An interesting move by Blackberry, whose one-day blackout last week caused havoc across the business world: later this year it will launch new its software as a separate package — including e-mail, a chat function and electronic maps — to be used on non-BlackBerry devices. Initially it will be available only for some devices equipped with Windows Mobile, the WSJ story says, but will eventually go to other devices as well. Users who download BlackBerry’s “virtual application” will be able to see the same rows of icons that appear on the screens of BlackBerry devices.
RIM has been offering access to its wireless e-mail service on devices made by rival handset makers including Nokia and Palm for years through its BlackBerry Connect program. But that program is limited to a few features such as access to BlackBerry e-mail through the device’s existing apps.
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