Rumor: Alibaba to Launch In-App Shopping Plug-in
DoNews, 7/16/13
According to recent first-hand user reports, the "Tao" symbol, representing Chinese e-commerce conglomerate Alibaba Group's e-commerce websites Taobao and TMall, has appeared in mobile weather app Moji Weather. The embedded link redirects the user to the Taobao and TMall websites, allowing for in-app purchases.
Representatives from Alibaba and Moji Weather have declined to comment. However, various sources have confirmed that the embedded in-app link is an official Alibaba plug-in, and will be formally launched in August.
According to an industry source, Alibaba's online advertising platform Alimama undertook development of the mobile app plug-in, which it refers to internally as the "e-commerce wall" ("dianshang qiang"). In addition to monetizing user traffic, the Taobao Alliance plug-in also personalizes product, store, coupon, and other e-commerce related recommendations based on user activity and installed apps.
Keywords: m-commerce e-commerce Taobao wireless TMall Moji Weather mobile application C2C B2C