Enhanced QQ attracts more than 85 000 new users since launch
Russell Dreisenstock, GM of MWEB Home, said since the launch of the new VOIP version of QQ in mid-February, an average of 250 000 instant messages were sent per day by over 20 000 active users, a figure far exceeding the initial projected take-up.
QQ, which has been brought to South Africa by MWEB, South Africa’s leading Internet service provider, is a strategic initiative of the Naspers Group and is already widely used in China with over 150 million active users and some 300 million registered users. Previously, QQ was available in South Africa only as an instant messenger, but now has several added functions.
Dreisenstock said QQ combines the best instant messaging and chat room features in a single, easy-to-use software package.
"QQ is light on PC resources but packed with great features. QQ has been enhanced to include multi-party chats, voice conversations over the Internet, SMS services and video chats.
"With the introduction of the new QQ, a world-class Instant Messaging platform has been set up in South Africa, which is fully supported by MWEB.
"The benefits of instant messaging are that it is more interactive than email, more private than a phone call because no one can listen, and apart from normal Internet connectivity costs, it’s free."
Provided both users are on online, voice chat, which is essentially a Voice over IP application, is free. QQ voice chat, which operates on Windows 2000 or XP, works well over a dial-up connection .To get excellent Video Chat quality, an ADSL or ISDN connection is recommended. Video Chat makes it possible for both parties (with web cameras) to see each other while having a conversation.
To take advantage of the voice chat function, users will require a PC, an audio sound card (standard with most PC’s and laptops), a microphone and speakers. A headset with microphone and earpieces is recommended, as it will provide higher audio quality. Software requirements include the newest version of the QQ software, which can be downloaded free from the QQ website – www.qq.co.za
The new QQ messenger can also be used to store photos and play games. The Mobile QQ feature allows users to send SMSs to cell phones from the QQ platform, and send messages to online QQ users from a cell phone.
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