As expected, once the news broke, all media outlets went wild, rushing to the Xingyi Mobile factory.
Carrying their professional cameras, they arrived outside the Xingyi Mobile factory to film the scene.
They saw truck after truck, carrying loads of xphone 1pro, lining up to drive out of the Xingyi Mobile factory and heading in all directions.
At a glance, the long convoy had no end in sight.
Such a scene not only shocked passersby but also the reporters on site.
No one knew how much Xingyi Technology would ship this time!
Wang Yi didn't pay attention to these, as it was all within expectation; Jian Ziyan was there to handle the major media outlets.
For such occasions, Wang Yi rarely appeared anymore.
However, Jian Ziyan's call soon came in again:
"Chairman, as you expected, CCTV is here."
Wang Yi smiled slightly:
"Expected. CCTV naturally wouldn't refuse such positive and uplifting news of domestic products rising and crushing Apple."
Jian Ziyan was overjoyed, then changed her tone:
"Yes, but CCTV also wants to do a special interview, hoping to interview you and film in the workshop as well."
"A special interview?"
Wang Yi's eyes lit up, sensing the significance behind it.
Could it be for CCTV Evening News?
If so, that would be truly amazing.
CCTV News rarely endorses companies, unless they are exceptionally outstanding and excellent!
And Xingyi Technology perfectly fits the description!
"No problem. You take them to the workshop. After filming in the workshop, come to Xingyi Technology Park!"
"Okay, Chairman,"
Jian Ziyan said with a smile.
If Wang Yi refused such a good publicity opportunity, that would be foolish.
In 2012, the number of people watching news was no less than internet users.
Especially those born in the 50s, 60s, and 70s had long developed the habit of watching CCTV News daily.
Some people watch the news just for entertainment, while others watch it for business opportunities!
Thus, there's also a saying that the biggest business opportunities are all in CCTV News!
Of course, whether this is true or not depends on one's capability.
Following the news doesn't guarantee complete success.
But going against the news, it's very easy to fail.
Like the news Wang Yi and Lin Shu watched two days ago, it mentioned regulating internet TV.
The meaning behind this is that internet platforms also need an OTT license to access internet TV and set-top boxes.
In its previous life, iQiyi followed this rule and partnered with licensed CCTV and Gusu Satellite TV to jointly create Galaxy Internet TV Co., Ltd., launching Qiyiguo.
Although iQiyi TV members had to give half their profits to Galaxy Company, at least they had an OTT license and were compliant.
LeTV Video, on the other hand, chose another path, going against the news, operating unlicensed, and insisting on selling its own memberships.
The result was predictable: not only did LeTV.com's new members suffer setbacks, but even LeTV smart TVs didn't release new models for a year, suffering heavy losses.
Learn from the mistakes of others.
Wang Yi would not make LeTV's foolish mistakes.
Instead, Wang Yi wanted to intercept iQiyi and directly cooperate with CCTV to create a brand new joint venture company—Xinghe Internet TV Co., Ltd.
In this way, CCTV would provide the OTT license, and Wang Yi would provide Xingyi Video's content resources + Xingyi TV terminals!
This partnership would benefit both sides, and iQiyi would certainly be out.
If Xingyi Video had just started last year, it couldn't have beaten iQiyi.
But now, Xingyi Video can go head-to-head with iQiyi, or even crush it.
No wonder, although Xingyi Video started late, it has many good dramas.
Throughout 2012, almost every month's big hit dramas were on the Xingyi Video platform; iQiyi couldn't compare at all and was no match.
This was Wang Yi's confidence, the confidence to make iQiyi exit and replace it.
This CCTV interview happened at the perfect time, and they might be able to discuss this matter.
As for Xingyi Video applying for a brand new OTT license?
This is unrealistic, completely unrealistic.
Not to mention Xingyi Video can't apply for it; most provincial satellite TV stations can't even apply for it with the full strength of a province.
Moreover, the 7 OTT licenses had already been issued and would never be issued again. Even BAT couldn't manage it, let alone giving Wang Yi a backdoor access. This is unrealistic.
Eleven in the morning.
After the CCTV media finished interviewing in the Xingyi Mobile workshop, they came to Xingyi Technology Park.
Wang Yi appeared on camera, gave another simple special interview, and recorded a few shots.
After all, it was for CCTV News; a few minutes in total would be quite good.
