RIM to Launch Music Streaming Service for BlackBerry?

Research In Motion is preparing to roll out its own music streaming service for BlackBerrys in an attempt to compete with Apple, according to Reuters.

RIM is in late-stage negotiations with major labels, including Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group, Sony Corp's Sony Music, Warner Music Group and EMI Group. The new service is expected to be announced by Labor Day in the United States, September 5.

RIM has been enhancing its BlackBerry Messenger offering, popularly known as BBM, since announcing its "social platform" at last September's DevCon event where it unveiled the PlayBook tablet computer.


Analyst Matthew Thornton at Avian Securities says he doubts a music streaming service would help RIM get new customers but it may help it hold on to existing ones.

"I just don't think trying to replicate Apple is really going to change their situation near term," he said.

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