Category: Apps

QR codes from Tencent are popular in China

| May 30, 2014

Mobile users in China can receive lucky money when they scan a red quick response code.

Tencent’s red QR codes are a new way for mobile phone users in China to download apps and obtain a red packet of lucky money from Yingyongbao, an official app store of Tencent that has contributed CNY500 million (over US$79 million) to the campaign.

Downloading apps via the red QR code is a unique process.

Unlike the standard app downloading method, apps can be downloaded directly through WeChat Scan. This provides App developers with a new method for distributing their apps and improving their popularity. The staff at Tencent has revealed that Android mobile users can win lucky money from WeChat every time they scan the red QRcodes through Yingyongbao. Each red packet can hold up to CNY200 (about US$32) in lucky money.

The QR Codes marketing campaign has been a success.

The “Red QR code storm connecting all” was an offline marketing campaign that took place in plazas and landmark buildings in some of China’s major cities, including Beijing, Shenzen and Guangzhou, during the May Day holiday. In addition to Tencent, an estimated 20 app developers participated. The red codes can be found in main streets, buses, metros and in other places in the country’s big cities. Thousands upon thousands of people of all age groups, including Chinese and foreigners, engaged in the QR code scanning activity to obtain the red packets.QR Codes - Tencent

Hundreds of apps are part of the campaign, with many having achieved a 90% download conversion rate. For instance, China Merchants Bank’s “Handheld Life” has increased to one million downloads after joining. The dramatic increase in downloads is not surprising because the cash bonus users can receive from scanning the Tencent QR codes provide mobile users with plenty of incentive to take part in the marketing campaign.

Furthermore, this method allows users to scan the barcode and immediately download the app via their WeChat Scan. They don’t have to search for the app to download and install it. The red QR codes give developers the chance to boost their download numbers. The popularity of scanning these codes grows as people continue to take part in China’s big cities.

Mobile apps are now easier to find with the Google Play Store’s new user interface

| May 29, 2014

This move was made in order to make it easier for smartphone users to be able to shop for applications.

Google has just made an important and long awaited move that is designed to make it easier for people to be able to buy things, such as mobile apps, from the Play Store while they are on the go and using their smartphones and tablets.

Android device users how have a mobile friendly interface that helps them to shop for content.

The new smartphone friendly store offers a range of features, such as a slide out navigation menu that gives the user immediate and direct access to all of the various parts of the Play Store. This includes a section for “devices” so that users can purchase mobile apps, various forms of devices, and all of the content that they could possibly want. All of this is now possible from their smartphone or tablet browser, instead of having to rely on the app or the web based store over a laptop or desktop computer.

So far, mobile apps shoppers are applauding this move by Google to give them a browser based option.

Mobile Apps - Google PlayOverall, it appears to work quite well and allows those who would prefer to use a browser for their Google Play experience to make that choice.

Though its layout does take some getting used to for the first use or so, it also offers the added advantage that users of devices on platforms other than Android will also be able to make purchases through the Play Store. Therefore, the store will not be limited to users of Android devices, but iPhone and iPad users and even BlackBerry and Windows Phone users will also be able to access the store.

Moreover, it gives people the chance to purchase devices. This is an option that the existing Google Play mobile apps on Android does not have to offer. Many mobile device users have been pushing for this option for some time and are thrilled to see that their voices have been heard. The actual popularity of the site has yet to be seen.