A picture illustration shows a WeChat app icon in Beijing, December 5, 2013. [Photot/Agencies]

Local apps jump on the Apple Watch bandwagon

Without the support of application developers, it is difficult for any smart gadget to survive. Fortunately, it may not be the case for the newly unveiled Apple Watch, at least in China.

Some of China's most widely used apps are rushing to launch new versions to support the smartwatch, which was unveiled on Monday, in an attempt to tap into the wearable devices sector.

WeChat, China's most widely used messaging app owned by Tencent Holdings Ltd, said it was glad to cooperate with Apple Inc by integrating its service into the first wearable device launched by the US tech giant.

WeChat, which has 468 million monthly active users around the globe, has tweaked its app to enable Apple Watch users to directly reply to messages from their WeChat friends.

Apart from WeChat, two apps backed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, announced on Monday that they are ready to launch new versions that are tailor-made for the Apple Watch.

Alipay, the most widely used online payment tool, has reduced the number of features on its app to three on the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch-based Alipay app allows users to make money on Yu'ebao, a money market fund, check exchange rates and pay for whatever they want.

Taobao, the online shopping site of Alibaba, offers two services on its app made for the Apple Watch. The first feature sends shopping alerts to users so that they do not miss the chance to grab exciting online sales offers. The other feature is "check your delivery", which allows users to check the location of their purchased items after placing an order online.