Motorola Adopts Multi-Standard Video Strategy

Motorola plans to take a multi-standard
approach to video delivery in cell phones, announcing it would use
technologies from RealNetworks, PacketVideo and Microsoft in its
handsets.

In declining to commit to a single technology provider, the number two
handset manufacturer said it would integrate player technology from
RealNetworks in its Linux-based handsets and technology
from PacketVideo for the Symbian OS 3G smartphone.

Motorola also announced support for Microsoft’s
Windows media Player, which will be pre-installed on the new MPx200
handset.

Motorola, which markets cell phones and two-way radios, said the decision
to adopt a multi-standard strategy would provide developers and service
providers with “advanced multimedia mobile solutions that exceed current
market standards.”

“Our work with PacketVideo helps strengthen our 3G offerings,
RealNetworks complements our Linux-based handsets, and the Windows Media
Player brings music to mobile on our recently announced Motorola MPx200,”
according to Motorola VP Michael Bordelon.

Bordelon explained that the use of separate standards would allow
Motorola’s operator partners to pick and choose the delivery mechanism for
on-demand streaming audio and video services.

Motorola said the technologies from RealNetworks, PacketVideo and
Microsoft could also be used to shuttle Internet and data services like the
popular photo messaging feature.

With privately-held PacketVideo, Motorola plans to embed technology on
the new A920 phone to deliver real-time video calls, capture, receive and
display streamed or downloaded video and multi-media messages.

RealNetworks’ flagship RealOne media player will be pre-loaded in
Motorola’s Linux-based handsets. The addition of the RealOne player on the
handsets adds support for the 3GPP and 3GPP2 media formats alongside
RealAudio and RealVideo. The deal also calls for RealNetworks’ content to
be accessible via Motorola’s HelloMoto consumer service.

Separately, Motorola announced it had scored certification to combine its
mobile phones with the latest Java standards. The certification means
Chicago-based Motorola would not support Mobile Information Device Profile
(MIDP 2.0) JSR118, The Wireless Messaging API (WMA 1.0) JSR 120 and the
Multimedia API JSR 135.

Motorola also announced a licensing pact with Superscape Group to use the
Swerve i3D Graphics Client on select 2004 Motorola devices. Superscape’s
Swerve i3D graphics client allows the delivery of 3D gaming and 3D character
based applications.