14 DAY TRIAL // Canadian mobile phone maker Research In Motion has announced the release of a new application for its BlackBerry users, namely BlackBerry Radio, which is now available for download for select users in the BlackBerry Beta Zone.
The new software was released as a radio discovery app, being designed to offer users the possibility to access multiple mobile radio services straight from their devices. In other words, users should not expect to receive a traditional radio app with the new software. The software comes with no set-up and no cost for beta users, though it needs a data connection.
The new BlackBerry Radio “works with multiple radio apps to make the process of finding and listening to radio on a BlackBerry smartphone quicker, easier and more integrated by presenting a sampling of services from some of our most popular partners,” RIM states.
Some of the main features of the new application would include:
Simple discovery
BlackBerry Radio enables users access popular digital radio services from one place. Music discovery from within BlackBerry Radio is also simple, as you can choose from a variety of genres like Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz and more, with just one click.
Easy access to radio apps for more stations and features
If you really enjoy the channels provided by Slacker, for example, you can easily download their premium radio app at any time from within BlackBerry Radio.
Seamless integration into the BlackBerry Media Experience
While listening to music streams from participating radio partners, users in the US will have quick access to the recently launched Amazon MP3 storefront to purchase songs currently playing. Users can also access BlackBerry Radio at any time from within the music menu on their BlackBerry smartphone.
Trying services out – for no additional cost! With BlackBerry Radio, you will be able to sample all of the various preset stations even if you aren’t subscribed to the partner service(s).
With this application, users can choose preset genre-based radio channels that are currently being offered by popular radio services. The software would come with a combination of Internet radio and terrestrial radio, including Slacker, Clear Channel, Corus, and more.
Available only in beta at the moment, the app was released for US users exclusively. However, it should soon be released for more BlackBerry owners, Research In Motion notes.