Popular rock band U2 has temporarily abandoned Apple in favor of Research In Motion (RIM), as the band prepares to go on a highly publicized tour.
The band will now have RIM as its corporate partner for its global "360 Degrees" tour that begins in Barcelona on June 30. RIM, best known for its BlackBerry smartphones, must be delighted they have been able to snag away such a strong Apple supporter as the two companies battle in the growing smartphone market.
The recently announced partnership "marks the first stage of a relationship and shared vision between RIM and U2 that we expect will lead to new and innovative ways to enhance the mobile music experience on the BlackBerry platform for U2 fans," according to the band's tour manager.
I'm curious to see if this partnership will have any benefits for consumers -- but unlike previous rumors, don't expect a U2-theme BlackBerry any time soon -- and only time will tell.
Although musicians and technology often times don't mix, U2 is a very influential band, and their constant support for Apple products has helped the Cupertino-based company sell products. Apple and U2 first started working together in 2004, and the partnership was successful enough that Apple released a jet-black U2 iPod MP3 player. Furthermore, lead singer Bono also appeared in an Apple commercial in the past.
