Microsoft To Power Verizon Media Phones

By Ian Bell January 27, 2005

Starting Feb. 1, Verizon Wireless V CAST customers can stream and play back exciting audio and video clips using Windows Media. Using technology from Microsoft, PacketVideo and thePlatform for Media Inc., V CAST customers can enjoy the first-of-its-kind wireless broadband entertainment experience in the U.S.

V CAST wireless multimedia content will be available to Verizon Wireless customers in the Get It Now virtual store for $15 monthly access, in addition to their regular Verizon Wireless calling plan. “Microsoft worked closely with experienced partners, including thePlatform and PacketVideo, to deliver a complete end-to-end solution from the handset player to the infrastructure,” said Neil Sharma, business development manager in the Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft.

On Feb. 1, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to access V CAST on three new phones: the LG VX8000 from LG Mobile Phones, the SCH-a890 from Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and the CDM-8940 from UTStarcom Personal Communications. The phones come preloaded with PacketVideo’s media player and content catalog. The PacketVideo player, built with integrated Windows Media playback, features an interface that allows users to rewind or fast-forward streams, download clips for local playback, and navigate between video segments.

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