Rivals take aim at Apple's video iPod

Microsoft is chasing Apple in the mobile video space

As an estimated 200,000 hardcore geeks head to Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show, the early announcements suggest that Microsoft is chasing Apple's position in the mobile video space.

Microsoft has signed a deal with Starz Entertainment Group which will be releasing its Vongo software at the show.

Vongo allows movie download and playback on any Microsoft powered device, including portable and Media Centre PCs. Sony has also been named as a partner.

"Vongo will provide the key content application that will drive a new era in portable video delivered over the internet," said Robert Clasen, president of Starz Entertainment Group.

"By combining the wide array of programming choices on Vongo with a host of new portable media devices being announced this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, consumers will be able to seize control of their video and watch whatever, wherever and whenever they want."

Customers will pay a monthly subscription of $9.99 with additional charges of $3.99 for pay-per-view premieres. Once downloaded the films can be transferred to three different devices without breaking the licence agreement.

The company has already signed a number of studios to provide content, including Walt Disney Pictures, Miramax Films, Touchstone Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Columbia Tri-Sta r.