Alibaba Quietly Launches Short-video App “Lu Ke”
On September 11, a short-video app named “Lu Ke （鹿刻）” was quietly launched on Apple Store. The app is described as a lifestyle platform for people to share their product-related experiences after making purchases. The developer of the app is a Hang Zhou-based tech firm whose legal representative is a vice president of Alibaba Group. This verifies the rumor that Alibaba plans to tap into the short-video sector. Short-video app Douyin’s huge popularity among Chinese young people and its ability to influence consumer behaviors led many internet and e-commerce firms to create their own short-video apps. Recently, Alibaba’s rival Tencent also launched its own short-video app Weishi. Read more on yulechanye
Japanese Drama Film ‘The 8-Year Engagement’ Scores October 19 China Release
The 8-Year Engagement, a 2017 Japanese romantic drama film directed by Takahisa Zeze, has been scheduled to release in China on October 19. Starring Takeru Satoh and Tao Tsuchiya, the film tells a heartfelt romantic tale based on an autobiographical book by Hisashi Nakahara and Mai Nakahara. The film premiered in China early this year at the Shanghai International Film Festival with sold-out screenings. Read more on Mtime
Le Vision Pictures and Sunac China: Who Is The Savior Here?
On September 22, Sunac China Holdings took control of two of three units of the troubled LeEco. Through court auction, Sunac China acquired 21.8% stake in Le Vision Pictures and 18.38% stake in the smart TV subsidiary Lerong Zhixin with a total cash payment of $2.2 billion. While many describe Sunac China as a savior of Le Vision Pictures, this article points out that Le Vision Pictures is also a savior of Sunac, as the real estate giant urgently needs to transform itself and expand its business from real estate into other emerging sectors. Read more on yiyuguancha
