MSN Direct
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MSN Direct is an FM radio-based digital service which allows 'SPOT' portable devices to receive information from MSN services. Devices that support MSN Direct include wristwatches, atomic desktop clocks, in-car GPS satellite navigation units, and even small appliances such as coffee makers. Information available through paid "channels" includes weather, horoscopes, stocks, news, sports results and calendar notifications. The service also allows users to receive notifications of new messages on Windows Live Messenger.
Some Garmin GPS units, such as the nüvi 680, allow traffic notifications, weather forecasts, movie schedules and local gas prices to be received through MSN Direct.
As a radio-based service, MSN Direct does not have universal coverage, but is available in populated parts of the United States and Canada. It has not been launched in other areas.
Microsoft's latest expansion of MSN Direct has been to the Windows Mobile platform. MSN Direct for Windows Mobile takes advantage of both cellular and Wi-Fi connections, and allows Microsoft devices to better compete with the information services available on other mobile phone platforms.[1]
