FlyCast Updates BlackBerry Media Software

FlyCast introduced Tuesday the next version of its media-streaming software for BlackBerry smartphones that will enable the Internet radio service to work even without connectivity.

The 2.0 version of FlyCast enables users to cache music on their phones' memory to play when data connections are weak or nonexistent. The free, ad-supported service offers mobile users access to music and talk radio based on customer preferences, and users can cache songs for thirty days or three plays. Songs can also be purchased directly over the air to the handset, and transferred to a computer.

Additionally, the latest version of FlyCast has integration with Twitter, allowing users to recommend songs. A user can associate a Twitter account with a FlyCast account; Twitter followers would then be given links to the recommended FlyCast station.

"We've focused on addressing common problems encountered by those who enjoy the mobile media experience, and in doing so we've also dramatically enhanced the quality of that experience," said David Kennedy, FlyCast's CEO, in a statement. "Now listeners can see what they are hearing, audition it prior to purchase, recommend it, and buy it."

FlyCast competes with Internet radio providers such as Pandora and Slacker Radio, and its ability to cache songs gives it an advantage over Pandora. But FlyCast may have trouble surpassing Slacker because that service can also cache songs, and it has received a big push from Verizon Wireless on the BlackBerry Storm.

Until a few years ago, Research In Motion's smartphones were the exclusive domain of mobile professionals, but the company has seen strong adoption in the casual market. The proliferation of multimedia software such as FlyCast could help RIM battle rivals like Apple's iPhone, Palm's Pre, and others.

Most companies are just starting the hard work of mobilizing workforces by bringing the software they use to smartphones. InformationWeek analyzed this issue in an independent report, and it can be downloaded here (registration required).