Sony Ericsson adding movies to PlayNow arena

Sony Ericsson announced it will add feature-length movie downloads to its PlayNow arena content delivery platform. According to the handset maker, the PlayNow arena with movies bundled service enables consumers to watch up to 60 movies each year on their mobile device--users may select from around 15 films at any one time, with additional titles being added each month, and all content will be automatically formatted for viewing on mobile handset screens. After side-loading a title from their computer to their Sony Ericsson phone, consumers can view the film as many times as they like for up to 90 days--available movies will include a combination of classics and newer releases, all determined on a market-by-market basis.

PlayNow arena with movies will make its debut next month in conjunction with the W995 Walkman, launching in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. From there the service will roll out across upcoming devices including the Satio (formerly the Idou), the Symbian-based touchscreen device Sony Ericsson first announced in February during Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona. Both the W995 and the Satio are part of the manufacturer's Entertainment Unlimited effort, which promises to integrate offerings like the Walkman music experience, Cyber-shot imaging, Java gaming and messaging into one offering while uniting mobile handsets with channels like TVs, PCs and home stereo systems to broaden the consumer experience.

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