- MSN Direct
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MSN Direct is an FM radio-based digital service which allows 'SPOT' portable devices to receive information from MSN services. Devices that support MSN Direct include wristwatches, desktop clocks, in-car GPS satellite navigation units, and even small appliances such as coffee makers. Information available through paid "channels" includes weather, horoscopes, stocks, news, sports results and calendar notifications. The service also allows users to receive short messages from Windows Live Messenger.
Some Garmin GPS units, such as the nüvi 680, allow traffic notifications, weather forecasts, movie schedules and local gas prices to be received through MSN Direct.
As a radio-based service, MSN Direct does not have universal coverage, but is available in populated parts of the United States and Canada. It has not been launched in other areas.
Microsoft's latest expansion of MSN Direct has been to the Windows Mobile platform. MSN Direct for Windows Mobile takes advantage of both cellular and Wi-Fi connections, and allows Microsoft devices to better compete with the information services available on other mobile phone platforms.[1]
There have been three versions of the MSN Direct software for Garmin nüvi GPS receivers:
Version 1, which is available for all nüvis, allows you to receive local gas prices, movie times, weather forecasts, and current conditions.
Version 2, which is available for nüvi 700- and 800-series receivers, offers enhanced movie listings, local events, news, stock prices, and the ability to send Microsoft’s Live Search Maps data to your nüvi.
Version 3, offers general airport delays for incoming and outgoing flights (but not individual flight delays) and a Doppler radar map when viewing weather. [2]
On October 26, 2009, Microsoft announced that MSN Direct service would end on January 1, 2012.[3]
See also
References
- ^ Microsoft Announces MSN Direct for Windows Mobile | PhoneNews.com
- ^ Garmin nüvi Pocket Guide, 2nd Ed. Peachpit Press
- ^ MSN Direct service will be available only until January 1, 2012. | MSN Direct web site
External links
MSN Web services Applications Other Discontinued List of MSN ServicesCategories:- Microsoft stubs
- Internet protocols
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