Real Adds Video To Voice

RealNetworks is adding video to its voice response feature for mobiles — but it's for information and entertainment, not face-to-face.

At the CTIA Wireless tradeshow in San Francisco, RealNetworks announced that it was adding a video component to its voice-response service that allows mobile users to find information and entertainment, CNET reports.

Mobile operators will be able to subscribe to the service, then offer it as a video-telephony service to customers, all made possible because of 3G.

When customers with an appropriate plan and capable phone dial a designated number, they’ll be presented with a menu offering choices, such as movie trailers, weather or traffic information.

Add video-calling plan could add lucrative revenue streams for mobile operators.

In a statement, senior vice president at RealNetworks, Vern Poyer, said:

"Everyone knows how to make a phone call. By offering this new feature, via video telephony, we believe it will help operators see a return on the significant investments they’ve made in deploying 3G networks."