The development history of WeChat:
WeChat was planned and launched by Shenzhen Tencent Holdings Limited in October 2010 and built by the product team of Tencent Guangzhou R&D Center. The team led by the team manager Zhang Xiaolong has successfully developed Internet projects such as Foxmail and QQ mailbox. Tencent President Ma Huateng confirmed the name of this product in the product planning email as "WeChat".
On October 19, 2013, the WeChat LBS graphic reply was set by the merchant to store location. After the user submits the current location, he can find the nearest merchant store, and perform one-click navigation and one-click dialing. If the store currently has activities (such as coupons, scratch cards), the activities can also be displayed.
On October 13, 2013, Citywide Search aims to help those individuals or companies who do not understand technology to establish their own interface programs, so that individuals or companies who do not understand technology at all can use simple configuration, that is, Can have powerful functions.
Enterprises can use city-wide search to realize the function of intelligent customer service robots at low cost. Stores can easily associate and interact with store products and fans. It will also soon provide powerful local operation and maintenance personnel for WeChat local accounts. Dimension management function module.
On January 21, 2011, WeChat released the 1.0 beta version for iPhone users. This version supports importing existing contact information through QQ numbers, but it only has simple functions such as instant messaging, sharing photos, and changing avatars.
In the subsequent three beta versions of 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, WeChat gradually added support for reading mobile phone address books, interoperability with Tencent Weibo private messages, and multi-person conversation functions. As of 2011 At the end of April, Tencent WeChat gained four to five million registered users.
On May 10, 2011, WeChat released version 2.0, which added voice intercom functions like Talkbox, making WeChat’s user base grow significantly for the first time. In August 2011, WeChat added the stranger dating function of "Viewing People Nearby", and the number of users reached 15 million. By the end of 2011, WeChat had more than 50 million users.
On October 1, 2011, WeChat released version 3.0, which added the "shake" and drift bottle functions, added support for the Traditional Chinese language interface, and added Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Users in five regions: , the United States, and Japan are bound to mobile phone numbers.
On January 17, 2011, a cultural communication company in Beijing applied to register the WeChat trademark. Tencent’s WeChat trademark applied for registration on January 24, 2011, only one week late.
In March 2012, the number of WeChat users exceeded 100 million. On April 19, WeChat released version 4.0. This version adds a photo album function similar to Path and Instagram, and you can share the photo album to your circle of friends.
In April 2012, Tencent began to make attempts to promote WeChat to the international market. In order to make WeChat European and American, it renamed its 4.0 English version "Wechat" and later launched multiple language support.
On July 19, 2012, WeChat version 4.2 added a video chat plug-in and released a web version of WeChat interface.
On September 5, 2012, WeChat version 4.3 added a shake to transfer function, which can easily transfer pictures from a computer to a mobile phone. This version also adds a voice search function and supports unbinding mobile phone numbers and QQ numbers, further enhancing users' control of personal information.
On September 17, 2012, Tencent’s WeChat team announced that the number of registered WeChat users had exceeded 200 million.
Late at night on January 15, 2013, the Tencent WeChat team announced on Weibo that the number of WeChat users exceeded 300 million, making it the communication software with the most downloads and users in the world, with influence in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, where overseas Chinese gather and a small number of Westerners.
On February 5, 2013, WeChat released version 4.5. This version supports real-time intercom and multi-person real-time voice chat, and further enriches the functions of "shake" and QR codes, and supports the search, saving and migration of chat records. At the same time, WeChat 4.5 also adds voice reminders and navigation functions based on the location sent by the other party.
On April 11, 2013, the Tencent WeChat team officially issued a statement to some users through WeChat, saying that the rumors circulating on the Internet that "WeChat wants to charge users" were malicious rumors, and emphasized that WeChat would never charge users. .
At 7:30 a.m. on July 22, 2013, a large number of users reported that WeChat suffered a comprehensive failure. The failures included the inability to send WeChat messages, the inability to refresh Moments, the inability to log in to the public account platform, and the inability to connect to the WeChat web version. .
The incident continued until about 2 p.m., when the WeChat development team was on Tencent Weibo. It was announced that WeChat can be used again, but some users still left messages, saying that after entering WeChat, some functions were not restored, or they could not connect at all.
