Joost Beta 1.0 Now Available to the Public

Startup company Joost, which launched a private beta last May that was only available by invitation, has gone public with its new 1.0 Beta release. The service allows anyone with a broadband internet connection to view TV programs online.

Joost was founded by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, who have other successful start-ups Skype and Kazaa to their names. The online service plans to bring ad-supported television and video content to PC users all over the world. Joost has already signed major partners to supply content for their service —including deals with CBS, Major League Baseball, Warner Brothers, and CNN. Joost is working to expand its lineup of TV programs, music and movies with the current inventory at more than 15,000 shows.

The Joost Beta 1.0 software is available for Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X 10.4.