WeChat's App Revolution

#1

Post by 1gor » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 1:38 AM UTC

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#2

Post by okreallywtf » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 3:11 AM UTC

Disclaimer: I haven't used WeChat at all, but its mini-programs sound just like apps. Maybe it simplifies the process of installing and using them but what does that do to the security model? Does that mean WeChat is in total control of your information, providing it to 3rd parties that you may not have verified for yourself?

Granted, there are plenty of problems with apps and security as it is, but at least you can have separate registrations for each and one sketchy app doesn't necessarily compromise your whole system.

Maybe the article doesn't make the point well or I'm just missing it.

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#3

Post by Sanddancer » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 3:12 AM UTC

Their "revolution" is using federated logins and an integrated pay service. So a google account or the like and google pay. About the only interesting take home here is that developers would do well to keep their app sizes down and to design for their market. Everything else, you can get from android and from ios today.

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#4

Post by dstaley » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 3:23 AM UTC

This is praising WeChat for having a built-in web browser that supports single sign-on and credit card autofill.

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#5

Post by EGreg » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 3:26 AM UTC

If we don't succeed in decentralizing user identity then centralized platforms like Facebook and WeChat will win.

We need the Web to win in order for platforms to stay open, and innovation to flourish, and power dynamics to be more healthy.

Here is me pontificating at length about it in a video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WzMm7-j7yIY

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#6

Post by ec109685 » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 3:31 AM UTC

EGreg wrote: post #5

If we don't succeed in decentralizing user identity then centralized platforms like Facebook and WeChat will win. We need the Web to win in order for platforms to stay open, and innovation to flourish, and power dynamics to be more healthy. Here is me pontificating at length about it in a video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WzMm7-j7yIY

I don't think you should take it as a given that decentralization of login is good. I do not want my credentials stored on every personalized web site that I go to, so appreciate when I can sign in with one of my existing ids.

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#7

Post by yalogin » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 3:43 AM UTC

What lo the status of user privacy and security in such apps? The user I am guessing should have no such expectations.

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#8

Post by dingdongding » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 4:05 AM UTC

yalogin wrote: post #7

What lo the status of user privacy and security in such apps? The user I am guessing should have no such expectations.

Privacy and China don't play hand in hand.

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#9

Post by a_c » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 4:23 AM UTC

and the idea is that users can call up useful features from third parties -- photo filters, language tools, ride-sharing services -- within the WeChat app

As far as I can tell, the so called "Mini program" are just webpages? If so, how can it "call up useful features like photo filters"? One would need to

1. take a photo,

2. upload to website,

3. review the result and

4. Repeat 1-3 if result not satisfied?

Am I missing something here?

Re: WeChat's App Revolution

#10

Post by a_c » Thu, Jan 19, 2017, 4:26 AM UTC

dstaley wrote: post #4

This is praising WeChat for having a built-in web browser that supports single sign-on and credit card autofill.

I find it difficult to understand how these things are revolutionising. Perhaps it has something to do with the culture background of the users?