Maxis Communications Bhd has partnered with NGC Systems Sdn Bhd to launch Asia Pac’s first Video Avatar service for Malaysian mobile phone users. Maxis Video Avatar is a new video multimedia messaging (MMS) service which features animated avatars that are able to portray multiple emotions such as happy, sad and angry. It lets customers to create personalised video messages in a creative way.

The service adds lifelike personalities to traditional voice and text messages through a video or a voice call.

According to Kugan Thirunavakarasu, Maxis Head of Product Development and Infotainment, they are seeing a growing number of customers especially the youth segment personalising their mobile phones with add-on services such as ringtones and wallpapers.

“Maxis Video Avatar is particularly the sort of interactive, personality and character-driven product our customers will enjoy and use to further personalize their phones,” he added.

The service is available to all Maxis and Hotlink customers on GPRS and 3G phones. For each Video Avatar MMS sent between Maxis and Hotlink subscribers, it costs RM0.50 while it costs RM1 per Video Avatar MMS to be sent to non-Maxis users.

The avatars available include cartoon characters, caricatures, models and festive characters. New avatars will also be added monthly.

To send a Video Avatar MMS:

Step 1: Dial 8*<recipient’s mobile number> (e.g *8012xxxxxxx/*8017xxxxxxx)

Step 2: Select an avatar

Step 3: Leave a message and send