BlackBerry integrates Windows Live

BlackBerry smart phones will soon come with Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger, following the announcement of an agreement between RIM and Microsoft.

On Monday, the companies said they would make it possible to integrate the free email and instant-messaging services with the BlackBerry platform's push email and presence capabilities.

"The BlackBerry platform is respected around the world for providing optimised messaging capabilities and RIM continues to look for ways to provide customers with a wide range of communications options and the best possible mobile experience," said Mark Guibert, vice president of corporate marketing at RIM.

As well as offering push message delivery and synchronisation, the integration of Hotmail into BlackBerry devices will come with the option of a dedicated inbox for Hotmail messages, although such messages can instead be delivered into the handset's aggregated inbox.

The announcement is the latest in a consumer push by RIM, which is now also offering services like integrated MySpace with their hitherto business-oriented smart phones. A firm date was not given for the release of Windows Live services for BlackBerry, but it was indicated that they will start to become available "this summer".