RIM reveals partners for BlackBerry World media store
updated 02:26 pm EST, Mon January 28, 2013
Movies expected same-day as DVD, television day after broadcast
Two days before its BlackBerry 10 hardware rollout, Research in Motion (RIM) has revealed video and music partners for its storefront. The biggest names in the announcement are Sony Pictures, Universal Music Group, Walt Disney Studios, and the Warner Music Group. RIM has claimed that its BlackBerry World media store will include a large catalog of music, television, and movies, with most movies available the same day as the DVD release.
Cannacord Genuity financial analyst Michael Walkey said that the partnerships were no surprise, and "until we start to see the devices sell to consumers, the stock will remain quite volatile." RIM's shares have fallen to $16.12 with higher-than-normal trading volume and are down eight percent on the day.
Other companies involved in the launch are Matador Records, Sony Music Entertainment, and Rough Trade Records. Music will initially be available in 18 countries. Video downloads will initially be available in the US, UK, and Canada, and will provide ABC, BBC Worldwide, and CBS downloads. No information has been provided as whether all the content will available at launch or arrive in the coming months.
