Microsoft launches video service for Windows Mobile devices

Redmond, WA, March 30, 2005 -- (MobileVillage) -- Microsoft today launched its MSN Video Downloads service, which aims to provide daily television programming for download to Windows Mobile-based devices such as Portable Media Centers and select Smartphones and Pocket PCs.

A one-year "premium" membership with access to all available videos costs US $19.95. A limited amount of free content is available without a paid membership. People subscribing to the premium service can select the content they want to receive. Videos are downloaded daily to a Windows Media Player 10 library, ready to be synchronized with Portable Media Centers and other devices.

The video content is compliant with PlaysForSure devices that play video, and is optimized for Portable Media Centers and compatible with Smartphones and Pocket PCs that support Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, according to Microsoft.

New with the final launch of the service is the ability to select the specific content downloaded to the subscriber's Windows XP-based PC each day. Subscribers can also activate a new automatic deleting feature that specifies how long video from the MSN Video Downloads directory will remain on their PC, thus avoiding a large backlog of clips.

The following programming will be available:

• MSNBC - News and business headlines, as well as segments from "Today"
  
• BreakTV - Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with celebrities
  
• Cookie Jar Entertainment - Children's programs such as "Paddington Bear," "Animal Crackers" and other popular kids' television series
  
• DIY Network - Videos about home improvement, crafts, hobbies, indoor-
  outdoor living
  
• Fine Living TV Network - Programs featuring travel, mind and body enrichment, ideas for entertaining and home design, and automobile enthusiasts
  
• FOX Sports
  
• Food Network
  
• Fun Little Movies - Original, live-action comedy content and new "Fun Funny Phone Films"
  
• Headliners Entertainment Group - Comedy clips from Rascals Comedy Clubs, including past performances from popular stars such as Tim Allen, Rosie O'Donnell, Drew Carey and Ray Romano
  
• Home & Garden Television (HGTV)
  
• IFILM - Movie trailers, viral videos, short films, etc.
  
• TotalVid - Action sports clips
  
• Want Media - Music videos, live concerts, Broadway shows, extreme sports and motor sports programs, full-length films from independent filmmakers and underground cinema
  

MSN Video Downloads is available in the U.S. at the "MSN Video Downloads" web site.

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