Starz! Vongo Subscription Service - What it means for portable media players

Starz has announced a new service called Vongo that will allow people using Windows and portable devices that are "Plays for Sure" compatible to subscribe to premium movie content. Starz has deals with most of the major studios to distribute movies that have been on the market for at least a year to it's subscribers. For the first time the non Apple portable devices have a content service that is at least somewhat compelling. Apple still doesn't need to be too worried because there is yet a compelling device to compete with the iPod. Many manufactures however are hopeful that the new products they are launching at CES will give the iPod a run for their money. I am skeptical having seen many of the devices already and knowing the iPod is still a high profile item and a item of fashion and desire. That is very tough to compete with but at least the new devices have a content strategy that has plagued the portable devices particularly Portable Media Center. We will see how it plays out, it is at least compelling enough for me to give it a shot.