New RIM apps cater to consumer, not corporate users

RIM, which has been on a push to attract more consumers to its growing line of Blackberry devices, announced new applications today, catering to those who like their TV, music and MySpace. RIM is clearly going after a demographic that's different from the executive road warrior who carried the real-time e-mail device around from meeting to meeting years ago. Today's Blackberry phones come in a number of shapes, sizes and colors.

The applications announced today are:

• Microsoft Live Search will be integrated the Blackberry browser as the default search engine and work hand-in-hand with Blackberry Maps to find nearby restaurants and other attractions. Earlier this week, Google announced its Mobile App for Blackberry.
• TiVo users will be able to search their TiVo units for scheduled recordings and create new recordings. In the future, expect to see an application to view TiVo recordings. (It might be time to start thinking about that unlimited data plan.)
• Slacker brings streaming Internet radio to the device. (Now, you'll definitely be wanting unlimited data.) Music can also be stored - up to 1,000 tracks on the phone for listening when they're not connected to the network.
• MySpace's application will allow users to change status and mood updates manage photos and more. RIM has also created a Blackberry page on MySpace where users can find things like ringtones, skins and other features.
• Ticketmaster's app will allow users to browse, search and buy tickets from their phones. They'll also be able to browse music and sign up for alerts about upcoming events.

None of the applications are available yet. The Slacker and MySpace apps should be available next month with the others expected by the end of the year.

Mobile applications have grown in popularity in recent months, notably Steve Jobs announcement this week that more than 100 million applications have been downloaded from the iTunes App store in its first 60 days. T-Mobile also revealed today its plans on a developer program that it hopes will bring more applications to its line of phones. Last month, the carrier said it was changing its platform so that it will be open to developers. However, it also said the initial developer's system would not support the popular Sidekick or the highly anticipated-Google Android.