BlackBerry music coming to SA

The BlackBerry World’s DRM-free music catalogue will be available to South Africans when the new BlackBerry 10 devices launch in the country.

Staff Writer

January 29, 2013

The BlackBerry World’s DRM-free music catalogue will be available to South Africans when the new BlackBerry 10 devices launch in the country, Research In Motion announced in a press statement today (29 January 2013).

The BlackBerry World storefront’s music download section will feature an extensive catalog of DRM-free music from all major and independent labels including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group.

The music section will initially be available in 18 countries, including South Africa.

The full list of countries are: Canada, USA, UK, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Australia, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.

“Music and video content is an integral part of a rich mobile experience. People want easy and convenient access to their favorite music, movies and TV shows wherever they are,” said Frank Boulben, Chief Marketing Officer at Research In Motion.

“RIM is committed to working with content providers to bring the best, most up-to-date content to our customers with BlackBerry 10, and to make it easy for them to get what they want.”

The global unveiling of RIM’s BlackBerry 10 platform is scheduled for 30 January 2013.

However, according to industry sources, smartphones running the new BlackBerry 10 OS will not be available in South Africa immediately after the launch event.

Operators will likely receive stock of BlackBerry 10 devices by the middle of February 2013, with the phones set to become available towards the end of the month.