Microsoft To Close MSN TV

Microsoft is to close its subscription-based, MSN internet television service at the end of September.
MSN TV, a set-top box system which allowed users to view the internet through their TV screens, was purchased by the company in 1997 for $425m.
The device allowed viewers to share photos, check email and use the MSN chat programme via a keyboard and remote control.
In a statement, Microsoft said the web "continued to evolve at a breathtaking pace, and there are many new ways to access the internet.
"Accordingly, we have made the difficult decision to end the MSN TV service on September 30th, 2013," it said.
Users have been recommended to save all mail, photographs and other data to SkyDrive before their accounts are closed.
It is thought MSN TV has simply been left behind by devices such as the Xbox One, Microsoft's latest console which allows gamers to browse the internet, listen to music and compete against remote users around the world.
Apple's CEO Tim Cook said: "When you look at the TV experience, it's not an experience that I think very many people love,” he said. "It's not one that has been brought up to date for this decade. It's still an experience much like 10 years ago or 20 years ago."
Meanwhile, Microsoft is expected to announce a deal with Time Warner Cable to allow subscribers access to channels via Apple TV.
www.microsoft.com
(IT/JP)