Microsoft Corp. will provide daily downloadable video content including news, sports and entertainment programming for Windows Mobile-based devices, the company announced Wednesday.
MSN Video Downloads will deliver a subscription-based mobile TV service featuring content from channels including FOX Sports, MTV Networks, Napster Inc., Food Network and IFILM Corp. MSNBC.com will provide updated news segments throughout the day, and other channels will provide children’s programming, comedy clips and music videos.
A limited amount of free content will be available; a $20 annual fee buys access to all available videos. Paid subscribers can select the content they’d like to receive from the service’s Web site. The new Internet-based offering builds on the Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Center, which Microsoft launched last fall.
“Readily available digital video content remains a key driver for the portable multimedia player market,” said Josh Martin, associate research analyst at consultant firm IDC. “The proliferation and growth of video service providers will serve to fill the existing video content void and increase adoption of portable multimedia players such as Windows Mobile-based devices.”
