Seeing as cellphones are usually connected to mobile networks, we’d
think the problem of content distribution would basically solve itself,
but a company called Vmedia Research is at Mobile World Congress with a
new type of optical disk designed just for phones. Using a blue laser,
a 1GB, 32mm MiniDisc-esque Vmedia cartridge can hold a full DVD-res
movie using H.264 compression, as well as limited special features.
Vmedia’s demoing the tech on an upcoming Spice GSM handset, which has a
2.8-inch screen and a PSP UMD-like door for inserting the disks. The
system is going to debut in India and southeast Asia with 40 Bollywood
films available at launch for just $5 each, but Vmedia and Spice say
they’ve got 1,000 more content deals in the works. No plans have been
announced for the rest of the world as of yet, but we’re not holding
our breath.
