Corporate China | Weibo: Smartisan charms techies, Jumei's Chen on defensive
The tech world was buzzing this past week over the launch of yet another domestic smartphone brand, though I'll admit I was a bit puzzled by all the microblog posts from a wide range of executives. It was only after I consulted one of my Chinese friends that I realized the launch of the inaugural smartphone from domestic newcomer Smartisan was far less about a new product, and more about Luo Yonghao, China's most famous English teacher. Meantime, newly rich tech executive Chen Ou was sending out his own series of microblog posts aimed at detractors who credited his family connections with the success of his newly listed online cosmetics seller Jumei International (NYSE: JMEI).
Let's start our weekly microblogging round-up with Smartisan, which likes to point out its English name derives from a combination of the words "smart" and "artisan". That combination certainly seems in line with the company's bid to tap the market for mid- to high-end smartphones. The artisan image also jibes with its odd choice of "hammer" as the Chinese name to describe its new series of phones.
I read a few online reviews of the phone, which formally launched last week and got generally positive reception. But I was puzzled by all the attention for what seemed like yet another smartphone launch until my friend explained the Luo Yonghao connection. For others who are less familiar with this man, Luo sits atop an empire of English-language teaching materials, and his name is known by almost any Chinese who has spent time abroad or aspires to do so.
My friend informs me that Luo has no background in smartphones, which makes me wonder whether this new model will be able to differentiate itself from the many other new domestic brands flooding the market. But then again, Xiaomi's charismatic co-founder Lei Jun had little or no background in smartphones, and his company has become one of the hottest names in the area in the last two years. So perhaps there's some hope for Smartisan, though I personally find the company's name and image its trying to cultivate just slightly pretentious.