Ahaha, I think many of us who grew up in the early days of the internet can relate to this story. Remember when we had to use WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) browsers on our feature phones to access online services? Yeah, those were the days!

Fast forward to the rise of mobile internet and smartphones, and the WebQQ era slowly came to an end. Tencent, the parent company of QQ, has announced that WebQQ will be permanently closed starting January 1, 2019.

A Brief History of WebQQ

WebQQ was first launched in 2009 and became a popular way for users to access QQ's messaging services without having to install the desktop client. In 2011, it was rebranded as Q+Web. However, with the rapid development of mobile internet, Tencent shifted its focus towards developing mobile apps, leaving WebQQ in the shadows.

In 2014, Tencent released a farewell announcement for WebQQ, hinting that the service would eventually be discontinued. Four years later, WebQQ has finally reached the end of its road.

Why Did WebQQ Have to Go?

So, why did WebQQ have to go? Well, with most users now accessing internet services through their smartphones, there's less need for a web-based version of QQ. Tencent no longer sees a reason to invest in maintaining and updating an already outdated technology.

In fact, the company has been emphasizing the importance of mobile apps in its business strategy, citing that they have become the primary means of accessing online services. This shift is evident in how most internet users today access their favorite social media platforms, messaging apps, and streaming services on their smartphones.

A Tribute to WebQQ

While it's the end of an era for WebQQ, many users still cherish the memories they've shared with this service. It was a way for people to stay connected with friends and family during the early days of the internet, when mobile devices were not yet as ubiquitous as they are today.

As we bid farewell to WebQQ, we can't help but think about how far we've come since those early days of WAP browsers and feature phones. The rise of smartphones has revolutionized the way we access online services, and it's a reminder that technology is constantly evolving to meet our changing needs.

So, while WebQQ may be gone, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who used it to stay connected with loved ones during the early days of the internet.