The $1.9 Billion 91 Assistant Has Died, But “Mobile Assistants” Have Been Reincarnated
Phone assistants like 91 Assistant once thrived for sideloading, jailbreaking, and more. But with the rise of standalone smartphones, stronger IP protection, and the prevalence of built-in app stores, they faded away. Some platforms like Aisi Assistant (爱思助手) and CoolAPK (酷安) have survived by pivoting toward device diagnostics and community forums. Looking ahead, VR headsets and similar emerging devices may revive the concept of “mobile assistants” for new computing paradigms.
Key Points:
- Rise and fall: Mobile assistants were once essential.
- High-stakes failure: Baidu’s $1.9 billion acquisition of 91 Assistant ultimately flopped.
- Repurposed tools: Aisi Assistant now focuses on diagnostics—popular in the second-hand device market.
- Community rebirth: CoolAPK transformed into a digital forum hub.
- Catalyst for change: Smartphones became independent from computers, driving assistant obsolescence.
A new frontier: Upcoming head-mounted devices may revive assistant‐style roles.
