Update: YiChat Adds International VoIP Feature
South CN, 10/08/13
Chinese Internet firm Netease (Nasdaq: NTES) has added an international voice over internet protocol (VoIP) feature to the latest version of its mobile instant messaging service YiChat ("Yixin"), allowing users to make free voice calls to Chinese mobile phones and fixed lines when outside of China. Users with more than 30 contacts on YiChat will be eligible for 60 minutes of international VoIP, as well as a daily allotment of 50 SMS, during the October 1 to November 1 trial period. Currently, the service is available only on the Android version of YiChat, with the international VoIP iOS version soon to be launched.
The latest version of YiChat also features additional free emoticons, support for chat groups of up to 200 members, and integration with Netease and China Telecom-operated (NYSE: CHA; 0728.HK) e-mail services.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "Rumor: YiChat to Add VoIP Features" MD 9/23/13 issue.
Keywords: Netease wireless VoIP mobile IM NTES YiChat China Telecom CHA 0728.HK