Romance digital style

THE next time you're at a loss for whispering sweet nothings, turn to the mobile and let the cute cell do your talking.

Technology, it seems, has evolved to make the path of true love easier.

Introducing MMS and its multi-wondrous ways to express your emotions. Emoticons move over.

Digital funny faces can earn you a chuckle or two, but come Valentine's Day, it's MMS that's gonna win you some serious affection (and attention).

The fire is being stoked by the multi-billion dollar mobile industry that's fast changing the way we look at the cell phone.

There are SMSes that have evolved into a new sub-language, and emoticons that herald a new form of non-verbal communication.

With MMS, the possibilities are endless.

It enables the user to send video files or tunes, and promises to be more colourful and flavourful. And no one's lauding the move more than the millions of romantics who also happen to be mobile toters.

Especially the hopelessly tongue-tied.

Yesterday's social ineptness now gets a boost from mobile technology.

As they say, a picture paints a thousand words.

With an MMS picture message, words are no longer required.

Users are really digging the phrase, `mobile phones can do more than just talk'.

Consider this month's Hotlink launch of the Valentine Special.

On the menu - an array of SMS- and MMS-enhanced downloads such as video clips, polyphonic ringtones, picture messages and colour wallpapers - all peppered with the right amount of romance and love to help you express your romantic side freely.

And celebrate the month of love in a new way.

Ultimately, the MMS option will be about next-generation communication. Cell phones now become the new high-tech alternatives to Cupid's arrow. Who needs words when you can send images of love? Suddenly, the burden of expressing your emotions ceases to exist.

MMS takes over the role of communication minus the need for a full confrontation.

Yet, it's also about convenience.

History has seen some of the most sentimental - and tortuous - love expressions.

The 15th Century Duke of Orleans went to great lengths to send his wife a valentine greeting - from his prison cell in the Tower of London.

Danish men sent pressed flowers to their loved ones.

With the new trend of digital love, expressing your undying passion gets elevated to new heights.

It becomes ultra-cool when greetings can be sent on a whim.

Or received at unexpected times.

It becomes even more convenient when, with Picture Messaging, users can send a (digital) rose everyday without it costing an arm and a leg.

It looks like the real thing, but hey, since this is digital playground after all, a rose by any other name should smell just the same.

Sure, a greeting or gift on Valentine's Day is generally `expected', but think of the points you'll score when you send your partner an `I Love You' message.