Baidu Launches PC Manager
BiaNews, 10/28/10
Chinese internet firm Baidu (Nasdaq: BIDU) today released its Baidu PC Manager application. Beta version 1.0 is currently available for download at guanjia.baidu.com and features software download, upgrade and uninstall features, but lacks previously rumored anti-virus functionality.
Baidu PC Manager offers anti-virus, word processing, instant messaging, and Chinese character input method editor software downloads from Kingsoft (3888.HK), Tencent (0700.HK), and Sohu's (Nasdaq: SOHU) Sogou, respectively. The platform utilizes Kingsoft's "Cloud Install" technology.
The project is being overseen by Wu Tao, deputy head of Baidu's client software division.
Baidu PC Manager does offer anti-virus software from Qihoo 360, but lists it at the bottom of the category. Yesterday, Kingsoft, Baidu, Tencent and other companies issued a joint statement against Qihoo 360.
Editor's Note: According to Netease Tech, Kingsoft, Baidu, Tencent, browser developer Maxthon, and Beijing-based image editing software maker Conew yesterday jointly issued a joint declaration boycotting Qihoo 360 for alleged unfair competitive practices and calling for increasing industry self-policing. The companies pledged to have no further association or cooperation with Qihoo 360. For more background on this topic, please see "Rumor: Screenshots Leaked of Baidu PC Manager" MD 10/11/10 issue.
Keywords: Kingsoft Internet browser software Baidu Tencent instant messaging anti-virus Chinese character input Maxthon PC Sohu 0700.HK 3888.HK BIDU Conew Qihoo 360 Wu Tao