NetEase not flattered by Tencent Music

NetEase Cloud Music asked Tencent Music Entertainment to stop copying the new features of its music app.

Posting a letter to Tencent's app QQ Music on social media, NetEase's online music unit pointed to a new function made available on its own app in October that enabled users to customize their music player interface, saying a similar feature was launched by its rival in mid-November.

NetEase listed other "imitations" by QQ Music in the past years, including changing the player interface into a phonograph record, a function to invite other users to listen to the same song simultaneously, and an interface themed Beijing's Forbidden City.

The company said it has been fed up with being copied, adding that innovation is always the most important spirit of the internet industry.

NetEase also quoted Tencent chairman Pony Ma Huateng in saying "Tencent is not following anyone," challenging its rival to do the same.

QQ Music makes up 40.7 percent of total market share in music streaming while NetEase accounts for 15.6 percent.