Microsoft today announced plans to extend their MSN Direct platform to Windows Mobile devices. MSN Direct is a service that transmits information from the web, to devices using FM radio signals. This is used today in Smart Watches, Coffee Makers, GPS Navigation Systems, and Advanced Weather Devices (all falling under what Microsoft calls SPOT devices). The data can vary from news, weather, sports, stocks, text messages, and live traffic data.
However, unlike MSN Direct on other platforms, Microsoft plans to integrate MSN Direct data feeds with a Windows Mobile Phone’s cellular connection. This reduces costs (no longer needing an FM radio receiver) but provides the same, constantly-updated stream of breaking news and information. Microsoft has developed the channel reader to cater to Windows Mobile Standard devices.
It is not clear if Microsoft plans to develop a similar client for Windows Mobile Professional devices. However, the intent of this application is clear: it is a direct response to iPhone’s built-in widgets which quickly access similar information, formatted for iPhone’s display.
PhoneNews.com’s editor-in-chief was recognized years ago by Microsoft for suggesting the idea of MSN Direct for Windows Mobile…
[…] to make better use of MSN Direct, and yeah, I sent in the “most compelling case” for MSN Direct on Windows Mobile, and Microsoft thanked me by giving me the win for the […]
http://phone.msndirect.com
[…] launched MSN Direct service for Windows Mobile in February, in response to the free and quick information services available on Apple’s iPhone. However, […]
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