Research In Motion has launched BlackBerry Podcasts, a free application and service that allows BlackBerry smartphone users to easily discover, acquire and enjoy podcasts from leading content providers.
BlackBerry Podcasts gives users access to free audio and video content that can be downloaded over Wi-Fi or over cellular networks and then enjoyed through the BlackBerry media player.
‚BlackBerry Podcasts offers an enriched and streamlined multimedia experience,‚ said Alistair Mitchell, Vice President, Multimedia Integration. ‚The new BlackBerry Podcasts app and service makes it easier than ever to discover and download a wide range of content directly from a BlackBerry smartphone, and users can even subscribe to their favorite podcasts and receive an alert when new content is available.‚
With BlackBerry Podcasts, users can search the Podcast Catalog by keyword, category, channel or top downloads, and subscribe or simply preview a particular podcast before subscribing. Downloaded episodes can be stored on a microSD card, to be enjoyed at any time. BlackBerry Podcasts also leverages the push technology of the BlackBerry platform to notify users when new content from a subscribed channel becomes available.
Rich and Growing Catalog of Content
RIM is working with a growing range of leading content providers to bring a wide variety of podcasts into the Podcast Catalog. Content providers currently include: Above and Beyond, Bloomberg, CBC, Corus, Discovery Networks, How Stuff Works, HBR, NPR, PRI, Reuters, Speed TV, TVO, The Onion, Wizzard Media, Resident Advisor Podcast and many more.
‚Offering Reuters multimedia content on BlackBerry Podcasts provides our core audience and beyond with access to the news they want, when they want it.‚
– Ilicco Elia, global head of mobile for consumer media at Thomson Reuters.
‚This launch is an exciting moment in digital media and The Onion is pleased to be amongst the first content providers for Blackberry Podcasts. Reaching a wider audience through new channels will always be a priority to us.‚
– Dan Ryan, National Sales Director for The Onion
‚We are very excited to be working with RIM to integrate our content with BlackBerry Podcasts. BlackBerry smartphones are fantastic multimedia devices and with the continued popularity and rapid growth of podcasts, this is a great opportunity for BlackBerry users to find new and compelling content that they can tailor to their own preferences.‚
– Chris Spencer, CEO, Wizzard Media
‚Collaborating with an outstanding industry leader like RIM is a brilliant example of how TVO is leveraging innovative relationships to increase our educational impact and reach through digital channels. I’m especially excited that math and science literacy ‚ both high priorities for TVO ‚ are central to the fun and safe mobile learning experiences we’re creating for BlackBerry users with young learners.‚
– Lisa de Wilde, CEO, TVO
‚As a producer and distributor of some of the most loved shows on public radio, PRI has to serve our fans where they spend their time. We know the BlackBerry platform is huge for them. We’re delighted to work with RIM to offer podcasts from ‘PRI’s The World’ and ‘This American Life’ to our morning news show ‘The Takeaway’ on BlackBerry Podcasts.‚
– Michael Skoler, Vice President of Interactive Media, Public Radio International
‚We’re pleased to work with RIM on this initiative. CBC’s podcasts are among the most popular in Canada and through BlackBerry Podcasts, Canadians can expect to find an extensive line-up of CBC Radio and Television podcasts available, with new episodes added regularly.‚
– Bob Kerr, Director of Business Development, CBC Digital Programming & Business Development
‚Our world is all about mobile. BlackBerry Podcasts is a great way for users to be able to access ExploreMusic content when they want it and wherever they happen to be. Corus is thrilled to be part of the app.‚
– Alan Cross, Curator, ExploreMusic and Senior Program Director, Corus Interactive and Integrated Solutions, Corus Entertainment
RIM is also offering a BlackBerry Channel on BlackBerry Podcasts, which provides “how to videos”” and other content related to BlackBerry products and services, such as The BlackBerry Connection newsletter.
Availability
BlackBerry Podcasts is available free* on BlackBerry App World (www.blackberry.com/appworld) for BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry OS v4.6 or higher.
Submission Portal
Content providers wishing to learn more about the service and wishing to submit podcast feeds for consideration are invited to use the online submission portal accessible via www.blackberry.com/podcasts
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