"Verizon Communications on Friday said it will use Microsoft software to power its television service over fiber-optic lines. The service is slated for release this year. The agreement will give subscribers to Fios -- the broadband video service Verizon will launch later this year -- an interface to surf channels, record programs digitally and access shows on demand. Verizon plans to offer cable TV-like services through Fios, which will pipe in high-definition video, high-speed Internet access and eventually phone calls over a speedy fiber-optic line," reports CNet.
"The deal is a boon for Microsoft, which has aggressively courted cable companies and the Baby Bell phone giants to use its Microsoft TV software. In November, SBC Communications agreed to pay $400 million to use Microsoft TV for its own fiber-based video service, U-verse, slated for release in the latter half of this year. In January, BellSouth began trials of Microsoft TV for its own video service."
Comment: SBC made an impact with its demo of Microsoft IP TV during Bill Gates's keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month.
