It seems that everyone in China is (constantly) using an app for smartphones called WeChat, and it has revolutionized how Chinese people interact.
WeChat (or “Wei Xin” in Chinese) has pretty much taken over the daily interactions of a typical urban Chinese person, particularly among the 15-65 age group. The app lets users send text and voice messages, photos, videos, maps (real time location option) and post photos and text as Moments which can be liked or commented on.
Similar to other Chinese adaptations of new digital hardware or media products, WeChat is a spectacular mash-up of features and capabilities from the best in its class. Here’s what Download.com said about Wechat:
“WeChat is a social app that gathers all of your sharing and communication tools in one place, including video calls, text messages, and images. To fully experience the app, you’ll need to get your friends to use it too, but it’s a great way to connect with your friends across all platforms.”
Yes, the key is having other people to talk to once you are on WeChat. This is made easier by the sharing of contact info from your phone and recommended friends links, as well as a People Nearby feature that searches for other WeChat users within close radius of one’s current location.
If you have a Chinese friend or are traveling in China, a WeChat account is vital, as you will find that it’s more ubiquitous than telephone usage among today’s digital fanatics.
Check out the WeChat download on iTunes here.