For instance, I don't really see a need to have the same app do chat and payment (in fact, I'd prefer if they didn't).
What about WeChat is particularly innovative, other than just bundling a lot of different functionality into one big app?
You not seeing a need and them meeting one that clearly exists have nothing to do with each other.
> What about WeChat is particularly innovative, other than just bundling a lot of different functionality into one big app?
Making it actually work well enough for millions of people to use it. I can't think of anyone else who's succeeded at that and there are plenty that failed miserably to build that type of "kitchen sink" platform.
Tencent are a phenomenal company that deserve far more respect in the west. The Chinese market may be distinctive, but WeChat's dominance of the Chinese market has come through innovation, clever design and good engineering.