NTT DoCoMo users get a new service; i-shot allows users to transmit still images taken on one mobile phone to another - or another e-mail recipient - as an e-mail attachment.
NTT DoCoMo has introduced its new i-shot service, which allows users to transmit still images taken with the - also new - mova SH251i mobile phone, which features a built-in digital camera. Both the new service, similar in functionality to part of what is provided through MMS, and the handset will be available in Japan from June 1st.
 | The mova SH251i handset, closed
| A photo can be sent as an attachment to an e-mail, which is transmitted via a so-called "i-shot center". i-shot users will be able to access the photo via an auto-generated URL, while PC users or customers of other carriers will see the photo attached directly to an e-mail once downloaded. The photos can be edited on the mobile phone prior to transmission and can be accompanied by up to 100 Japanese characters (or 200 alpha-numeric) of text.
The service will operate in NTT DoCoMo's PDC-based circuit switched network, which NTT DoCoMo says is more economical for large amounts of data and users merely pay a transmission charge, which depends on the size of the data being sent and other conditions. The cost to transmit a photo via i-shot is approximately 10 JPY or more. The cost for an i-mode user to receive a URL is 2-3 JPY and approximately 17 JPY to download a photo.
The mova SH251i handset is compatible with both the i-shot and i-mode service, and has a built-in 310,000 pixel CCD camera and embedded camera flash. Two picture sizes are supported, including 120 x 120 (3-5Kb) and 288 x 352 (15-20Kb). The camera is integrated at the outer side of the top part of the clam-shell model phone, and while the main screen is 65,536 full-color, the phone also sports a another sub-display below the camera, capable of displaying 256 colors, which allows users to see themselves while the photo is taken. The phone also supports 32-chord ringing tones.
NTT DoCoMo will sell the SH251i through all DoCoMo sales channels beginning June 1, while DoCoMo regional subsidiaries will start selling the new handset later. The price for the mobile phone is open (unfixed), while the standard accessory kit, which includes battery pack, AC adapter and desktop holder, costs 6,300 JPY.
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