Multimedia Messaging Service was developed by third generation (3G) project. It is a communication technology that is used to send multimedia messages on the compatible phones. Its is an enhanced form of short message service (SMS). MMS made possible to send pictures, audio and video clips in addition to text.
The first MMS compatible phone is launched in 2002 and now MMS technology definitely open a new era in the world. Now through your MMS enabled cell phone you not only send messages to other phones but also send emails and attachments. Although MMS is same like SMS to end user but if we look deeper it doesn’t like SMS at all. MMS is base on WAP technology for sending and receiving MMS.

Compatibility

MMS may include images, text, video and audio. These types should follow the MMS standards. For example your phone can send an MPEG-4 video but the receiving party may not be able to interpret it. To avoid this, all mobiles should follow the standards defined by OMA (Open Mobile Alliance). There is a software program that interacts with the mobile user to compose, address, send, receive, and view MMS messages.

Methods

There are two methods for receiving MMS

• When some one sends the MMS. It immediately retrieves the message from Multimedia Messaging service center (MMSC) with out any interaction of user. After receiving successfully the user is alerted to the presence of new message.
• The second method is we can say a manual method. In this method the MMS service alerts the user the user that there is a new message and now its up to user that when he want to retrieve the message.

EMS (Enhanced Message Service) is a technology between MMS and SMS. It uses some features of SMS and some features of MMS. EMS allow the mobile to send and receive special text formatting, pictures ring tones and some animation also.

Application

Although the big use of MMS is for entertainment. Friends share pictures and ring tones through this technology. Companies also send MMS to their subscriber and customer. For example if a visitor wants to visit the office then the company can send their map to him through MMS. Other usage of MMS may include news, weather report, sports news etc.