14 DAY TRIAL // Today, Canadian mobile phone maker Research In Motion announced a partnership with 7digital for having the latter's Music Store pre-installed on the upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook tablet PC. The duo unveiled that, through this agreement, BlackBerry PlayBook users would be able to access a number of over 13 million high quality (320kbps) MP3s available in the 7digital Music Store.
Users would have the possibility to search for tracks, albums and artists, to preview tracks before purchasing them, or even discover new music through the 7digital recommendation technology.
The prices at which songs will be available for BlackBerry PlayBook users would be similar to those available on 7digital.com. However, the company notes that individual tracks and albums would be priced in a customer's local currency.
“We're really excited to be working with RIM to bring the 7digital experience to the BlackBerry PlayBook,” Ben Drury, CEO 7digital commented.
“RIM has created an incredible tablet with premium multimedia features and together we are delivering a truly exceptional music experience for mobile users, offering content that is extremely easy to discover, purchase and use.
“We currently have the largest international footprint of any MP3 digital music seller and we look forward to expanding our business with RIM throughout the year.”
Research In Motion also noted that the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet with the 7digital Music Store application loaded on it would be showcased at the South by South West conference in Austin, Texas, this week.
“The 7digital Music Store is a perfect complement to the high-performance BlackBerry PlayBook, providing users with fast searches and downloads, and a slick interface that makes it very easy to discover, purchase and enjoy music,” said Alistair Mitchell, vice president, BBM Platform & Integrated Services.
“We are thrilled to be working with 7digital to provide BlackBerry PlayBook users with access to an amazing catalog of 13 million tracks.”
Undoubtedly, having the possibility to access a comprehensive music store right from the beginning on the BlackBerry PlayBook would make the new device even more appealing than before. However, it remains to be seen when exactly it would go on sale, since RIM hasn't unveiled a specific date as of yet.