Three UK, the 3G mobile phone operator, has launched a cartoon messaging service today, a first in Europe.
US-based company FunMail will provide licenced cartoons such as Dilbert, South Park, Garfield and Peanuts. There are two parts to the FunMail Toons offering; enhanced messaging, aimed at Three customers who want to message friends, effectively with SMS on steroids; and Dilbert cartoons, delivered direct to handsets, selected from the best available.
The animated cartoons will be delivered using MMS and will arrive complete with music and sound. Given the flat colours and simple line drawing used, cartoons are easy to compress, ensuring they will be quick to download, while retaining their original look.