BlackBerry down with the MySpace kids

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 12 Sep 2008 at 11:38

RIM is making a renewed attempt to shrug off the BlackBerry's business-only image with a tie-up with social networking site, MySpace.

Just days after launching its first clamshell handset the Pearl Flip 8220, RIM has announced plans to develop a MySpace app for its operating system.

In a clear effort to push the BlackBerry brand into the youth market, the MySpace Mobile software will provide full messaging capabilities, real-time status updates and the facility to upload photos taken with the BlackBerry's built-in camera straight on to MySpace pages.

"MySpace and RIM are at the forefront of the mobile social networking evolution," claims Chris DeWolfe, chief executive officer of MySpace. "Our partnership enables millions of BlackBerry smartphone users to leverage MySpace on the go and access content, friend networks, and status and mood updates anywhere at any time."

In a further nod to consumers, BlackBerry has struck a deal with Microsoft to install Windows Live Search on the BlackBerry browser.

Live Search will also be integrated with BlackBerry Maps, so that users can search for nearby restaurants, businesses or other points of interest from within the mapping application.