GMA New Media Incorporated, GMA Network’s digital arm, in partnership with Globe Telecom and Ironroad, recently launched a breakthrough mobile application called Video Message Service (VMS) that allows mobile phone users to access video clips of GMA’s top-rating shows. Through VMS, users can also create personal videos and send these like text message to friends and family, with an option to upload the same on their Facebook accounts. Users can easily access up-to-date news and information from GMA News and Public Affairs programs such as 24 Oras, Saksi, Unang Hirit, and popular GMA Entertainment TV programs such as Amaya, Bubble Gang, Comedy Bar, Pepito Manaloto, Show Me Da Manny, Showbiz Central, Startalk, Tween Hearts, Sisid, Nita Negrita, Alakdana, Munting Heredera, Magic Palayok, and more. Users can also subscribe to their favorite GMA shows by selecting the “Subscribe” option. One only needs to type in the keywords shown on the menu, then, send it to 2849. Once subscribed, new video updates will be sent to a user’s VMS inbox. The VMS application is initially available to smartphones with Android and iOS operating systems. The application can be downloaded for free at the Android Market or the iPhone App Store. By the end of the month, it will also be available to Blackberry and Symbian phones. One needs to be connected to the internet to download the app and to access VMS. Internet and data charges from the telco apply. To generate trials, VMS is on promotion this June so the exchange of video messages and access to GMA’s premium content are free of charge. By July, users will pay P5.00 for every download of GMA content. “The new service makes GMA celebrities and programs more reachable to a wider market. While GMA enjoys a strong presence in the local and international market through its multimedia platform, the experience becomes more personal and instant when the service can be accessed by handheld device users anytime at their convenience,” said NMI Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Edna T. Belleza. To know more about the service, users may text “VMS (space) HELP” to 2849.