Bono selects RIM, rejects Apple, for U2 360 world tour

David M Williams
Thursday, 09 April 2009 05:23

Your IT - Entertainment

Infamous post-punk rocker Bono has partnered with Research in Motion (RIM) to produce something special for the BlackBerry during U2's coming 360 world tour. It appears Apple missed the opportunity to promote the iPhone, with Bono saying RIM were more accommodating.

If you’re a BlackBerry user then Bono would say “U2?”

Ok, that’s a bad joke. What isn’t a joke, however, is that Bono has announced his enthusiasm about a special collaboration between U2 and RIM, makers of the popular BlackBerry range of smartphones.

While remaining tight-lipped on just specifically what is being developed Bono did say to Canada’s Globe and Mail this week, “I’m very excited about this. Research in Motion is going to give us what Apple wouldn’t – access to their labs and their people so we can do something really spectacular.”

Toronto DJ Alan Cross asked if this meant there was a possibility of a custom BlackBerry app to let the band communicate with their BlackBerry-wielding fans Bono answered vaguely “You’re not far off."

The blogosphere has since run rife with speculation, with most pundits tipping a customised U2 special edition BlackBerry. This wouldn’t be the first time the band has had such collaboration; in the past a U2 Special Edition iPod had been released pre-loaded with the group’s music and festooned with signatures.

Other speculators propose a (PRODUCT) RED BlackBerry may be in the works, with proceeds going to the work of eliminating AIDS in Africa through the organisation co-founded by Bono. This would also be following the Apple past with a previous (PRODUCT) RED iPod Nano having been produced until 2006.

It is interesting to note that since Steve Jobs returned to the helm of Apple the company has closely guarded its designs and avoided outside involvement.

Personally, I’m hoping for more than just a little app. Even a specially designed handheld is less than thrilling considering I’d expect the bulk of BlackBerry purchases to be from corporations and government rather than individuals.

Let’s see something really unique and amazing come out of this special partnership – particularly if it involves a level of close work and collaboration that exceeded Apple’s boundaries.

What do you think it may be?