Chapter 481 The VR glasses project is launched, and Germination embarks on the road to transcendence!
After Lin Zhengdong finished his report, the meeting came to an end.
The final speaker was Tan Yunsong, the chief scientific officer of the Fertile Land Research Institute. He first briefly reported on the latest progress made by the Fertile Land Research Institute in the field of artificial intelligence in the past year.
In fact, the senior executives here have a deep understanding of this.
As mentioned before, the Fertile Soil Research Institute established by the Sprout Group not only conducts basic research, but also serves as the brain center of the Sprout Group, constantly empowering its subsidiaries.
And the so-called empowerment is actually happening all the time.
For example, the smart recommendation algorithm of Moyin Technology mentioned just now, as well as the smart push algorithm of Tiantian Toutiao earlier, are supported by artificial intelligence laboratories and algorithm laboratories.
In the past six months.
Even Pinxixi and Qingcheng apps are beginning to implement smart push to optimize the push mechanism.
In addition to smart push, the built-in search functions of each app are also inseparable from the strong support of the Fertile Land Research Institute’s search laboratory, which continues to receive new optimizations.
Install the latest version.]
Don't mention it.
Maili mobile phone and Mango Auto, two major industrial products owned by Germination, are inseparable from the technical support services provided by Fertile Land Research Institute throughout the entire process, from industrial design to software platform.
The influence of Fertile Soil Research Institute has never been limited to the laboratory.
The focus of Tan Yunsong's report is on technologies that are not related to the above. "The research in the VR laboratory has achieved preliminary results recently."
"In the next stage, it is best to carry out corresponding product development, and then in the process of product development and upgrade, capture the development path of VR technology and carry out the next stage of technology research and development."
The implication is that it is time for VR technology to move from the laboratory to the front desk.
"This is a good thing."
Zhang Shuo looked excited and asked with a smile: "Do you have any specific plans?"
"The application of VR technology, the more mainstream product at present, should be the development of VR glasses. The development of VR glasses is divided into two major components: hardware and software." Tan Yunsong introduced with a smile.
This is actually the same concept as the birth of smartphones.
In the era of feature phones, the biggest functions of mobile phones were to make calls and send text messages. In the era of smartphones, phone calls were gradually replaced by voice calls and video calls, and the text message function became a garbage recycle bin.
The functions of smartphones are mainly realized with the help of various applications.
Compared with smartphones, VR glasses also have their own differences. The biggest difference is that smartphones were born out of feature phones and computers, and many apps are actually secondary transformations of computer software.
Therefore, in the smartphone industry chain, there are Pingguo and Samsung that focus on the research and development of complete machine hardware, Guge that focuses on operating systems, and Internet companies such as Tenda and Ali that focus on applications.
The previous development of VR glasses was completely blank. Whether it was software, hardware, or even operating system, there was basically no precedent to follow.
Nor has a basic industrial chain been established.
This also leads to the saying that if you want to develop a mature VR glasses, you need both hardware R&D capabilities and considerable software R&D skills.
Both are indispensable.
Not only that, because VR glasses are inherently entertainment-oriented, games are one of the most suitable carriers for them. General software companies are still unable to handle this, and they need to have a certain game research and development foundation.
The requirements are not too high.
In the original time and space, the giant in China who is more keen on pursuing the concept of the metaverse is probably Qiandu.
But Qiandu has neither the genes to make hardware nor the genes to develop games. Even the level of software development is worthy of a big question mark.
One can imagine the failure of Qiandu's attempt in the metaverse.
And overseas.
The one that is most enthusiastic about embracing the concept of the Metaverse is undoubtedly Washbasin. For this reason, it even changed the company name to Metaverse Related, showing off a stud attitude.
Compared with Qiandu, Washbasin.com appears to be more sincere.
As early as 2014, Washbasin.com spent US$2 billion to acquire virtual reality headset manufacturer oculu, ambitiously wanting to enter a new track.
But after struggling for several years, nothing came of it.
All the bright future seems to be stuck in ppt.
After that, Washbasin tried to explore the Metaverse for several years, burning tens of billions of dollars. It was still a big failure, and even became a laughing stock in the Internet industry for a time.
This also allowed Washbasin.com to be gradually surpassed by peers such as Guge, Weiruan, Linexun, and Pingguo.
It can be said that it has encountered Waterloo!
It can be seen that the Yuan Universe, VR glasses, etc., sound beautiful, but to truly succeed, it is not a simple thing, and it is not even something that can be done by spending crazy money.
"Fortunately, within the group, there are both Maili Group, which specializes in the research and development and production of consumer electronics products, and Qinghe Group, which is deeply involved in the fields of software and games."
"With the technical support of VR Lab, the combination of the three should be able to create a successful product."
Tan Yunsong seemed very confident.
