Zhang Qian

    zhqcindy@163.com

    AFTER a year of development, WeChat yesterday officially launched a new function that could possibly realize its “one app to rule them all” vision.

    With the new feature, known as “mini-apps,” users can enter into a simplified version of apps by searching or scanning their QR codes through WeChat’s scanning function. They can also gain access via other individuals’ recommendation or WeChat groups. However, users cannot share the direct access on their WeChat Moments.

    WeChat is a popular social media platform developed by Shenzhen-based Tencent.

    Simply put, the new function provides access to smartphone apps directly on WeChat, which means that users can use the apps without downloading a separate app from the App Store or Android Market.

    The concept is to let users use the core functions of apps, according to Zhang Xiaolong, the founder of WeChat. He talked about the mini-apps function publicly for the first time in January last year. One year later, the idea generated by his team has been realized.

    On Sept. 22 last year, WeChat sent out invitations to developers to beta-test around 200 apps, but the testers were strictly required to “keep it a secret.” About two months later, WeChat launched an open beta test. App developers could apply to participate in the test, but could not publicize the mini-apps they developed.

    Some of the most widely used apps, such as car-hailing service apps and food-ordering apps, were among the first testers. Many of them launched their mini-apps on WeChat yesterday.

    Compared with conventional apps, the miniature versions provide a simplified version with the core functions of the apps. For instance, the mini car-hailing app doesn’t include the digital map or means of transportation functions, among others.

    Sun Yue is a programming director at a Shenzhen company that develops courses to teach children programming. The company was also one of the initial testers.

    He told the Shenzhen Daily that he thinks the new function rolled out by WeChat “is a revolutionary one that could even be put on a par with the inception of the iPhone.”

    “The new function has a relatively lower technical requirement for programmers and developers with its handy templates. Basically anyone with basic knowledge of developing software can produce the mini-apps,” said Sun.

    In his eyes, if mini-apps goes smooth, the amount of apps developed and used on WeChat will surpass that of the App Store or Android Market.

    Currently the mini-app function only has a Chinese version, but Sun believes that WeChat will certainly launch an English version if they want to attract overseas users and developers.

    “For many foreign companies that want to explore Chinese markets, I strongly suggest that they get their hands on the mini-apps function or at least WeChat, because WeChat dominates the market with its all-around functions,” said Sun.

    However, just like WeChat’s public account service, mini-apps cannot be shared on WeChat moments.

    “I guess doing that is the company’s deliberate idea, because it can restrain some companies from widely promoting their accounts or apps to an uncontrollable extent,” said the software developer who believes that the new function was not developed to benefit the business of other companies, but to provide more convenient services for its users.