Pulse Mobile and KDDI Corporation to Launch New Mobile Service

Pulse Mobile has entered an agreement with KDDI Corporation to launch a service that delivers a new mobile experience to KDDI's subscribers. The service allows users to convert head shots into animated talking graphics.

Using the Veepers Content Engine hosted by Pulse Mobile, KDDI Corporation will provide an embedded multimedia messaging authoring application on wireless handsets to increase subscriber loyalty in advance of number portability in Japan later this fall.

"Pulse Mobile is deeply honored to be selected to provide KDDI Corporation with a highly compelling messaging and personalization service to attract and retain new subscribers in the face of increasing challenges in a highly competitive market," said Jeff Lipton, President of Pulse Mobile. "Japan has the most sophisticated mobile consumers in the world, and this opportunity represents powerful validation of the value of our user-generated messaging solutions."

With the Veepers Messaging service, users can easily create custom interactive virtual personalities, called Veepers, on their mobile phone from a gallery of static images. The 'E Shaberi Mail' or 'Talking Picture Mail 'service, also announced by the two companies, allows users to record their voices to drive the personalized animation. The resulting media file can be forwarded to other users, or assigned as a video ringtone on the subscriber's mobile device.

The service is expected to be released in October.