Blackberry 10 eyes iTunes and Netflix with music and video offering

CANADIAN PHONE MAKER Research in Motion (RIM) has spilled the beans on what entertainment features Blackberry 10 will offer, which sees the firm eyeing up Netflix and iTunes.

RIM claims that its next generation operating system set to be unveiled on Wednesday will offer "one of the most robust music and video catalogs in mobile today", thanks to its "extensive" catalogue of music, videos and TV shows.

Set to be available in the UK from day one, Blackberry 10's entertainment catalogue will feature films from 20th Century Fox, Sony and Paramount, and RIM boasts that most will be available to download from Blackberry World the day after they are released on DVD.

RIM is clearly looking to challenge Apple's hugely popular iTunes service with its next generation operating system too, as the firm's debut Blackberry 10 handsets will arrive with tracks from all major and independent labels including Universal, Sony and Rough Trade. Like on iTunes, users will be able to preview tracks before purchasing.

RIM chief marketing officer Frank Boulben said, "Music and video content is an integral part of a rich mobile experience.

"People want easy and convenient access to their favorite music, movies and TV shows wherever they are.

"RIM is committed to working with content providers to bring the best, most up to date content to our customers with Blackberry 10, and to make it easy for them to get what they want."

The INQUIRER will be at the London launch of Blackberry 10 on Wednesday. µ