[NTT DoCoMo and Microsoft annouce a collaboration to add Windows Media technologies in new 3G FOMA handsets starting with the F902iS to be launched this summer.]

NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced today a collaboration to incorporate Windows Media technologies in NTT DoCoMo's 3G FOMA handsets, starting with the F902iS model to be launched this summer. The F902iS will support both Windows Media Audio and Windows Media Digital Rights Management 10 for Portable Devices (WMDRM-PD). In addition to Windows Media Audio technologies, NTT DoCoMo will evaluate the incorporation of Windows Media Video, Microsoft's version of SMPTE VC-1 technologies, in future handsets.

i-mode alliance partners, who provide i-mode mobile Internet services, will also consider whether to use Windows Media technologies in their handsets.

The incorporation of Windows Media technologies will enable NTT DoCoMo handsets to play music downloaded to a PC from more than 100 online music services around the world, and also support music content ripped from CDs in the highly efficient Windows Media Audio format.

"Microsoft's Windows Media platform and the company's commitment toward enabling new digital rights management solutions for the wireless environment are helping to push the industry forward," said Takeshi Natsuno, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Multimedia Services of NTT DoCoMo. "With support for Windows Media, users of our FOMA handsets will enjoy a broader range of services and more choices for entertainment."

"NTT DoCoMo is recognized globally as a leader for its advanced data network and numerous wireless data services. Their support for Windows Media technologies is a major step in extending the reach of Windows Media content to millions of wireless devices," said Amir Majidimehr, corporate vice president, Windows Digital Media Division. "We are committed to developing technologies that help drive new services and business models around content delivery for the wireless industry."

With support on hundreds of devices and services, Windows Media Audio and Windows Media DRM are the most widely deployed technologies in the world for the delivery of digital music. Windows Media DRM supports a wide range of business models that include download and play, subscription and video on demand, and enables mobile operators with the choice to directly acquire licenses on their handsets and/or load content from PCs through USB cable. Microsoft recently announced it will make significant investments in its DRM technologies, specifically to enable a new offering and drive scenarios that support the wireless industry.

More...

Back to Headlines...