Microsoft Said to Plan ‘Super App’ for Shopping, News, Search, More

Microsoft not too long ago thought of constructing a “super app” that might embrace procuring, messaging, information and internet search companies amongst others, The Information reported on Tuesday, citing individuals aware of the matter.

The Windows-maker mulled constructing the app to loosen the maintain of Alphabet’s Google and Apple on the cellular search area, in keeping with the report.

Microsoft executives needed the app to additionally enhance the corporate’s multibillion-dollar promoting enterprise and Bing search, in addition to draw extra customers to Teams messaging and different cellular companies, The Information reported

Microsoft didn’t instantly reply to a Reuters request for remark.

The report added that it’s not clear whether or not the corporate would launch such an app, however Chief Executive Satya Nadella has pushed for the Bing search service to carry out higher with the Teams and Outlook.

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, who additionally owns Twitter, has proven curiosity in constructing an excellent app named “X” that will mix a large number of companies.

An excellent app, made fashionable in Asia by Tencent Holdings’ WeChat and South East Asia’s Grab Holdings, has been described because the Swiss military knife of cellular apps, providing a set of companies for customers corresponding to messaging, social networking, peer-to-peer funds and e-commerce procuring.

These mega apps are extensively utilized in Asia as a result of cellular is the primary type of entry to the web for many individuals within the area, wrote Scott Galloway, a New York University professor of selling and co-host of tech podcast “Pivot,” final yr.

Chinese tremendous app WeChat has greater than 1 billion month-to-month customers, in keeping with one estimate, and is a ubiquitous a part of each day life in China. Users can hail a automobile or taxi, ship cash to family and friends or make funds at shops.

In 2018, some Chinese cities started testing WeChat for an digital identification system that will be tied to customers’ accounts, in keeping with the South China Morning Post.

© Thomson Reuters 2022