RSSSprint Unveils Movie Download Service
By Ed Oswald | Published December 12, 2005, 11:33 AM
While some have questioned the viability of full-length video content on small screens, it appears that Sprint Nextel is concerned with none of that. The wireless provider on Monday launched a new service that will allow its cellular users to view full-length television shows, movies, concerts, and specials.
Sprint has called on MSpot, a California-based mobile entertainment company founded last year, to provide the service. Subscribers with compatible video cell phones will be able to add the feature to their wireless plans for an additional $6.95 uSD per month.
However, don't expect first-rate movies at launch. Sprint says it worked quickly to get the service up, and the initial movies are what the wireless carrier could get the rights to first, such as "Night of the Living Dead" and "Short Circuit" from 1986, the most recent movie currently in the catalog.
Additional movies would appear at the rate of about seven per week, according to the company.
The question remains as to whether consumers will want to view movies on screens that are not usually bigger than 2 or 3 inches.
"Despite that interest and the suitability of video as a mobile task, however, there have been a few hurdles that have plagued adoption," Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg wrote in October after the launch of the video iPod. "Most notably, they come down to three issues; form factor and battery life, which are both consumer priorities in mobile devices and most importantly, the lack of legal video content."
Apple offers content for the video iPod through the iTunes Music Store, however it is on a per-download basis. Content from ABC and NBC properties including hit shows Law and Order, Desperate Housewives, and Lost are available for $1.99 USD each.
Sprint has said that it would allow for users to view content from the MSpot-based service in segments. The company said research showed that users do not spend long periods of time viewing videos on mobile phones.
Does the Sprint Nextel have any plan to import video-content centric handsets, specifically for the video service? On the other hand, it's quite questionable for Sprint Nextel to have deployed such service specific video compression technology so that the end-users' experience is saticfactory?
If Sprint Nextel only set out its gesture toward the futuristic mobile entertainiment to make their customers believe it is the advanced carrier, it won't make any meaningful business to Sprint Nexel, nor helps it prevent customers from churning out.
Score: 0
This would be better if there was a wireless screen about 4X7 like the PSP but just a viewer. It could be very thin, it would not need eventhing but bluetooth and screen.
Score: 0
why would someone want this ?
Score: 0
My brother has it! it's really cool! I spent the day with my bro christmas shoppin n stuff! Got to watch the Carolina vs Tampa Game on it while doing the shopping!
Score: 0
I have to admit.. that's pretty sad.
I can't understand why anyone would want to use their cell phone as a TV; especially for the cost. Are we that bored?
Score: 0
You're referring to SprintTV. This is a different service entirely. SprintTV offers live television feeds, which I think is a bit more exciting. Like you said, you can watch games while on the road and all that.
Score: 0
Why does someone need a video iPod? Same thing.
Score: 0
what wrong with the radio ? and dont you think you should be paying attention to the road, cells are distracting enough as it is
Score: 0
i dont know, i wouldnt spend the $$ on it
Score: 0
No no!! Not driving! I'm one of the biggest advocates of no phones while driving. To clarify, by "on the road" I meant "not at home". So when you're dragged to the mall with your wife/girlfriend, sitting in the doctor's office, etc. Yeah, a radio is sufficient, but these days were aren't about sufficient, now are we?
Score: 0
ahh lol, i sapose that would be nice, but i personaly cannot justfy it
Score: 0
All I know is...it Kept me from missing an important football game! so it's worth it to me! haha!
Even tho carolina lost and I'm pissed because of it...but they're still division leaders :)
Score: 0