MSN Debuts Portable Video Downloads

Microsoft on Wednesday launched a new video download service designed for Windows Mobile-based devices, including Portable Media Centers, smartphones and Pocket PCs. The subscription service offers programming from over 10 partners, including MSNBC, iFilm and MTV.

Windows Mobile users can pay a yearly fee of $19.95 USD for MSN Video Downloads, or access a limited amount of content for free. Specific programming can be scheduled to download each day, with an automatic deleting feature to avoid a backlog of clips.

The downloadable videos add to content already available under Microsoft's PlayForSure program. TiVo plans to make recordings available for transfer to Portable Media Centers via its TiVoToGo service. SnapStream offers similar functionality with its Beyond TV personal video recorder.

"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," said John Pollard, director of Windows Mobile Applications.

MSN Video Downloads was initially previewed in January at CES. Since that time, Microsoft has added new content providers and forged a deal with CinemaNow to offer hundreds of movie titles formatted for viewing on Portable Media Centers.