Twitter Japan official blog announced [J] that the brand page for promotion launched in Japanese Twitter.
The new advertising program on Japan’s (probably) most popular social networking service is introduced 4 month after its US launch.
The first three companies use the brand page are the largest telco NTT Docomo, convenience chain store Lawson and Film Distributor’s Japan arm Warner Entertainment Japan.
Twitter Japan Starts Brand Page With Docomo, Lawson and Warner
The ‘Internet Society of China’ (ISC) has today released a paper entitled Written Proposal on Resisting Internet Rumors that aims to use a mixture of education and stricter regulations to prevent gossip and hearsay spreading across the tightly-controlled Chinese internet. Coming just nine days after authorities punished China’s two largest Twitter-like sites for failing to suppress political rumors, it comes across a lot like the much-vaunted “war on terror” whereby the Bush-era US government sought to defeat any rogue elements that might harm it.
Trouble is, both rumors and terrorism are abstract concepts, and you can’t win a war against a concept. And as an unjust war breeds a new generation of malcontents driven to extreme actions, so a new wave of internet clampdowns, regulations, and censorship will create even less transparency in Chinese politics and the web that might drive netizens to more conjecture and gossip. China’s microblogs, like Sina Weibo and Tencent Weibo, already have an expensively large crew of staffers engaged in self-censorship, deleting posts that contain keywords that threaten “social stability” (a new propaganda watch-word which is mentioned several times in today’s ISC paper) and banning users as well. On top of that there’s the newly-implemented ‘real name’ policy on the Weibo services that’s supposed to squash rumors by making people feel responsible – or scared? – about what they tweet to their microblogs. But, Sina (NASDAQ:SINA) and Tencent (HKG:0700) are swamped, and the punishment for most is just a deleted comment. Weibo users know this, and so are still engaging in gossip – even of a political nature – amidst the grim darkness of the lack of transparency in both government and news and web media who comply with all media regulations or else face being shut down.
And so a war on rumors is now underway, characterized by greater surveillance of ordinary folks as if everyone is somehow guilty. Just like how the war on terror massively bolstered the US and UK police state. But where the west has seen advanced face-recognition cameras, and full-body airport scanners, Chinese authorities already have all forms of media in a strangle-hold; it just needs to get a tighter grip. Trouble is, there’s not too much else that can be done – the recent false coup rumors saw the afore-mentioned Weibo clampdown on commenting along with six people arrested for propagating the initial rumor. What else is there? Arrest hundreds? Demand that Twitter-like sites have a built-in delay of a few minutes? Require people submit their tweets via fax to the local police bureau? OK, that last one is plain facetious. But how can progress be made in banishing rumors online when Chinese web users see no light, no progress, from authorities themselves?
The ISC paper – see it here (in Chinese) – today puts forward eight points for how the web can be made to have only “a positive impact on economic, political, cultural and people’s lives,” and not engage in behavior that can cause “a major social nuisance, serious violations of civil rights, harm the public interest” or “also endanger national security and social stability.” Seven of the eight put the onus on web companies and people themselves, with little in the way of self-awareness that the media landscape might need to be altered as well. Here are all the pointers in summary:
The first point in the white paper calls for a greater “awareness of the law” as it exists already along with tighter “industry self-regulation.”
The next one gets more lyrical, suggesting that the web be geared towards promoting “Chinese culture, a socialist culture” and “healthy web content” such as “spreading scientific theories.” And while that’s great, it doesn’t address the human need for news.
Enhance “social responsibility” of those working in online media to vet content, and greater “corporate social responsibility” to “resolutely cut off Internet rumors” on forums, microblog sites, and anywhere else online.
“Strengthen internal control mechanisms” at web companies and ensure active “content screening.” Very similar to the third point, really.
Employers should be encouraged to have their “website employees conscientiously fulfill their legal responsibility” in making an ethical and healthy web, and better “distinguish” those netizens who will be more likely to propagate rumors. Again, a lot of overlap with points three and four.
All social media “shall comply with the government’s internet ‘real name’ authentication requirements” which are already in place on the major Weibo platforms.
[Media/web companies] should “listen to the opinions of web users, and work hard to rectify the issued noted by the public.” Finally, a glimmer of awareness of what’s the root cause of the frustration of many on the web! But this seems superfluous alongside the calls for more efficient controls.
“Strive towards the majority of internet users actively supporting web companies in resisting and banishing online rumors.” This is an especially vague one, and has the air of turkeys voting for Christmas.
And that, in all its vague and blustery glory, is all that the ISC paper has to offer.
