HONG KONG-GSM operator SmarTone has launched a “picture mail” service that enables multimedia messaging service (MMS) phone users to send messages combining pictures, text, voice and music.
Using either the Sony Ericsson T68i or the Nokia 7650 camera phones, subscribers can register free on air, then send messages at US$0.40 for up to 30 kilobits and US$1 for 30 to 100 kilobits. MMS phones can reproduce the pictures, text and sounds directly, while other GSM phones are sent SMS messages naming the Internet address where they can pick up the messages with Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) phones or PCs. CDMA phones cannot receive the MMS or text messages, however.
As well as shooting their own photos, users can access a library of standard cartoons, animations and sounds.
