Broadband Advisor

Windows Live services come to the BlackBerry

RIM and Microsoft announce agreement to provide Windows Live Hotmail and Messenger to BlackBerry users

Andrew Hendry (Computerworld) 14/05/2008 14:59:22

More by Andrew Hendry

iPhone Centre

Find out all about the iPhone at our iPhone Centre. News, reviews, how-tos and video - all in one location.

+

The low-down on the iPhone 3G down-under 04/07/2008 08:55:58
Optus and Telstra have released pricing plans, Vodafone yet to come to the party

Australia will be among the first 22 countries alongside the US, UK, Germany and Japan, to receive the new iPhone from Friday, July 11.
+

Expect iPhone scams, security firm says 04/07/2008 08:04:25

Apple's launch of its new iPhone 3G will produce a flurry of spam and scams, a security company warned Thursday.
+

Tomizone announces independent Wi-Fi for the iPhone 04/07/2008 14:10:00

Wi-Fi operator Tomizone yesterday announced an independent Australian Wi-Fi service for the Apple iPhone. The service is slated to begin on 11 July, the same day the iPhone 3G is released locally.

More >

Additional Resources

Newsletter Subscription

GoodGearGuide GearDaily Newsletter [Daily]

Each day the GearDaily Newsletter covers the latest from the last week in a specific category. Monday is "Computing, Small Office and Home Office", Tuesday is "On the Move", Wednesday is "Digital Cameras, Video and Imaging", Thursday is "Mobile Phones and Communications" and Friday is "Home Entertainment".

GoodGearGuide GearShop Newsletter [Weekly]

See the latest products and comparison prices added to GearShop each week.

GoodGearGuide Pre-Register

The GoodGearGuide portfolio of services is rapidly expanding. By joining this list you will be pre-registered for any new email services we launch so you won't miss out on any of our independent product guidance and purchasing information. You will be automatically subscribed and receive the new service(s) but dont worry, should you wish to unsubscribe you can do so with only one click.

Microsoft and Research In Motion (RIM) have announced an agreement to provide Microsoft Windows Live services on RIM's BlackBerry smartphones, expected to be available by Winter.

According to RIM's Co-CEO, Michael Lazaridis, the company is the top smartphone vendor in market share in the United States and No. 2 worldwide.

The collaboration with Microsoft will offer BlackBerry users access to Windows Live Messenger, and better integration between Hotmail and the BlackBerry.

Signing into a BlackBerry with a Windows Live e-mail address and password will give access to the Hotmail and Messenger services, allowing users to communicate in real-time through their smartphones.

RIM's vice president of coporate marketing, Mark Guibert, said the agreement will provide BlackBerry users with a wider range of communication options for their mobile experience.

According to RIM, the integration of Windows Live Hotmail will allow customers to use BlackBerry's "push" technology for automatic message delivery and message synchronisation, ensuring a customer's online Hotmail account is up to date with actions taken on their smartphone.

There will be a dedicated inbox for Windows Live Hotmail messages, which will be automatically delivered to the BlackBerry, as well as the option to receive messages from other e-mail accounts in a single inbox on the smartphone.

Windows Live Messenger for the BlackBerry will feature instant messaging and group chatting, avatars, the ability to send and receive files, and will identify when fellow friends and colleagues using Messenger are online. RIM did not specify exactly when the Windows Live services will be available to BlackBerry users, stating they are expected to be available globally this Winter.

Research in Motion recently unleashed its latest smartphone for the business-minded with the BlackBerry Bold, as reviewed by Good Gear Guide.

Market Place