Nokia Xpress audio messaging – a personal new way to communicate

Today Nokia introduced an easy to use service based on multimedia messaging that allows consumers to send voice clips over-the-air. Dubbed “Nokia Xpress audio messaging”, the service enables consumers to personalize messages in a spontaneous and creative way. By using an especially designed new menu, an audio message can be recorded and sent with only a few clicks of a button.

“Nokia Xpress audio messaging enables operators to differentiate their service offering from competitors by utilizing existing infrastructure,” explains Juha Pinomaa, Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia. “For consumers, Nokia Xpress audio messaging combines ease of use, affordability, and adds a personal touch to greetings, congratulations, or allows to share a special moment like a grandchild’s first words.” The user interface - specifically designed for Nokia Xpress audio messaging - is very fast and easy to use and allows editing of the message before it is sent. In terms of interoperability, audio messages can be sent to all MMS-enabled GSM handsets. Once an audio message has been received it can be stored in the phone and easily replayed when desired. It can also be shared with multiple recipients. “During studies, consumers perceived Nokia Xpress audio messaging as a quick and natural way of communication,” adds Pinomaa. “It was especially popular among young people as they were very creative when sharing audio messages with others. The results have encouraged us to offer Nokia Xpress audio messaging to operators and consumers.” To support mass-market adoption of audio messaging, Nokia introduces support for legacy phones within its MMS solution. The Nokia Multimedia Application Gateway will enable sending audio messages also to phones that do not support MMS, thereby expanding the market for this new messaging service. Nokia is the only MMS infrastructure provider to offer legacy support specifically designed for audio messaging. The Nokia Xpress audio messaging solution is a Nokia end-to-end offering including infrastructure and terminals. The new audio messaging menu will be integrated in several Nokia handsets introduced in 2005.