Microsoft Switches on Messenger TVPremium Video on demand now available through Windows Live Messenger London 12th MAY 2008. Microsoft today launches Messenger TV, a European innovation that brings together two of the most popular activities online – watching videos and chatting on Windows Live Messenger. As Messenger TV launches, Microsoft also announces new video content agreements in the UK with Channel 4 and EMI along with the signing of European advertisers including Twentieth Century Fox and Pepsi.
The new service will enable hundreds of millions of Windows Live Messenger customers to choose from an ever-growing range of premium content from MSN Video and watch it at the same time as their friends through Windows Live Messenger, all whilst being able to chat as part of their instant messaging conversation. John Mangelaars, Vice-President, EMEA, Consumer and Online, Microsoft, said, "Online video has exploded in popularity over the last year, but to date it has been something people watch on their own. Messenger TV is set to change all that. Watching video online can now be a social experience, as people watch videos together, make comments and share reactions – all over Windows Live Messenger." According to ComScore Video Metrix, watching videos is now the third most popular online activity behind search and shopping. Jack Flanagan, Executive Vice President, ComScore, said, "In the past year, the emergence of online videos has exploded throughout Europe. In the UK alone, over 87% of the online population accounted for nearly 10 billion minutes. "By bringing together the interactivity of messenger usage with the ability to view videos online with other people and interact while this occurs, creates a new best of breed application. The launch of Messenger TV harnesses the power of social connectivity and interaction into a new state of the art application that is likely to resonate very strongly in the online world for media companies, advertisers and consumers." Video usage figures are comparable in European markets, where watching online video attracts 84% of the online population in France and 81% in Germany. Compelling Content
Messenger TV users can choose content from the entire MSN Video channel. Viewers can enjoy some of the most popular content on the web from MTV shows such as ‘Pimp My Ride' and ‘Punk'd' to a wide selection of videos and exclusive footage from Sony BMG's vast roster of superstar and emerging artists.
Gideon Bierer, MTVNI, Digital Media, SVP, said, "We are always looking for new ways to deliver our content, whenever and wherever our audience wants to be. With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, Windows Live Messenger is a great opportunity, and MSN and MTV are a great partnership. Our content – short-form, animation, comedy and music-orientated – is perfectly suited for MSN's audience while our brands are helping drive audiences to MSN's video sites." Celebrating the launch of Messenger TV, Microsoft is also announcing content partnerships with Channel 4 and EMI to provide new video content on MSN Video in the UK. Content from Channel 4 includes clips of Skins, Peep Show and How to Look Good Naked amongst others. Content from EMI will include music videos from across all of EMI's frontline labels as well as its extensive back catalogue. Music fans will be able to check out the likes of Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" and Kylie's "In My Arms," as well as iconic music videos from Queen, Radiohead and Blur. John Mangelaars, Vice-President, EMEA, Consumer and Online, Microsoft, said, "Our vision for MSN is to provide what we call the social portal, combining content that informs and entertains with Windows Live services such as Windows Live Messenger, which foster community and engagement. Video is a key part of this strategy and we continue to forge strong alliances with leading publishers and content owners." Advertiser Opportunities
Messenger TV opens up a range of exciting new opportunities for advertisers, who can now reach their target audience via this pioneering social media platform, seamlessly integrating their brand into Windows Live Messenger conversations. Already, big brand advertisers including Pepsi, Twentieth Century Fox and Mazda have signed up to run campaigns on Messenger TV in European markets.
Bettina Sherick, Vice President of Digital Marketing for Twentieth Century Fox International said, "We are always looking for innovative ways to reach entertainment consumers who are actively watching video online. Messenger TV speaks to that need. We are confident that the combination of premium video content and the highly engaged Windows Live Messenger audience will help deliver a high impact advertising campaign to promote the latest M. Night Shyamalan film, ‘The Happening'. We are delighted to be the first brand to advertise on Messenger TV across multiple countries. We believe Messenger TV combines the best of online content with consumer conversation, creating a very attractive brand proposition." Using Messenger TV is easy: - Ensure your browser language is set to your country
- Start a regular text chat in Windows Live Messenger with a friend
- Start Messenger TV from the list of activities within Windows Live Messenger
- Browse the library of content on MSN Video
- Choose your favourite clips and create a playlist from the vast selection of news, music, movie trailers, celebrity gossip and much more.
About MSN Video
MSN Video player provides an extensive array of videos, from breaking news to the latest in entertainment such as movie trailers and celebrity interviews and sports action. MSN video also offers user-generated content via its Soapbox service. The player features a split screen format that allows viewers to search for the next video to watch while concurrently watching a video.
About MSN and Windows Live
MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localised versions available globally in 42 markets including 18 in EMEA. MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live™, a comprehensive set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)
Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.
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