Cingular, Verizon announce MMS interoperability- Sprint next?

[mcurtiss1970]

http://rcrnews.com/news.cms?newsId=21887

look at the last line of the article


Cingular, Verizon announce MMS interoperability

By Colin Gibbs (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:mailToObfuscate%28%27cgibbs%27,%27crain.com%2 7%29)
Mar 18, 2005
NEW ORLEANS-Carriers' efforts to increase wireless data revenues took a big step forward this week at CTIA Wireless 2005 as the nation's two largest carriers quietly confirmed their networks are multimedia message service interoperable.continued below

Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless said they've been MMS interoperable for a month, allowing subscribers to send photos, video clips and other content between the two operators. The news is the first major step since October 2004, when a CTIA working group established guidelines for carriers to phase in MMS interoperability over time. Interoperability has long been seen as crucial in spurring MMS use among U.S. subscribers. Analyst say text messaging failed to gain traction several years ago until carriers agreed to allow inter-carrier messaging.

"Once there was interoperability (in SMS), there was tremendous growth," Andrew Wulff, chief technology officer of Comverse, said during this week's conference. "The user doesn't care about the underlying technology, he cares about, 'I just want to send a message to my friend.' "

Several other U.S. carriers including Sprint PCS are expected to make similar announcements in the coming weeks.

[mcurtiss1970]

personally, I think it's about time that Sprint gave up its proprietary approach to messaging and media. They dragged their feet on SMS, and maybe won't do the same with MMS. Hopefully, picturemail will go the die the same death as shortmail.

[vikingjunior]

I know Sprint has it focus on the future, but why is it they are always seem the last carrier to make a move like ev-do, merging, interopertabile messaging, I'll give them the pcs-pcs thang but come on move your ass sprint. We here at sprint users have a reputation to up hold. LOL

[mcurtiss1970]

I know Sprint has it focus on the future, but why is it they are always seem the last carrier to make a move like ev-do, merging, interopertabile messaging, I'll give them the pcs-pcs thang but come on move your ass sprint. We here at sprint users have a reputation to up hold. LOL
it's because USA CDMA carriers, Verizon especially, want to create "walled gardens" where their users can enjoy paradise. Nevermind that outside the walls are millions of others interacting together.

Considering Sprint was the first to push cameraphones, I can't really blame them for the picturemail route, but to be the last major carrier to adopt MMS is downright stupid in my book.

[sinisterpanda]

Will old phones that use picture mail be able to receive these MMS, because older phones can't receive text messages without going through shortmail.

[vikingjunior]

it's because USA CDMA carriers, Verizon especially, want to create "walled gardens" where their users can enjoy paradise. Nevermind that outside the walls are millions of others interacting together.

Considering Sprint was the first to push cameraphones, I can't really blame them for the picturemail route, but to be the last major carrier to adopt MMS is downright stupid in my book.


I can see just like when they went from unl shortmail to 100 sms they might go from unl picture mail to 20 pictures a month.

[mcurtiss1970]

Will old phones that use picture mail be able to receive these MMS, because older phones can't receive text messages without going through shortmail.
probably not....it'll be the same old "why can't I get a firmware update to get MMS?!?" debacle all over again.

[sinisterpanda]

That stinx...well i hope they never do it then:)!

[mcurtiss1970]

That stinx...well i hope they never do it then:)!
they *could* offer firmware updates to use MMS, I guess. I believe when SMS was rolled out, one phone was given an update, but most phones were not.

[mcurtiss1970]

I can see just like when they went from unl shortmail to 100 sms they might go from unl picture mail to 20 pictures a month.
that seems inevitable to me. and then there will be the same " I lost my granfathered MMS!!!" threads to go along with it. :rolleyes:

[sneak]

Anyone taking bets Sprint will be last? I'll throw my 2 cents in. :)

[Bohemian Iconoclast]

it's because USA CDMA carriers, Verizon especially, want to create "walled gardens" where their users can enjoy paradise. Nevermind that outside the walls are millions of others interacting together.

Considering Sprint was the first to push cameraphones, I can't really blame them for the picturemail route, but to be the last major carrier to adopt MMS is downright stupid in my book.

:good:

BTW - you can keep that avatar as long as you want....nothing like cold Guiness....I also thank them for their book of world records....

[Halo2Proz]

I bet that with MMS, we could just do regular picture shares, but the server will handle it, kinda like what pix2pix does?

[Bohemian Iconoclast]

I feel sorry for pix2pix....they have a great service that is about to become irrelevant...

If anyone from there is reading this, thank you!

[mcurtiss1970]

Anyone taking bets Sprint will be last? I'll throw my 2 cents in. :)
is there anyone who can beat Sprint to last place? what does Nextel use with their one cam phone? woops, sprint-nextel.:hee:

[FloorMatt]

I bet that with MMS, we could just do regular picture shares, but the server will handle it, kinda like what pix2pix does?

