, let alone navigation!
In a previous life, after Tencent acquired Sogou, it directly merged the immature SOSO Maps into Sogou Maps, and only years later did it cancel Sogou Maps and replace it with Tencent Maps!
Ma Dong looked at Zhang Long, his tone becoming serious:
"SOSO Maps is indeed too far behind. But since Changliao has launched local tours and local gourmet food, we can only grit our teeth and follow suit!"
"You should be clear about the strategic significance behind local tours and local gourmet food. You wouldn't think these features aren't important, would you? And that there's no need to add them?"
This time, Zhang Long did not insist:
"Currently, the hottest trend is group buying. Wang Yi hasn't personally entered the group buying market, but through local gourmet food and local tour features, he has directly drawn all group buying to Changliao."
"Once Changliao grows big and user numbers surge, those group buying platforms will have their fate controlled by Changliao, and will all have to pay to get Changliao's traffic! At that time, no matter who wins the 'Thousand Group War,' Wang Yi's Changliao will win big!"
Ma Dong strongly agreed:
"That's right, Wang Yi's move is simply a stroke of genius! Our WeChat also has to follow suit. But to implement this feature, we must solve the map and navigation issues."
"Yes, if we acquire Baidu Navigation and utilize Baidu's navigation and POI database, we can greatly improve our efficiency. Otherwise, we can only slowly develop SOSO Maps!"
Hearing this, Ma Dong nodded:
"That's the logic. Let's first see Gaode Navigation's big moves, and then decide on a price to acquire Baidu Navigation."
"WeChat is completely crushed by Changliao. SOSO is thoroughly beaten by Gaode. Alas!"
A sigh, full of helplessness.
"But there's always hope!"
After a brief moment of dejection, Ma Dong cheered up again.
The current BAT truly does everything, investing wildly, capable of investing in dozens of projects a year, with most ultimately failing.
Over time, the founders have long become mentally strong and unfazed.
For instance, Baidu, in its efforts to develop social networking, launched three social apps at once; even if they all failed, it was nothing, and they would continue to launch new social apps after a while!
Similarly, Tencent, in its efforts to develop e-commerce, launched three or four e-commerce platforms at once; even if they all failed, it didn't matter.
Daring to try and allowing for failure is the norm in business.
In comparison, Wang Yi's steps were conservative.
Far from like BAT, which launched dozens of projects a year, and could launch three or four platforms in the same field at once.
The press conference continued:
"As Xingyi Technology's annual strategic product, Changliao aims to provide everyone with the most user-friendly, safest, and most innovative acquaintance social software, and will definitely not disappoint anyone."
"Furthermore, Changliao will also link up with "Defend the Pomelos" and "Happy Match"!"
"We have established Changliao player groups for various regions on the main pages of "Defend the Pomelos" and "Happy Match." Interested users can join the groups based on their region to exchange experiences."
Currently, the main arena for player communication is still QQ groups, which was originally fine.
But now, with the launch of Changliao, it stands in opposition to Tencent.
Although QQ doesn't block and suppress at every turn like Baidu, Wang Yi had to prepare in advance and transfer users to Changliao groups!
Only by having users and traffic within his own base would it be secure.
This was also a major initial intention behind Wang Yi's full efforts to build Changliao!
To this end, Wang Yi also launched game gift pack incentives:
"Changliao has also gifted all users a New Year's Day game gift pack. Log in to Changliao, bind your account, and you can claim the "Defend the Pomelos" gift pack, which includes 200 gems and a random magic item gift pack!"
"Similarly, log in to Changliao, bind your account, and you can also claim the "Happy Match" gift pack, which contains three energy bottles. As for whether you get a large or small energy bottle, that depends on your luck!"
Upon hearing this, all the netizens were excited:
"200 gems are five yuan, plus the magic item gift pack, Wang Dong is generous!"
"I'll register and bind Changliao right away. I still have a few levels that aren't full-starred, so here it comes!"
