Has the net continues to become one of the first places people go to for entertainment, be it music or video, many Internet-based companies are embracing this trend by upgrading or debuting features to attract more users.
Microsoft is no stranger to this phenomenon and have made this point clear again by announcing the release of MSN Video, a service that provides daily television programming, including video content from MSNBC.com, Food Network, FOX Sports and IFILM Corp. This content can be downloaded to a number of portable media devices like high-end mobile phones, PDAs, and laptops.
In a prepared release, John Pollard, director of Windows Mobile Applications and Services Marketing at Microsoft says:
“The launch of Portable Media Centers in 2004 began a new era of portable entertainment, and today’s announcement solidifies the continued momentum we’ve seen for portable video. With content from some of the most recognized brands in entertainment, MSN Video Downloads helps bring this vision to life, allowing people to take their favorite television shows with them whether they are on the train, waiting for a doctor’s appointment, or keeping the kids occupied in the back seat of the car”
MSN Video offers two types of service. The first one, which is free, allows users to visit the site and watch a number of streaming videos ranging from news and sports to music videos from featured artists.
They also offer MSN Video Downloads, which is a pay service that allows users access to all available videos MSN Video has to offer. The cost is $19.95 a year. Josh Martin, associate research analyst at IDC had these thoughts, “Readily available digital video content remains a key driver for the portable multimedia player market. 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.”
To see a comprehensive list of content contributors and devices supporting MSN Video, please read their release.
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for webproworld. Visit webproworld for the latest search news.