Future BlackBerry outages to be available on new Windows Mobile devices
Even fresh memories of last week’s BlackBerry blackout (see “Hey, man, gimme a hit off that Treo; I’m hurtin’ “) weren’t enough to dampen enthusiasm over the news that later this year Research in Motion will release virtual BlackBerry software to run, initially at least, on competing devices based on Windows Mobile 6.0. Toggling an icon on a device so equipped will bring up the BlackBerry interface complete with e-mail, calendar, address book, Web browser and other applications. As CrunchGear puts it, “Basically, it means your T-Mobile Dash, HTC Libra, and Motorola Q won’t suck as much anymore.”
In moving toward interoperability through software, RIM seems to be figuring that even if it takes a hit on hardware, the company is better off expanding its user base to include those who want the service but don’t want to switch devices, as well as companies that want to give employees a wider selection of handhelds without supporting multiple mobile mail systems.
