Microsoft unveiled its MSN Video Downloads service

Today, Microsoft unveiled its MSN Video Downloads service offering television programming, music and video clips, and other digital content for download to Windows Mobile-powered SmartPhones, Pocket PCs, and Portable Media Centers. Drawing on specially-formatted content from partners such as The Food Network, FOX Sports, and MTV Networks, the service is one of the first online video download services dedicated to portable entertainment. While the initial lineup might leave something to be desired, Microsoft has announced plans to include additional content partners as the service expands.

Ki-Bi Mobile Technologies trial with Virgin Mobile UK

Ki-Bi Mobile Technologies will do a trial with Virgin Mobile UK for its “mobile content on cards” technology. The trial will begin in the post-Xmas promotion period with Virgin distributing the cards to buyers of specific handsets, offering access to mobile content (ringtones, games etc), as well as a link to Virgin Mobile Bites.Ki-Bi distributes content on cards that use audio to work: “Customers simply dial the Ki-Bi service number, hold their card up to their phone and press the button relating to the content they wish to receive. An acoustic tone is played which triggers the download of content to the phone from the content server.” Virgin will use the trial to assess the retail distribution of mobile content, such as through its Megastores.

Ampd Mobile announces original content

Amp'd Mobile is fresh off a soft launch, but is already announcing new content deals. This time the company isn't licensing content but creating it. Amp'd aims to create the largest collection of original made-for-mobile content and has signed up some big names to help:
Bunim Murray - Creator of Real World, Road Rules and The Simple Life. Will work on a reality series just for phones.
Donic Cary - Writer with experience on Letterman and The Simpsons is working on animated programs for Amp'd.
QD3 Productions - Quincy Jones' production company. Providing behind the scenes access to hip-hop stars.
LivePlanet - Production company founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Working on a location based mobile game.