Cell phones with multi-media capability:
Almost all phones made in the last 2 years or so by the major manufacturers (Nokia, Motorola, Sony-Ericsson, Sanyo, Samsung, etc) have multi-media capability. The technical jargon is that they have to be MIDP 2.0 as opposed to the old MIDP 1.0 phones. Our market study had suggested that MIDP 2.0 are now increasingly very common. However, we are closely monitoring user interest in the older phone models in the different geographic areas where we market our products.

Data service:
Because our mobile software communicates with our web-based servers to store and forward messages, users need a data service package from their wireless carriers. The technical jargon here is that the phones as well as the wireless network need to be GPRS or EDGE enabled. The overwhelming majority of netowrks in the US, Europe, Asia and most parts of Africa are already GPRS enabled. What users need to do is to make sure that their accounts include data access privileges. We strongly advise that users sign-up for unlimited data access when using our products. Our marketing study indicate that the unlimited data services will save you a bundle. For example, Sprint charges $10-15/month, Cingular has data plans for $15.00/month whereas China Mobile has a service that costs the equivalent of $2.50 per month for unlimited data/Internet access. Major research reports in the wireless industry are predicting that these prices will further drop in the near future. Disclaimer: However, please consult your carrier as this information changes with time.