Sprout's powerful internal software and hardware ecosystem is indeed unmatched by other companies.
The key is not short of money.
"The question now is who should lead the VR glasses project, whether it is Maili Group, Qinghe Group, or forming a new company and a new brand to operate the project?"
Tan Yunsong finally raised the key question.
It can be seen that Fertile Land Research Institute itself has no intention of leading the VR glasses project.
It still adheres to a pure R&D positioning.
Upon hearing this, the two senior vice presidents, Gu Mingzhang and Lu Qi, looked at Zhang Shuo, obviously very interested in taking over the project.
In the past year or two, concepts such as virtual reality and VR glasses are no longer unfamiliar terms in the industry, and have gradually become popular.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Otherwise, Washbasin.com would not have spent huge sums of money to acquire oculu last year.
Although the research and development of related technologies has not made any breakthrough progress, most people believe that this represents a new future for the electronic information industry.
It will also be another cross-generational product after the smartphone.
It might even be a smartphone replacement.
What’s even more amazing is that within the Sprout Group, as early as July 2011, when the Fertile Land Research Institute was first established, a VR laboratory was set up almost simultaneously.
And in the following three years or so, a large amount of research and development funds were invested.
In other words, Sprout can be said to be one of the first big players to enter the VR track globally. In terms of accumulation of related technologies, it is even in a leading position in the world.
Both Gu Mingzhang and Lu Qi knew the nature of Tan Yunsong, the chief scientist, and knew that Tan Yunsong would not be able to make such a judgment if he did not make a major breakthrough.
The time is right, the place is right, and the people are right, there is really no reason not to look forward to it.
Facing the eager gazes of Gu Mingzhang and Lu Qi, Zhang Shuo quickly made a decision and said with a smile: "Let's leave it to the Maili Group to take the lead. The Fertile Soil Research Institute will cooperate with the Qinghe Group."
This is not difficult to understand.
For a product like VR glasses, during the development process, the hardware and overall design and assembly are the leading factors, and the software only serves as an effective supplement.
In this area, Maili Group can obviously play this role better.
Moreover, in the long run, the smartphone market will experience a slowdown in growth in one year, and even a series of consumer electronic products including tablets, laptops, smart watches, etc. will face reduced demand.
By then, although Maili Group will not be in distress, it may experience a slowdown in revenue growth.
Just like the giants such as Pingguo from the original time and space.
Under this situation, if Maili Group can come up with a relatively mature VR glasses, it will undoubtedly gain a new growth point in the field of consumer electronics.
It's definitely a shot in the arm.
In contrast, although Qinghe Group's gaming and advertising businesses will also face the risk of slowing growth, they already have the king of short videos.
It is still one of the unshakable Internet giants in China and even around the world.
therefore.
Judging from actual demand, Maili Group obviously needs more support from the VR glasses project.
On the other hand, with the brand awareness that Maili has established around the world, VR glasses can easily pry into major global markets as soon as they come out.
Compared with creating a brand new brand, it will undoubtedly save much time and effort.
Similarly, if VR glasses are successful, in turn, it will be a disguised blessing for Maili's brand influence, helping to solidify the brand positioning of "Maili focuses on high-end research and development".
It can be said that they complement each other and achieve each other.
"Thank you, Chairman!"
Gu Mingzhang couldn't hide his excitement, smiled and held his hands.
"Don't be too happy yet. Next year, I want to see the first product come out." Zhang Shuo did not leave much room for Gu Mingzhang to move.
Since the VR glasses project is about to be launched, the first generation of products must be produced within a year.
Even if it’s just for internal trial use.
"no problem!"
Gu Mingzhang is also confident.
Today's Maili Group is no longer what it used to be. It has the world's leading product design center, R&D center and testing center, coupled with a complete supply chain, it is not difficult to make VR glasses.
Just like the previous launch of tablet, laptop and smart watch projects.
After all, it is supported by the technology of Fertile Land Research Institute.
"Qinghe Group must also go all out."
Zhang Shuo turned to look at Lu Qi, "First, we need to cooperate in the development of the corresponding operating system. It is best to be able to integrate the design with the Xirang system."
"The second is to instruct the interactive entertainment business group to initiate and develop related VR games."
When it comes to VR games, Zhang Shuo also has no hang-ups to play.
We can only rely on the ready-made planning and R&D team of Jade Bird Interactive Entertainment, hoping to bring surprises.
"clear!"
Lu Qi was not too disappointed not to be able to take the lead in the VR glasses project.
After all, I didn’t have high expectations.
On the contrary, how to cooperate with Maili Group to complete the research and development of the ecological part of VR glasses software is both a challenge and an opportunity for Qinghe Group.
If VR represents the future of the Internet, then VR games will be the future of the gaming industry.
