Microsoft revamps mobile portal

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 19 June 2007 01:54

Your IT - Mobility

Microsoft's new-look MSN Mobile aims to simplify access to popular services via web-enabled mobile phones.

Initially available only in the US, MSN Mobile provides convenient access to Microsoft services including Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Spaces and Live Search.

According to Microsoft officials, the MSN platform detects the user's device and delivers a page optimised for that mobile phone each time a user requests a web page, giving a high-quality experience.

Information services available through MSN Mobile include news from MSNBC, sports coverage from FoxSports.com, movie listings and weather. Access to Live Search provides users with phone numbers, addresses, maps and directions.

Microsoft hopes to persuade mobile operators to include MSN Mobile on their own WAP home pages. Apart from any other considerations, this will expand the reach of Microsoft's adCenter pay-per-click advertising operation.

The service will be extended to additional geographies during 2007.