That's what I was thinking........with my early report of this...

Perhaps some work on the backend, to create the ultimate interoperability! :D

[mcurtiss1970]

if sprint is to go with the truely univeral solution, likely MMS will behave exactly like SMS does. no storage on the server like picturemail.

remember that with picturemail, i'm pretty sure that *has* the be a server since all you're doing is sending links to pics on your account. with MMS, it's like an SMS in that it goes from phone to phone or from phone to email. that's it.

[bluecoyote]

Personally, I like Sprint's approach far better than I like MMS. We have no size limits or anything- MMS simply doesn't allow for the functionality of Sprint's picture mail (especially album shares)

What I think would work best is if it send them a link as a text message, and then they'd view it in their web browser. Oh wait, that's already possible? How foolish of me.

I personally wouldn't mind MMS's being recieved in the form of picture mail- much like we have already.

While MMS is considered the "standard" , it's also noticeably inferior. I'll take picture mail any day.

[mcurtiss1970]

Personally, I like Sprint's approach far better than I like MMS. We have no size limits or anything- MMS simply doesn't allow for the functionality of Sprint's picture mail (especially album shares)

What I think would work best is if it send them a link as a text message, and then they'd view it in their web browser. Oh wait, that's already possible? How foolish of me.

I personally wouldn't mind MMS's being recieved in the form of picture mail- much like we have already.

While MMS is considered the "standard" , it's also noticeably inferior. I'll take picture mail any day.
why would i want to click a link and use my data to see a picture when a pic can just come up on my screen like an SMS?

yes, you'll lose the album, but will gain interoperability.

[bluecoyote]

Well, since all of Sprint's stuff is processed through a server, I'm sure the server can send it directly to them.

I already can send my picture shares to Cingular subscribers, and they send them to my pop3 email.

I have over 80 "favorite" picture mails stored on my phone (locked messages) , and I don't have to worry about memory at all. I couldn't do that with my Nokia 3200 (although I probably could with my 3650) .

[FloorMatt]

Look.....if Sprint does some work on the backend......gets full interoperability MMS (send and recieve).....keeps the same Picture Mail interface and stoarge....:D

Okay.....now, someone with MMS....critique that...

[mcurtiss1970]

Look.....if Sprint does some work on the backend......gets full interoperability MMS (send and recieve).....keeps the same Picture Mail interface and stoarge....:D

Okay.....now, someone with MMS....critique that... that certainly would be the best of both worlds...I just don't know if that's how it works.

As it is now, with my pics and movies, I either MMS then to my moblog, MMS them to my peeps, or send them via Bluetooth to my computer.

[FloorMatt]

that certainly would be the best of both worlds...I just don't know if that's how it works.

As it is now, with my pics and movies, I either MMS then to my moblog, MMS them to my peeps, or send them via Bluetooth to my computer.

Yep, having the best of both worlds would be the BEST step for Sprint to take.......we just have to hope. Seems that it would be very possible...

[bluecoyote]

My problem with MMS was I had to MMS everything off of my damn phone, which meant clogging up my email inbox, paying for data fees, etc. With Sprint, everything I send is on a server, all nicely organized. Oh, and comments- another great feature.

I've emailed it to cingular customers (1234567890@cingularme.com) , and those who know how to use their Nokias (find: go to url) have no problem viewing them. Works great for me, and since my Vm4050 allows me to store multiple email addy's, I don't mind it. It's also much more practical with megapixel cameraphones coming out. The full copy is on your server, the resized version is on your phone. Makes sense to me.

[mcurtiss1970]

Yep, having the best of both worlds would be the BEST step for Sprint to take.......we just have to hope. Seems that it would be very possible... the best step for Sprint would be to use the format that would make them the most money.... MMS. you think sprint likes that fact that their unlimited picture mail is way underpriced compared to the market?

it's not about giving people online picture albums; right now they're missing out on the $.25 per pic overages that some of the other carrier's charge.

[EeZeEpEe]

the best step for Sprint would be to use the format that would make them the most money.... MMS. you think sprint likes that fact that their unlimited picture mail is way underpriced compared to the market?

it's not about giving people online picture albums; right now they're missing out on the $.25 per pic overages that some of the other carrier's charge.
True...and that's why Sprint is going to be limiting the storage to 30MB on 4/1

[Maokh]

MMS interop shouldnt be much of a problem. You don't want to send the other party a web link in SMS, nor do you send it via POP3 to the user's handset. You actually (do it the right way) and make use of an MMSC, which is a "multimedia" version of the SMSC.

This is a fancy name for a device which exchanges messages...similar to an SMTP server in a way.

