Struggling video-rental chain Blockbuster said it will offer movies for download that can be watched on some Motorola handsets.

The Dallas, Texas-based company did not mention when the new service will be available or how much it will cost, but said it is an expansion of its OnDemand movie downloading service -- currently offered through TV set-top boxes.

Kevin Lewis, Blockbuster's vice president for digital entertainment, said "thousands" of films will be available.

Blockbuster has been searching for new revenue streams as in-store video rentals fall and customers shift to online movie and order-by-mail services from rival Netflix.

Handset maker Motorola is also looking for new draws to boost its sagging phone sales.

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1. Posted by MurphyLaw	Sat Aug 22, 2009 7:11 pm
Allen, I would like to sound off and start a little discussion on your thread if I may. Now I think it's an awesome idea for Motorola and Blockbuster two struggling companies to combine their efforts and create first in this business. Now working in the cell phone business for three years and some months, I realize that not alot of customers are "cellphone smart". This new offering would have to be something very easy. Not to mention the phone would have to have a lenghty battery life. Netflix has an offering where you can stream videos on the XBOX 360, I think that works better because a: there aren't any batteries that have to be charged. b:XBOX 360 makes the interface easy to use and understand. and c: XBOX 360 user are pretty savvy and they did not have to be taught how to use the service. If you ask me maybe Blockbuster should team with Sony and their PS3 and PSP gaming consoles, and create streaming capabilites using Motorola phones. You can attempt to gain crossover business. but running against a powerhouse like Apple and the iphone why would they even bother? That's why I think Mobiledia Universe, now what do you think?
2. Posted by Allen	Sun Aug 23, 2009 8:39 am
Thanks for your insight MurphyLaw. Personally, I cannot see myself watching movies on a tiny smartphone screen. The XBOX 360 partnership you mentioned is something I could see myself using. Media entertainment centers where a PC-like service is connected online for a movies-on-demand experience. I agree the Blockbuster/Sony partnership you mentioned would be better suited than with Motorola but nonetheless it's good to see Motorola branching out to differentiate themselves with services. We'll have to see how their new Android phones fair.

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