RIM looks to consumers with new BlackBerry deals

On the heels of the launch of its first flip-phone BlackBerry Pearl, Research In Motion (RIM) has continued its push to tap the consumer market by unveiling new partnerships.

RIM said it would partner with Ticketmaster to let BlackBerry users search, browse and buy tickets to entertainment and sporting events.

The company said it was also getting together with TiVo to let BlackBerry users schedule television recordings from their smartphones.

Another deal, with Microsoft, will see the software giant's Live Search capabilities integrated into the BlackBerry's browser and maps.

And RIM announced a deal with social-networking website MySpace to develop a mobile application customised for the BlackBerry. The pact was similar to a deal between RIM and social networking site Facebook announced last year.

RIM also unveiled an agreement with Slacker to provide a free radio application for the BlackBerry. The application will let users listen to Slacker's radio stations even when not connected to a wireless network.

All the announcements made yesterday were targeted at developing a market much broader than RIM's mainstay of business executives and other professionals.

The company has been seeking to expand its reach among retail consumers in a bid to diversify and spread the appeal of the BlackBerry.

The deals also came as American television network CNBC television reported that RIM would launch its high-end BlackBerry Bold handset in the United States in October. The device, aimed at the company's main base of business users, is already available from a number of carriers around the world.

Microsoft said earlier this week that it was looking to have handsets featuring its Windows Mobile operating system appeal to both business users and consumers.