Tencent WiFi Manager to Halt Operations on Dec 1

Tencent, the parent company of WeChat, launched a public hotspot sharing software several years ago called Tencent WiFi Manager, allowing users to quickly connect to public wireless networks without a password. On November 5, the firm’s software team announced that it will officially stop services from 0:00 on December 1, 2022 due to business adjustments.

According to the announcement, users will not be able to use any functions and services of Tencent WiFi Manager after that time. In addition, the app will delete user data and other information according to law.

It was previously announced that Tencent WiFi Manager had begun to be removed from all app stores on December 31, 2021. This did not affect normal use, but it could no longer be installed from app stores and the official website after being deinstalled.

Starting from around 2016, public Wi-Fi was widely promoted in China. At that time, many smartphone users found problems such as funds being stolen and account passwords being stolen by hackers after connecting to certain public Wi-Fi zones. Under such circumstances, many internet connection tools were constantly emerging, including Tencent WiFi Manager.

However, with the development of the market, the price of mobile operators’ traffic is declining, user dependence on Wi-Fi access is decreasing, and the number of Wi-Fi connection tools are falling.

Tencent has had nearly 40 products (including games) removed from app stores this year, with an average of five products removed from shelves every month, according to Tech Planet. In sharp contrast, Tencent officially launched only a handful of new products this year, and it has been rare to see a new product go online even within a month.

SEE ALSO: ByteDance Apps Including Shiqu Removed From Stores

Other Chinese internet giants have also been removing their apps from online shelves lately. Not long ago, ByteDance took down various newly launched apps, including Party Island, Shiqu and recommendation product Kesong. Baidu removed more than 10 products such as Wonder, Kanduoduo, Yinci and Yiju, while Alibaba removed three products such as Caiyuanbao, Yousha and Lifafa. JD.com has also discontinued a financial app.