Virtual BlackBerry coming for Windows Mobile

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 24 April 2007 03:50

Your IT - Mobility

Research In Motion has announced that it plans to offer a virtual BlackBerry for Windows Mobile 6 devices later this year that will run almost all BlackBerry applications alongside native software.

Once installed, users will have access to BlackBerry email, phone, calendar, address book, tasks, memos, browser, instant messaging and other applications developed for the BlackBerry platform.

"Extending BlackBerry applications to a broader range of devices is an important element of RIM's strategy to provide an open platform that supports industry standards and addresses the various needs of our customers and partners," said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO of RIM.

"This new software will provide a range of important benefits, including easier support of Windows Mobile-based devices within BlackBerry Enterprise Server environments, a consistent user interface for BlackBerry applications across various devices, and the ability to run third-party applications developed for the BlackBerry platform."

It seems that if the BlackBerry application suite is running, its phone application will take control of incoming calls. If not, the corresponding Windows Mobile application will do the job as usual.

One apparent shortcoming is that the BlackBerry and Windows Mobile applications will be completely independent, so information stored in one environment's address book won't be available in the other. This seems to provide an opportunity for third-party developers unless users are satisfied with syncing the native and BlackBerry applications with a PC - an extra step that could prove irritating.

Which devices will be able to run the BlackBerry application suite?