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Fixed Mobile Handsets Special Feature

It's good to share

24 October 2006
Telecoms Special Features

Video sharing seems to be all the rage these days but is there room for a peer to peer model?

Whilst sampling the exotic delights of the 3GSM Asia conference in Singapore recently, Cable & Wireless and Telecom Italia Sparkle - which appears to be some kind of international services arm - were seen to be trumpeting the "successful completion of the first international mobile video sharing trial".

Initially wondering whether the 'killer' 3G app of video calling had been resurrected but more out of a sense of morbid curiosity, our intrepid reporter delved deeper.

"Mobile video sharing allows users to view live or pre-recorded video content together during a normal voice call," boasted C&W and Sparkle.

Whilst considering the multitude of possible uses this technology could have, the trialists were quick to interject, "this means that consumers could resolve disputes over whether a goal went over the line, or a player was offside, by watching video clips on their mobile phone during a call."

And just in case you thought that particular application wasn't mission critical enough: "Alternatively consumers could ask for fashion advice from friends, whilst out shopping - sending through and discussing video footage of the various outfits they try on."

The GSM Association, which sponsored the trial, reckons the technology will do wonders for data roaming. After all, when trying on some of the local fashions in, say, Singapore, don't you just wish you could allow your friends back home to give your black silk pyjama suit the once over before purchase?

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