Picture Messaging Launched in Hong Kong

SmarTone has launched the first capture-and-send-anywhere MMS-enabled service in Hong Kong - picturemail. SmarTone customers can create their own unique multimedia messages, combining picture, voice and text, with a MMS CameraPhones and send to anyone they want.

To ensure that picturemail sent by SmarTone customers will reach their recipients, irrespective of the GSM phones they use or the networks they subscribe to, each recipient will be sent an SMS message containing an internet address (URL) and a unique message ID. The recipient of the picturemail can then access and view the message via the internet or a WAP handset within the next 48 hours. This applies to all recipients who are not registered customers in Hong Kong or mobile phone users of overseas GSM networks.

picturemail customers can also send their multimedia messages to email addresses, further extending the flexibility, reach and ubiquity of the service.

There are no subscription or monthly fees. The charging method is a simple two-tier pricing structure - US$0.38 for each message sized less than 30 KB, and US$1.00 for each message sized between 30 KB and100 KB. During the promotional period, charges to recipients are waived. To compliment the service, SmarTone customers can print out their favourite pictures taken with their MMS CameraPhones in photo-sticker format at any SmarTone shop. A set of 16 photos (4 versions x 4) is priced at US$3.20.'"

Posted to the site on 17th July 2002