Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Pocket MSN Details Revealed
Posted by Jason Dunn in "SOFTWARE" @ 07:12 PM
Ever wondered what that "Pocket MSN" icon was on your Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC? Well, Microsoft has started to release information about the service by targeting Microsoft Service Providers.
"Pocket MSN® is a new, rich, client-based subscription solution. Delivered as a subscription service with MSN mobile operator partners, Pocket MSN will give your Pocket PC and Smartphone users instant, one-click access to core MSN services, including MSN Hotmail®, MSN Messenger, MSN Alerts, and MSN browse content (where available). Designed for seamless integration into the existing Pocket PC and Smartphone applications, Pocket MSN offers users a familiar and consistent experience. In addition, the service enables true mobile data scenarios by providing both always-on functionality and offline mobile functionality."
The primary features of Pocket MSN appear to be as follows:
• "Always-on functionality so users are connected, signed on, and available to their online contacts, without requiring a continuous network connection.
• Ability to communicate with online contacts on MSN Messenger regardless of device (PC, phone, Pocket PC).
• Real-time updates of Hotmail messages and MSN Alerts.
• Offline Hotmail capabilities so users can compose e-mail in a non-connected state.
• Personalization features that give users rules-based sync with Hotmail filters and message download options.
• Ability to seamlessly send Hotmail messages to offline MSN Messenger contacts.
• Quick, one-click access to MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger contacts, and MSN information resources from the device Today screen."
I've heard a rumour they're going to price it out at $24.95 per year - not bad, but I'm not sure I'm their target audience. If you're hardcore Hotmail user, the offline message composition might be invaluable, but none of the other features seem to really jump out at me. What do you think about the services listed so far?
"Pocket MSN® is a new, rich, client-based subscription solution. Delivered as a subscription service with MSN mobile operator partners, Pocket MSN will give your Pocket PC and Smartphone users instant, one-click access to core MSN services, including MSN Hotmail®, MSN Messenger, MSN Alerts, and MSN browse content (where available). Designed for seamless integration into the existing Pocket PC and Smartphone applications, Pocket MSN offers users a familiar and consistent experience. In addition, the service enables true mobile data scenarios by providing both always-on functionality and offline mobile functionality."
The primary features of Pocket MSN appear to be as follows:
• "Always-on functionality so users are connected, signed on, and available to their online contacts, without requiring a continuous network connection.
• Ability to communicate with online contacts on MSN Messenger regardless of device (PC, phone, Pocket PC).
• Real-time updates of Hotmail messages and MSN Alerts.
• Offline Hotmail capabilities so users can compose e-mail in a non-connected state.
• Personalization features that give users rules-based sync with Hotmail filters and message download options.
• Ability to seamlessly send Hotmail messages to offline MSN Messenger contacts.
• Quick, one-click access to MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger contacts, and MSN information resources from the device Today screen."
I've heard a rumour they're going to price it out at $24.95 per year - not bad, but I'm not sure I'm their target audience. If you're hardcore Hotmail user, the offline message composition might be invaluable, but none of the other features seem to really jump out at me. What do you think about the services listed so far?
