Meitu CEO: Why Specialized Apps Still Matter in the Age of AI Giants
The Enduring Value of Specialized Apps in an AI-Dominated World
Recent industry chatter has been dominated by fears that massive AI models might swallow up specialized applications whole. But Wu Xinhong, CEO of visual tech company Meitu, sees things differently. At the company's annual meeting, he painted a picture of coexistence rather than conquest.
Swiss Army Knives vs Precision Tools
Wu offered a simple but powerful analogy: "Think of general AI models like Swiss Army knives - incredibly useful for hundreds of everyday tasks, but you wouldn't use one to perform heart surgery." Vertical applications, by contrast, are the specialized instruments surgeons rely on - designed specifically for critical operations.
This distinction explains why Wu remains bullish about niche applications even as AI capabilities explode. "The real moat," he explained, "comes from solving those last-mile problems in specific industries - the nuanced needs general models simply can't address efficiently."
Where General AI Falls Short
The Meitu CEO didn't shy away from pointing out current limitations of large language models:
- Conversational gaps: Current chatbots still struggle with truly natural dialogue flows
- Industry expertise: Highly specialized fields require deep procedural knowledge beyond most models' training
- Precision work: Tasks like professional photo editing demand pixel-perfect accuracy that general tools can't guarantee
"That's where companies like ours come in," Wu noted. "We're building bridges between raw AI power and real-world professional needs."
Meitu's Focus: Vertical Visual Solutions
The company plans to double down on its core strength - imaging applications. Their strategy involves creating platforms that combine:
- Cutting-edge AI capabilities
- Domain-specific interfaces
- Workflows tailored to creative professionals
- Precision editing tools general apps can't match
"It's not about fighting the tide of large models," Wu emphasized. "It's about riding that wave to deliver solutions professionals actually need."
Key Points:
- Specialized apps aren't dying - they're evolving alongside foundational AI models
- Vertical expertise creates defensible positions that general tools can't easily replicate
- The future belongs to hybrids combining broad AI capabilities with focused solutions
- Professional workflows demand precision that still favors purpose-built applications
