RIM eyes music streaming service

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) is close to rolling out its own music streaming service that will work across its mobile devices, according to four people familiar with its plans, says Montreal Gazette.

The new service is likely part of an attempt by RIM to improve its BlackBerry Messenger service as it competes with the mobile media platform strengths of rival Apple and Google's Android.

RIM is in late-stage negotiations with the major labels, which include Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group, Sony's Sony Music, Warner Music Group and EMI Group. The new service is expected to be unveiled by Labour Day in North America, 5 September.

According to Daily Mail, RIM has been enhancing its BlackBerry Messenger offering, popularly known as BBM, since rolling out its 'social platform' last September alongside its PlayBook tablet computer.

A RIM spokeswoman declined comment on the report but said BBM is one of the largest mobile social networks in the world.

RIM's BlackBerry smartphones have been hit by a sharply declining market share in the US, even as the company has expanded sales in other parts of the world, partly because of BBM's popularity.