After months of tumultuous financial reports and speculation over RIM's future, CNET reports that the company is in talks to launch its own streaming music service.
RIM is in talks with four of the largest record companies about launching the service, which will be connected to their BlackBerry Messenger brand, easily one of the most profitable product in RIM's lineup. BBM remains one of RIM's most successful assets. Weeks before this report, blogs dedicated to BlackBerry news reported RIM was working on a social music platform.
This isn't RIM's first foray into the music business -- they've already brought the first dedicated music store to Singapore, beating Apple's iTunes to it. A software update to their PlayBook tablet brought more than 9 million MP3 tracks to Singapore residents for purchase.
Android has also entered the music scene. Pre-paid carrier MetroPCS Communications announced that owners who subscribe to their $60-per-month plan can gain access to a music-subscription service with Rhapsody through their Androids.
RIM also quietly launched Microsoft SharePoint for BlackBerry earlier this week.