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QQ is sometimes used on the Internet as an abbreviation for crying; it is supposedly visually similar to two big eyes with tears at the bottom. See emoticon.
Image:QQ2004.png QQ, originally called OICQ, is the most popular free instant messaging computer program in Mainland China. Image:QQlogo.PNG
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Usage
It is estimated that the users of QQ in China number more than 150,000,000. As of 5 March 2005, on the Mainland China server, an average of 9,000,000 people are online at any one time. Using QQ on the Mainland China Server is known to be a very good resource for learners of Chinese, as most Chinese people who use QQ have little contact with foreigners, and may be eager to make foreign friends.
Usage outside China
Outside of China QQ is virtually unknown—the only reason someone living outside China would use it is to talk to friends inside China. Although in South Africa, QQ has been used for at least two or three years for South Africans to chat to each other (and any international friends from countries such as England or New Zealand where there are expatriates). There is even a song by local band The Finkelsteins for QQ called "QQ Me".
Client
The official client runs only on Microsoft Windows, but thanks to Gaim's support for QQ Linux users can use the protocol as well.
Development
It was initially developed by Tencent Inc. in February 1999. The first release of QQ is advertised as "Internet Pager" instant messenger, which later developed into a complete suite with features such as chatroom, Personal avatar (similar to "Meego" in MSN), Internet Storage and web dating. Its variety of features and its easy to use interface made it especially popular with teenagers, and had developed into the biggest Instant Messenger in China.
Naming
The original name of QQ is OICQ (Open-ICQ). But because of the possible trademark infringement with another popular instant messenger, ICQ, and also the fact that neither the program nor the protocol is considered "open", Tencent changed its name to QQ.
Membership
QQ allows free registration for its free membership. However, the registration was very congested and needed a few retries. In 2002, QQ stopped its free membership registration, requiring all new members to pay a fee. But, Tencent had reopened the free membership registration in 2003, due to pressure from other instant messengers such as MSN Messenger and UC. QQ has its own premium membership scheme which is seen as a commercialisation attempt to many. Premium members have more features like mobile QQ, Ringtone download, SMS sending/receieving etc. But, many cannot justify all these features for the cost of ￥10 per month Tencent charge.
Versions
The current QQ version is QQ2005. There are also special versions, for example Athens Olympic version, Chinese New Year Version etc.
TM
Image:TencetTM.PNG In responce to competitions with MSN Messenger, Tencent released Tencent Messenger, which is targeted to business people. It also provided features that is only availiable to Premium members in normal QQ, but its effect is limited.
Commercial Service
- QQ Premium Membership
- QQ Friends Advanced (Online making friend service)
- QQ Games
- QQ Home (Virtual customisable home)
- QQ Show (Personal Avatar)
- Q-Zone (an online space similar to MSN Space)
- QQ Ringtons
- QQ Pet
- Mobile QQ
- QQ Phone
Merchandise
Tencent grasped the halo effect of the QQ brand, and had set up many Q-Gen stores selling QQ styled Merchandises like school bag, watches, clothings etc.
Controversies and Criticisms
QQ had faced many criticisms and controversies.
Keyword Filtering
In August, 2004, QQ Games start to filter keywords such as "钓鱼岛" (Senkaku Island) and "保钓" (Keeping the Senkaku Island). This act caused much controversy and Tencent had since lifted the filter.
QQ Group Real Name Scheme
July, 21 2005, Tencent announced to follow orders set by Shenzhen Police and enforce the requirement of real names for all the administrator and founders of QQ Groups. It had caused much controversy on whether it can prevent the spread of pornographic and other indecent messages, or that it intrudes one's privacy.
QQ levels
Tencent had added a feature called "QQ Levels" which adds a level indicated by the number of "suns", "moons" and "stars". Levels are earned by logging in and stay logged in for an amount of time. It doesn't add any new features to high level users other than custom avatars for users with one "sun" or above. Many users leave their computer on with QQ running just to earn levels, and many sites allows leveling for money. Many criticise it is a waste of time and it's just a way of boosting its figures. Others criticise it being waste of electricity which China doesn't have enough. Tencent is forced to change its algorithm to online days instead of hours.
Plagiarism
QQ is known to copy its competitor's features. The interface of Tencent Messenger is very similar to MSN Messenger and the interface of QQ is Luna themed. Other than interfaces, QQ is also known to copy codes and portions from its competitors. One example is that in one release, the EULA from Skype is left in it.
Lack of Support
QQ generates lots of profits, but there isn't a singe free support phone. Only Premium Members have them, and thus normal members are ignored.
Adult Materials on QQ.com
There are adult materials (a trend that is seen on many Chinese websites) on its homepage, QQ.com. It was aimed at a similar purpose as [Yahoo.com] or [Msn.com] and thus adult materials are inappropriate on it.
Resource Hungry
The resource required to run QQ had increased substaintially and some people turn to third party lite versions.
See also
External links
- Learning Chinese using QQ An English introduction to using QQ and learning chinese on it.
- QQ messenger (Uses South African Server)
- Official Website (Uses Mainland China Server)
- Instant Messenger Software (in Chinese)
- Company Website
- QQ Japan (in Japanese)ja:QQ
