Plugged In: Gadget & App Reviews
A closer look at the technology and applications that will make life in Beijing that much easier.
App Review: WeChat"Can I grab your WeChat?" Any expat living in China will inevitably hear this phrase - almost as often as you'll be asked where you're from or what you do for work. This communication app has risen dramatically over the past five years to become the go-to for text, voice and video calls in China. It is also a strong competitor with Alipay for online payments, and a marketing tool many companies and event coordinators are only beginning to harness and use.
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App Review: Explore Beijing Subway AppAnyone working with a budget in Beijing will turn to the subway system for their cross-town transits. While there are a number of apps available for navigating the subway, Explore Beijing Subway Map is a reliable option for offline use mid-transit. It is free to download, and has a number of useful add-ons found on their desktop version, or for a $1.99 upgrade. It can help you plan your route, look at street views of the station, etc.
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App Review: PlecoFor expats new to the Chinese language, or those fluent but still stumped by the occasional character, Pleco is an incredible resource to have downloaded and ready as you venture into Beijing. A free Chinese-to-English dictionary, Pleco is a smooth, offline option when the language barrier is tripping you up. It also has a wealth of add-ons for purchase to expand your Chinese language education.
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