MSNBC.com has launched a new advertising-supported mobile news service for wireless devices.
Working in partnership with Action Engine, MSNBC.com Mobile is provided free of charge but includes video and banner ads. Microsoft's Windows Mobile and Embedded Devices Division is the exclusive advertising sponsor for the service launch.
During the test period, the companies said they will solicit consumer feedback on what's desired in a news service. The beta version will offer headlines and allow users to watch news videos, save news articles for later viewing and view photos. The software runs on Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices.
Video from NBC's "The Today Show" and other NBC News properties can also be accessed.
The service requires consumers to have a data plan with their mobile phone provider and an Internet-enabled device. The service will run on an initial set of Windows Mobile-powered devices. Support for additional devices, including Java- and BREW-powered devices, will follow post-launch.
MSNBC.com Mobile was created using technology from mobile application platform company Action Engine. Services built using the Action Engine Mobile Application Platform allow consumers to search for and discover mobile Internet content like news, videos and sports scores.
