Mobile operator bringing Slingbox to your phone
Sling Media is partnering with its first mobile operator to give U.K. customers access to home TV channels on mobile handsets.
The British wireless carrier 3 Group will pre-install Sling's technology on its "X-series" devices, which includes the Nokia N73 and the Sony Ericsson W950i.
This is the first agreement Sling Media has struck directly with a mobile operator. The SlingPlayer Mobile service will be exclusive to 3 Group customers who purchase both an X-Series handset and a Slingbox.
The service will be available to U.K. customers in December. The companies plan to expand the deal to the mobile carrier's other markets in early 2007.
The announcement comes as 3 Group signs up a slew of other partners for its mobile service. The mobile operator will also work with Skype, Orb, Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo to offer services, including instant messaging and mobile Web browsing, on a flat-fee basis.