"Energy bottles? Looks like a key item. I have to download Changliao for the gift pack, and I still have to PK with a female celebrity tomorrow night!"
The effect was obvious; this wave directly bound hundreds of millions of "Defend the Pomelos" users and "Happy Match" users.
Free gift packs, why not take them?
Even if only one-tenth of the game users convert to Changliao users, Changliao would still have tens of millions of users.
What's more, "Happy Match" has a team play feature!
Many difficult levels cannot be passed alone; if you don't want to spend money, you have to team up to clear them.
And the social system for team communication is Changliao!
In short, without Changliao, users can't even form teams.
Wang Yi directly and deeply integrated "Happy Match" with Changliao from the ground up.
In the early stage, "Happy Match" would drive Changliao user growth, and in the later stage, Changliao would maintain "Happy Match"'s continued popularity!
It was still a familiar marketing strategy, old-fashioned but always effective!
"Everyone is welcome to download Changliao, play "Defend the Pomelos" and "Happy Match" with family and friends, listen to Xingyi Music, watch Xingyi Video, enjoy local tours and local gourmet food together! Of course, you won't miss out on local group buying discounts either!"
As Wang Yi spoke, he changed the subject:
"With this, the press conference reaches its final segment: Gaode Navigation!"
Everyone grew interested. Xingyi Technology had long advertised that Gaode Navigation had a big move coming, and everyone was full of anticipation!
Wang Yi continued:
"Whether driving, cycling, or traveling, people often get lost when they come to unfamiliar places."
"However, with Gaode Navigation, everything will cease to be a problem!"
"Gaode is both a fundamental map data provider, investing hundreds of millions annually to survey and map, and update maps in real-time."
"It is also a location service provider and navigation company, offering the most accurate navigation available today."
"In December last year, Gaode became 'number one' on Apple's top-selling app list, and ranked 'number one' in navigation software!"
"It can be said that our Gaode is both the overlord of underlying map data and the undisputed leader in the navigation industry."
"Even so, our Gaode continues to break new ground and constantly lead the navigation era."
"For example, Gaode's latest version launched today, features HD Traffic high-definition road condition information service, ushering in an era of dynamic navigation."
"What is HD road condition information service?"
Wang Yi paused:
"Other navigation software displays road condition information, congestion information, and estimated arrival times based primarily on historical traffic data, which is very inaccurate."
"Precisely because of this, some maps might navigate a non-congested route, predicting a nine o'clock arrival, but end up in terrible traffic, still on the road at ten."
"Gaode's HD Traffic high-definition road condition information service, on the other hand, relies on real-time traffic information provided by GSM systems, GPS systems, and partners such as traffic departments, commercial fleets, and taxi companies, to display real-time road conditions and real-time congestion information!"
"Furthermore, by weighting the accuracy of real-time traffic information sources, it provides non-congested routes or congestion avoidance methods more precisely, giving more accurate navigation times and arrival times!"
"Simply put, Careland Navigation and Baidu Navigation provide navigation information based on historical traffic data. Gaode Navigation, however, provides navigation information based on historical traffic data + real-time traffic data! Naturally, it is more precise and accurate."
"Wow!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
Real-time navigation information is naturally much better than estimations based on historical data.
"To update map data in real-time, Gaode has also developed and customized 3D panoramic collection vehicles, which are now officially in use."
"In the future, when night falls and the streets are quiet, Gaode's 3D panoramic collection vehicles will be dispatched, traveling through streets and alleys across the country to collect and update the latest and most accurate data for everyone. And by operating at night, they won't cause traffic congestion."
"Wow!"
The thunderous sound echoed again.
Gaode has given too many surprises.
Its development to this day is entirely due to its strength.
Wang Yi changed the subject:
"All achievements come from immense investment."
"Gaode's R&D investment is very high; even with mobile navigation costing 50 yuan per month, it barely breaks even."
Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts sank.
From the sound of it, they wondered if the price was going to increase?
Wang Yi guessed everyone's thoughts:
"Do you all think Gaode is going to raise its prices?"
