While SmarTone has launched its 3G service touting “exciting video calling” with “animation characters”, competitor CSL doesn’t believe the Hong Kong market is ready for video calls and launched its 3G service without them. This situation is symptomatic of the ambivalent attitude towards video calls.
On the one hand, video calls have not really taken off anywhere as consumers see nothing compelling about holding their phone in an awkward way and having to look at their screen while talking – certainly nothing worth paying extra for. On the other hand, video calls have come to define a 3G service, which is considered to be one that is capable of managing a live two-way video call. In the end I suspect everyone phone and network will be able to handle video calls, but won’t be called on to do so on as much as normal voice calls. Of course, an accessory to make the calls easier (for example glasses with a tiny screen) might help matters.
SmarTone is also offering live AV on demand, which “gives customers a real-time view of their homes, offices or anywhere with video streaming”.
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