Rogers Intros Video Calling

Rogers Wireless brought famous Canadian actor William Shatner back to Canada to celebrate a North American first: real-time video calling on compatible Rogers mobile phones. The launch event took place to an audience of about 100 invited media guests in the Velma Rogers Graham Theatre in Toronto, ON, where Rogers Wireless' Chief Marketing Officer John Boynton made the first public video call to a "stunned" Shatner backstage.

"This is a landmark announcement," said Boynton. "It represents the next-generation in wireless, and we’re the first carrier in North America to offer video calling."

"Canada is clearly known for its many talents," Shatner added, "but I am especially proud to see my home country again at the leading edge of technology."

Video calling is part of Rogers' new VISION suite of services, which requires the new High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network, the latest evolution of GSM. This 3G technology is said to significantly improve download speeds on wireless devices, providing a user experience similar to broadband hi-speed wireline services. Its coverage will begin in Ontario's Golden Horseshoe area, and extend to top markets across the country throughout 2007.

VISION offers access to a host of video-on-demand services via partnerships with providers like YouTube, ET Canada, CSI, and CNN; Mobile Television to access favourite TV and video programs; radio-on-demand, featuring live XM Satellite radio; and Rogers MusicStore, for purchasing and downloading music tracks. Customers can access the top 50 YouTube clips from the popular Website (updated weekly) via one-click, then easily browse through them, play; and even pause, fast forward, and rewind, just as they would on the PC. Behind-the-scenes short clips from popular TV programs like CSI and Punk'd can be accessed via the entertainment section; while news bites from a variety of news stations are available via the News button.

Video calling, as well as the entire VISION suite of offerings, is currently available on the new, clamshell-designed Samsung A706 handset. Making a video call using the A706 requires dialing the number and pressing the dedicated video call button. The recipient of the call can choose to permit video communication, or just pick up the voice call. If video is permitted, the phone simply acts as a webcam, transmitting one's visage to the person on the other end, as they chat. Video quality isn’t of very high resolution, but impressive nonetheless for quick, visual phone conversations.

In addition to its video functionality, the A706 features Bluetooth technology (including stereo Bluetooth); a built-in MP3 player; and a 2 MP camera. Finished in attractive black, the phone offers up to four hours of continuous talk time, and is available for $99 with a three-year VISION price plan service agreement at Rogers Wireless.

"Rogers VISION is a quantum leap forward in wireless communications...the experience is like being there," Boynton enthused. "You really have to see it to believe it! Beyond offering video calling, Canadians can now benefit from faster than ever download times: perfect for getting music from the Rogers MusicStore, or for watching YouTube clips and TV programming, right on your wireless phone."
[Phot John Boynton, Chief Marketing Office at Rogers Wireless is joined by famed Canadian actor William Shatner for the launch of video calling. Rogers Wireless is the first carrier in North America to offer such a service.]


Source: http://www.hereshow.ca/news_detail.asp?nid=563

Press Release: http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1504029108&view=5804-0