"Yes!"
everyone said in unison.
Wang Yi waved his hand:
"No, we won't raise prices. On the contrary!"
"I think the current navigation prices are too expensive, ridiculously expensive!"
"As Gaode's old chairman, I can't stand it anymore!"
"Hahahaha!"
A burst of laughter erupted at the scene.
Complaining about himself, was that really okay?
Expectations soared.
Could it be that Gaode, after investing heavily and launching HD Traffic high-definition road condition information services and real-time collection with 3D collection vehicles, still wouldn't raise prices, and might even lower them?
No way?
Such good news?
Wang Yi spoke slowly:
"Currently, there are only three usable and accurate navigation services on the market that won't lead people astray."
"Careland Navigation, 108 yuan a month! Exorbitantly expensive!"
"Gaode Navigation, 50 yuan a month, also very expensive."
"As for Baidu Navigation..."
Wang Yi sighed:
"Never mind, I won't talk about it. Their underlying map licenses are about to expire. Later, they'll either sell themselves or go bankrupt, so we won't concern ourselves with them."
"Hahahaha!"
The crowd burst into laughter again.
The bullet screen became even more interesting:
"Wang Dong is somewhat gloating."
"Serves them right. Who told Baidu to ban Xingyi Video first? Now what? Banned by Gaode Navigation."
"What goes around comes around. Baidu Navigation is unusable, truly finished."
"Yeah, I'm already planning to switch to Gaode, it's just a bit expensive, 50 a month!"
Li Yan's face turned green: "!!!"
"Exposing my dirty laundry in public, letting everyone know that Baidu Navigation has no underlying maps available, who would still dare to use it?"
"Wang Yi, you won't even let me earn money for the last year!"
"You're ruthless!"
For a moment, Li Yan was both furious and regretful.
If they hadn't blocked Xingyi Video and hadn't provoked Wang Yi, they wouldn't have been hit so hard!
But unfortunately, there's no medicine for regret in this world.
Wang Yi continued:
"In the future, Gaode will provide everyone with more precise and advanced real-time navigation services, and also more attractive prices!"
"Fifty yuan a month, that's 600 a year! That's ridiculously expensive!"
"Users' money doesn't just grow on trees, right?"
"Right!"
everyone at the scene responded.
"So, let's cut it down to 300 yuan!"
Instantly, the entire venue erupted!
"Holy cow, a direct 50% off! 300 yuan a year, 25 a month! Wang Dong is so generous!"
"From 50 per month down to 25, alright, Wang Dong is amazing!"
"Last year's navigation fees cost 600, this year 300 is enough, fantastic! Wang Dong, a lifelong fan!"
"Gaode launched HD Traffic, better service, yet directly offers a 50% discount. What a conscience, the conscience of the industry!"
"Gaode Navigation is only 25 a month, who the hell would still use Careland at 108? As for Baidu at 30, its underlying map licenses are expiring, making it even less reliable."
"Wang Dong, what a great guy! A direct bone-breaking discount!"
Even the bullet screen was filled with streams of moving comments, support, 'too awesome'...
Li Yan's mouth twitched even more:
"I thought Gaode would drop to 30, and we could drop to 20 and still make some money. Now Gaode dropped to 25, what about Baidu Navigation? We can only drop to 15!"
"No profit, absolutely no profit!"
"Alas, this is difficult!"
Just as Li Yan was having a terrible headache and users were thrilled, Wang Yi waved his hand:
"Three hundred a year is still expensive. Let's cut it again, 200!"
The bullet screen exploded!
"666! Wang Dong is mighty!"
"200 a year, only 16.6 a month, so cost-effective."
"A direct 70% off! Wang Dong is a true friend! So thoughtful! I'm downloading Changliao right now, must support him!"
"Yes, I'm a die-hard fan of Xingyi Technology from now on! No one can stop me; I'm switching all my products to Xingyi Technology."
Ma Dong also sighed:
"Driving the navigation price directly to 200, it's impossible to compete, truly impossible. It's a complete loss."
