SlingPlayer for Smartphones Released

Sling Media, the makers of the cult favorite Slingbox product, said Friday it had released a public beta of the SlingPlayer client for Windows Mobile 5.0 smartphones. Although the company had previously offered a beta of software for Windows Mobile clients, this version would allow for navigation and control without a touch-screen or stylus. Furthermore, the software supports keypad commands and shortcuts, and "intuitive features such as easy synchronization and full-screen video."

While the Windows Mobile software would be free during the beta, the final version will cost $29.99 USD and include a 30-day free trial. Sling Media says the software is compatible with the Motorola Q, T-Mobile SDA and the i-mate SP5m. A minimum download speed of 112kbps is required for the television streaming to work properly.