What surprised Wang Yi was that among those who came, besides the reporters, there was also a deputy director.
Such a level of importance surprised Wang Yi greatly, but it was also an opportunity.
Wang Yi looked at the time and said with a smile:
"Director Meng, Reporter Lin, everyone has worked hard. It's mealtime, how about we have a meal together?"
Director Meng decisively waved his hand:
"Chairman Wang, you're too kind. Today, being able to come to Xingyi Technology for a special interview, we have already gained a lot. No need to be so polite, Xiao Lin still needs to go back to write news drafts and edit videos..."
"That's right, Chairman Wang," Reporter Lin said with a smile, "Although I'd really like to have lunch with you, I really have work to do."
Wang Yi nodded:
"Then how about this, Reporter Lin has work to do, so I won't keep her. But Director Meng, let's have a simple meal and discuss business matters."
"Business matters?"
Director Meng was in a great mood.
Chairman Wang is on the ball; it wasn't in vain for him to come in person.
That's right, his visit to Xingyi Technology this time was also with the intention of cooperation.
After all, Xingyi Video's potential looked stronger than iQiyi's no matter how you looked at it.
And Xingyi Technology's strength compared to Baidu might not be a match at the moment, but clearly has more potential.
Unless Baidu's AI has a major breakthrough, changing the entire internet landscape.
But such a fantastical thing is difficult to achieve within ten years.
"Then let's talk!"
Director Meng said with a smile.
"Please!"
Soon, both parties arrived at a nearby hotel, in an elegant private room.
After a few rounds of drinks, Wang Yi got straight to the point:
"Director Meng, I heard that CNR is planning to cooperate with an internet video platform to jointly operate OTT?"
Director Meng was a little surprised:
"Chairman Wang, you are well-informed! That's right, there is indeed such a matter."
"Last year, CNR Central Station obtained the GITV internet TV license, but lacked film and television content, so it needs a powerful internet video platform as a partner to jointly create a joint venture and operate OTT together!"
Wang Yi's eyes lit up:
"What a coincidence, Xingyi Video wants to enter the TV sector, and to do so compliantly, it also needs a license provider!"
The two exchanged glances and understood each other's meaning.
Director Meng spoke with a smile:
"Chairman Wang wants to cooperate with CNR?"
Wang Yi smiled slightly:
"Let's be direct. If we can combine our strengths, the future is naturally limitless."
Director Meng, however, changed his tone:
"To be honest, I myself am also willing to cooperate with Xingyi Video, but unfortunately, iQiyi was a step ahead and is already discussing cooperation with us."
Wang Yi was not surprised; iQiyi was established early and had long started planning for OTT.
Wang Yi waved his hand, full of confidence:
"That's not an issue. Hasn't the cooperation been finalized yet? You can definitely choose a more capable partner!"
"Chairman Wang is so confident!" Director Meng was a little surprised, "Although Xingyi Video is developing rapidly, iQiyi is also a veteran hegemon, backed by Baidu. How does Chairman Wang think Xingyi Video can definitely defeat iQiyi?"
Wang Yi smiled:
"The reason is simple: the most essential aspect of a video platform is quality content. To put it bluntly, content is king. Our Xingyi Video not only has the highest quality content but is also most willing to invest heavily in acquiring quality copyrights and create S-tier exclusive dramas. In contrast, iQiyi is petty and stingy, unwilling to spend heavily on buying copyrights or investing heavily in creating S-tier exclusive dramas. What do they have to compare with us?"
"That is true..."
Director Meng had to admit that in terms of hit dramas, Xingyi Video was invincible.
Almost all hit dramas so far this year were exclusively broadcast on Xingyi Video!
However, then Director Meng continued:
"In fields like TV dramas and animation, Xingyi Video is indeed invincible. But in the variety show field, Xingyi Video seems to lag far behind and is not even as good as iQiyi!"
Wang Yi smiled slightly:
"Coincidentally, we are working on variety shows, and they are doing very well, very successfully. They are the type that will absolutely explode in popularity, the type that can become popular nationwide, and will be released next month!"
"A variety show popular nationwide?" Director Meng became interested, "Could it possibly catch up with 'Happy Camp'?"
Wang Yi thought for a moment:
"After it airs, it won't take long before its popularity surpasses 'Happy Camp'!"
