Rumor: Taobao Mobile Client to Display Third-Party Content

Sootoo, 3/21/13

An industry source revealed today that Hangzhou-based C2C & B2C e-commerce site Taobao's mobile division is working on upgrades to Taobao's mobile client, including expanded open platform functionality. The upgrade is reportedly being overseen by Shang Wen, former chief editor of mobile Internet and online gaming company KongZhong (Nasdaq: KONG), and discussion of the current product structure is still ongoing. According to the source, the upgrades are envisioned as "unlike Tencent's (0700.HK) mobile messaging application WeChat (Weixin) or Sina'a (Nasdaq: SINA) microblogging service Weibo, but a combination of the two." Once Taobao develops the platform for the service, it will allow third-party content to be displayed — via display options that are still being determined — within the mobile Taobao client.

Taobao's goals for the year include promoting the mobile client for sister B2C site TMall, with the goal of 100 mln installations by the end of 2013.

Keywords: m-commerce client software Shang Wen mobile application open platform Taobao wireless B2C C2C mobile Internet TMall

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