WeChat announced that it will strengthen its IoT layout in Taiwan, expecting to build a smart platform by integrating devices, services and a complete business model, allowing users to easily connect and operate various IoT devices through WeChat services.
WeChat's third-quarter financial results for the 2014 fiscal year confirmed that its global monthly active users reached 4.68 million, maintaining continued growth. Regarding recent developments, WeChat stated that it has begun focusing on integrating with IoT applications. For example, it has integrated with Didi Chuxing in China, allowing users to directly request rides through WeChat. It will also open up its APIs to further integrate with more IoT devices and services. This will leverage the platform's large user base to connect with more services and expand its market reach.
For example, during CES 2015, WeChat partnered with LinQ Hotel, part of Caesars Entertainment, the largest entertainment company in Las Vegas, and IoT platform Ayla to showcase a "future smart room" concept that connects WeChat's open API with the smart IoT. Guests can log in to their WeChat official account directly with their mobile phone and use the app as a hotel check-in key, remote control, and other functions. They can also control indoor lighting, air conditioning, curtains, and even the coffee machine or sound system.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CMDLPKWI1w?feature=player_detailpage&w=640&h=360]
Regarding the recently popular smart fitness app, WeChat has also announced a partnership with Garmin's Smart Health app, enabling wristband data to be further integrated with WeChat social services. Other medical measurement devices, such as blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, ear thermometers, and body fat meters, will also be able to link with WeChat accounts if their manufacturers adopt WeChat's open APIs, allowing users to easily record and monitor their personal and family health.
In addition, WeChat is gradually opening up services such as voice recognition search, LBS (location-based service), and multiple customer service functions. In Taiwan, WeChat is also working with the Institute for Information Industry to create the future "Connected Business Alliance". It is also open to small and medium-sized enterprises to apply for official accounts free of charge, providing customized content for corporate WeChat official accounts, helping local businesses to go online, and providing more precise services and marketing to improve brand marketing effectiveness.
In this announcement to further strengthen its IoT market application layout in Taiwan, WeChat also emphasized that it will seize any development possibilities. It is expected that there will be more application development news in the future, but no specific details have been given yet.
In a recent update, WeChat will add keyword-based search functionality to Moments posts in version 6.1, sync custom stickers from WeChat to new devices, and support the storage and sharing of short videos. Furthermore, WeChat version 6.0.2 will also feature a "brightening mode" for short videos, allowing users to capture bright videos even in low-light conditions.
The video function has added a chat window shrinking function to facilitate the simultaneous use of other WeChat functions. It also includes functions such as zoom lens conversion, VoIP button switching, font size setting, and new WeChat temporary content management settings, so that users can delete large files that take up space at any time.
