Telecom Lead India: Tencent
has launched WeChat, a free mobile voice and text messaging application in
India.
Globally, WeChat already has over 100 million registered
users making it one of the most popular mobile chat applications in the world.
The company is launching WeChat in India at a time when data
based messaging services are on the surge and with the increased proliferation
of smartphones, Instant Messaging/Chat Platforms are becoming the preferred
mode of communication among youth.
WeChat is not just a simple instant messenger mobile app
but it is actually a platform that intends to introduce a new communication
style where users can connect with each other via interesting push-to talk
voice messaging, video call, sharing precious moments (image/text/content) and
more, soon to be evolved, features based on users’ needs,” said Dennis Hau,
head of International Product Center, Tencent International Business Group.
Going forward there will be addition of more social elements
in WeChat, with localised content and functions to develop the local community.
WeChat’s user interface includes features that aim to break
away from the conventional elements of other messaging applications. It is the
first application in the communication space to offer -Hold-to-Talk’ voice
messaging service which enables users to send voice messages at the touch of a
button. -Moments’ is another key differentiating feature of WeChat where users
can post their special -Moments (pics/text)’ and share the same only with their
selected friends such that the content will be secure. Functions like -Shake’,
and -Drift Bottle’ enable users from any part of the world to build new
connections.
The company’s immediate focus is on building the user base,
enhancing the experience and eco-system of WeChat in India.
It is aiming to become one of the most popular mobile social
apps in India over the next 6 months.
Globally, WeChat has witnessed enormous success with over
100 million users.
India being one of the fastest growing markets for mobile
apps and smartphone adoption, we are confident about the success of WeChat
here. We will be adding newer features to WeChat on a regular basis,”
said Rahul Razdan, president of ibibo Mobile & Gaming.