Wang Yi had no doubt about the strength of "Masked Singer King."
"This..."
Director Meng was a little skeptical.
"If Director Meng doesn't believe it, he can arrange for someone to visit Xingyi Media for an inspection,"
Wang Yi said with a smile.
Coincidentally, the TV broadcast rights for "Masked Singer King" hadn't been sold yet!
CCTV would be a good buyer; they have money!
"Good, if it's really as good as you say, CCTV will acquire the TV broadcast rights for your variety show!"
Director Meng said generously.
CCTV also needs strong variety shows to support it, especially CCTV 3 Variety Channel.
But now, CCTV's variety shows are being crushed by Nanhudai, and the big brother is losing face.
"Director Meng will like it," Wang Yi said with a smile.
CCTV is a big patron and always willing to spend money.
For instance, if "Masked Singer King" is sold to other satellite TV for exclusive broadcast, the copyright fee would be at most 100 million, but if sold to CCTV for exclusive broadcast, it could reach 200 million!
There's no helping it, CCTV is just that rich and powerful.
"Oh, right, our Xingyi Media has also launched many high-quality animations. If CCTV Children's channel needs them, they can also buy them; broadcast annually, the ratings still wouldn't be bad."
Wang Yi changed the subject.
These copyrights, if they can be sold again on CCTV, they can earn another wave of profit.
"Hehe, your 'Xia Lan,' 'Qin's Moon,' and 'The Untamed' are all very good, especially the first two; the Children's channel is indeed considering introducing them. I'll have them contact you later."
Director Meng said, then changed his tone:
"These cooperations are all fine, but the OTT cooperation still needs some consideration. After all, we have discussed a lot with iQiyi, and if there isn't enough advantage, it might be difficult for us to give up iQiyi and choose Xingyi Video."
Wang Yi smiled faintly:
"We still have many advantages. For example, in addition to content advantages, we will also launch a truly smart TV. If CNR and Xingyi Technology cooperate to jointly launch Xingyi Video for TV, then Xingyi TV can have it directly built-in!"
"Xingyi Technology is going to make smart TVs!"
Director Meng was no longer calm, thinking to himself:
'Xingyi Video has many users, Xingyi Mobile also has many users, and Xingyi Smart TV will certainly not be bad either.
iQiyi only has an online video platform, while Xingyi Technology not only has an online video platform but also TV terminals!
This is completely on a different level!'
Thinking of this, Director Meng raised his wine glass:
"Chairman Wang, this matter is not a big problem. I will hold a meeting later to discuss this matter!"
Wang Yi also raised his wine glass:
"May we advance hand in hand and create brilliance together!"
"Good, create brilliance together!"
The two clinked glasses and had a very pleasant discussion.
Wang Yi understood that with the trump card of Xingyi TV revealed, iQiyi was already out.
Fairness? Where is there absolute fairness!
Even if iQiyi made the first move and was almost done negotiating, it was useless.
In the face of absolute strength, everything is futile.
Wang Yi secured CNR Central Station's OTT license.
LeTV's path was unfeasible, so Wang Yi could only choose the most viable path among the feasible ones.
And the cooperation with CNR Group was also highly beneficial.
Many S-tier self-produced dramas from Mango TV, besides being broadcast online on Mango TV, Nanhudai would also buy the copyright and broadcast them.
Similarly, with Wang Yi's cooperation with CNR, in the future, Xingyi Media's S-tier self-produced dramas, besides being exclusively broadcast online on Xingyi Video, CNR could also buy the copyright and broadcast them simultaneously.
For example, "Nirvana in Fire," once CCTV buys it, not only will the price be higher and it becomes a CCTV exclusive drama, but its prestige would also increase significantly!
The same goes for animation and variety shows.
This era is not an era for fighting alone, and since one needs to find allies, why not find the strongest one!
"Chairman Wang, wait for my good news. In the future, CNR and Xingyi Media will cooperate more!"
Wang Yi was in a great mood:
"No problem, a win-win for both sides!"
"Right, hahaha!"
Wang Yi understood that this cooperation was secure.
Pity iQiyi for 1 minute.
In the evening, many people were eating dinner while watching Xinwen Lianbo.
It was originally just an ordinary evening, just an ordinary Xinwen Lianbo.
But soon, everyone became interested.
