SPOTLIGHT: Microsoft Combines Chat & Online Video--But Not to U.S.

Doug Mohney — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:05:54 -0400

Microsoft has released Messenger TV, combining Windows Live IM with video software in 20 countries--but not the United States. The service started off in France and now is available in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.; the U.S. and Japan are stiffed in this release.

Messenger TV enables people to watch online video clips together with their friends and IM comments back and forth. Users will be able to share clips from media companies such as MTV Networks, Sony BMG, and EMI Group. U.K. users will also be able to share local TV shows and music videos from third parties.

Clips will be up to four minutes in length, but it's not going to be a free ride. There are ads before the show begins and a banner ad will run at the bottom of the Messenger TV window. Pepsi is reportedly one of the advertisers.

For more:
- Minyanville discusses Microsoft Messenger TV, including a workaround for U.S. users
- PC Advisor looks at Messenger TV in the UK