To get an idea of how opaque things are – and getting worse by the year, to be frank – in both online and offline media, note that the official line on the recent Weibo punishment and arrests was deleted from the website of state news agency Xinhua. Here’s the blank page. Let’s not speculate why. But plenty of netizens are still writing, retweeting, and commenting on rumors – and precisely because it’s getting harder and harder to get objective news.
That leaves Sina and Tencent – and whichever web company will have the next social media success – struggling to sift false rumors (along with the very many keywords which are currently banned for utterly opaque reasons) from thousands of Weibo tweets per second. And that too sounds like an unwinnable war.
[Hat-tip to William Farris on G+ for spotting the ISC article]
I’m usually pretty critical with my writings (and of my team members’). I’m also very critical of myself, which I believe is one of the necessary success factors of any startup. It’s the typical entrepreneur personality.
So when I f__k up, I’m among the first to stand up, bow, and apologize – which is what I’m doing now. I have always followed this principle. People who have worked with me know that I’m open to critique and also open to making changes.
Over the last week, I pissed people off with this post. I sincerely apologize to William and to e27. I stand sincere with no ill intentions, and I’m also reaching out to have coffee with them to see how we can work together moving forward. My criticism of William was more destructive than it was constructive, and that wasn’t cool. It was impulsive, and I should have been more thoughtful. It hurts not only the community that we’re trying to help build, but it also hurts our reputation as a blog. Bashing is just wrong; I regret it, and I have learned from it.
When you’re down, people usually react differently. Some shake their heads with arms folded; but some reach out to help and/or advice. These are the rare gems who keep the community moving and should be applauded. (Thanks Martin Hartono, @Andyzain, and @Nuniek).
I’m going to end off with a quote from serial entrepreneur, Didi Nugrahadi, who recently told me:
Once you want to start a business, just do it. Failure is your best teacher.
[Image credit: Infobarrel]
This week’s Japanese Web/IT related news which we did not write as a dedicated article.
Referred pages are all in Japanese, unless otherwise stated.
If you want to know any specific news more, but unable to find them in other English blog/media, please let us know.
FlexiRoam, a Malaysia startup that allows customers to make unlimited calls in over 200 countries for a flat rate, has launched their iOS app in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and United States.
Previously available only for travelers in Singapore and Malaysia, it looks like the company has been hard at work expanding its customer base, which at last count, numbered at over 2,000. We last heard from them at DEMO Asia 2012, where they went on stage to demonstrate how their app works.
The app enables users to obtain a roaming pass, view them, and manage their FlexiRoam accounts.
The company, started in April 2011, lets travelers make unlimited calls to their home countries and receive incoming calls at a fixed daily rate. This saves travelers from accidentally incurring exorbitant roaming charges.
This launch coincides with FlexiRoam’s first birthday. New and existing will receive 30 free credits for downloading the app.
Bitip pitching at Indonesia Satellit 2012
Indonesia Satellite 2012 saw 16 startups pitch their ideas at the event. Klik-Eat, an online food ordering and delivery service, took home the Judges’ Choice Award.
16 startups were each given 10 minutes to showcase their products at the Indonesia Satellite, the first of 6 in e27′s regional hunt for Asia’s best startups. And we were not disappointed. The startup all delivered polished and well rehearsed product pitches and clearly showed the maturing tech startup ecosystem in Indonesia. The Indonesia Satellite was held together with StartupLokal’s second Anniversary.
With over 300 attendees at the event, which also featured the Amazon Web Services beanbag session, keynote presentations from Sarim Aziz, Vincent Lauria, Brynerio and a panel discussion on how Indonesia can be the next IT hub, the Indonesian tech community showed strong support for their startups. The judges and speakers were clearly impressed by the quality of the products pitched at the event. Vincent, who started Golden Gate Ventures, commented to e27 that he is interested to see how he can follow up with some of the startups that clearly made an impact during the pitch. KirimPaket, and online marketplace for shippers and transporters, received special mention from Simone Brunozzi of Amazon Web Services for his well thought out pitch deck.
Last year’s Satellites handed out a People’s Choice Award at the end of each event. This year, with the aim to provide more solid feedback to the startups, a Judges’ Choice Award was given to the startup which showed the highest potential in business viability and funding opportunity. Klik-Eat, with their young team of Indonesian founders educated in the US, took home the coveted award for the Indonesia Satellite. Their online food ordering and delivery service was launched a couple of months back and have since signed on 70 establishments, processed more than 1000 orders with 83 percent repeat customers.
