Sina's Mobile IM 'WeMeet' Adds Snapchat-Like Features
Sina Tech, 8/26/13
Chinese internet company Sina (Nasdaq: SINA) has released version 1.1.50 of its mobile LBS IM app "WeMeet" ("WeiMi"), with updates including a "private discussion" ("Miyu") feature that immediately erases content a set period of time after it is opened. In WeMeet one-on-one and group conversations, users can share photos that will be automatically deleted 3 seconds after being opened by recipients. Currently, the "private discussion" feature is limited to images, but will be extended to include photo doodle, text, and audio formats.
WeMeet groups are divided into "public" and "private" types. Public group chat information is publically viewable, and can be searched, browsed, commented on, and "liked" by non-group members. Private groups are viewable only to those invited by the group moderator. In addition to chat functionality, each group has a page similar to a microblog for group status updates that supports sharing of images, text, events, and notices for the group. All content can be synchronized with Sina's Weibo microblogging platform.
WeMeet allows users to log in using either a Sina Weibo microblogging account or a mobile number.
Editor's Note: Sina CEO Charles Chao recently revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that the company would soon be releasing a new group-based mobile messaging product. According to a number of domestic media outlets, Chao's comments were in reference to WeMeet, which was first released for the iOS platform in April 2013. For more background on this topic, please see "Sina to Launch New Social Media Product" MD 8/23/13 issue and "Sina Fights WeChat with Mobile IM 'WeMeet'" MD 7/23/13 issue.
Keywords: Charles Chao wireless mobile IM Sina WeMeet mobile application
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