LightSurf (SprintPCS's messaging vendor) has MMSC module which allows them to send and recieve MMS. While messages destined for SprintPCS's network will have to be stored locally for some amount of time, messages sent outbound from SprintPCS to other carriers will not have the same requirement. MMS is "transmit and forget".

MMS messages are limited on size, and i am sure in some instances, media will have to be scaled down.

I kinda like MMS, and its great to see such a standard to facilitate interexchange between the different carriers, but i am very glad Sprint does not use MMS.

[FloorMatt]

True...and that's why Sprint is going to be limiting the storage to 30MB on 4/1

That is for uploads... as in from the PC.

So says the Sprint page.

Anyways,

Wouldn't it be a nice little edge.......having MMS interoperability, and the current Picture mail system....all wrapped together. Might be of worth to Sprint.....even without changing the price.

[EeZeEpEe]

That is for uploads... as in from the PC.

So says the Sprint page.

Anyways,

Wouldn't it be a nice little edge.......having MMS interoperability, and the current Picture mail system....all wrapped together. Might be of worth to Sprint.....even without changing the price.

Well aren't all pictures you send with picturemail uploaded? So the 30MB would include uploads from your phone.

[flipn0tic]

No, the 30mb limit only includes uploads from the PC. Pictures from your phone will STILL be UNLIMITED.

http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=20237&stc=1

[Rafy186]

My problem with MMS was I had to MMS everything off of my damn phone, which meant clogging up my email inbox, paying for data fees, etc. With Sprint, everything I send is on a server, all nicely organized. Oh, and comments- another great feature.

I've emailed it to cingular customers (1234567890@cingularme.com) , and those who know how to use their Nokias (find: go to url) have no problem viewing them. Works great for me, and since my Vm4050 allows me to store multiple email addy's, I don't mind it. It's also much more practical with megapixel cameraphones coming out. The full copy is on your server, the resized version is on your phone. Makes sense to me.

I have to agree with your statement 100%. I'll take pictureMail anytime over MMS.

[sneak]

Picturemail is swell.

But what about audio/MP3 files?

[FloorMatt]

Picturemail is swell.

But what about audio/MP3 files?

:eyebrow: What about 'em?

Do all of the phones branded for...say....Cingular......play the MP3s?

[bluecoyote]

Yeah, I think Picturemail and Sprint's plans for it are a -gasp- .... bowing to the actual need of consumers instead of just whatever churns in most cash. Name me ONE carrier with a better picture mail implementation, OR better prices. There aren't any, because I have them all. What? Selling a phone that can transfer pics directly to a PC? Blasphemy, said Verizon. Allowing users to upload all of their photos and store them on an online server? Nonsense, said everyone else. Sprint might be a prick when it comes to Bluetooth (although I still think LG never implemented it in the first place) , but they get picturemail right, and I'd bet Sprint customers send more pictures than Verizon and Cingular customers combined.

[mcurtiss1970]

:eyebrow: What about 'em?

Do all of the phones branded for...say....Cingular......play the MP3s? sneak's point is that while picturemail is simply pictures, MMS is a little bit more.

Here's a FAQ that I found: http://www.mobilemms.com/mmsfaq.asp

[sneak]

:eyebrow: What about 'em?

Do all of the phones branded for...say....Cingular......play the MP3s?

Last I checked more than 1 phone did. In fact, I believe several do. But thats not the point; MMS is superior to Picturemail in that any multimedia file, i.e. picture/audio/video, can be sent accross carrier lines. Picturemail can't do that.

[FloorMatt]

Last I checked more than 1 phone did. In fact, I believe several do. But thats not the point; MMS is superior to Picturemail in that any multimedia file, i.e. picture/audio/video, can be sent accross carrier lines. Picturemail can't do that.

I know what you mean.....MMS is for all multimedia.

So, we Sprint customers must have hope.....that Sprint does a good job with integrating MMS interoperability with the current system. Then....have the change happen in phones, too. But....hopefully they will still keep the Sprint "touch". :) That is one of the things that I don't like about the other carriers....I like the fact that I can send a picture to someone, and it is saved on the web for me to use! ( I can send a Voice message with it, too....of course.)

[coolqf]

why would i want to click a link and use my data to see a picture when a pic can just come up on my screen like an SMS?

yes, you'll lose the album, but will gain interoperability.

They could just offer the option to the sender.... Sne it type A or type B

[sneak]

I know what you mean.....MMS is for all multimedia.

So, we Sprint customers must have hope.....that Sprint does a good job with integrating MMS interoperability with the current system. Then....have the change happen in phones, too. But....hopefully they will still keep the Sprint "touch". :) That is one of the things that I don't like about the other carriers....I like the fact that I can send a picture to someone, and it is saved on the web for me to use! ( I can send a Voice message with it, too....of course.)

Being able to store it online is nice. No argument there. I'm just saying you can't compare MMS to picturemail -- picturemail is more versatile, especially with audio files.