On August 5, 2013, WeChat 5.0 for ios was launched, adding an emoticon store and a game center. The scan (referred to as 313) function was newly upgraded and can scan street views, scan barcodes, and scan 2D Code, scan word translation, scan cover, on August 9 of the same year, WeChat 5.0 Android was launched.
On August 15, 2013, the number of registered users of the overseas version of WeChat (WeChat) exceeded 100 million, with 30 million new users added within one month.
On October 24, 2013, the number of Tencent WeChat users exceeded 600 million, with 100 million daily active users.
On December 31, 2013, WeChat 5.0 for Windows Phone was launched, adding functions such as an emoticon store, binding bank cards, collection functions, binding email addresses, and sharing information to Moments.
On January 4, 2014, WeChat added a taxi-hailing function provided by “Didi Taxi” to its product. On January 28, 2014, WeChat was upgraded to version 5.2, and the Android version interface was completely redesigned. In March 2014, WeChat payment function was opened. On March 24, 2014, Computer Manager joined hands with WeChat to launch a chat history backup function.
On January 21, 2015, WeChat took the lead in launching version 6.1 on the App Store. The new version added "send WeChat red envelopes in the attachment bar", "customized emoticons will not be lost when changing phones", "can Search the contents of Moments and nearby restaurants" three major functions. There is also an opening slide after installation - counting the likes you have sent and the likes you have received in the past year.
On August 28, 2014, WeChat Pay officially announced the “WeChat Smart Life” industry-wide solution. Specifically, it is based on WeChat official account + WeChat payment, helping traditional industries to "transplant" their original business models to the WeChat platform.
In the closed-loop mobile Internet business solutions provided by WeChat, the service capabilities involved include: mobile e-commerce portal, user identification, data analysis, payment and settlement, customer relationship maintenance, after-sales service and rights protection, social networking Promotion etc. This also indicates that WeChat will once again increase the pace of commercial opening, provide partners with connectivity capabilities, and promote the mobile Internet transformation of enterprise users' business models.
By providing partners with the ability to “connect everything”, WeChat is forming a new “smart” lifestyle. It has penetrated into the following traditional industries, such as WeChat taxi hailing, WeChat electricity bill payment, WeChat shopping, WeChat medical care, WeChat hotel, etc. Provide standard solutions for dozens of industries such as medical care, hotels, retail, department stores, catering, ticketing, express delivery, universities, e-commerce, and people's livelihood.
On January 11, 2016, Zhang Xiaolong, the father of WeChat, made his first public appearance in many years and explained the four major values ??of WeChat. Zhang Xiaolong pointed out that more and more products are produced through public accounts because the costs of development, user acquisition and dissemination are lower here. The split service account did not provide better services, so WeChat is internally studying a new form called "WeChat Mini Program."
Starting from March 1, 2016, WeChat Pay will stop charging fees for the transfer function. From the same day, handling fees will be charged for the withdrawal function. On March 10, WeChat officially announced the relevant details of "Enterprise WeChat" for the first time, and officially released the Android version through App Store on April 18. In August, WeChat and Alipay both obtained the first batch of payment licenses in Hong Kong.
On September 21, 2016, the WeChat mini program officially launched internal testing. In the WeChat ecosystem, WeChat mini programs that are easily accessible and ready to go have attracted widespread attention. Tencent Cloud officially launched the WeChat mini program solution, providing technical solutions for mini programs on cloud servers.
At 0:00 on January 9, 2017, the much-anticipated first batch of WeChat mini programs were officially launched in a low-key manner. Users can experience the services provided by various mini programs.
In February 2017, Brand Finance released the list of the world's top 500 brands in 2017, and WeChat ranked 100th. On the evening of March 23, 2017, WeChat officially launched the "WeChat Index" function. Tencent It is defined as the mobile index provided by WeChat and based on WeChat big data analysis.
On April 19, 2017, WeChat announced that due to Apple’s new regulations, in-app payment rules have been changed. The iOS version of WeChat public platform and emoticon platform appreciation functions will be disabled from 17:00 on that day. If turned off, the WeChat appreciation function of other versions such as Android will not be affected. In addition, relevant people from Tencent said that red envelopes are not included in this category and will not be affected.
The reason why WeChat adjusted the appreciation function of the public platform and emoticon platform this time is that Apple updated clause 3.1.1 on June 13, 2016, which more strictly requires that Apps must not include instructions for customers to use non-IAP mechanisms. Buy buttons, external links, or other calls to action.
