14 DAY TRIAL // With Apple's iPhone scheduled for availability on June 29, 2007, Microsoft has announced a fresh MSN Mobile initiative designed to bridge the company's web services with mobile phones. The new MSN Mobile portal has been redesigned and reengineered in order to optimize Microsoft's Internet offerings for mobile phone browsers. The Redmond Company, citing statistics provided by Local Mobile Search, revealed that 180 million mobile subscribers in the United States have Web-enabled phones, and that the reinvented MSN Mobile portal is ultimately addressed at them.
"MSN Mobile provides customers with one-stop access to e-mail, news, sports, entertainment, local movie listings, maps and directions, as well as Windows Live services such as Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Spaces, and Live Search. MSN Mobile gives consumers a quick and easy way to find the content and services they need while on the go and features new technologies that customize the experience for each consumer's device," Microsoft revealed.
According to the Redmond Company, the MSN platform will identify all the mobile devices connected to MSN Mobile, and deliver a variant of the portal optimized for specific phones. Microsoft has also optimized navigation, placing quick links and shortcuts to all the services united under the Windows Live brand. But one aspect that the company is betting on is the familiarity of MSN and compelling content from MSNBC or FOX Sports partners.
"We believe consumers want to see their favorite Web sites optimized for their mobile phones, while having them remain easily accessible and free of charge," said John Smelzer, senior vice president and general manager of mobile for Fox Interactive Media. "FOXSports.com is an integral part of MSN.com, so extending that experience to the mobile Web makes perfect sense. We look forward to working with MSN and the carriers to usher in the next wave of mobile content."