5 Must-Read Tech Stories in China This Week

China went on vacation for the second half of this week, but that didn’t stop interesting things from happening. What interesting things, you say? These things:

1. China’s Social Media Landscape 2013 (INFOGRAPHIC)

China’s social media landscape has shifted considerably over the past couple of years, and what better way to catch up on what things look like now than with a shiny infographic?

2. Better than Google Glass? Baidu Confirms ‘Baidu Eye’ AR Glasses Exist, Hints at Innovative Feature Set

Understandably, the news of Baidu’s AR glasses led to lots of comparisons with Google Glass. But after talking to folks at Baidu, it sounds like there are some very unique features to the product that might set it aside from — or even above — Glass. That is, if it ever reaches the consumer market.

3. Are China Telecom and Netease Taking on WeChat with a New Mobile Chat App?

China’s telecoms are struggling with how to respond to the rise of WeChat. Trying to compete with it seems especially misguided, but apparently China Telecom has partnered with Netease to throw its hat into that ring.

4. Chinese Web Game Developer Linekong Online Shifts Focus to Mobile Gaming

Linekong is a big and pretty well-known developer, and the choice to focus 100% on mobile games going forward is interesting. A bold response to our increasingly mobile world, or a misguided sortie away from the company’s bread and butter (and its loyal web gaming customers)?

5. Official: WeChat Will “Definitely” Have to Pay Fees in China

The most definitive thing we’ve yet heard about the WeChat-Telecom dispute. If this report proves true, then the only question left is how Tencent will raise the money to pay these new fees. Will it pass the price along to WeChat users or simply push up its timetable for monetization?

That’s all for this week, folks. For our full spread of China coverage, you can click here or subscribe to our China RSS.