As the world's number one gaming company, Jade Bird Interactive Entertainment had the opportunity to participate in the VR glasses project from the very beginning, which undoubtedly gave it a first-mover advantage.
There is really no reason not to make some achievements.
After discussing the VR glasses, Zhang Shuo finally highlighted the key investment direction of Sprout Investment next year. In addition to continuing to bet on modern agriculture, it can also make some new attempts in the field of daily chemicals.
"In the field of daily chemicals, overseas giants have a serious monopoly." Lu Kai said thoughtfully.
"It is precisely because of this that we need to support some domestic daily chemical companies with potential in a targeted manner to compete head-on with overseas giants."
Zhang Shuo is quite courageous.
Because of the original time and space, Xiangchuannan Baiyao made a wonderful turnaround in the field of toothpaste.
There are also many old brands such as Fengpai.
"This aspect can be combined with the national fashion brand support plan." Zhang Shuo added with a smile.
"This is a good starting point."
Lu Kai's eyes also lit up and he responded with a smile.
At this point, the annual CEO joint meeting has basically come to an end.
Regarding next year's plan, Zhang Shuo actually had some other ideas, but he did not put them all forward at the meeting, mainly because they were still being brewed and not yet mature.
I plan to wait until next month to get through my anger with Lu Kai and other group executives before considering it again.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! This year’s Spring Festival will not be until mid-February, so there is still plenty of time.
After the meeting, it was the New Year's Day holiday, and the development plan for the sprout group for the next year was decided. Zhang Shuo calmly put down the company's affairs and accompanied Gu Xiaoxi to Meiya for a few days of fun.
………
Monday, January.
On the first Monday after the New Year's Day holiday, Zhang Shuo appeared in the office again. The first thing he did was, of course, to sign and approve the funding application for the new quarter, which mainly included -
Allocate 400 million special research and development funds to the Fertile Soil Research Institute;
Allocate 3 billion special R&D funds to Mango Group;
Allocate 3 billion operating funds to Nebula Group, including 00 million special research and development funds;
Allocate 400 million operating funds to Jiaoyang Holdings;
Allocate 300 million operating funds to Qing Ning Group, including 3 billion special research and development funds;
Allocate 100 million operating funds to Xinghai Mining;
Allocate RMB 100 million in operating funds to the headquarters of Sprout Group, including the operating expenses of the property management department.
A total of 1 billion funds.
Among them, the R&D allocations for Fertile Land Research Institute, Mango Group, and Nebula Group were once again increased, and the operating capital allocation for Mango Group was reduced to zero.
This means that Mango Group has initially achieved self-sufficiency.
As for Xinghai Mining, there is currently only one headquarters in operation. There is no pressure on research and development, and there are no specific operating matters, so the expenses are naturally not large.
In addition to fixed allocations.
In the fourth quarter that just passed, the largest expenditure of Germinal Group was to allocate 37.5 billion to Xinghai Mining for equity investments in Luoyang Molybdenum, Blue Gold Mining and Xianhu Shares.
In terms of income.
In the fourth quarter of 2014, the performance of major hematopoietic machines continued to be eye-catching.
Qinghe Group turned over a profit of 100 million, Maili Group turned over a profit of 4.7 billion, and Weizhong Group turned over a profit of 6 billion, for a total of 10 billion.
Compared with the third quarter, Sprout's profit achieved an astonishing growth of 6.96% quarter-on-quarter.
The year-on-year growth was as high as 14.8%, more than doubling.
The profits turned in by Qinghe Group and Maili Group both exceeded 40 billion, which is worthy of the name of two major hematopoietic machines. Especially Qinghe Group, the profit in a single quarter exceeded 50 billion unprecedentedly.
Created a brand new record.
Among them, in addition to the growth brought by the two major businesses of games and advertising, another reason is that at the end of last year, Qiandu renewed its contract with Frog Browser again.
With the great success of Frog Browser in the Southeast Asian market, Qiandu Pay’s annual service fees have also increased from 3.5 billion last year to 4 billion this year.
[Affiliates]: Qinghe Group, Qingcheng Group (4.44%), Pinxixi Group (90%), Maili Group, Daosui Group (90%), Mango Group, Weizhong Group, Jiaoyang Holdings, Nebula Group
, Qing Ning Group, Xinghai Mining
--slightly--
Another quarter has passed, and the experience value has increased by another 20 million.
It's a really stable horse.
The most important thing is that due to the surge in profits in the fourth quarter, the result is that after one quarter, the cash flow on the sprout account once again surged by 52.5 billion.
The total cash flow reached 11.7 billion, once again exceeding 100 billion.
Last quarter, in order to spend the money in the sprout account, Zhang Shuo chose to invest in the mining industry. As a result, although he invested in the mining industry, the funds in his hand increased instead of decreasing.