RIM has created a new BBM Music app, a cloud-based social and viral service which enables music sharing and discovery among community or friends. The technical development of this service is looked after by Omnifone.
The BBM Music app acts as an open music library for BBM friends. The music profile of all users is shared amongst each other, thus opening a vast database of music created by users themselves. Besides sharing, viewing, commenting on or listening to music selected by friends, users can create their individual profile with up to 50 songs, refreshing maximum 25 songs every month.
“More than 45 million customers already love the social communication benefits delivered through BBM and we are thrilled to be extending the experience into a uniquely social and interactive music service. We have partnered with leading music companies to provide a ‘full track’ music sharing and discovery experience that will provide users with quality music on demand and allow them to connect with friends on a whole new level,” commented Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.
Apart from music in individual profiles, users can also create several playlists by using data from their own and other profiles. Music shared and accessible through this app can also be saved on smartphones to make it available offline.
Currently, the BBM music app is being tested under a closed beta trial in Canada, the USA and the UK. Commercial availability is expected in Australia, Canada, Columbia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States by later this year. It will be released as a monthly subscription app for approximately $4.99 per month, varying as per country.