In what can be interpreted as a direct attack on <insert video service here>, Microsoft unveiled today that it now has an online video download service available. After reading this blog post over at 24/7 Wall St., I am inclined to agree here -- Microsoft seems to be playing catch-up these days in every possible way when it comes to the "next big thing" on the Internet. That, or its timing is perpetually off-key when it comes to the public announcements of its newer services.

"MSN Soapbox", as it's called, will most directly compete with established online video websites such as Google Video, YouTube and AOL's new video API that encourages video development on AOL's platform. In other words, Microsoft wants customers to come to the new MSN Soapbox (which has not even launched yet) to share their videos and personalities in an attempt to grow an audience for the new service -- and cash in with some type of advertising most likely.

With Microsoft's apparent obsession of copying tricks and tools from other established media players in the online space, will it miss the boat with this new offering? There are many indications that it already has. With the recent Microsoft Zune announcement, time will tell if Microsoft and its hundreds of millions will be able to crack the Apple iPod kingdom with a superior product and service integrative experience (which would be a first).

And, just like that, this new MSN Soapbox service may prove difficult for Redmond to take share in such a new online category since it is years late. What will make a YouTube or Google Video customer go over to MSN Soapbox and upload videos there to share with people and friends? If Microsoft does not want to continually be seen as making "me too" services, it'll need one big value proposition here.