Real Networks, NTT DoCoMo Join Mobile TV Party

Tech NewsWorld reports that NTT DoCoMo "has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Real Networks to jointly deploy software to bring video streaming capabilities to its mobile phones. DoCoMo will add the software to its V-Live streaming video service."

According to the article, the "new and improved V-Live would foster an open environment to allow content providers to use their own multi-format, cross-platform Helix Mobile servers to stream video content over the Internet to FOMA handsets. NTT DoCoMo's 3G FOMA network is only available to subscribers in Japan."

With many different mobile video intiatives taking place, the big question is which carrier's efforts will stand out. Weston Henderek at Current Analysis opined that the "content and how that content is delivered" will be critical. He said, "It's not the content alone that's going to make the service popular for the carrier, it's how the carrier packages these services."

Henderek added, "On-demand [video] will drive the market because people only have a limited time to watch programming on wireless phones. They are not going to want to stare at the screen for extended periods of time because it is small and it is a strain on the eyes. People will want good content menus where they can choose what they watch when they want to watch it."