News. It happens every week! But how are we to keep track of it? Why, with this, the rundown of this week’s most important China-related tech stories.
1. Is there a weipocalypse coming?
We poke our noses into the upcoming real-name registration deadline and try to figure out whether it’s going to destroy everything on March 16th. We’re still not sure what’s really going to happen, so if you’re looking to speculate, now’s the time!
2. Vancl breaks four million mobile users
Don’t think mobile e-commerce in China is the real deal? You better not tell that to e-tailer Vancl, because their mobile users and sales data are only going up. We’re guessing they’re not the only ones.
3. Sina gives charities a home on weibo
Sure, weibo is great for social marketing and telling your friends what you had for breakfast, but now it might be good for society, too. Sina has added a charity section to weibo that allows users to follow and safely donate to charities. We think that’s awesome.
4. Shanda Cloudary IPO finally taking off
Shanda’s Cloudary subsidiary was supposed to IPO last year. But now it looks like things are back on track for a US IPO. The company hasn’t filed a prospectus yet, but it sure seems like they’re working towards one.
5. Baidu integrates Weibo posts into search
Finally, the king of search meets the king of weibo. It’s a great combination for Baidu and Sina, and a dangerous combination for everybody else.
6. Netizen disappeared, detained for BBS repost
If you weren’t concerned about the real-name system’s potential for misuse, here’s the latest evidence: the unwarranted detention of a netizen who ultimately had nothing to do with the creation of a false rumor.