14 DAY TRIAL // 3rd Dimension, a mobile marketing and application company, has launched a free service that shows real-time traffic conditions to nearly anyone with a compatible data-enabled cell phone. The WCBS Video Cellmate service allows users to choose from more than 450 real-time traffic cameras along major crossings in the tri-state area, stretching from New Haven, Connecticut to Southern New Jersey and including New York City's five boroughs.
The service was launched for tests in November 2006, in conjunction with WCBS Newsradio, and is sponsored by the Tri-State BMW Dealer's Association, so users can expect to see advertisements during the loading of each traffic cam's image. To use the service, consumers need to get the mobile application by calling 1-877-880-ROAD or by going to the download page available here. Video Cellmate is easy to install and use, a simple series of menus allowing users to select traffic cameras along the roads they travel and to save their favorites.
All Video Cellmate traffic cameras deliver live, real-time video images. Many cameras show full motion video, while others update every few seconds. The network is constantly upgraded by adding new camera locations and faster image update rates. When new or upgraded cameras come online, they automatically appear on the user's phone.
The WCBS Video Cellmate is available free of charge to cell phone subscribers with data plans on Sprint, Cingular and T-Mobile, as well as Blackberry and Palm Treo users on any network including Verizon. The Video Cellmate works on popular cell phone models and more are being added all the time.
The traffic camera application is the first of several that 3rd Dimension plans to launch this year. The company plans to expand the traffic service to further markets and to deliver other applications that utilize live video content streamed to mobile devices.