RIM emulates BlackBerry on Windows Mobile phones
updated 09:30 am EDT, Mon April 23, 2007
BlackBerry on Win Mobile
Research in Motion on Monday announced the creation of a virtual BlackBerry suite, marking one of the first instances that owners beyond the company's own smartphones can use more than just basic elements of the service. Owners of certain (as yet unnamed) Windows Mobile 6 smartphones will have full access to BlackBerry software features as though they were using a RIM device: "push" e-mail, calling, messaging, and other programs will be accessible.
The technique will be effectively transparent to both the original Windows Mobile OS and the BlackBerry side, the company says. The BlackBerry component will support a stylus and other control schemes that aren't native to RIM's devices, while users can also quickly flip back to the Windows Mobile half to access all their familiar programs.
No release date was set for the software package, which should be available later this year. AT&T, however, has said it will work closely to bring the BlackBerry option to some of its Windows Mobile phones and should be accompanied by deals with other carriers soon.
