18:06:03

DA Launches StereoTypes at First Avatar Showcase

12 June 2003, Scotland: DA Group (DA), the leading developer of virtual agents, is set to launch “StereoTypes” on to the mobile communications market. DA will unveil its range of animated mobile avatar messengers, including Little Devil and Dominatrix, at get real:get virtual, the company's showcase event for avatar technology, next week.

“StereoTypes" are brief, stylised animated MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages comprising an animated character and text message. DA has been piloting the software successfully and early indications show that the characters have instant appeal. Although there is a range of characters to appeal to both sexes, the majority of users to date have been 18 to 30 year old male, high text users.

StereoTypes avatars available at launch also include Secret Agent, Supermodel, Footballer and Action Hero.

StereoTypes has several user interfaces including SMS, WAP and xHTML, in its simplest form the phone user merely enters their text message and the mobile number of the recipient. The message is then analysed by the StereoTypes server and an appropriate animation is added to the message.

The tone of the text message defines the animation. Each avatar has a range of moods and associated animations including happy, grumpy, flirty and disgusted. By looking at the language of the text being sent the system can accurately reflect the nature of the message through the avatar. As each avatar has its own persona; StereoTypes users tend to identify themselves with a specific avatar.

DA will demonstrate the technology to a broad audience of telecoms, new media and technology companies on 18th June at the bfi London IMAX® cinema, where DA will also provide a platform for avatars in e-learning, the public sector and as retail assistants. The full programme includes presentations from DA, NCR Financial Solutions and BT Kiosk Solutions.

Mike Antliff, CEO of DA Group says:

“Targeted at the 18-35 age range, StereoTypes appeals to this image conscious group who tend to be high users of text services. At the same time, StereoTypes gives carriers a differentiating service for picture messaging handsets and will help to drive new revenue from data services.

“In addition, the carriers we have spoken to love the viral nature of StereoTypes messages and their potential for branded campaigns.

“The telecoms sector is highly competitive and as a result has always been an innovator, constantly creating new services and products. Our technology and content tools fit with that pioneering spirit by providing innovative ways to create dynamic information services and more inventive messaging.

“Our products utilise the virtual character technology that has been at the heart of our business for some time. For the telecoms companies they provide a method of boosting revenue streams by adding new levels of self-expressive messaging, personalisation and fun.

“We have now demonstrated StereoTypes to a trade audience at the GSM Congress in Cannes and it is tried and tested over mobile networks and the reaction has been extremely positive. This official launch will give others a chance to see StereoTypes in action.”

Kristan Rivers, Head of Mobile Business, DA Group says:

”StereoTypes is the first service that allows users to generate their own high-quality MMS content directly from their phones. Before StereoTypes, users typically had to create MMS content on a PC and then arduously download it to their phone, or were stuck with selecting from a limited range of standard images available on their handset. With the simple StereoTypes interface users can quickly and easily send compelling multimedia messages to their friends using the SMS interface they are already accustomed to.

“The success of picture messaging in markets such as Japan and Scandinavia shows that mobile users want to send rich multimedia messages, and will pay a premium for the ability to do so. Mobile carriers have been looking for an exciting service that extends MMS beyond picture messaging. StereoTypes builds upon the pervasiveness of mobile phones and the instantaneous and private communications provided by nature of SMS to allow mobile users to send truly emotive and self-expressive messages. Plus, sending a StereoTypes message is a whole lot of fun!“