RIM updates BlackBerry World with movies, music, and more
As BlackBerry 10 launches today, RIM is outfitting its online storefront with a greater selection of items for its smartphone users.
RIM is trying to amp up interest in BB10 by beefing up its BlackBerry World store with new music, movies, and TV shows.
BlackBerry users will find a variety of individual songs ranging in price from 99 cents to $1.49. Full albums will cost anywhere from $7.99 to $11.99. You can preview any piece of music to help you decide whether you want to buy it.
People looking for their favorite movies or TV shows will find them available for rental or purchase. The prices are comparable to those at competing app stores, ranging from $2.99 to $3.99 for rentals and from $9.99 to $19.99 for purchase.
BlackBerry device owners will also find an array of apps, games, and themes. To download any of the store's offerings, new users will need to create an account, connect their smartphone, and then install BlackBerry World onto the phone.
And for now, the ability to buy the new content will be limited to BlackBerry 10 devices as they launch, according to blog site CrackBerry, and only in the supported regions of the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Of course, the number and variety of selections in BlackBerry World still pale in comparison to those at Apple's App Store and Google Play.
RIM faces a tough challenge convincing smartphone users to sample BlackBerry 10 phones, especially without a vibrant enough app market. A new poll released today by mobile app developer Bite Interactive found that only 1 in 8 people would consider buying a BB10 device.
RIM will unveil its new BlackBerry 10 OS and phones at a launch event today.
CNET will live-blog the BlackBerry 10 event starting at 7 a.m. PT.
(Via Engadget)