The host then changed the topic:
"Last month, Xingyi Technology launched the world's first quad-core phone, the xphone 1pro, causing a huge sensation with over 4 million units fully pre-sold in twenty days. It officially went on sale today."
The scene shifted, and a long convoy appeared:
"These endless convoys are transporting xphone 1pro to all parts of the country..."
Then, it shifted to the Xingyi Mobile workshop:
"The Xingyi Mobile factory employs the most advanced intelligent production lines, ensuring high efficiency while also guaranteeing high quality."
"Every Xingyi Mobile phone undergoes multi-faceted testing to ensure the highest quality control in the industry!"
Finally, the scene returned to Xingyi Technology Park, with Wang Yi appearing on camera:
"Today, xphone 1pro officially went on sale. Early users have already received their xphone 1pro. Other users don't need to worry; this time, 3.5 million xphone 1pro units will be released in one go. Subsequently, daily shipments will maintain around 150,000 units, and full stock availability is expected by early next month."
"Xingyi Pad X1 is a global bestseller, with sales exceeding 5 million units in three weeks since its launch."
"Xingyi Pad X1Pro is a global bestseller, with sales exceeding 6 million units in three weeks since its launch."
"xphone 1 has been on the market for nearly four months, and sales have surpassed 20 million!"
"In the future, Xingyi Technology will provide more and higher quality products for its users."
"Xingyi Mobile has redefined the smartphone."
"And the upcoming Xingyi Smart TV will also redefine smart TV!"
...
The news broadcast concluded, but everyone was shocked.
Soon, news headlines hit the trending searches!
[xphone 1pro a complete bestseller, over 4 million units fully pre-ordered in 20 days, 3.5 million units launched initially, monthly production of 5 million units!]
[Big move: xphone 1pro ships 3.5 million units in one go, featured on CCTV News!]
[Xingyi Pad a global bestseller, sales break ten million in three weeks, crushing the iPad!]
[xphone 1 sales surpass 20 million, causing iPhone 4s sales to plummet in Xia!]
[Xingyi Smart TV poised for launch, redefining smart TV.]
[Thirty minutes of CCTV News devoted a full six minutes to reporting on Xingyi Technology!]
[An Eastern tech giant star is rising!]
At once, the entire internet was abuzz, the world was abuzz.
Public opinion exploded:
"Amazing, Xingyi Technology, truly amazing! No wonder the Evening News was extended by 6 minutes; it was to report on Xingyi Technology!"
"The xphone 1pro, starting at 5000, sold 4 million units in three weeks! Truly terrifying, unbelievable!"
"The tablet is even more terrifying; sales broke ten million in three weeks. xphone 1 sales surpassed 20 million!"
"And Xingyi Smart TV is poised for launch. Holy cow! Xingyi Technology has gone completely wild!"
"Even CCTV endorsed Xingyi Technology; Xingyi Technology is truly invincible."
"It's over, I was still hoping xphone 1 would drop in price to buy one, but sales have surpassed 20 million! Damn it, I won't be able to wait for a price drop!"
"Brother above, buy early, enjoy early. Xingyi Mobile sells so well, it's difficult for prices to drop."
"Exactly, I've already fully pre-ordered xphone 1pro, hoping for earlier delivery."
"4 million fully pre-ordered, 3.5 million launched initially, 500,000 orders remaining. It's a good time to get xphone 1pro now, estimated to ship in four days."
"The one above is dreaming. Sales have exploded again now, surpassing 4.5 million, with one million pre-orders still remaining. It'll take a week."
"It's already over 4.8 million, it won't arrive in a week!"
"Holy cow, is it that fierce?"
"Nonsense, even CCTV gave a six-minute special interview! Xingyi Mobile and Xingyi Pad are selling even more terrifyingly!"
"Then I need to get it sooner."
"Exactly, anyway, Xingyi Mobile sells well, so prices won't drop at all. Might as well buy early and enjoy early!"
"Makes sense, I'll place an order now! One xphone 1 for the wife, one xphone 1pro for myself."
"Dude, awesome! I bow down to you!"
"A true man, well done!"
...
The news had long ended, but the subsequent impact was just beginning.
Those who were holding money and waiting to buy, the "wait-and-see party" waiting for price drops, their mentality collapsed.
Given Xingyi Mobile's hot-selling status, a price drop? Absolutely impossible!
