Update: NHN Allies with Qihoo 360 on China Release of Line
Huxiu.com, 12/12/12
According to the official Chinese website for NHN Japan's Line mobile messaging application, which was released in China on December 11, the company has partnered with Chinese internet services and security software provider Qihoo 360 (NYSE: QIHU) to power downloads of the app in China. The official website for Line in China reads, "Qihoo 360 has been authorized by NHN to promote and provide related services for Line in China." NHN Japan is owned by Korean internet company NHN.
In a text message sent to members of the Chinese media, Qihoo 360 CEO Zhou Hongyi stated that, "A number of mobile products, such as Angry Birds, have been first released in China through Qihoo 360's '360 Mobile Assistant.' Line is a Korean toll-free calling software application well suited for women. The developers of Line have chosen to release their app through 360 Mobile Assistant."
360 Mobile Assistant is an open mobile app download platform. Downloads of Line in mainland China from Line's official Chinese website, or any number of other portals, will be powered by 360 Mobile Assistant.
Qihoo 360 is rumored to be an investor in Line.
Korean mobile messaging app Kakao, which has received investment from Tencent (0700.HK), is reportedly to see a release in mainland China by the end of the year.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "NHN Japan Brings "Line" Mobile Messaging Service to China" MD 12/12/12 issue, "Korean Mobile IM Company KaKao to Enter China" MD 6/21/12 issue, and "Tencent Acquires Stake in Korea's Kaokao" MD 5/17/12 issue.
Keywords: 360 Mobile Assistant download software Zhou Hongyi wireless Tencent mobile IM 0700.HK Qihoo 360 NHN QIHU Kakao mobile application
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