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Nokia users have something that others don’t: they can upload various graphics to their phone and use them as an operator logo (the one that shows up when the phone detects a cellular signal) or as group graphics. A group graphic is a small logo that flashes when a caller has been identified by the user as part of a special group such as "Friends", "Family" or "VIP".

On Nokia phones, these logos and graphics can be uploaded either through a data cable, through an infrared connection or sent by Smart Messaging, the most popular way.
+ More on Smart Messaging, from the Ringtones FAQ

But other companies have been lagging with Smart Messaging, Nokia being the leader in that field. Therefore, Motorola, Alcatel, Siemens and Ericsson (as many others) handsets just can't receive smart messages... but it will soon change: the 4 manufacturers have agreed to develop an open Smart Messaging standard called "Enhanced Messaging Service" (EMS), a souped-up version of SMS.

EMS has enhanced features such as over the air data synchronization and messages with fixed and animated icons. Since it is a standard, the new picture messages and graphics that will eventually be developed for these phones will be cross-phone compatible. Every handset manufacturer will be allowed to use the format.

Will Nokia be left apart? Maybe, since it refuses to join the initiative, rather concentrating on the more evolved MMS system. MMS, which stands for "Multimedia Messaging Service", is also a new and improved format of the Short Message Service. It allows compatible cell phone users to exchange multimedia messages on their phones, such as graphical postcards, animations, video clips, maps and business cards. MMS is considered a service for third generation systems (see 3G).

But Nokia being the largest cell phone maker, its absence from EMS can also hinder the development of EMS. As of July 2001, EMS has just been announced but Ericsson already features two phones with EMS on its web site. However, the company's web site does not give any details on availability of that phone or how to send graphics according to the EMS format.

One of the four partners, Siemens, already allows users to upload custom graphics to their phones but only through a data cable. EMS will likely give a boost to the already huge market for ringtones, graphics and logos.
+ The Logos and Graphics FAQ
+ Find Siemens Logos
+ Find Nokia Logos
+ All About Ringtones