A
Big messaging apps abroad
While WeChat is China's biggest mobile messaging app , there are many equivalent apps in other countries that offer similar features.
WhatsApp (US)
Users: more than 300 million
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry
Features: Text chats, push-to-talk, file sharing, location sharing
With more than 300 million active users, WhatsApp is one of WeChat's biggest competitors. Developed by two ex-Yahoo, employees in 2009. WhatsApp originally focused on text chats, but on Aug. 6 it also started push-to-talk service. It's noted for its accessibility, ease of use and the absence of adverts. The service is free for the first year, after which $ 0.99 (6.06 yuan) is charged for a one-year subscription.
Kakao Talk (South Korea)
Users:more than 100 million
Platform: Android, iOS, Windows Phone. BlackBerry and Bada (an operating system developed by Samsung)
Features: Text chat, group chats, push-to-talk, group calls, file sharing
With more than 100 million users in more than 230 countries, Kakao Talk is a multi- platform (多平台), texting application that allows users to send and receive messages for free. With Kakao Talk, users can message each other one-on-one or in group chats with unlimited numbers of friends. You can also choose from more than 250 animated emoticons and share them with friends.
Line (Japan)
Users:more than 200 million
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and PC
Features: Text chats, group chats, push-to-talk, file sharing, location sharing, gaming, stickers.
Line tops the list of the most downloaded free apps in 52 countries. Apart from text and voice messaging, Line provides its users with more than 250 original stickers and emoticons to buy from its own shop. In the first quarter of 2013 alone, it made $17 million just from stickers. The popular app also allows friends to battle each other in the LINE Games.
21. What’s the purpose of the first paragraph of the passage?
A. It will draw readers' attention to various popular mobile messaging apps
B. It is used to introduce the most popular mobile messaging apps in China
C. It talks about new features in the latest mobile messaging apps
D. It explains how mobile messaging apps have become so popular
22. Compared with the other two apps, which of the following features makes Line stand out?
A. Free download of the app.
B. Free stickers and emoticons.
C. Group mobile games.
D. Text and group chats.
23. What’s one of the popular features of WhatsApp for users?
A. They can send and receive messages for free
B. They don't need to worry about unwanted ads
C. They can enjoy live video chats within groups
D. They regularly get free stickers and emoticons
