Luo Yonghao, founder of Smartisan Technology, was once both praised and criticized for his savvy marketing skills, which helped build a niche Chinese smartphone brand with a cult following.

After ventures in livestream e-commerce and AR, Luo has now set his sights on AI operating systems.

To advance this effort, he has reportedly recruited Wang Wenjun, a veteran in operating systems and former chief architect of Xiaomi MIUI.

Rather than launching a new venture, Luo plans to expand AI OS development through his AR-focused company, The Thin Red Line, founded in 2022.

Industry sources suggest that the AI OS may be integrated with AI-powered hardware, such as an AI-driven smartphone, to boost its market appeal. Wang’s expertise, gained from his time at Xiaomi and Oppo, is expected to play a crucial role in this initiative.

The startup previously secured $50 million in angel investments, backed by investors including Meituan Long-Z Investments, DJI, Matrix Partners, and individual investors such as Eddie Wu, CEO of Alibaba Group.