But back to the original point -- Sprint is generally last to do what other carriers start. Does Sprint offer PCS-PCS free on every plan? Nope.

On the flip-side, unlimited data use is nice. Just seems like Sprint is slow to hop onto bandwagons. Link Bluetooth. :hee:

[Deval]

Being able to store it online is nice. No argument there. I'm just saying you can't compare MMS to picturemail -- picturemail is more versatile, especially with audio files.

But back to the original point -- Sprint is generally last to do what other carriers start. Does Sprint offer PCS-PCS free on every plan? Nope.

On the flip-side, unlimited data use is nice. Just seems like Sprint is slow to hop onto bandwagons. Link Bluetooth. :hee:

remember when they used to? back when no one else did?

[sneak]

Yes. They seem to be off their game as of the past few years, though.

PCS-PCS free needs to be on the new plans.

[Halo1982]

Having gone to GSM, I really miss picturemail. The only thing I like about MMS is being able to send it to other T-Mobile and Cingular customers without the need for pix2pix. That said, if Sprint could have everything that goes Sprint to Sprint go through as picmail, and everything that goes from Sprint to another carrier go out as an MMS, but come back to Sprint as a pic mail, it really would be the best of both worlds. Also, $0.25/picture sucks. But at least I can send them to my computer via Bluetooth (v80) or SD card (TM150).

[coolqf]

Yes. They seem to be off their game as of the past few years, though.

PCS-PCS free needs to be on the new plans.

Why? Marketing qise I see no worth while benefits. The biggest customer market is at the cheapest prices. $35 for sprint and $40 for everyone else. Once you're in the store cause of the $35 and you compare it against a $40 competitor sprint has a great chance at keeping you until you get the plan.
$35 + $5 for:
nights at 7PM
unlimited m-2-m
and their $35 includes a fair and flexible feature that others don't.

What sprint needs to is increase the minutes to 350. 300 minutes??? Eh...

[donblay]

if sprint is to go with the truely univeral solution, likely MMS will behave exactly like SMS does. no storage on the server like picturemail.

remember that with picturemail, i'm pretty sure that *has* the be a server since all you're doing is sending links to pics on your account. with MMS, it's like an SMS in that it goes from phone to phone or from phone to email. that's it.
Actually SMS does not go directly from phone to phone or phoen to email. it still needs to go though a gateway (server) to be routed. It would be relatively simple for Sprint to still save the images when it routes the messages and still do its whole album thing.

[mcurtiss1970]

Actually SMS does not go directly from phone to phone or phoen to email. it still needs to go though a gateway (server) to be routed. It would be relatively simple for Sprint to still save the images when it routes the messages and still do its whole album thing.of course...i kinda simplified things but came out sounding wrong. my point is that you don't have to click on a link to see the picture on someone's account or something like that.

[FloorMatt]

of course...i kinda simplified things but came out sounding wrong. my point is that you don't have to click on a link to see the picture on someone's account or something like that.

Right, I gotcha! :)

And......hopefully with this interoperability, that will soon change. No more links for the other carriers. No more pixtopix, too.

[mjohns2]

...if Sprint could have everything that goes Sprint to Sprint go through as picmail, and everything that goes from Sprint to another carrier go out as an MMS, but come back to Sprint as a pic mail, it really would be the best of both worlds.

Halo I wish you worked at Sprint as some big-wig. I think if we start getting pictures directly to our phones, some phones would run low on memory really really fast. I get about 5 picture mails a day. I would have to delete pictures once a week just to room for other pictures. But if Sprint implemented your idea, the comsumer wouldnt even see a differnce, We'll still have albums and most importantly Sprint will still be able to let customers order prints fromit's albums.

[The SPCS Guy]

Yeah, I think Picturemail and Sprint's plans for it are a -gasp- .... bowing to the actual need of consumers instead of just whatever churns in most cash. Name me ONE carrier with a better picture mail implementation, OR better prices. There aren't any, because I have them all. What? Selling a phone that can transfer pics directly to a PC? Blasphemy, said Verizon. Allowing users to upload all of their photos and store them on an online server? Nonsense, said everyone else. Sprint might be a prick when it comes to Bluetooth (although I still think LG never implemented it in the first place) , but they get picturemail right, and I'd bet Sprint customers send more pictures than Verizon and Cingular customers combined.


Definitely! I like PM. I have my customized pm address: dk@pm.sprint.com
Maybe Sprint should think about buying the pmail.com address. ANYWAY,
I really don't have a major want to have MMS. I like my service they way it is. But Sprint can make money in other ways.

The only thing Sprint needs to do is compete on plans.

JE

[will_z32]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (MobilePhone SCP-5500/US/1.0) NetFront/3.0 MMP/2.0)

Holy Bump

[jschu22]

Thats like a super bump