Yes, it's just a Nexus 7 at heart; the real value proposition here is the software and service.
Optus and Nokia will conduct a closed trial of a real-time, interactive, multimedia video experience at its Sydney headquarters.
The trial delivers content to users through onsite base stations via Liquid Applications, a solution developed by partner Nokia.
It is designed to distribute video and multimedia content to users directly from adjoining base stations – as content sits on the base station – rather than via the network core, resulting in increased delivery speed, and improved network congestion management benefits.
In a practical situation, Liquid Applications enables users to watch a sports match, concert, or major event from a variety of different angles on their device in real-time from content streamed directly from a nearby base station.
For example if a spectator wants a different angle, or would like to switch between multiple views at a tennis, football or cricket match, through Liquid Applications they can do so directly from various cameras capturing the content around the site.
SingTel Group Chief Technology Officer, Mr Tay Soo Meng, said the trial with Nokia Networks was designed to explore the next phase of content delivery for customers.
"This process reduces latency and provides ultra-responsive delivery at the edge of the network.”
Tay said Optus was increasingly focusing on mobile internet and strengthening its video delivery service capability.
“The trial of Nokia’s Liquid Application is an important step towards testing a host of applications that would enhance end-user experience.”
Liquid Applications works by equipping base stations with general purpose computing technology including a technology-powered server, to provide intelligent processing and storage capabilities for content and applications.
This accelerates the delivery of smartphone or tablet-based content and services, while reducing the amount of data passing between the base station and the network or the internet.
The demonstration will commence at Optus’ Sydney headquarters and will comprise two cameras streaming video to a nearby mobile base station.
Through Nokia’s Liquid Applications, the test team will be able to switch between the two cameras to enjoy different views captured by the cameras directly on their smartphone or tablet.
Nokia, head of Australia and New Zealand, Nokia Networks, said, "with this video orchestration services demo, powered by Nokia’s Liquid Applications, Optus subscribers will experience an interactive and customised video viewing experience on their smart devices with no delay," he said.
"We have combined our skills and technology expertise to help users experience the next generation of mobile broadband technology – setting a benchmark that complies to the highest standards of customer experience.
"It’s a win-win situation for the operator and its subscribers.”
Testers will have access to an application developed in collaboration with Nokia on their smart phone and tablet device to test how well the content is delivered to them and how responsive the interactive ability of the service is.
The multimedia content will be delivered over the Optus 4G Plus network.
