BlackBerry music service?

RIM SHOT? Research In Motion is rumored to be in negotiations with the Big Four to launch a BlackBerry music service that would run on top of BlackBerry Messenger, CNET reported. If the rumors pan out, the deal will be the latest attempt on RIM’s part to grow beyond its roots as a stodgy tool of the corporate world and into a more full-fledged entertainment device worthy of consumer attention. Over the past few years, the company has worked to improve the BlackBerry's music and media players, and worked to associate itself with bands like U2, with varying success. BBM , which remains one of RIM's last critical assets, acts as a social network keeping people on their BlackBerrys, and has been a valuable tool in retaining and adding overseas customers and younger consumers in North America. BBM was said to be a networking tool of choice for the organizers of the London riots last week. (8/19a)