"Yes."
Zhang Long was also very helpless:
"Wang Yi's direct 70% discount leaves no room for survival. Even if we acquire Baidu Navigation, it would be difficult to price it after integration. He charges 16 yuan a month, we can at most charge 10 yuan, which is only 120 a year. When would we ever earn back the 1 billion yuan spent acquiring Baidu Navigation?"
Ma Dong snorted coldly:
"Hmph! Navigation isn't profitable anymore, so naturally, we can't spend 1 billion to acquire Baidu Navigation. Five hundred million, take it or leave it, Li Yan!"
Previously, when navigation was profitable, Ma Dong wanted to acquire Baidu Navigation for 1 billion.
Now that there's no profit to be made, Baidu Navigation is worthless!
Wang Yi continued:
"200 yuan a year, do you think that's expensive?"
"Not expensive!"
"Expensive!"
"What? Someone still says 200 yuan a year is expensive?"
Wang Yi smiled:
"Alright then, let's cut it again. 200 yuan for five years of free navigation!"
"What!"
"200 yuan for five years of free navigation? 40 yuan a year?"
"Crazy, Wang Dong is crazy!"
"Wang Dong is mighty!"
"Wang Dong is dominant!"
...
Li Yan, however, was furious:
"200 yuan for five years, 40 yuan a year, how is that any different from giving it away for free? How can our Baidu Navigation still sell? Isn't this just messing around?"
Ma Dong also had a complex expression:
"To kill Baidu Navigation, Wang Yi is truly not making any money, a madman! Wang Yi is a madman!"
"The navigation business is impossible to do now, it's a loss, purely a loss! Whoever wants to do it can do it, I'm out!"
Zhang Long, however, frowned slightly:
"Chairman, if we don't do navigation, how will we offer local tours and local gourmet food on WeChat?"
"..."
Ma Dong fell silent, then after a long while said:
"Tell Baidu that Baidu Navigation is 300 million. Take it or leave it. 500 million is absolutely impossible."
"Okay!"
Zhang Long nodded:
"With Wang Yi doing this, whether it's underlying map providers or upper-level app developers, everyone is finished!"
The press conference continued:
"Gaode Navigation, 200 yuan for five years of free navigation. Are you satisfied?"
"Satisfied!"
"Very satisfied!"
This time, there wasn't even one person who said they weren't satisfied.
Originally 600 a year, 3000 for five years, Wang Yi directly made it 200 for five years, only forty yuan a year.
What else could there be to be unsatisfied about?
This isn't just a discount; this is a comminuted fracture!
Wang Yi, however, waved his hand:
"I'm still not satisfied!"
"Let's sweeten the deal further: 200 yuan for ten years of free navigation!"
"Wow!"
Thunderous applause erupted again, and everyone in the audience stood up.
Excited, so damn excited!
The bullet screen exploded.
Wang Yi, however, continued:
"Let's sweeten the deal further! Gaode Navigation, only 200 yuan, for permanent free navigation! On average, less than four mao per month, it's practically free!"
"That's right, I, Wang Yi, am here to overturn the table! I want all users nationwide to be able to afford the best, most precise, and most advanced Gaode Navigation!"
"Wow!"
Thunderous applause, deafening, echoed throughout the entire Water Cube.
The bullet screen exploded even more:
"Wang Dong, you're my real brother! Amazing, absolutely amazing!"
"200 yuan for permanent free navigation, am I not awake? Is this really happening?"
"Making Gaode Navigation affordable for everyone! Wang Dong, what a conscience, it's been years since I've seen such a conscientious company."
However, just as everyone thought it was over, Wang Yi waved his hand:
"Did you think that was it? No, there's still a discount!"
"Gaode Navigation, 200 yuan, for permanent free navigation. For any user who has used Changliao for a cumulative total of over one month, there's an additional 50 yuan cashback, making it effectively 150 for permanent navigation!"
"Wow!"
