BARCELONA, Spain, February 11 /PRNewswire/ --

- Glanceable MSN Direct content, including news, weather and stocks, can 
be accessed from the home screen of Windows Mobile devices.

Today at Mobile World Congress 2008, Microsoft Corp announced the
availability of a technology preview for accessing MSN Direct content on
Windows Mobile-based devices.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

With this technology preview, customers can receive instant access to
information such as weather and stock updates; top news stories; and
entertainment, sports and business news. The information is presented in a
glanceable format, and is easily accessible directly from the home screen of
a device. Content is automatically updated so that customers have immediate
access to the content that matters most to them.

"This is the first time MSN Direct content has been made available to
mobile phones, and it is a strong next step for the delivery of MSN Direct
content where customers have said they need it the most," said Eric Lang,
general manager of the MSN Direct initiative at Microsoft. "We are excited
about the opportunities this new application will bring to mobile operators,
consumers and the industry."

After installing the technology preview on the device, customers can
select content based on relevancy and preference. For more in-depth
information on the topics a person is exploring, MSN Direct provides links
that connect users to the relevant areas of the popular MSN Mobile portal.
Together, MSN Direct and MSN Mobile provide users with quick and easy options
for getting current information while on the go.

"The MSN Direct for mobile technology preview is a clear demonstration of
Microsoft's commitment to bringing simple and useful information to mobile
customers," said Alexander Gounares, corporate vice president of Microsoft
Ads and Commerce. "We are pleased to offer this preview and look forward to
feedback."

The MSN Direct content is supplied by a number of leading partners,
including Foreca Ltd for current weather information, Comstock Resources Inc
for stock prices, and MSNBC for the wide gamut of news offerings.

Windows Mobile customers interested in downloading the MSN Direct
technology preview can use either of the following methods:

-- Via mobile browser. From the web browser on their mobile phone, users
       go to http://phone.msndirect.com and follow the instructions on the
       page to download and install MSN Direct.

    -- Via PC. Users download MSN Direct to their PC and copy it over to
       their device using whatever software they normally use (such as
       ActiveSync). On the device, they click on the MSN Direct file to begin
       installation.

The MSN Direct application is free to download; MSN Direct requires data
connectivity from a wireless carrier, which may charge additional fees.
Consumers should check with their wireless provider for its coverage areas
and service fees.

About MSN Direct

MSN Direct, part of the Smart Personal Objects Technology initiative, is
a specialised wireless service that delivers customised and personalised
information to people. Those interested in learning more about MSN Direct can
visit http://www.msndirect.com.

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.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp
disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material
for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any
special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of
contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the
use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting any kind of warranty.

For more information on MSN Direct devices, services, pricing, coverage
and availability:

Visit http://www.msndirect.com.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com
              http://www.msndirect.com