Sarim Aziz presenting on opportunities with BlackBerry at Indonesia Satellite 2012
Comparing to last year’s Indonesia Satellite, we are definitely seeing a new wave of Indonesia startups that are increasing showing more potential in the maturity, innovation and global outlook of the local tech ecosystem. Andy Zain mentioned during Boost Asia that Indonesia will begin to see startups that have enjoyed better tech startup infrastructures, such as local incubators and accelerators, taking advantage of the opportunity and producing better products. We have literally saw this happen in front of our eyes at the Indonesia Satellite and are excited for what the future holds for the Indonesian ecosystem.
Bitip pitching at Indonesia Satellit 2012
Indonesia Satellite 2012 saw 16 startups pitch their ideas at the event. Klik-Eat, an online food ordering and delivery service, took home the Judges’ Choice Award.
16 startups were each given 10 minutes to showcase their products at the Indonesia Satellite, the first of 6 in e27′s regional hunt for Asia’s best startups. And we were not disappointed. The startup all delivered polished and well rehearsed product pitches and clearly showed the maturing tech startup ecosystem in Indonesia. The Indonesia Satellite was held together with StartupLokal’s second Anniversary.
With over 300 attendees at the event, which also featured the Amazon Web Services beanbag session, keynote presentations from Sarim Aziz, Vincent Lauria, Brynerio and a panel discussion on how Indonesia can be the next IT hub, the Indonesian tech community showed strong support for their startups. The judges and speakers were clearly impressed by the quality of the products pitched at the event. Vincent, who started Golden Gate Ventures, commented to e27 that he is interested to see how he can follow up with some of the startups that clearly made an impact during the pitch. KirimPaket, and online marketplace for shippers and transporters, received special mention from Simone Brunozzi of Amazon Web Services for his well thought out pitch deck.
Last year’s Satellites handed out a People’s Choice Award at the end of each event. This year, with the aim to provide more solid feedback to the startups, a Judges’ Choice Award was given to the startup which showed the highest potential in business viability and funding opportunity. Klik-Eat, with their young team of Indonesian founders educated in the US, took home the coveted award for the Indonesia Satellite. Their online food ordering and delivery service was launched a couple of months back and have since signed on 70 establishments, processed more than 1000 orders with 83 percent repeat customers.
Sarim Aziz presenting on opportunities with BlackBerry at Indonesia Satellite 2012
Comparing to last year’s Indonesia Satellite, we are definitely seeing a new wave of Indonesia startups that are increasing showing more potential in the maturity, innovation and global outlook of the local tech ecosystem. Andy Zain mentioned during Boost Asia that Indonesia will begin to see startups that have enjoyed better tech startup infrastructures, such as local incubators and accelerators, taking advantage of the opportunity and producing better products. We have literally saw this happen in front of our eyes at the Indonesia Satellite and are excited for what the future holds for the Indonesian ecosystem.
In Japan, there’s a popular phenomenon called purikura, or personalized photos upon which you can add custom decorations and designs. Capitalizing on that spirit is Japanese developer Rocket Ryoko, who has released a fun augmented reality photo application that you can use during cherry blossom viewing if you’re in Japan. Or even if you’re not.
Its application, Sakura Now, superimposes an AR layer of cherry blossoms over top of whatever your iPhone or iPad camera is pointed at. Now ideally if you’re using this, you’ll want the iPhone 4S or the new third-gen iPad. And it might be nice to take a picture near some trees to create the illusion of being among blooming cherry blossoms in spring in Japan.
For the sake of science, I posed for this picture with my plant (his name is Fernando). The default settings are for a light breeze, but by adjusting the wind in the app’s settings, you can control how many blossoms fall from the top of your screen. I turned the wind all the way up to 11. I think I nailed it!
 sakura: default level |
 MAXIMUM SAKURA!!!! |
From what I can see on the Rocket Ryoko website, they hope to make money from this free application by offering add-ons, which are still in the works. Their website mentions a dandelion add-on, which would be a nice addition, although I don’t see many people paying for such a thing.
In any case, it’s a fun idea. You can learn more about it in the promo video below. And if you and your friends are attending any cherry blossom viewing parties in the next few weeks, this will certainly help spice up your photos. Although to be honest, the scenery in Japan is so incredible right now that it really doesn’t need much help [1]. There are more than a few scenic spots to check out this season, and you can browse them over on Google’s new Cherry Blosson Guide or by using this map of hanami spots prepared by The Japan Times [2]
[Via Appbank]
For a one-stop to all events related to or concerning entrepreneurship, certain industry-meets-business forums and seminars in Singapore, check out our Calendar. If not, you can also follow our bite-size updated posts for upcoming events for the week.
Events range from simple get-togethers to full-blown conferences. Get to meet fellow developers, entrepreneurs, startup CEOs & founders, and meet & learn from CEOs of established companies who have seen it all.