Only phones that don't sell will experience a Waterloo-like price drop.
And xphone 1, in less than four months, sold over 20 million units; even grey market imports overseas became popular, so there's even less need for a price drop.
Left with no choice, the "wait-and-see party" began to purchase extensively, causing sales of xphone 1 and xphone 1pro to skyrocket rapidly.
Some middle-aged people who didn't pay much attention to the internet also learned through CCTV about Xingyi Technology, which gave Apple headaches, and about Xingyi Mobile, which crushed the iPhone 4s, and immediately began placing orders.
Some people who weren't good at online shopping called their children:
"Son, that Xingyi Mobile phone is very good, buy one for me!"
"Daughter, I think the Xingyi Pad is quite good, get one for me!"
These middle-aged people might not be tech-savvy online, but they are all financially strong.
Not to mention the xphone 1 starting at 3299, even the xphone 1pro starting at 4999, they can afford.
Some retired elderly men also wanted to experience a smartphone.
Moreover, these middle-aged and elderly people, having experienced the era of Western blockades and embargoes, loved seeing the rise of domestic products the most.
Now that Xingyi Mobile had thoroughly defeated the iPhone, they would support it even more strongly.
Just like Huawei in its previous life, why did so many big bosses and powerful figures born in the 50s, 60s, and 70s favor Huawei?
It was appreciating the courage to take on European and American giants, a feat that brought pride and honor.
And now, Xingyi Mobile has also achieved this, and done so even earlier, so the influence is even greater.
iPhone and iPad were continuously crushed by Xingyi Mobile and Xingyi Pad, suffering repeated defeats.
At least in Xia, they would no longer be mythologized and revered for so many years as in their previous life.
Once a god falls from grace, it's nothing.
The same goes for mobile phones.
Like the iPhone in its previous life, before 2023, it was still an absolute god-tier phone, single-handedly challenging the entire Android camp.
But after 2023, Huawei returned as king, Mate 60 emerged, and the iPhone fell from grace, with domestic sales sharply declining.
To boost sales, even iPhone 15 had to drastically cut prices...
Similarly, this time, Xingyi Mobile would also pull the iPhone off its pedestal, only this happened much earlier.
It was partially achieved in 2012.
At least in Xia, Xingyi Mobile had completely outperformed the iPhone.
Of course, the global market was still iPhone's domain, after all, Xingyi Mobile's globalization still had some way to go, and its patent reserves were not yet sufficient!
But it was only a matter of time.
Looking at the surging data in the backend, Wang Yi couldn't help but laugh.
The power of CCTV News is terrifying.
xphone 1pro gained 800,000 orders in one night; one can only say it's amazing, truly amazing.
And xphone 1 was even more terrifying, gaining over a million orders.
After all, many people looked at the xphone 1pro's starting price of 5000 and still felt that the xphone 1 starting at 3299 was more appealing!
Similarly, sales of Xingyi Pad X1 and X1pro also surged by hundreds of thousands.
The situation was excellent!
Wang Yi no longer paid attention to these things and went to sleep soundly, holding Lin Shu.
But at Apple, Tim Cook couldn't sit still.
He had just woken up early in the morning when he saw the news of Xingyi Technology on CCTV and saw Wang Yi showing off the sales of Xingyi Mobile and Xingyi Pad.
This completely ruined Tim Cook's good mood for the day.
He had to quickly convene a high-level meeting to discuss countermeasures:
"Do you know? In three months and three weeks, xphone 1 sold over 20 million units in Xia!"
"In just three weeks, xphone 1pro sold over 5 million units in Xia!"
"Combined, that's a total of 25 million units!"
"Moreover, our iPhone 4S has been on the market in Xia for over two months and only sold 5 million units, which is less than xphone 1pro's one-month pre-sales!"
"Truly useless!"
"Too useless!"
"If this continues, our Xia market will be completely gone!"
Facing Tim Cook's fury, the executives remained collectively silent.
There's no helping it, the iPhone 4s was far inferior to the xphone 1, and even more incomparable to the xphone 1pro.
And the price was as expensive as the xphone 1pro.
How would consumers choose? Does it even need to be said?
There's absolutely no need to ignore the xphone 1 with higher specs and a 2000 cheaper price and insist on buying an iPhone 4s.
This is unreasonable.
(End of chapter)