Apparently, TikTok's creator is working on a smartphone
ByteDance, the maker of popular video-sharing app TikTok, could soon launch its own smartphone. Multiple sources have reported that the Chinese giant is looking to expand its portfolio beyond apps by venturing into the hardware segment. There are hardly any details about the device, but TikTok's insane fan-following in certain markets could be an advantage for the company. Here's what we know so far.
Smartphone with ByteDance-owned apps
Speaking with two sources familiar with ByteDance's plans, the Financial Times has learned that the company is building a smartphone that would host a range of apps from its portfolio. Seemingly, the company is looking to lure buyers by offering a phone pre-loaded with all their offerings. The move would not only generate money but also boost the install-base for the apps in question.
What the phone will have on offer
The report doesn't delve much into the capabilities of the device but one of the sources emphasized that Zhang Yiming, the CEO of ByteDance, has long dreamt of building a smartphone. As for pre-loaded apps, you can expect the phone to come with several services, starting from TikTok and instant messenger Feiliao to news app Jinri Toutiao and probably a music streaming service.
ByteDance recently acquired patents from phone maker Smartisan
The news of ByteDance building a phone comes a few months after the company signed a deal with phone maker Smartisan to acquire some of its patents. Back then, the deal was said to be focused on education but the latest update tells another story.
However, this also raises questions of flexibility
While a smartphone from one of the world's most valuable (and popular) start-ups could do well, there's also the problem of flexibility. Basically, if the device fails to offer ideal software and hardware, people might not buy it; they could instead install the same ByteDance apps on a better device. The failure of Amazon's Fire Phone and Facebook's HTC First best explains this case.
When the device will launch
There is no word on when the device in question could launch. ByteDance denied commenting on the report, but if the company goes ahead with the launch, it will be interesting to see where it would be targeted. China is an obvious choice but launch in markets like the US and India would be doubtful, considering the recent government restrictions.
