Sprint PCS launched its Video Mail service allowing customers to compose, send and receive video clips of up to 15 seconds in length with full sound at 15 frames per second between other Video Mail-enabled handsets or send clips to an e-mail address. Video clips sent to non-Video Mail handsets will include a link that users can forward to an e-mail address for viewing.
The LightSurf-powered service is priced at a $5-per-month premium on top of the current $15 per month PCS Vision Picture Pack and includes unlimited use of both the Picture and Video Mail service. Sprint PCS also provides free Web-based storage for videos similar to the currently available picture storage offering.
The Video Mail service is initially available on the Sanyo VM4500 handset, which includes both video and picture mail capabilities, a camera flash that doubles as a light for the video service, a one-time zoom for video, and compatibility with Sprint PCS’ recently launched Ready Link walkie-talkie service. Sprint PCS said it will introduce a non-Ready Link Toshiba VM4050 Video Mail handset before the end of the year.
“This is one of those services that gets people excited about wireless service,” said Jeff Hallock, assistant vice president of consumer product marketing at Sprint PCS. “It also allows us to sell data without having to say ‘data.’ “
Sprint PCS said the Video Mail service builds upon its Picture Mail offering, which the carrier noted accounted for 23 million uploads during the third quarter of this year.
