Today at Mobile World Congress 2008, Microsoft Corp. announced the availability of a technology preview for accessing MSN Direct content on Windows Mobile-based devices. Hey, this has been something the community has begging for for quite a while. I wonder how it will be implemented and if those with watches, GPS, coffee makers with MSN Direct can use the same subscription and how this will compete with free applications sharing the same information like Live Search for Mobile, but after downloading it it looks nice and it costs nothing, but your data connection. I was just thinking of canceling my watch subscription since it is due up this week and just using the free content and this is edging me towards that and saving $59, where I can always resubscribe if I can't live with out it.
It looks really cool on the phone and Microsoft does not charge anything for download or use of the MSN Direct application. (Note: downloading and using MSN Direct requires data connectivity from your wireless carrier, which may charge additional fees. Check with your wireless provider for its coverage areas and service fees.)
I just downloaded and started using the today screen plugin. It is very nice!!!! Download directions here. Granted there are small advertisements on the top of detailed content, but they are done tastefully. With a View Ad softkey, that brings up a larger version of the ad that points you to a browser for more information on the ad. The interface is just as nice as the Yahoo Go! 3 demo we saw at CES 2008.
This is the press release I received on my phone today:
With this technology preview, customers can receive instant access to information such as weather and stock updates; top news stories; and entertainment, sports and business news. The information is presented in a glanceable format, and is easily accessible directly from the home screen of a device. Content is automatically updated so that customers have immediate access to the content that matters most to them.
“This is the first time MSN Direct content has been made available to mobile phones, and it is a strong next step for the delivery of MSN Direct content where customers have said they need it the most,” said Eric Lang, general manager of the MSN Direct initiative at Microsoft. “We are excited about the opportunities this new application will bring to mobile operators, consumers and the industry.”
After installing the technology preview on the device, customers can select content based on relevancy and preference. For more in-depth information on the topics a person is exploring, MSN Direct provides links that connect users to the relevant areas of the popular MSN Mobile portal. Together, MSN Direct and MSN Mobile provide users with quick and easy options for getting current information while on the go.
“The MSN Direct for mobile technology preview is a clear demonstration of Microsoft’s commitment to bringing simple and useful information to mobile customers,” said Alexander Gounares, corporate vice president of Microsoft Ads and Commerce. “We are pleased to offer this preview and look forward to feedback.”
The MSN Direct content is supplied by a number of leading partners, including Foreca Ltd. for current weather information, Comstock Resources Inc. for stock prices, and MSNBC for the wide gamut of news offerings.
Windows Mobile customers interested in downloading the MSN Direct technology preview can use either of the following methods:
· Via mobile browser. From the Web browser on their mobile phone, users go to http://phone.msndirect.com and follow the instructions on the page to download and install MSN Direct.
· Via PC. Users download MSN Direct to their PC and copy it over to their device using whatever software they normally use (such as ActiveSync). On the device, they click on the MSN Direct file to begin installation.
The MSN Direct application is free to download; MSN Direct requires data connectivity from a wireless carrier, which may charge additional fees. Consumers should check with their wireless provider for its coverage areas and service fees.