First EmoticonSMS Service Later this Year

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have penned a deal whereby BSNL's 39 million-odd subscribers across India will be able to access the first "EmoticonSMS" service later this year.

What's unique about this service is that when a BSNL subscriber signs up for it, his/her SMS text message will automatically get converted into emoticons using keyword recognition technology. Subscribers will be able to choose from up to 4,000 emoticons across 500 themes, claims RealNetworks.
Jay Kim, vice president (APAC and Music Business) of RealNetworks is reported to have said that "EmoticonSMS" is another value-added service offered by Real that makes traditional SMS more engaging and fun. Kim said the agreement helps position BSNL as a market leader for value-added services in the country.

Currently, RealNetworks services are reported to be available to nearly 800.3 million subscribers through 89 different carriers across 44 countries worldwide. The services on offer include music on demand, games, video, personalization features, and messaging.