RIM brightens up with Torch Mobile buy

RIM may have a new browser for its BlackBerry handsets

Research In Motion (RIM) has acquired software developer Torch Mobile in a deal that could give RIM a new browser for its BlackBerry handsets.

Among Torch Mobile's projects is the Iris mobile browser based on the WebKit software platform. Iris also supports RSS feeds and a web widget platform.

Torch Mobile said that it would continue to work on the ongoing development of WebKit. The software is also at the heart of Apple's Safari mobile browser and Google's Android web browser.

"Our team of developers will join RIM's global organisation and will now be focused on utilising our WebKit-based mobile browser expertise to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the BlackBerry platform," the company said.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.