RealNetworks®, Inc., (RNWK) announced that it has launched the next generation of its emoticonSMS™ service to China Unicom's mobile subscribers. The service is now available to more than 10 million subscribers in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions. This new, advanced version of emoticonSMS -- branded xPressiveMMS by China Unicom -- incorporates graphics and photos into text messages, converting an SMS message into an MMS message automatically, making plain SMS more fun and personalized.

"Our subscribers continuously seek out the latest technologies and features, and we aim to stay one step ahead, offering them cutting-edge personalization options," said Li Weidong, general manager of VAS Department for Sichuan China Unicom. "We value RealNetworks' continuous innovation in mobile services, making them the obvious choice to work with us in launching this service."

Once a subscriber signs up for the service with China Unicom, xPressive MMS will use keyword recognition technology to automatically enhance the SMS text messages by incorporating pictures, background images, background music or fonts, allowing subscribers to create unique and personalized messages for each of their contacts, every time.

"We are honored to be chosen to partner with China Unicom, helping them generate significant revenue while providing a fun, personalized mobile experience for its subscribers," said Jay Kim, vice president, APAC & Music Business for RealNetworks Asia Pacific. "We look forward to further expanding our global market leadership into China by continuing to provide valuable services that are localized and customized to the various Chinese markets."

xPressive MMS subscribers can pay an "all-you-can-eat" flat fee for unlimited use (5 RMB per month; approximately 73 cents USD per month), or can pay as they go (1 RMB per message; approximately 15 cents USD per month).

About RealNetworks

RealNetworks, Inc. delivers digital entertainment services to consumers via PC, portable music player, home entertainment system or mobile phone. Real created the streaming media category in 1995 and has continued to lead the market with pioneering products and services, including: RealPlayer®, the first mainstream media player to enable one-click downloading and recording of Internet video; the award-winning Rhapsody® digital music service, which delivers more than 1 billion songs per year; RealArcade®, one of the largest casual games destinations on the Web; and a variety of mobile entertainment services, such as ringback tones, offered to consumers through leading wireless carriers around the world.

Information Source:    PRNewswire-FirstCall