Microsoft this morning announced the immediate availability of MSN Video Downloads, a new subscription service that will provide daily content from over 20 TV networks and Web services such as MSNBC, FOX Sports, The Food Network, and IFILM to users of Windows Powered Smatphones and Pocket PC devices, and Portable Media Centers. Microsoft first announced the MSN Video Downloads service at the Consumer Electronics Show 2005 in January.
"Today's announcement solidifies the continued momentum we've seen for portable video," says John Pollard, the director of Windows Mobile Applications and Services Marketing at Microsoft. "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."
A basic subscription to MSN Video Downloads is free, but users wishing to gain access to all available videos can subscribe to a premium version of the service for $19.95 a year. Premium subscribers are able to pick and choose which content they download each day, and the content is synchronized with compatible portable devices using Windows Media Player 10. Programs from BreakTV, COOKIE JAR Entertainment ("Paddington Bear"), DIY Network, Fine Living TV, FOX Sports, The Food Network, Fun Little Movies, Headliners Entertainment Group (comedy), Home & Garden Television, IFILM, MSNBC, TotalVid (action sports), and Want Media are now available on the service. For more information, please visit the MSN Video Downloads Web site.
