What Is the File Extension .3GPP?

Definition

• The acronym 3GPP stands for Third Generation Partnership Project. This group includes telecommunications companies from Japan, South Korea, China, North America and Europe.
  
  

Usage

• While the acronym is 3GPP, the actual file extension used is .3GP and has the ability for condensed packets of audio and video to be downloaded and streamed quickly and efficiently over a cellular network.
  
  

Architecture

• The .3GP file extension is a stripped down version of the widely-used MP4 format. The audio and video is embedded within the .3GP file so that the format can be heard (if audio) and viewed (if video) on mobile phones.
  
  

Unique Feature

• To ensure the cellular network's bandwidths weren't clogged with .3GP files, technology was developed so the most critical parts of the audio or video file were transferred first, like the bitrate and file size. This helps the phone determine how to efficiently download the data.
  
  

Converting

• It is possible to convert files with the .3GP extension into formats like MP3 or WMV or AVI to listen and view on a computer. All that's needed is a conversion program like the free Apex 3GP Video Converter.