WeChat

WeChat is a free application that Tencent launched on January 21, 2011 to provide instant messaging services for intelligent terminals. It was built by the product team of Tencent Guangzhou R&D Center led by Zhang Xiaolong. Wechat supports the rapid delivery of free voice, short messages, videos, pictures and text over the network (which consumes a small amount of network traffic) across telecommunication operators and operating system platforms. At the same time, Wechat can also use data sharing streaming media content and location-based social plug-ins to "shake", "drift bottle" and "circle of friends". "," public platform "," voice NOTEPAD "and other service plug-ins.

By the second quarter of 2016, Wechat had covered more than 94% of smartphones in China, with 806 million active users per month and over 200 countries and 20 languages. In addition, the total number of public accounts of various brands has exceeded 8 million, the number of docking mobile applications has exceeded 85,000, the advertising revenue has increased to 3.679 billion yuan , and the number of payment users has reached about 400 million.

Wechat provides public platform, circle of friends, message push and other functions. Users can add friends and pay attention to the public platform by "shake a shake", "search number", "nearby people" and scanning two-dimensional code. At the same time, Wechat shares the content to friends and the wonderful content users see to the circle of friends of Wechat.

Since April 1, 2018, WeChat's static bar code has been paid 500 yuan per day.

Wechat is planned to be launched by Tencent Holdings Limited in October 2010 and built by the product team of Tencent Guangzhou R&D Center. The team led by Zhang Xiaolong, the team manager, has successfully developed Foxmail, QQ mailboxes and other Internet projects. Tencent President Ma Huateng confirmed in the product planning email that the product's name was "Weixin".

On October 19, 2013, Wechat LBS graphic and text reply was set up by businesses. After users submit their current location, they can find the nearest shops and make a one-click navigation and dial-up. If the shops have activities (such as coupons, scraping cards), they can also display the activities.

October 13, 2013, City Search aims to help those who do not understand technology or enterprises to establish their own interface procedures, so that those who do not understand technology or enterprises through simple configuration, can have powerful functions. Enterprises can use city-wide search to realize the function of intelligent customer service robots at low cost. Shopkeepers can easily realize the association and interaction between store merchandise and fans. They will also provide powerful local operation and maintenance management function modules for Wechat local number operators.

In January 21, 2011, WeChat released the 1 beta for iPhone users. This version supports importing existing contact information through QQ number, but only simple functions such as instant messaging, sharing photos and changing avatars.

In the subsequent 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 beta versions, Weichat gradually increased its support for reading mobile phone address books, interworking with Tencent Weibo private communications and multi-person conversation functions. By the end of April 2011, Tencent Weichat had gained 45 million registered users.

* On May 10, 2011, Wechat released version 2.0, which added voice-to-voice functions like Talkbox, making Weichat's user base grow significantly for the first time.

In August 2011, Wechat added the stranger-making function of "Viewing People Nearby", with 15 million users. By the end of 2011, WeChat users had exceeded 50 million.

On October 1, 2011, Wechat released version 3.0, which added the functions of "shake one shake" and "float bottle", increased support for the traditional Chinese language interface, and increased the number of mobile phone users in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, the United States and Japan.

On January 17, 2011, a Beijing Cultural Communication Co., Ltd. applied for the registration of Weixin Trademark, while Tencent's Weixin Trademark applied for registration on January 24, 2011, only a week later.

In March 2012, the number of WeChat users exceeded the 100 million mark. In April 19th, WeChat released the 4 version. This version adds album functionality similar to Path and Instagram, and can share albums with friends.

In April 2012, Tencent began to make an attempt to push Wechat into the international market. In order to make Wechat Europeanized, it renamed its English version 4.0 "Wechat" and then launched multilingual support.

On July 19, 2012, Wechat version 4.2 added a video chat plug-in and released a web version of the Wechat interface.

On September 5, 2012, version 4.3 of Wechat added the function of shake-and-roll, which can easily transfer pictures from computer to mobile phone. This version also adds voice search function, and supports unbundling mobile phone number and QQ number, which further enhances the user's control of personal information.

In September 17, 2012, Tencent WeChat team announced that WeChat registered users had broken 200 million.

Late in the night of January 15, 2013, Tencent Wechat announced on its micro-blog that the number of micro-credit users had exceeded 300 million, making it the most downloaded and user-intensive communication software in the world. Its influence extends to mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, as well as overseas Chinese gatherings and a few Westerners.

In February 5, 2013, WeChat released the 4.5 edition. This version supports real-time intercom and multi-person real-time voice chat, and further enriches the functions of "shake one shake" and two-dimensional code, and supports the search, preservation and migration of chat records. At the same time, WeChat 4.5 also added voice reminders and navigation based on the location of the other party.

On April 11, 2013, Tencent's Wechat team officially issued a statement to some users through Wechat, saying that the "Wechat charges users" circulated on the Internet was a malicious rumor, while emphasizing that Wechat would never charge users.

