In an attempt to regain market share, Research In Motion is offering a new music service for the Blackberry.
August 26, 2011- In an attempt to compete with Apple and get new users, Blackberry maker Research in Motion will offer a music service for $4.99 per month that will allow users through instant messaging to share songs.
Blackberry Messenger users through BBM Music can share a maximum of 50 songs with friends, build playlists and discuss songs all based on their individual preferences said BBM Platform vice president Alistair Mitchell. Before the end of 2011, the service will be available in 15 areas including Europe, North America and Asia.
Apple introduced Ping last year, which is promoted as a social network for music, and RIM is trying to find different ways to take advantage of the Blackberry Messenger popularity. It comes free with each Blackberry and there are close to 45 million that use the service. RIM is trying to stop losing market share in the smartphone market.
In the second quarter of 2011 their market share was reduced to just 12% of the global mobile handset market which was down from close to 20% in the same quarter one year prior. Apple, on the other hand, increased their share 4% over the same period from 14% to 18%, while Android operated units increased to a hefty 43% of the market.
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