In an effort to make their phones more appealing to consumers, Research In Motion is apparently in talks with with the four largest record companies about launching a new music service to run on top of BlackBerry Messenger. Cnet is reporting that RIM has signed a deal with at least one of the top four record companies, and talks are continuing with the others.
The music service would run on top of BlackBerry's IM system, BlackBerry Messenger, because BBM is one of the BlackBerry's largest assets. Can RIM pull this off? Is this a good move? WIll a BlackBerry Music service keep you from jumping ship to Android or iOS? Let us know in the comments.
"The major labels, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and EMI Music, are eager to see new retail services and to continue being part of mobile devices, especially smartphones. Yesterday, pre-paid carrier MetroPCS Communications announced that Android phone owners who subscribe to the company's $60-per-month rate plan can receive access to the music-subscription service Rhapsody.
For RIM, the deal marks the latest attempt to grow beyond its roots as a stodgy tool of the corporate world and into a more full-fledged entertainment device worthy of consumer attention. Over the past few years, the company has worked to improve its BlackBerry line's music and media players, and worked to associate itself with hip bands such as U2 with varying success."
For RIM, the deal marks the latest attempt to grow beyond its roots as a stodgy tool of the corporate world and into a more full-fledged entertainment device worthy of consumer attention. Over the past few years, the company has worked to improve its BlackBerry line's music and media players, and worked to associate itself with hip bands such as U2 with varying success."
The music service would run on top of BlackBerry's IM system, BlackBerry Messenger, because BBM is one of the BlackBerry's largest assets. Can RIM pull this off? Is this a good move? WIll a BlackBerry Music service keep you from jumping ship to Android or iOS? Let us know in the comments.
