OICQs

OICQ, which stands for "Open ICQ," was a popular instant messaging client launched in China in 1998. It was developed by the company Tencent and quickly gained widespread adoption, becoming one of the dominant communication platforms in the country. OICQ allowed users to send and receive instant messages, share files, and make voice calls. Its user interface was known for being relatively simple and user-friendly, contributing to its rapid growth.

The service faced a legal challenge from ICQ, the Israeli-developed instant messaging service that predated OICQ. Due to trademark disputes, OICQ was eventually forced to change its name to QQ in 2003. Despite the name change, the core functionality and user base largely remained intact, and QQ continued its trajectory as a leading social and communication platform in China. QQ evolved over the years to incorporate a wide range of features beyond basic messaging, including social networking, online gaming, and payment services, solidifying its position in the digital landscape. The original OICQ marked a significant early step in the development of China's internet services and mobile communication.