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The First Superapp: Inside China’s WeChat and the new digital revolution
China has leapfrogged past the West in many areas of tech — China’s mobile payments have surpassed the United States 100-fold and most Chinese consumers haven’t used cash or a credit card for years — and at the center of this new digital revolution is WeChat, the world’s first superapp.
For people in China, WeChat is now the everything app — wallet, social media, messaging, food ordering, bill paying, game playing and much more. And companies across the world are only now racing to catch up by creating a similar, all-encompassing digital phenomenon.
The First Superapp provides a glimpse of the future, and Kevin Shimota, a former top executive at WeChat, tells the inside story of how this phenomenon began in the context of China’s unique internet. He tells the story of WeChat’s creation and its climb to become the first superapp, providing insights on the psyche of WeChat’s founder, and of modern China tech to explain the fundamentals of these new innovations and how the framework they form could be reproduced beyond China.
For people in China, WeChat is now the everything app — wallet, social media, messaging, food ordering, bill paying, game playing and much more. And companies across the world are only now racing to catch up by creating a similar, all-encompassing digital phenomenon.
The First Superapp provides a glimpse of the future, and Kevin Shimota, a former top executive at WeChat, tells the inside story of how this phenomenon began in the context of China’s unique internet. He tells the story of WeChat’s creation and its climb to become the first superapp, providing insights on the psyche of WeChat’s founder, and of modern China tech to explain the fundamentals of these new innovations and how the framework they form could be reproduced beyond China.
- GenresChina
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
12 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Shimota
1 book6 followersKevin Shimota is a leading expert in digital technology in China, having been a senior executive at WeChat with over a decade of experience in the industry.
His ongoing work includes speaking and conducting workshops for premier global companies on current trends and innovations coming out of China and how they can be adapted and integrated into the global tech community.
A graduate of the University of Washington, Kevin now lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and their dog.
His ongoing work includes speaking and conducting workshops for premier global companies on current trends and innovations coming out of China and how they can be adapted and integrated into the global tech community.
A graduate of the University of Washington, Kevin now lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and their dog.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 16, 2022
I read this comprehensive and cohesive text while on a whirlwind trip of Europe. While not the typical eat pray love book to journey with, it was my perfect companion for analyzing and assessing the world in its current turbulence.
The cultural nuances present in this book demonstrate the authors adept understanding of the different cultures he has lived and worked in. The mentions of Australiana and links to other international hot spots I have strong connections with immersed me in this book.
I developed a far better understanding of the powerhouse of China and, some of my admittedly incorrect preconceptions shifted on the Chinese culture. It was fascinating to see how culture and government led to Pony Ma and Allen Zhang building WeChat and all of it’s encompassing ventures and programs. The needs/wants analysis of business is shown on a truly epic scale.
So much more to say, but you have to read it all to truly understand this important analysis from the firsthand insight of this talented author.
It is a glimpse at our very near future and includes knowledge that western media is simply not providing.
A must read for anyone who owns a phone.
The cultural nuances present in this book demonstrate the authors adept understanding of the different cultures he has lived and worked in. The mentions of Australiana and links to other international hot spots I have strong connections with immersed me in this book.
I developed a far better understanding of the powerhouse of China and, some of my admittedly incorrect preconceptions shifted on the Chinese culture. It was fascinating to see how culture and government led to Pony Ma and Allen Zhang building WeChat and all of it’s encompassing ventures and programs. The needs/wants analysis of business is shown on a truly epic scale.
So much more to say, but you have to read it all to truly understand this important analysis from the firsthand insight of this talented author.
It is a glimpse at our very near future and includes knowledge that western media is simply not providing.
A must read for anyone who owns a phone.
July 20, 2022
Rare insight into one of China's tech giants!
It is very rare that we get an insider's perspective on one of China's tech giants. The author, based on his experiences, outlines the roadmap taken by WeChat to become of the most successful Superapps in the world. The book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in technology and platforms. It discusses the ingredients to WeChat's success and provides potential roadmaps for other companies who are looking at developing their Superapps.
It is very rare that we get an insider's perspective on one of China's tech giants. The author, based on his experiences, outlines the roadmap taken by WeChat to become of the most successful Superapps in the world. The book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in technology and platforms. It discusses the ingredients to WeChat's success and provides potential roadmaps for other companies who are looking at developing their Superapps.
August 3, 2022
A first hand look at one of tech's most secretive and influential players, with applicable insights to boot!
Not only does this book provide in-depth analysis of what superapps are and how we can expect to see them proliferate across the West, but it breaks down the complicated context that shaped China tech - something that very few English speakers can detail from experience. A great accessible book for tech savvy and laypersons alike.
Not only does this book provide in-depth analysis of what superapps are and how we can expect to see them proliferate across the West, but it breaks down the complicated context that shaped China tech - something that very few English speakers can detail from experience. A great accessible book for tech savvy and laypersons alike.
August 1, 2022
A fascinating and informative glimpse into the world of the super app to replace and include all others. The author explains how China has lead the revolution of this super app, and the history behind the global phenomena. Will watch for more from this perceptive young man
August 1, 2022
This book was amazing! I could not stop reading it. Amazing insight to China. Easy to read! I will definitely be recommend it!!
August 3, 2022
Awesome book on the innovation that’s going on abroad. I have to read all kinds of tech content everyday and this was a breath of fresh air. Looking forward to seeing what else he writes
August 1, 2022
Fascinating read, would recommend it to anyone who’s interested in China, WeChat or big tech in general. Having worked for WeChat, Kevin provides some great insights into a company I frankly knew nothing about.
August 1, 2022
Awesome insight into how big tech works in China from a western perspective.
Great to see a different side of the story.
Great to see a different side of the story.
September 16, 2022
A well written and easy to read book. For tech newbies it provides the right context, explanations, and stories to understand the state of apps today. For the more knowledgeable, it gives a unique perspective on China's part in the global tech economy and the influence WeChat's innovative features have had on China and the world.
While not the purpose of the book, Kevin infuses marketing, product management, and general business management insights into all of his discussions.
A great read for anyone even marginally interested in technology, business strategy, geopolitics, or just China specifically.
While not the purpose of the book, Kevin infuses marketing, product management, and general business management insights into all of his discussions.
A great read for anyone even marginally interested in technology, business strategy, geopolitics, or just China specifically.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews