BARCELONA, Spain, February 11 /PRNewswire/ --

- Glanceable MSN Direct content, including news, weather and stocks, can be accessed from the home screen of Windows Mobile devices.

Today at Mobile World Congress 2008, Microsoft Corp announced the availability of a technology preview for accessing MSN Direct content on Windows Mobile-based devices.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

With this technology preview, customers can receive instant access to information such as weather and stock updates; top news stories; and entertainment, sports and business news. The information is presented in a glanceable format, and is easily accessible directly from the home screen of a device. Content is automatically updated so that customers have immediate access to the content that matters most to them.

"This is the first time MSN Direct content has been made available to mobile phones, and it is a strong next step for the delivery of MSN Direct content where customers have said they need it the most," said Eric Lang, general manager of the MSN Direct initiative at Microsoft. "We are excited about the opportunities this new application will bring to mobile operators, consumers and the industry."

After installing the technology preview on the device, customers can select content based on relevancy and preference. For more in-depth information on the topics a person is exploring, MSN Direct provides links that connect users to the relevant areas of the popular MSN Mobile portal. Together, MSN Direct and MSN Mobile provide users with quick and easy options for getting current information while on the go.

"The MSN Direct for mobile technology preview is a clear demonstration of Microsoft's commitment to bringing simple and useful information to mobile customers," said Alexander Gounares, corporate vice president of Microsoft Ads and Commerce. "We are pleased to offer this preview and look forward to feedback."

The MSN Direct content is supplied by a number of leading partners, including Foreca Ltd for current weather information, Comstock Resources Inc for stock prices, and MSNBC for the wide gamut of news offerings.

Windows Mobile customers interested in downloading the MSN Direct technology preview can use either of the following methods:

-- Via mobile browser. From the web browser on their mobile phone, users go to http://phone.msndirect.com and follow the instructions on the page to download and install MSN Direct. -- Via PC. Users download MSN Direct to their PC and copy it over to their device using whatever software they normally use (such as ActiveSync). On the device, they click on the MSN Direct file to begin installation.

The MSN Direct application is free to download; MSN Direct requires data connectivity from a wireless carrier, which may charge additional fees. Consumers should check with their wireless provider for its coverage areas and service fees.

About MSN Direct

MSN Direct, part of the Smart Personal Objects Technology initiative, is a specialised wireless service that delivers customised and personalised information to people. Those interested in learning more about MSN Direct can visit http://www.msndirect.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

For more information on MSN Direct devices, services, pricing, coverage and availability:

Visit http://www.msndirect.com.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com http://www.msndirect.com

Elizabeth O'Connor, +1-425-638-7000, eoconnor@waggeneredstrom.com, or Microsoft EMEA Response Centre, emearesponse@waggeneredstrom.com, both of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide for Microsoft Corp; NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft in EMEA, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/emea or the EMEA Press Centre at http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at the time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact the appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre/contactus.mspx. If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft Corp, please visit the Microsoft web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages.; Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO, AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org, PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com