REDMOND, Wash., May 6, 2003 — Microsoft Corp.’s MSN®
TV service ( http://www.msntv.com/ ), a leading provider of Internet service on television, today announced a software update has been delivered without charge to subscribers of MSN TV service. The software update provides subscribers with enhancements and improved online functionality including greater access to Web sites, new protocols for MSN Chat and MSN Messenger Service, and added security for online transactions. The automatic download went into effect for all MSN TV subscribers by April 22, 2003.
“The Internet and Web-based standards are constantly changing, and we have developed software enhancements to provide our subscribers with greater access to the Internet as well as improved functionality on some of the most-visited Web sites,”
said Julia Schiff, group product manager at MSN TV.
“We made these improvements based on valuable user feedback, so now our users can enjoy many of the benefits of the Web sites they visit frequently.”
The MSN TV software update includes more than 200 improvements that enhance MSN TV functionality and online performance. Secure sockets layer (SSL) updates to the product provide enhanced security features and access to secure Web sites when conducting online transactions. JavaScript updates provide greater access to content and services on some of the Web sites visited most by users of MSN TV. As part of continued integration of MSN TV with MSN, new protocols will improve the delivery of MSN Chat and MSN Messenger.
The MSN TV system from RCA includes an Internet receiver, a wireless keyboard and remote control, and is available for $99 (MSRP) at Best Buy Company Inc. and Circuit City Stores Inc. stores across the United States. More information on MSN TV service, as well as the names and locations of retailers, can be found at http://www.msntv.com/ or by calling (800) 469-3288.
MSN TV services are available as a local call in most areas. In some areas, long-distance charges may apply. Local access can be checked by calling (800) 469-3288.
About MSN TV Service
Based in Mountain View, Calif., MSN TV service is a product group in Microsoft’s MSN division that makes use of everyday technology to help people of all ages and abilities get connected and stay connected to the people around them. By connecting to a television and existing phone line, MSN TV service subscribers can surf the Web, send and receive e-mail, chat, and create instant messages using world-class MSN services such as MSN Messenger Service and MSN Search.
Formerly WebTV® , MSN TV service was acquired by Microsoft in 1997 and renamed in July 2001 to better reflect the natural synergies between the WebTV service and the vast array of Microsoft®
and MSN resources. In June 2002, MSN TV unveiled a new Internet receiver and pricing plans. More information on MSN TV and the new MSN TV service gift certificate program can be found at http://www.msntv.com/ .
About MSN
MSN has 8.7 million subscriptions and attracts more than 300 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 34 markets and 18 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and digital marketing solutions to businesses worldwide. MSN 8 is the first Internet software product to have earned the trusted Good Housekeeping Seal. The most useful and innovative online service today, MSN brings consumers everything they need from the Web to make the most of their time online. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/ . MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft, MSN and WebTV are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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