Our aim here at SGE is to make it easy for you to pick & choose from the event buffet. Enjoy.
Here are the events for this week. Events are mostly in Singapore (generally 30 minutes drive from anywhere), but we also include key events from around Southeast Asia and beyond.
Saturday 7th April:
(1) [Jakarta, Indonesia]Echelon Jakarta Satellite
Tuesday 10th April
(1) [Cebu, Philippines] ON3: A 3-Day Event. A 3-Minute Pitch. A 3-Month Immersion at Silicon Valley.
Thursday 12th April
(1) [Manila, Philippines] Echelon Manila Satellite
Friday-Saturday 13-14th April
(1) [Singapore] Microsoft Campfire
(2) [Singapore] Imagine Cup Singapore Semifinals and Finals 2012
Saturday 14th April
(1) [Singapore] Echelon Singapore Satellite 2012
Image courtesy of joyosity.
A US IPO seems to be the preferred endgame of Chinese tech companies these days, and now we may have another one to add to the list: the China Mobile Games and Entertainment Group. Sina Tech says the company is planning an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, although this is one of those thinly-sourced “according to information” stories, so take it with a few grains of salt. Still, it does fall in line with an earlier official announcement that the company would seek to go public after splitting off from its parent company (First Video Group) to focus on mobile gaming.
You may not be familiar with CMGE, but the group — a three-developer collective — has done some pretty high profile work in China. In addition to developing a number of its own games, like the popular Pao Pao Xi You, the team has also been responsible for helping distribute and localize some popular international mobile games. It works with Rovio, for example, to help develop versions of Angry Birds for Chinese feature phones.
It remains to be seen whether there’s any truth to these NYSE IPO rumors. Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised to see CMGE list sometime this year, and I expect plenty of US investors will be interested in getting involved in the white-hot Chinese mobile gaming market. If you’re interested in learning more about CMGE, the company’s official site is here and has a list of games it works on.
[Via Sina Tech]
JigoCity, a daily deals site own by Penthouse publisher FriendFinder Networks (yes, that FriendFinder), has announced that it will not offer deals anymore in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Australia.
Notices were put up on the various country sites yesterday stating how JigoCity is “consolidating operations” and will only remain operational in “select countries”. They appear to be doubling down on Taiwan and the rest of China.
The company has assured customers that existing deals will continue to be honored.
JigoCity’s market share in Singapore (and perhaps other cities) has reportedly been minuscule, and that could be a contributing factor to its withdrawal in these countries.
In September last year, JigoCity was acquired by FriendFinder Networks for approximately US$65M. They claimed to be generating a revenue of US$1.1M in August.
FriendFinder Networks owns a wide assortment of dating sites catering to different niches, including Indians, Italians, Christians and gays. They also own a wide variety of adult sites. All in all, the company says it has some 484 million users in over 200 countries.
Click to enlarge the TuneIn app screenshot.
China’s web isolationism has taken a bizarre new turn with the American radio streaming app TuneIn admitting that it is censoring its own app at the behest of Chinese authorities. It means that users of the TuneIn mobile app can no longer access most foreign radio stations from within the app – despite many of them (such as NPR from the US, or the BBC from the UK) not being blocked by the Great Firewall.
Talking to Tech In Asia, a TuneIn representative said:
We are complying with Chinese government regulations to remove aspects of our service in China.
Further attempts to clarify how this all came about were met with silence over the weekend. We’ll update if we hear more from TuneIn.
The self-restriction means that, for example, any attempt to listen to BBC Radio 4 when located in China causes the app to redirect you (pictured above) to “a similar station” after saying that the station you wanted “is not available.” And so BBC Radio 4 now redirects to the state-approved Voice of the Straits (VOS) radio channel which runs state-sanctioned news relating to relations between mainland China and Taiwan. A victory for Net Nanny.
A great many other English-language stations are now also self-censored by TuneIn, including American public radio. These tend not to redirect as part of the new TuneIn restrictions, and instead fail to stream with a “station not available” notice.
One of the few things to now work in the app is state-run China Radio International (CRI) and random assortments of Chinese-language local radio. Bizarrely, many other local stations no longer work in the app – such as the English-language station Shanghai Love Radio, or the Chinese-language Shanghai FM 101.7. It’s all pretty screwed, with no apparent logic to it. All local radio already complies with strict media regulations, and so is inherently uncontroversial.
TuneIn’s tagline “Listen to the world” now rings pretty hollow after its kowtowing to an apparent call to geo-restrict its own app. Other radio and podcast streaming apps still work from China, as do the individual websites and web streams for most US and European radio stations. For now, at least.