Windows Live pairs up with BlackBerry

(Credit: RIM)

In addition to the BlackBerry Bold debut, Research in Motion also announced this morning an agreement with Microsoft to bring its Windows Live services to BlackBerry smartphones. Specifically, this partnership will allow BlackBerry customers to access their Windows Live Hotmail accounts as well as Windows Live Messenger.

(Credit: Microsoft)

For Hotmail users, you can opt to have e-mail automatically sent to a dedicated in-box on your device or combine them into a single in-box with your other messages. As usual, you will get BlackBerry's push technology for real-time delivery and synchronization, and there will be full HTML support. Meanwhile, Windows Live Messenger for BlackBerry will provide an almost PC-like experience with the ability to send and receive pictures and files; customize status messages; view avatars and display images; use emoticons; and more. RIM and Microsoft expect to deliver these services to BlackBerrys starting this summer.