WeChat launched a new version of its public platform (beta version) today. In addition to a significant change in the UI, service accounts can now undergo a dedicated WeChat certification.
Service accounts can apply for WeChat certification by submitting relevant documents. Once approved, they will receive a certification badge and access to the service package's interfaces. Certified accounts gain advanced interfaces including customer service interface, web authorization, voice recognition, generation of parameterized QR codes, obtaining user location information, basic personal information, uploading and downloading media files, etc.
Through these interfaces, service accounts can convert users' voice messages into text, obtain their geographical location, avatar, nickname, gender, region, and other basic information during conversations, as well as the OpenID of all followers. They can also create user groups in the backend.
The new version also adds a developer Q&A system for communication and mutual assistance among developers on the public platform. This system can be accessed from the advanced features development mode page.
Of course, there is a cost involved. Tencent charges a certification fee of 300 yuan per service account, but subscription accounts remain unaffected and still support Sina Weibo certification.
In addition, WeChat has updated the public platform interface with a total of 381 adjustments made to various details, both big and small.