WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Samsung Mobile launched Samsung Movies, a movie store for Samsung customers. The new store by Acetrax will allow customers to download and watch their  movies and TV on compatible Samsung phones, laptops or PCs. Downloads will be available to own or rent.

Over 500 blockbusters will be offered such as The Dark Knight, RocknRolla and Ironman and hit TV series, including Gossip Girl, E.R. and Friends. Customers will also be able to access TV shows with exclusive 'first look' content.

This service is for Europe only, with no word on when it may be available in the U.S.

"Movies direct from the Hollywood Studios showcase our new Samsung touch screen phones such as the Samsung Tocco Ultra Edition with its industry leading high quality TFT-LCD screen and revolutionary 'virtual' 5.1 channel surround sound system", said Nick Turner-Samuels, Head of Content at Samsung Mobile. "We're very excited to be able to provide existing and future customers access to their favourite movies and TV shows across a number of different Samsung platforms. On top of this, it's all in superior picture and sound quality to the standard currently available in the market."

Acetrax is a digital movie retailer, holding agreements with major movie studios as well as Independents and record labels. Acetrax's platform enables brands across to provide their own personalized movie download service on PCs, mobile devices and IP-enabled TVs.

"Samsung's video enabled phones powered by the new movie service open up a whole new experience for consumers. We are delighted to be Samsung's partner in this major step that gives customers instant access to the latest Hollywood titles as well as lots of other content," said Rolf Uwe Placzek, CEO, Acetrax.

The new service will launch with over 500 titles from top studios Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal and Momentum Pictures. By the end of the first quarter of 2009 a further 500 titles will be added, followed by an additional 1,000 movies and TV shows by the end of June 2009. There are also plans to expand this service to notebooks, mp3 and mp4 players and Samsung TVs.