This week we saw more developments in the mobile chat application space, as a number of Asia-based companies and startups continue to push the envelope in mobile communication. As long as the internet remains stable, then maybe we’ll have a chance to test them all out. Got that, China?
Here are our picks for notable news stories from this past week.
Willis’s pick: Vertical chat apps might be the future
The recent Cubie funding news is an indication that there could be an opportunity in vertical chat apps. Cubie is a chat app for females which I think could inspire more niche chat apps to mushroom.
Charlie’s pick: Xiaomi is Totally Making a Set Top Box
We’ve done a bunch of stories on this rumor this week, and I for one am pretty convinced it’s true. It’s a ballsy move for Xiaomi that, if it really catches on, could accelerate the changes in the way Chinese people watch television (and maybe leave CCTV out to dry in the process).
Steven’s pick: EBay set to Return to China This Month With E-Commerce Tie-Up
Who remembers eBay? In China, pretty much no-one. In 2004, it came, it saw, it got its butt kicked by the local competition. So perhaps the auction site will be luckier the second time. This week we heard from Chinese e-commerce site Xiu.com, which is set to reveal a tie-up with eBay on November 12th.
Rick’s pick: Are Beijing ISPs Cutting Internet in Run-Up to China Leadership Handover?
Widespread reports of ‘internet maintenance’ leading up to the 18th Party Congress this week are pretty discouraging, but yet not at all surprising. Wondering why China ranked poorly in the recent World Bank’s recent ‘Doing Business’ report? It’s shit like this.
Enricko’s pick: Tencent to Gain Nationwide Visibility in Indonesia With Global Mediacom Partnership
Tencent is going to make its presence felt really soon in Indonesia, with its app WeChat leading the way. Its partnership with local media powerhouse Global Mediacom will certainly help. Korean-made app Kakaotalk as well as Japan’s Line are looking to expand their respective user bases in Indonesia as well.
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