WeChat Launches Smart Hardware Management Solutions Platform
Tencent Tech, 8/26/15
Chinese Internet and mobile services firm Tencent (0700.HK) yesterday unveiled the "WeChat Hardware Solutions" platform for its mobile messaging app WeChat, which will provide WeChat integration for smart hardware devices including air conditioners, routers, home appliances, televisions, toys, battery chargers, health products, and wearables.
Tencent vice president Zhang Ying said that WeChat is an information hub that can use its user base and social network relationships to link hardware products, manufacturers, and users, to encourage users to engage with and use hardware products, and to promote sales. For example, the WeChat public account WeChat Sports already has more than 10 mln users and promotes smart fitness bracelets. China-based consumer appliances and air conditioning system manufacturer Midea Group (000333.SZ) will offer WeChat integration for its washing machines, and Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer Haier will provide WeChat integration for its air conditioners.
WeChat's hardware solutions platform already features 2,433 manufacturers and an additional 18,882 manufacturers have applied to the platform.
WeChat's hardware solutions for healthcare products and smart appliances are as follows:
Smart Healthcare:
1. WeChat can be used for long-term record-keeping and management of health data.
2. Hardware data can be transmitted to WeChat, and household members can share healthcare information.
3. WeChat will provide data analysis guidance for hardware manufacturers.
4. Health data and information regarding a user's activity level can be shared with WeChat friends.
Smart Wearables:
1. Smart wearables can be linked with WeChat Sports.
2. After connecting the device and the user's account, data such as daily running mileage can be shared with friends on WeChat.
3. WeChat can be linked with different smart wearable devices.
Smart Appliances:
1. Use WeChat to control smart electrical outlets to enable remote control and timed control of devices such as lights and video cameras.
Smart TV Sets:
1. Smart TVs can connect via Wi-Fi.
2. Users can view WeChat public account video content on their TV.
3. Users can use WeChat Pay to pay for programming.
4. WeChat can be used to send voice, images, and video to a TV, to interact with friends (such as to send reminders and TV "barrages.")
Smart Routers:
1. Users can link and manage a router using WeChat to ensure router security (for example, to verify that no unauthorized devices have joined the network), and to authorize their WeChat friends to use Wi-Fi.
Smart Toys:
1. Smart toys can be linked to WeChat and can use content available on WeChat public accounts with their device.
2. WeChat said that it is not necessary to develop an app specifically for the toy.
3. WeChat can provide a voice recognition software development kit (SDK) to enable AI interaction between a child and the toy.
Smart Top-Up
1. Users can use WeChat Pay and top-up devices (e.g. card-reader module) to perform various types of top-up and payment functions.
2. WeChat can be used to collect basic information about a user's payment habits and history.
Editor's Note: For more information on this topic, please see "Update: Tencent Developing Smart Hardware Open Platform," MD 10/30/14 and "Midea to Launch WeChat-customized Air Conditioner Control System," MD 4/07/15 issues.
Keywords: smart appliance smart terminal hardware healthcare 0700.HK Zhang Ying WeChat router smart TV wearable computer wireless
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