What is a .OTA file?
The file extension .OTA stands for OTA Bitmap Image. This type of file is specifically designed for use with older Nokia and Siemens mobile phones. The "OTA" in its name means "Over The Air," which refers to the way these images were typically sent or received - wirelessly, through the mobile network.
An .OTA file contains an image, but it's not like the colorful pictures you might be used to. Instead, it's a monochrome bitmap image. This means it only uses two colors: black and white. The images are quite small, with their size limited to a maximum of 255 pixels in width and 255 pixels in height. This small size and simple color scheme were ideal for the limited display capabilities and storage space of older mobile phones.
There are two ways an .OTA file can be stored. It might be in a binary format, which is a way of saving data that computers can easily read but is not human-readable. Alternatively, it could be in a hexadecimal format saved within a text file. Hexadecimal is a base-16 number system used in computing as a more human-friendly representation of binary-coded values.
If you have an .OTA file that you want to open, there are specific programs you can use. One such program is XnViewMP. This software is versatile and supports a wide range of image formats, including .OTA files. It allows you to view the image contained in the file. Another program mentioned is SMS Picture Maker, which suggests it might have features specifically tailored to creating or managing images for SMS (Short Message Service) purposes, including OTA images.
It's worth noting that XnViewMP is mentioned multiple times, emphasizing its compatibility and recommended use for opening .OTA files. This repetition might be an oversight, or it could be to underline the software's suitability for this purpose.
In summary, .OTA files are a type of image file used primarily on older mobile phones for simple, monochrome pictures. They are small in size and can be opened using specific software like XnViewMP or SMS Picture Maker.
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