Tencent's move will allow smaller companies to develop their own antivirus software independently.

Hong Kong-based internet giant, Tencent, is set to invest RMB1bn ($158m) to encourage businesses to develop antivirus software for smartphones.

This latest move will allow smaller companies to develop their own antivirus software independently. In June, Tencent – which became one of 43 constituents in the Hang Seng Index in 2008 – invested in US-based Epic Games and its Unreal 3D Engine gaming technology and the franchise which has attracted millions of players worldwide on mobile, PC and console platforms.…