WeChat eyes lead role in 'internet of things' as Tencent's mobile messaging tool lures developers to its open hardware platform

WeChat, China’s most popular mobile messaging app, is driving interest in the Internet of Things (IOT) through its open hardware platform and a nationwide competion to promote intelligent hardware innovation, which rolled out a winner on Tuesday. 

The app is owned by Tencent, one of China’s internet giants. WeChat began working on the platform in July 2014 so that hardware manufacturers could register accounts to promote their ideas and development, and later use it to launch their products.

The IOT refers to an advance in connectivity that aims to have people and devices communicate directly via embedded sensors, software and other identifiers. 

One example would be your fridge self-regulating its heating settings by “chatting” with thermostats in your kitchen or checking the weather conditions using Wi-fi to save energy and costs.

As of Tuesday, over 2,400 hardware manufacturers had registered accounts on the platform, which focuses on eight fields including an-conditioning systems, toys, routing, smart homes, television, top-up systems, healthcare and wearables, WeChat said.

It added that it is seeing more start-ups and established hardware enterprises join the platform, which also serves as a matchmaker to help solve funding and other problems.