MSN Direct now on Windows Mobile

Although MSN Direct has popped up in all sorts of devices over the years, we've always thought it belonged on cellphones, and it looks like Microsoft finally agrees -- it's announced a WinMo version of the auto-updating information system at MWC. The client uses your phone's data connection instead of the SPOT network to grab data -- but unlike other widget apps, the info is presented directly on the homescreen and auto-updates. Microsoft has got a technology preview of the app available now, no word on when or if it'll ever be standard fare.

[Oliver @ Feb 11th 2008 12:33PM]

Apart from email and shiny pages showing the weather, I can't really see any other info this thing has to offer - more screenshots?

[Yankees368 @ Feb 11th 2008 12:33PM]

So it tells me the weather on my home screen? But I already have 2 programs that do the same thing onmy Mogul. Why is Microsoft bothering with this nonsense/

[josh @ Feb 11th 2008 12:39PM]

about freaking time. They should have done this 3 years ago. The channel offering could use some tweaking though. Come on, add traffic and movie times into the mix (the movie time UI is the only truly excellent channel on the watch; it makes finding movie times way easier than most web pages).

[SIC TR4NSIT @ Feb 11th 2008 12:49PM]

It doesnt work on PPC's, only WM standard smartphones... That sucks, I love trying different stuff on my phone. Ive got the Wing, but I think a lot of people are with me when I say Im getting Xperia when it arrives...

[nemi @ Feb 11th 2008 1:08PM]

Damn - just tried to isntall to a T-mobile "Wing" but the isntaller failed as phone is not supported. Very weird that they support smart phones (with no touch screen) but leave out support for fully functional windows mobile 6 touch screen phones (which also have the smart buttons).

[xbit @ Feb 11th 2008 1:28PM]

Are they going to be charging $20 for "accounting reasons" like Apple?

[michael @ Feb 11th 2008 11:36PM]

Nope. It's free. :)

[Hector @ Feb 11th 2008 1:47PM]

Microsoft is way behind on this stuff. I've been using Fizz Weather for about the past year. Even then Fizz has been out for much longer.
Thanks Bill, but no thanks.

[SIC TR4NSIT @ Feb 11th 2008 1:49PM]

Probably not, the only thing ive seen them charge for, that I remember, was Office Mobile, but that only makes sense. They didnt charge for my 2003 to 2005 WM upgrade (Dell Axim x50v)... They didnt charge me on another phone that went from 2005 o WM6 (Dash) and I doubt they will charge for 6.1. They may be conveyed by many as the "Dark Side of the Force", but they havent done me wrong yet.

[Spyvie @ Feb 11th 2008 2:22PM]

I agree in principal, but it still sucks that this doesn't work on my Wing...

[SIC TR4NSIT @ Feb 11th 2008 2:25PM]

I agree, I have the Wing, and not being able to use a WinMo program is definately teh suck!

[Fluidj @ Feb 11th 2008 2:32PM]

lame...only works on LOW END windows mobiles..

[Bman @ Feb 11th 2008 5:08PM]

On the contrary, the blackjack II may be a cheap phone, but its features are certainly not low end.

I came from a treo 750 and I am NOT missing it. The BJ2 offers better battery life, snappier response (i suppose smart phone edition plays a role in that), GPS, all in a smaller phone.

Granted I miss the touch screen but when you compare cost and size, think about it.

If you still consider it a low end phone, then your nuts

[fluidj.37610400 @ Feb 11th 2008 5:25PM]

Is the BlackJack a Windows Mobile Professional or a Windows Mobile...think about it. In the grand scheme of Windows Mobile devices, if it's not a Windows Mobile Professional then it's a LOW END Windows Mobile device.. I'm not nuts, i'm just correct.

[VedicHymn @ Feb 11th 2008 2:56PM]

This is pretty nice for free. I guess people will find a way to complain about anything.

[Carl @ Feb 11th 2008 3:28PM]

Won't install on WM6 pro based devices, Smartphone edition only... way to fail MS, cripple your more capable phone OS.

[Glen @ Feb 11th 2008 9:58PM]

Wow you guys really jump on the bandwagon here... what part of "this is a technology preview" don't you understand? Yes, stock tickers will come, traffic will come, etc etc etc... yes it will work on WinMo Pro (aka the old named PPC) but this is a technology PREVIEW! so only the core function is there, nothing else *YET* Think beyond your little minds and just consider what this TECH PREVIEW is doing... and if you can't work that out and what "phone delivery methods" Microsoft are TESTING, then why the heck are you a gadget freak?!

[phate @ Feb 13th 2008 9:31AM]

Don't you think it would be informative to report that this is WinMo Standard ONLY?!? No Pro love here.

[james @ Feb 13th 2008 8:10PM]

I have a Tmobile Dash wm6 and works great (so far)