The HTC HD2 Microsoft Windows smartphone will be released on March 24th for T-Mobile subscribers, and will be the first phone to include the new Blockbuster OnDemand service.
Similar to Amazon Unbox, Blockbuster OnDemand allows users to download and view content, along with checking a local store's movie rentals. Giving users the option of downloading instead of streaming films will provide a much clearer movie that is uninterrupted from poor mobile network coverage.
Regardless if it's rented or purchased from Blockbuster, all movies and content will be protected by DRM. The DRM will restrict what subscribers are able to do with the content -- and may include an automatic rental deletion feature.
Although the HTC HD2 phone includes Blockbuster OnDemand, it will not be upgradeable to Windows Phone 7 Series after it is released.
Blockbuster plans to release a mobile app for Google Android-powered smartphones sometime this summer. It seems that the software will only be available for Motorola Android smartphones at first, but it will likely expand to other Android devices later in the year.
Blockbuster has sounded the bankruptcy alarm yet again, as it has been unable to remain profitable due to intense competition from Netflix and Redbox. It has closed numerous stores over the years, and may have to close even more stores before the end of the year. Blockbuster has also been forced to re-introduce late fees at brick & mortar stores due to its continued financial struggles.