* At 7:30 a.m. on July 22, 2013, a large number of users reported that Wechat had a comprehensive failure, including the failure to send Wechat messages, to refresh the circle of friends, to log on to the public account platform, and to connect to the Wechat Web page. The accident has been hover until 2 p.m., and WeChat development team is in its Tencent micro-blog. It was announced that Wechat could be used again, but some users still left messages, referring to the fact that some functions have not been restored or connected after entering Wechat.

On August 5, 2013, Wechat 5.0 for IOS went online, adding expression stores and game centers, and a new upgrade of sweeping (313) function, which can sweep street scenery, bar code, two-dimensional code, word translation and cover. On August 9, the same year, Wechat 5.0 Android went online.

On August 15, 2013, WeChat registered more than 100 million users, adding 30 million new users in a month.

In October 24, 2013, Tencent WeChat had more than 600 million users and 100 million active users per day.

On December 31, 2013, Wechat 5.0 for Windows Phone went online, adding the functions of expression store, binding bank cards, collecting functions, binding mailboxes, sharing information to friends circle and so on.

In January 4, 2014, WeChat added the taxi function provided by the "taxi driver" in the product.

In January 28, 2014, WeChat upgraded to version 5.2, and the Android interface was completely revised.

In March 2014, the WeChat payment function was opened.

In March 24, 2014, computer housekeeper took the backup function of WeChat online chat record.

On January 21, 2015, Wechat took the lead in launching version 6.1 of the App Store. The new version adds three functions: sending red envelopes in the attachment column, changing mobile phones without losing customized expressions, searching for content in the circle of friends and restaurants nearby. There's also the opening slide after the installation - counting your "compliments" and "compliments for the harvest" over the past year.

In August 28, 2014, WeChat paid officially announced the "WeChat Smart Life" industry wide solution. Specifically embodied in the Wechat Public Number + Wechat Payment as the basis to help traditional industries to "transplant" the original business model to the Wechat platform.

In the closed-loop mobile Internet business solution provided by Wechat, the service capabilities involved include: mobile e-commerce entrance, user identification, data analysis, payment and settlement, customer relationship maintenance, after-sales service and rights protection, social promotion, etc. This also indicates that Wechat will increase the pace of commercialization and opening up again, provide connectivity for partners, and promote the transformation of enterprise users'business model into mobile internet.

By providing partners with the ability to "connect everything", Wechat is developing a new "smart" lifestyle. It has penetrated into the following traditional industries, such as Wechat taxi, Wechat pay electricity, Wechat shopping, Wechat medical treatment, Wechat Hotel and so on. Provide standard solutions for dozens of industries such as medical, hotel, retail, Department stores, catering, ticketing, express delivery, universities, e-commerce, people's livelihood, etc.

On January 11, 2016, Xiaolong Zhang, the father of Weixin, made a public appearance after many years, interpreting the four values of Weixin. Zhang Xiaolong pointed out that more and more products are made by public numbers, because the cost of developing, acquiring users and disseminating them is lower. The separated service number does not provide better service, so Weixin is studying a new form called "Weixin applet".

Since March 1, 2016, WeChat has paid a fee for the transfer function. From the same date, fees will be charged for withdrawals. On March 10, Wechat officially announced the details of Enterprise Wechat for the first time, and on April 18, it officially released the Android version through App Bao. In August, WeChat and Alipay were awarded the first payment license in Hongkong.

In September 21, 2016, WeChat small program officially opened the internal test. Under the WeChat ecosystem, the WeChat applet which is accessible and running away has attracted wide attention. Tencent Cloud officially launched the Wechat widget program solution, providing the widget in the cloud server technical solutions.

At 0:00 on Jan. 9, 2017, the first batch of widgets officially launched in a low-key manner. Users can experience the services provided by various widgets.

In February 2017, Brand Finance released the list of the world's top 500 brands in 2017, and WeChat ranked 100th.

On the evening of March 23, 2017, Weixin officially quietly launched the "Weixin Index" function. Tencent defined the mobile terminal index provided by Weixin officially based on Weixin big data analysis.

On April 19, 2017, Wechat announced that the iOS version of Wechat Public Platform and Express Platform was shut down from 17:00 on that day due to the change of payment rules in application due to the introduction of Apple's new regulations. Other versions of Wechat Appreciation such as Android were not affected. In addition, Tencent stakeholders said that the red envelope is not in this category, will not be affected.

The reason for the tweet's adjustment of the public platform and the appreciative function of the expression platform is that Apple updated the 3.1.1 clause on June 13, 2016, and more stringently required that App should not include buttons, external links or other call-to-action phrases that guide customers to use non-IAP mechanisms for purchasing.

