Messaging
Through T9 predictive text, customers can text messaging using commonplace
standards such as SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging
Service) to position layouts, and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) to attach
photos, voice clips, and recorded videos.
Offered by Sprint, Mobile IM and Email lets users keep in touch with
friends and family while on the road. Integrated with online services containing
popular instant messaging platforms, customers can chat through AOL Instant
Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger.
Additionally access is available to popular email services. Not only
incorporating PCS Mail, consumers can also check popular third party accounts
from AOL, MSN Hotmail, Yahoo!, and Earthlink.
Entertainment
The Fusic comes with some essential tools commonly found on handhelds,
such as Alarm Clock, Calculator, Notepad, Scheduler, Task List, Voice Control
and Memo, and World Clock.
 Several
games come included on the Fusic as well. Gamers should be familiar with
some classics such as Ms. PacMan and Tetris, but other preinstall games
include the World Poker Tour to satisfy the recent popularity of Texas Hold
'Em, Midnight Pool for action-packed billiards, and Zuma for a strategic
shooting game. Unfortunately all games are demos with the convenient option
of purchasing the full version through Sprint's Power Vision online service.
But users can also download and install more applications through J2ME
(Java 2 Micro Edition). As the most popular platform for mobile devices,
developers have already released mobile versions of popular computer programs
and video games reminiscent of old 90s-style console titles.
The Fusic is heavily integrated with Sprint Power Vision for added features
to connect with multimedia and users around the country. Sprint Game Lobby
lets customers match skills in real-time competition against other customers
across the country. Advancing past single-player entertainment, gamers can
find competitors, post scores, and see additional game recommendations.
To pass the time, customers can access Sprint TV for a monthly subscription
fee. Depending on which Sprint TV package enrolled in, users can stream
live and prerecorded TV from popular stations. Access Pack gets ABC News
Now streaming live news channel and Sirius Hits. Plus Pack subscribers get
additional channels such as NFL Network, Fox Sports, Fuse, and Fashion TV.
And for heavy mobile television viewers, the Ultimate Pack includes everything
previously mentioned plus ESPN, Fox News Channel, NBC, The Weather Channel,
Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Toon World, Looney Tunes, Comedy
Time, and Music Choice.
Users can watch TV in full screen mode (horizontally) for added resolution.
Overall the quality was mediocre. While images were somewhat small, scenes
could clearly be made out, although action sequences can be a bit haphazard
and choppy.
To get news and information, the Fusic can connect to On Demand. By subscribing
to a wide range of channels, customers can get breaking news, sports scores,
stock quotes, and weather reports, or look up movie times and TV programming,
directory and dictionary services, and online maps.
The Fusic wonderfully integrates Sprint Power Vision for TV streaming,
music purchasing, and information services. However, the drawback is the
extra monthly charges. Costing around $15-25 extra per month, the multimedia
features are an expensive addition. Without access to Sprint Power Vision,
the Fusic loses a good deal of functionality, unable to realize its full
potential.
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