In recent years, QQ (also known as OICQ) has become a widely used communication platform in East Asia, particularly among Chinese-speaking communities. Developed by Tencent, the company behind WeChat and other popular online services, QQ is a multipurpose instant messaging service that allows users to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues through text messages, voice chats, video conferencing, and more.
History of QQ
QQ was first launched in 1999 as an instant messaging service called "OICQ" (Open Instant Communication Protocol). Initially, it was designed for Chinese-speaking communities, but its popularity soon spread to other parts of Asia. In 2001, the name was changed from OICQ to QQ, and the service became known for its colorful and cartoon-like character designs.
Features of QQ
QQ offers a range of features that make it a popular choice among users in East Asia. Some of these features include:
- Instant messaging: Users can send text messages, photos, videos, and files to friends and family.
- Voice and video conferencing: QQ allows users to hold voice or video calls with up to 9 people at once.
- File sharing: Users can share files of various formats, including documents, images, and audio files.
- Online gaming: QQ has a range of online games that users can play with friends and other players.
QQ in Korea
In Korea, QQ is widely used by Koreans who are interested in Chinese culture or have family ties to China. Many Korean PC bangs (internet cafes) offer QQ as one of the services they provide, along with WeChat and other popular online platforms.
QQ in Japan
In Japan, QQ is also gaining popularity among young people who are interested in Chinese pop culture, known as "J-Cutie." Japanese gamers and fans of anime and manga often use QQ to communicate with friends and join online communities related to their favorite games or shows.
QQ in Taiwan
In Taiwan, QQ has become an essential part of daily life for many Taiwanese. Many Taiwanese users prefer QQ over other messaging apps like WhatsApp or Line because it offers more features and a wider range of customization options.
****, QQ is a popular communication platform that has gained widespread acceptance among Chinese-speaking communities in East Asia. Its colorful character designs, instant messaging features, voice and video conferencing capabilities, file sharing functions, and online gaming services make it an attractive choice for users who want to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues.
References
- Tencent (2022). QQ Registration.
- Wikipedia (2022). QQ.
- China Daily (2022). QQ: A Popular Communication Platform in East Asia.