WeChat version 5.0 has been launched. It may not be available in your country as of yet, but App Store in China seems to be the first in the lot to get the update. Android version of the App (Chinese) is expected to go live in the next few hours as well. So far, the launch date of the English version is not known. Let's have a quick look at what's new in the latest update.


Game Center: With about 11 game titles in the offering, WeChat is expecting to generate some revenue. Of course, this revenue would come directly from the newly introduced payment service, called 'WeChat Payment' that will collect money from the users. You will be able to associate your bank accounts with your account. There's a new built-in scanner that can read and recognize books, CDs and other goods. The scanner can recognize English / Chinese words and perform translations on the go.

Much awaited voice-to-text capability has been added. At present the technology only supports Mandarin and the makers of the app claim that they've developed the technology completely in-house. Those who love to add graphics in their messages may take a look at the new emoticon market. Paid emoticons will be made available for about a US dollar each.

Do share your thoughts about the new WeChat once you get the update in your country.