FacePlayer* wireless software is now fully operational on the new Nokia 7650

Anthropics Technology, the London-based developer of 3G-like visual messaging services announces its MMS compatible, FacePlayer* software is now fully operational on the new Nokia 7650. Anthropics will now be entering a number of trials with the leading network operators to test its FaceWave messaging service on the Nokia 7650 for use world-wide by Christmas 2002.

Picture shows how David Beckham ( the Manchester United and England football player could introduce soccer news bulletins on the Ericsson T68i ).

Anthropics' FaceWave messaging service on the Nokia 7650 will enable consumers and content providers to animate still photos with text or speech, to create life-like 'talking head' messages. FaceWave messaging is set to transform the way we communicate today - providing substantial new revenue opportunities for operators, advertisers, music and entertainment businesses, news and information services worldwide.

Unlike other multimedia messaging applications, Anthropics' FaceWave service produces perfect lip-synching, photo-realistic 2D characters, over low bandwidth and using low processing power. The Nokia 7650 trials reinforce Anthropics' strategy to reach mass market on GSM, GPRS and 3G 'smart' phones during the next six months.

*FacePlayer is part of the Anthropics suite of technologies. A complete end-to-end solution for the creation, storage, provision, and playback of FaceWave "movies", animated faces (human, animal, or illustrated) which lip-synch text, audio, or video input in a realistic manner.

FacePlayer ready to ship in September 2002
Consumers will be able download the FacePlayer application directly to their phones whilst it is anticipated that certain operators will configure the Nokia 7650 with the FacePlayer prior to shipment to retail.

The new MMS enabled handsets to be launched later this year (such as the Sony Ericsson P800 and the Sendo Z100) will also be able to run the FacePlayer, (developed for Symbian, J2ME and Microsoft Smartphone 2002 operating systems). These new devices will have the colour screens, processing power and memory to be able to playback Anthropics' "talking-head" images and audio effectively. In addition, Anthropics is in discussion with major handset manufacturers to embed the FacePlayer in a number of soon-to-be-launched mobile devices.

About Anthropics Technology
Anthropics Technology Ltd is the London-based developer of 3G-like visual messaging services for current telecoms networks. Anthropics markets its technology to mobile operators who seek to generate additional revenues by providing customers with new content and services.

With its pioneering FaceWave technology, which combines still photos with text or speech, Anthropics creates life-like 'talking heads' for use in web and wireless applications, including mobile messaging, eCRM and e-learning. The Anthropics technology is inexpensive to deploy; requires very low bandwidths; and runs on existing and future GSM, GPRS or 3G mobile networks.

Anthropics closed a £5.7m first round funding in August 2001 led by Quester VCT, a UK venture capital firm.