Overwhelming applause echoed through the Water Cube, and everyone excitedly stood up.
A surprise, such a huge surprise!
The bullet screen completely exploded:
"200 yuan was already super cheap, and now an additional 50 yuan cashback, Wang Dong is a great philanthropist!"
"150 yuan for permanent free navigation, this isn't Wang Dong, this is Father Wang!"
"Incredible, now everyone can afford navigation."
"Competitors' navigation costs tens of yuan a month, even 108 yuan a month, while Gaode Navigation is 150 yuan for a lifetime! Wang Dong is mighty!"
"Thanks to Wang Dong, the era of universal navigation is coming!"
"I'm genuinely worried that if this continues, Gaode might go bankrupt from losses!"
"Wang Dong is a great philanthropist, a conscientious entrepreneur. From now on, I'm a full-fledged fan, fully supporting Xingyi Technology."
"I've already registered for Changliao, now I'm placing another order for xphone 1."
"Goodbye iPhone 4s, I'm switching to the top-tier xphone 1 + x buds!"
"Wang Dong spoils his users and fans, so we must give back and support Wang Dong. Goodbye WeChat, please use Changliao for future communication!"
"I'm a truck driver, can't do without navigation. 600 a year I had to spend, ten years would be 6000! Thanks to Wang Dong for saving me a lot of money! My phone isn't working well, so it's a perfect time to switch to xphone 1!"
"I'm a taxi driver. My wife used to buy Meiyou clothing, and I thought it was expensive. Now with Wang Dong's conscience, my wife can buy Meiyou clothing whenever she wants!"
Wang Yi waved his hand, and the crowd at the scene finally quieted down:
"Alright, that's it for this time. No more cuts, we're already losing money hand over fist. Any more cuts and we'll be paying out of pocket!"
"Hahahaha!" The crowd burst into laughter, their faces full of excitement.
Wang Yi then changed the subject:
"Furthermore, users who have already purchased an annual Gaode Navigation membership can all enjoy permanent free navigation. Any overpaid money can be refunded proportionally by contacting customer service!"
"Worry-free journeys, accompanied by Gaode!"
"Thank you for your support; this strategic press conference has come to a successful conclusion!"
"Thank you!"
Music played, and the New Year's Day press conference concluded amidst the cheers of the audience.
The bullet screen in the live stream was non-stop.
Excitement!
Thrill!
150 yuan, which used to only buy three months of Gaode Navigation, can now buy permanent free navigation!
It truly overturned the table; what a pleasant surprise!
For a moment, both the media present and netizens watching the live stream rushed to spread the news.
They all rushed to download Gaode Navigation, paid 200, and snatched up the permanent free navigation.
Fearing they'd be late and the offer would end, they certainly wouldn't want to miss out on a fortune.
After recharging, they downloaded Changliao again.
For ordinary people, 50 yuan is not a small sum.
For 50 yuan, it's worth downloading Changliao, let alone that Changliao has so many new features and is so user-friendly!
Not to mention the current WeChat 3.0, even the subsequent WeChat 4.0 couldn't compare.
As a result, the user numbers for both Gaode Navigation and Changliao surged rapidly.
Even the sales of xphone 1 and x buds experienced a crazy boom.
Even the user numbers for Xingyi Video and Xingyi Music surged rapidly.
The download count for "Happy Match" soared even further!
There was no other way; Wang Yi's move was too effective at attracting fans, truly a conscientious capitalist!
However, people's joys and sorrows are not the same.
On this side, Xingyi Technology's situation was excellent, with user numbers surging, products selling like hotcakes, and money pouring in like a tide.
But on Baidu's side, things were bleak and gloomy.
Li Yan couldn't calm down for a long time:
"Wang Yi is too ruthless; he's overturning the table!"
"150 yuan for permanent free navigation is simply outrageous! How is this any different from free navigation?"
"It's too ridiculous!"
"He's not giving our Baidu Navigation any chance to survive!"
"Too ruthless!"
All the senior executives were hushed, not daring to utter a single word.