WeChat also stated that after the appreciation function is turned off, WeChat public account operators can display QR codes in articles and obtain support through personal transfers. In order to protect user funds, such transfer funds will adopt a T+7 settlement cycle. If funds are frozen or refunded, the relevant flow can be viewed in the WeChat public platform background.
On May 4, 2017, WeChat Pay announced that it would officially enter the United States together with CITCON. After WeChat Pay officially enters the United States, people traveling to the United States can enjoy the convenience of cashless payment in the United States. Through WeChat payment, all basic necessities of life in the United States can be settled directly in RMB.
Since the morning of May 5, 2017, some WeChat users in Russia have been restricted from using WeChat, and the web version functions cannot be used. The Russian government requires service providers to provide the country's industrial and commercial registration information, server address, software function description and other information. Russia promised that it would lift the ban on WeChat after providing the above information.
On May 18, 2017, WeChat received an update, adding the "WeChat Lab" function. Currently, the enabled experiments have two functions: "Take a look" and "Search".
On the afternoon of August 21, 2017, WeChat experienced a large-scale failure, and other app content could not be shared with friends and Moments; the WeChat transfer function was also temporarily disabled, but the red envelope function was normal.
In the four days from 17:00 on September 25, 2017 to 17:00 on September 28, 2017, the picture of the earth displayed on the mobile phone WeChat startup page will also be changed from the former NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) around the world. The first complete photo of the Earth released was replaced by the imaging image of Fengyun-4. This is also the first time the WeChat startup page has been changed in 6 years.
On November 8, 2017, WeChat was selected into the TOP30 list of Chinese business cases.
On December 28, 2017, the updated 6.6.1 version of WeChat suddenly opened mini-games. The WeChat startup page also highlighted the mini-game "Jump".
On January 10, 2018, on the occasion of the 32nd National 110 Publicity Day, the new live broadcast interactive alarm method jointly developed by Yantai Municipal Public Security Bureau and Tencent Company - "@110" was launched nationwide. Go online.
On January 31, 2018, WeChat released a new version 6.6.2 for iOS, which supports one-click switch login between two accounts, as well as discovery page management functions.
On February 9, 2018, the WeChat team announced that it would adhere to zero tolerance for online gambling. The WeChat team used user reporting data and verified and obtained evidence to restrict more than 2,300 gambling-related WeChat groups. Group function processing, imposing step-by-step penalties on more than 30,000 accounts such as restricting function use or restricting login.
On the evening of February 10, 2018, the WeChat team issued a major announcement in response to malicious violations and confrontational behaviors in WeChat Moments.
In February 2018, the number of global monthly active users of WeChat exceeded the 1 billion mark for the first time.
Starting from April 1, 2018, Alipay and WeChat static barcode payments have a daily limit of 500 yuan.
Starting from April 9, 2018, the Tianjin Municipal Market Supervision Commission is in the Dongjiang Port area of ??China (Tianjin) Free Trade Pilot Zone, and the Jiangsu Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce is in the four cities of Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Suqian, and Lianyungang. At the same time, Launch the service of "Enterprises downloading and using electronic business licenses through WeChat applet".
On May 11, 2018, the iOS version of WeChat public account subscription assistant was released, which can edit pictures and texts, process messages, etc.
In May 2018, in order to protect user privacy and security and optimize the WeChat external link experience, the WeChat team further upgraded the relevant rules of the "WeChat External Link Content Management Specifications". The new rules will be effective on May 29 officially comes into effect.
On May 23, 2018, WeChat iOS was updated to version 6.6.7.
In May 2018, the "Hilton" applet jointly created by WeChat and Hilton Group was officially launched, providing guests with the industry's first reservation invoicing, hotel information guide and surrounding travel exploration, etc. A range of new online services.
On May 29, 2018, the new "WeChat External Link Content Management Specifications" officially came into effect.
On June 4, 2018, WeChat offline the “Friends Message” function.
On June 6, 2018, the "WeChat Simultaneous Interpretation" plug-in was released.
In June 2018, WeChat launched the "Relative Card" function. Users can open (give away) relative cards to their parents and children on WeChat. When using the relative cards to consume, the consumption funds will be automatically paid from The payment account of the party is debited.