RIM introduces BlackBerry Radio music discovery app

Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) launched the beta release of its BlackBerry Radio application, promising select BlackBerry Beta Zone users in the U.S. one-click access to multiple mobile broadcast services. According to RIM, the BlackBerry Radio app integrates both Internet music services (including Slacker Radio) and terrestrial broadcasters (e.g., Clear Channel and Corus)--users may select from preset genre-based stations spotlighting rock, pop, hip hop, R&B, jazz and more. RIM adds that BlackBerry Radio is available at no cost to beta users beyond their standard data costs; consumers can download the premium app version of a given station at any time, and also purchase individual songs via the Amazon MP3 storefront.

BlackBerry Radio follows on the heels of RIM's BlackBerry App World 2.1 storefront update, highlighted by the addition of in-application payment options. BlackBerry developers and media providers can now monetize their apps by offering premium digital goods including content (e.g., ebooks, magazines, photos or artwork), additional functionality (like new features, levels, characters or games) and services like video streaming or voice transcription. The new service does not allow BlackBerry developers to sell virtual currencies or in-app credits, physical goods or services, and digital goods used across multiple applications.

For more:
- read this Inside BlackBerry blog entry

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