GPS, Microsoft's MSN Direct service to shut down in 2012
By Donald Melanson 
posted October 28th 2009 4:51PM
posted October 28th 2009 4:51PM
Well, it's quite the day for any GPS-related announcement, but Microsoft has nonetheless made a fairly big one of its own, with it dropping word via a simple service announcement that it's killing off its MSN Direct live information service for navigation units (among other devices -- even the odd coffeemaker). Those relying on the FM-based service won't be left in the lurch just yet, however, as the shutdown won't occur until January 1st, 2012. Anyone looking to move on with their lives before that can also cancel their service at any point prior to the shutdown date and receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of their service, and you can of course rest assured that all MSN Direct-equipped GPS devices will continue to function as basic nav units after the shutdown. Hit up the link below for the complete FAQ.[Via Ars Technica, thanks Eric]
Yep - in the old days MS would just buy up the competition. Now they have to actually compete.
My MS Money I have used for years in my business is no longer sold, and support will end. Have to go shopping now for Quicken.
Just more proof that any investment in a Microsoft hardware device or proprietary media file is fraught with danger:
o MSN Music - abandoned.
o Plays For Sure devices - abandoned.
o MSN Direct information services and devices - abandoned.
Do you have a Zune or a WinMo device? Be afraid. Be very afraid.
gr@wl!x
@ grawlix
All fortune 500 companies discontinue products including the brands you purchase...Whats your point?
SP
MSN Music was abandoned for Zune which they seem to be keeping a good hold on. I think integration with Xbox proves that Microsoft is serious about the Zune service and it isn't going away because we all know the Xbox isn't going away. The PlaysForSure support for Zune was probably beyond their control seeing as the content owners want all the money they can get.
I think it's good they are discontinuing a couple of things that aren't very popular. They are stretched way too thin and can't be the do everything company anymore. Especially with the FCC and EU on their asses all the time. It also means they will focus more on their popular things, like the OS's and hardware they own.
None of those services were ever very popular. There are probably more Zune users now than all three of those services ever had combined. And there are definitely more Windows Mobile users. They aren't going to just shut down support for something like Windows Mobile that carries 9% of the smartphone market.
Just more proof that any investment in a Microsoft hardware device or proprietary media file is fraught with danger:
o MSN Music - abandoned.
o Plays For Sure devices - abandoned.
o MSN Direct information services and devices - abandoned.
Do you have a Zune or a WinMo device? Be afraid. Be very afraid.
gr@wl!x
Well the Zune has practially failed in the marketplace. Sales collapsed and as a result, MS had to pull all Zunes from stores. Now the last ditch attempt Zune HD is failing miserably again.
I mean, Zune can't even compete against SanDisk, nor Creative, nor Sony. What in Microsoft's delusional mind makes them think they can compete with Apple?
The Garnter group gave WinMo about a year or less of life before it becomes irrelevant in the market place or more likely, dies.
There really is no reason why WinMo should still be in the market anyway.
No matter. The world is ending in 2012 anyway.
They also shut there doors on MSN Music, PMC, and now MSN Direct.
Wow I just got a GPS unit with this service ... Guess I jumped on the bandwagon too late
Good riddance. The service is completely worthless anyway. Traffic never -- and I mean never -- worked on my Garmin Nuvi 760. It would warn me of non-existant traffic problems and fail to warn me of real traffic problems. I canceled this past August when my first renewal came due. Everything else it has is ready available on many mobile phones.