Wechat also said that after the closure of the appreciative function, Wechat public number operators can display two-dimensional codes in their articles and obtain support through personal transfer. In order to protect the user's funds, such transfer funds will adopt T + 7 settlement cycle, such as generating funds freeze or refund, you can view the relevant flow in the background of the Wechat public platform.

In May 4, 2017, WeChat announced that it had joined hands with CITCON to enter the United States. After the WeChat payment officially entered the United States, the group could enjoy the convenience of cashless payment in the US. Through the payment of WeChat, the clothing, food and shelter in the United States can be settled in RMB directly.

Since the morning of May 5, 2017, some micro-credit users in Russia have been restricted to use, and the function of the web page version can not be used. The Russian government requires service providers to provide information such as industrial and commercial registration information, server address, software function description and so on. Russia guarantees that the WeChat will be closed after the above information is provided.

In May 18, 2017, WeChat ushered in the update, adding the function of WeChat laboratory. At present, there are two functions of "look at" and "search".

In the afternoon of August 21, 2017, Wechat had a large area of failure, and other app content could not be shared with friends and circles of friends; Wechat's transfer function was temporarily disabled, and the red envelope function was normal.

Within four days from 17:00 on September 25 to 17:00 on September 28, 2017, the image of the Earth displayed on the launch page of the mobile phone Wechat will be replaced by the image of Fengyun IV from the first complete picture of the Earth published by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) worldwide. This is the first change in WeChat's startup page in 6 years.

In November 8, 2017, WeChat was selected for the TOP30 list of China business case.

On December 28, 2017, the updated version 6.6.1 of Wechat suddenly opened the game. The launch page of Wechat also highlighted the recommendation of the game "Jump a Jump".

On January 10, 2018, on the 32nd National 110th Publicity Day, Yantai Municipal Public Security Bureau and Tencent Co. jointly developed a new live interactive alarm mode - "@110" launched nationwide.

On January 31, 2018, Wechat released a new version of 6.6.2 on the iOS side, which supports one-click login switching between two accounts and discovery page management.

On February 9, 2018, the Wechat team declared zero tolerance for online gambling. After verification and evidence collection, the Wechat team handled more than 2300 Weichat groups involved in gambling and imposed ladder penalties such as restrictive function use or restrictive login on more than 30,000 accounts.

On the evening of February 10, 2018, the Wechat team issued a blockbuster announcement in response to malicious violations and confrontations in Wechat's circle of friends.

In February 2018, WeChat's global users' monthly activity exceeded the 1 billion mark for the first time.

Since April 1, 2018, the static bar code payment of Alipay and WeChat has been limited to 500 yuan per day.

Since April 9, 2018, the Tianjin Market Regulatory Commission has started the service of "downloading and using electronic business license by enterprises through the micro-program of Wechat" in Dongjiang Port Area of China (Tianjin) Free Trade Pilot Zone and Jiangsu Industry and Commerce Bureau in Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Suqian and Lianyungang.

In May 2018, in order to protect users'privacy and security and optimize the external link experience of Wechat, the Wechat team further upgraded the relevant rules of "Wechat External Link Content Management Standard". The new rules will come into effect on May 29.

On August 7, 2018, in order to ensure the healthy operation of the platform, the article reading data of the public number background will eliminate the false data brought by the machine and other unnatural reading.

From September 30, 2018 to the end of December, users will be able to participate in the shake-up activities and get the chance to get the red envelope when they pay by the Wechat Payment Cooperative Stores in Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, users traveling abroad can also enjoy additional incentives and preferential exchange rates: using Wechat to sweep the two-dimensional code of the activity posters of the cooperative stores, they can get up to 2018 yuan of red envelopes to the stores.

In March 29, 2012, WeChat users broke 100 million, which took 433 days.

In September 17, 2012, WeChat users broke 200 million, which reduced the time to less than 6 months.

In January 15, 2013, the number of WeChat users reached 300 million.

On July 25, 2013, Wechat's domestic users exceeded 400 million; on August 15, Wechat's overseas users exceeded 100 million;

On August 5, 2013, Wechat 5.0 was launched, and commercialized functions such as "Game Center" and "Wechat Payment" were launched.

The fourth quarter of 2013, WeChat monthly active users reached 355 million (active definition: send messages, log in the game center, updated circle of friends);

In January 28, 2014, WeChat 5.2 released a new version of the interface style, complying with the trend of flattening.

In February 20, 2014, Tencent announced the launch of QQ browser WeChat version.

In March 19, 2014, WeChat payment interface was officially opened to the public.

In April 4, 2014, WeChat Institute was formally established;

In April 8, 2014, WeChat intelligent open platform was officially opened to the public.

In December 24, 2014, the WeChat team officially announced the opening of WeChat cash red packets for businesses. As long as the merchant (public No. App, or the next line store can be opened) WeChat payment, you can apply for access to cash envelopes;

In March 9, 2015, WeChat opened its entrance to WiFi, and users could access the Internet without password.

Official Website:https://www.wechat.com/en/