More than 30 million mobile phone users in the Philippines now have access to the latest in mobile communications with a new video SMS service offered by Smart Communications (SMART) and built on NMS Communications’ proven Video SMS solution. SMART, the leading wireless services provider in the Philippines, launched a “Video Avatar” service in December 2007 that allows users to send and receive video messages featuring either live video or a chosen avatar.

SMART customers receiving a Video SMS with an avatar will hear the sender’s voice while seeing the avatar speak using matching lip synching. Both 2G and 3G-enabled customers can view a recorded video message from the sender. They can then respond using their own voice and the avatar of their choice or create their own video-based response, depending on the handset. Compared to basic text messaging, Video Avatar has the added convenience of allowing users to record messages without having to key them in, and the added touch of personalization that comes with the user’s voice and video.

“Video Avatar is a competitive advantage for SMART because it is an exciting new application that builds on the growing trend of more personalized mobile messaging,” said Jerome Almirante, Head of Data Services at SMART. “NMS Communications has developed a service that is not only easy to deploy and fun to use, but also helps generate additional revenue per subscriber.”

The SMART Video Avatar service was delivered by NMS in partnership with mobile and digital applications’ provider EGG, one of the top five content service providers in the Philippines. This is the second Video SMS solution deployment for NMS, following closely on the news last month that NMS’ Video SMS solution is deployed by Maxis Communications Bhd, the largest mobile communications provider in Malaysia.

“Smart Communications is the latest mobile operator to stand at the forefront of Video SMS technology, laying the groundwork to grow revenues and become a pioneer in the next generation of value-added services,” said Jamie Warter, Vice President of Marketing, NMS Communications.