Monday, December 22, 2025
ByteDance has announced the launch of a new AI-powered voice assistant, marking a major step into the mobile AI ecosystem. The tool—powered by the company’s Doubao large language model—will debut exclusively on ZTE’s Nubia M153 smartphone, enabling users to perform hands-free tasks such as content searches, ticket bookings, real-time information queries, and productivity actions through natural voice interaction.
The Nubia M153 will be the first device equipped with the new assistant, positioned as a prototype flagship model priced at CNY 3,499 (USD $495). The phone is currently available for pre-order in limited quantities, reflecting strong early demand.
According to product details reported by regional media, the Android-based device features a 6.78-inch display, a 50MP rear triple-camera system, and runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. A dedicated side-mounted AI button provides instant activation of the Doubao assistant.
The announcement generated positive market momentum, with ZTE shares rising following news of the collaboration and the company’s recent 5G contract wins in Vietnam. Analysts view the partnership as a strategic move positioning ZTE more competitively against major Chinese smartphone brands.
ByteDance confirmed that it is in discussions with multiple manufacturers about integrating the voice assistant into upcoming phone models. The company emphasized that it does not plan to build its own hardware, instead focusing on AI software partnerships and platform-level integration.
The launch arrives in a rapidly intensifying AI smartphone race led by Huawei and Xiaomi, while Apple’s Apple Intelligence features have not yet launched in China. Meanwhile, Doubao continues to dominate China’s consumer AI sector, reporting 159 million monthly active users, solidifying its position as the country’s most widely used AI application.
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