XM Canada, a provider of audio entertainment and information services, has announced plans to launch the XM online+ App for BlackBerry smartphones, a further indication that Research in Motion means more than business.

The application will be free to download and is a new extension to the existing XM online+ service, offering users access to 100 channels of XM programming and the ability to send and receive emails and browse the web without interruption.

Starting on April 12, users can download the free App to compatible models of BlackBerry smartphones, including the BlackBerry Storm, Bold, Tour and Curve.

"There are a number of innovative applications for smartphones, making them much more than devices for phone calls or email," said Janet Gillespie, Marketing Vice-President, XM Canada. "We believe the rich programming offered at XM will make it one of the most popular apps for the BlackBerry, as subscribers are able to take the best music, talk, news and entertainment programming with them wherever they go."

XM online+ App features include access to 100 channels with 128 Kbps throughput, a "Favourites" function to let users save channels, and a "Look Around" function to see the current channel line-up as well as what is playing on all other available channels.

The cost? $7.99 a month for XM online+ or $2.99 a month when bundled with an XM Canada subscription.

Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings Inc operates as XM Canada, which offers digital signal coverage across the country, with 130 digital channels. XM programming is available by subscribing directly through XM Canada and is also available as streams of commercial-free XM music channels on Telus Mobile Radio and Rogers Wireless Radio on Demand.