Microsoft to bring Windows Live Mobile to BlackBerrys
By Dusan Belic on Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 at 2:38 AM PST In Announcements, Partnerships, RIM (Research in Motion)
Microsoft and Research In Motion (RIM) announced an agreement to provide Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) Windows Live services on BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) smartphones. As a result, BlackBerry smartphone owners will be able to access Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Hotmail by simply entering their Windows Live E-Mail address and password once.
To put it in other words, if you own a BlackBerry you’ll be able to use the original BlackBerry-native Microsoft’s Windows Live Messenger client, as well as get your Hotmail email pushed to your smartphone.
Both parties seem satisfied with the deal, with RIM’s VP of Corporate Marketing, Mark Guibert saying, “Our relationship with Microsoft and the addition of Windows Live services to BlackBerry smartphones helps us build on that strategy for our customers.” On the other end, Microsoft’s VP of the Mobile Services organization, Brian Arbogast said, “Over 430 million people around the world rely on Windows Live to stay in touch. Our collaboration with RIM will enable BlackBerry smartphone customers to take full advantage of Windows Live, whether at work or on the go.”
Windows Live services for BlackBerry smartphones are expected to be available beginning this summer with support for multiple languages. Ways of distribution or costs weren’t unveiled, though.
[Via: the::unwired]
Isn’t the BlackBerry an ordinary smartphone? Why is the Windows Live application available for it now? I’ve seen it before on other devices.
This sounds so promissing. Maybe this will attract different mobile audiences to the BlackBerry market.