Microsoft is getting ready to unleash an updated version of its MSN TV service according to a review over at Design Technica. This update will contain a completely redesigned broadband Internet receiver and of course new services. You can get Microsoft"s MSN TV terminal at major retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Amazon.com, and others, beginning this October at $199.
Microsoft"s MSN TV terminal will allow users to play digital media, send/receive e-mail, and of course browser the Internet. Just image it all from the comfort of your favorite chair you can view recorded/download digital videos and listen to your favorite music (as long as Windows Media Player supports that format). No, Microsoft isn"t stopping there; users will also be able to view their favorite pictures. Either with an integrated photo viewer or some kind of a slideshow application. The receiver has your normal audio outputs, composite/S-Video output, phone line port, Ethernet port, and two USB ports. All this will be powered by Microsoft"s Windows CE operating system, which already has shown up in Microsoft"s automotive software.
This product reminds me to much of the original WebTV. That isn"t necessarily a bad thing, but overall WebTV wasn"t that impressive. The one thing that really bugs me about Microsoft"s MSN TV is the overall look. With its current color scheme it reminds me of a toddler toy you"d pick up at Wal-Mart.