In brief: Tencent eyes in-car social networking via WeChat

At the 2018 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference, Tencent’s Pony Ma said the company hopes to bring social networking advantages to more industrial units. Tencent wishes to transform WeChat into a smart interaction medium that allows users to interact with service softwares and vehicle hardware.

Source: TechNode

Ma explained that users can use voice interaction to send out and receive WeChat messages in the car, as well as introduce dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. Tencent also plans to let users to change the message setting to voice call and synchronize their location with their friends as well as a smart navigation system.

Tencent is exploring other features to enhance the in-car social experience. It is looking to automatically activate service software when users drive to service locations such as gas stations and parking lots. The software can also send users reminders about vehicle issues, such low gas levels.

The in-car social features are still under development and will be officially released when driving safety can be assured, stressed Ma.