Cingular will be the first wireless carrier in the United States to demonstrate a “live” video share call. The service allows users to send a live video stream to a recipient during a standard voice call.
Beginning with a normal phone call, customers can hit one button to add a live video stream, allowing the called party to see what the caller is seeing while they’re talking. The service also allows customers to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call.
“In the case of this technology demonstration, seeing is believing,” said Kris Rinne, senior vice president of architecture and planning for AT&T. “Consumers can get a real feel for what 3G wireless can do and what to expect in the future.”
Cingular is showcasing its 3G HSDPA network and recently deployed IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem) platform to provide the video service. Other companies participating in the demo are Alcatel/Lucent (Las Vegas 3G network and IMS platform) and LG Electronics (LG CU500v phone).
Cingular said it expects to make the video service commercially available in 2007.
Cingular’s new CU400 phone offers Push to Talk (PTT) technology from Kodiak Networks which runs as a thin client on Java SIM cards and can be pre-installed or downloaded. Cingular is also offering Kodiak-powered PTT, on its BlackBerry Pearl.
Other video calling solutions include Motorola’s OJO ($300-$400) with a $9.95 service fee and ComVu’s PocketCaster (below).
ComVu’s PocketCaster allows anyone to stream video from a Windows Mobile 5 device to the Web using WiFi. The only requirements are a ComVu account, PocketCaster software installed on your compatible camera phone, and a data account with your mobile operator.
