Fewer Choices: Asus Leaves the Smartphone Game

The smartphone world is changing. Asus, a well-known tech company, has decided to stop making budget-friendly Android phones. This move is part of a bigger trend where companies are shifting their focus to artificial intelligence (AI) instead of phone hardware. Why is this a big deal? Well, fewer companies making phones means less competition. And when there's less competition, prices can go up. This is not good news for consumers who want affordable options. Plus, it's a blow to mobile gamers who love Asus' ROG phones, which are designed just for them. Asus' chairman, Jonney Shih, announced this decision at the company's year-end gala. He said Asus won't be adding any new phone models in the future. But don't worry if you already own an Asus phone; they'll still get software updates and warranty support for now. Instead, Asus is putting its resources into AI products like robots and smart glasses.The smartphone market is already dominated by a few big names like Apple, Samsung, and Google. With Asus leaving, there are even fewer choices for consumers. This could lead to higher prices and less variety in phone designs and features. For mobile gamers, this news is especially tough. Asus' ROG phones were some of the best for gaming. Now, with Asus out of the picture, there are even fewer options for gamers who want high-performance phones. It's clear that the smartphone market is becoming more and more dominated by a handful of brands. This isn't just because consumers are choosing them, but also because there aren't many other options left. Asus' decision to leave the smartphone game is a sign of this trend.