RIM adds Google/Apple apps to BlackBerry

Wider scope for the popular mobile email device

Research In Motion has been widening the scope of its BlackBerry operations to include Apple users and Google applications.

Google Local, the search engine for regional shops and services, and Google Talk, the company's instant messaging client, is to be added to the handheld email device.

Users of Google Talk will have to register for a free Gmail account before they can use the service.

"Instant messaging and local content are two increasingly important areas of focus for mobile applications and we are very pleased to work with Google in extending these two popular services to BlackBerry users," said Mark Guibert, vice president of marketing at Research In Motion.

"Google Talk for BlackBerry and Google Local for mobile will offer additional flexibility to BlackBerry customers in terms of how, when and where they stay in touch."

Apple users will now be able to synchronise with their BlackBerry more easily thanks to a new third-party application called PocketMac for BlackBerry.

While Apple already supports the BlackBerry a RIM spokeswoman said that the synchronisation process was "a bit tricky" and that the new application would speed things up.

"PocketMac for BlackBerry is easy to install and allows users to synchronise email, contacts, calendar, tasks and notes with popular Mac applications," said Terence Goggin, chief technology officer at Information Appliance Associates, which provides the application.

"We are pleased to work with Research In Motion to provide this robust solution to Apple's mobile customers."

The application can be downloaded free of charge here.