In the current situation, Xingyi Technology clearly intended to overturn the table, completely overturning the entire navigation market!
After a long while, Li Yan sighed:
"It's impossible to do anymore, the navigation industry is finished! Inform Qu Xin to sell Baidu Navigation to Tencent as soon as possible. Forget 1 billion, 500 million is fine. As for the license, forget five years, three years will do. The navigation business is over!"
"Okay!"
Tencent Headquarters.
Ma Dong's expression was grim, as if facing a formidable enemy:
"150 yuan for permanent free navigation! Wang Yi has not only overturned the navigation market's table but also smashed the pot! Too ruthless!"
"Chairman, what do you think he's after? Without free navigation, Gaode's annual revenue would be substantial, so why do this?"
Zhang Long was somewhat incredulous.
Currently, in the mobile navigation sector, Gaode is the most profitable.
As for Careland, its high revenue primarily comes from in-car navigation; it doesn't earn much in the mobile navigation sector.
No other reason, at 108 yuan per month, only those who aren't short on money would use it.
"Now that Baidu has no future, and Careland is expensive, Gaode could continue with paid navigation and still make a considerable profit! Why would they overturn the table and smash the pot?"
Ma Dong sighed:
"Old Zhang, you're underestimating Wang Yi. What he cares about isn't the lost revenue from mobile navigation; instead, he wants to disrupt the entire market!"
"He wants to destroy Baidu Navigation, and also destroy our Tencent Navigation! Moreover, he wants to deter other competitors, causing them all to collectively fail!"
"In the future, in the entire navigation market, Wang Yi's Gaode will dominate, monopolizing the entire market!"
Zhang Long suddenly realized:
"So that's it. If mobile navigation could still be profitable like before, our Tencent would vigorously develop navigation. Subsequently, Baidu would also start from underlying maps and continue to do navigation.
Even Alibaba would create its own navigation, ensuring strategic security for underlying maps and still achieving profitability. But now that Wang Yi has done this, there's no market left, so not many giants will be willing to get involved."
Ma Dong nodded:
"Yes, this is precisely the outcome Wang Yi seeks. And Wang Yi won't make less money; he'll even make more! For 150 yuan for permanent free navigation, how many users do you think it will attract, and how many will be willing to pay?"
Zhang Long thought for a moment:
"Last year, domestic mobile navigation users exceeded 135 million. With the popularization of smartphones, this year mobile navigation users could exceed 200 million, or even 300 million."
"Most people will abandon Careland and Baidu and choose to join Gaode. Even if 100 million people choose to pay, Gaode's revenue would exceed 20 billion yuan. After deducting the 5 billion yuan Changliao cashback, there would still be 15 billion yuan left!"
Zhang Long was startled by his own calculation:
"Wang Yi's tactics are clever! He not only overturned the mobile navigation table but also smashed the pot, yet he himself ate until he was full!"
"Yes, that's Wang Yi's brilliance: he made the entire mobile navigation industry starve, while he himself ate until he was full!"
Ma Dong's expression was extremely grim:
"But this isn't the most terrifying part. It's just navigation; if it fails, it fails. What's serious is that these users will also choose to use Changliao for the 50 yuan cashback!"
"As you just said, even if 100 million users pay 200 yuan, 100 million users will use Changliao for the cashback. That means Changliao gains 100 million users! This is fatal for our WeChat!"
Zhang Long's face changed drastically:
"Yes, our WeChat currently only has 70 million users. With Gaode's cashback, Changliao might catch up to WeChat in no time! After all, Changliao's features are more powerful than WeChat's, so in that case, our WeChat will be in big trouble!"
Ma Dong nodded, his breathing growing a bit heavier:
"Is Wang Yi's combination of moves targeting Baidu? Or is he targeting our Tencent?"
"Why do I feel like this guy is specifically coming after our Tencent?"
"This..."
Zhang Long also fell silent, feeling more and more uneasy the more he thought about it!
(End of Chapter)