Palringo, a messaging service that extends to mobile devices and offers functionality of PC-based IM services, has released its software client for BlackBerry smartphones from Research in Motion (RIM). Palringo’s Rich Messaging Service (RMS) is available for the BlackBerry Pearl, BlackBerry Curve and BlackBerry 8800 series smartphones.

BlackBerry smartphone users can now chat using voice and picture messages as well as traditional text. Further, they can do the same with other users of many of the popular PC-based IM services - such as AOL's AIM, Windows Live Messenger and Google Talk- through the Palringo interface.

"As users increasingly expect to take their applications with them wherever they go, they also expect to pack them into fewer devices," said Kerry Ritz, CEO. "By putting our rich messaging service on the BlackBerry platform, we at Palringo increase messaging reach and depth for the greatest number of users. We also reduce the number of installed applications they need to have on their mobile device or PC."

Palringo combines a user's contacts from all services into a single, presence-aware list, eliminating the need to continually switch between multiple IM tools. In addition, Palringo combines walkie-talkie-style vocal instant messaging, the real-time text functionality of IM and the ability to share pictures, all within the context of one 'threaded' discussion. Palringo also lets the user set up an unlimited number of groups and send a voice, text, or picture message to all group members-such as fellow employees, project team members, alumni, sports team players, etc.- at once. While a mobile data plan or Wi-Fi access is required to use Palringo, the service's instant messages take up very small amounts of data, thus minimizing costs.

Palringo’s service is available worldwide and the BlackBerry version is available now for free on the site. The service is also compatible with Windows Mobile, Symbian and Java-based clients, including devices from Nokia, Motorola, LG, Samsung, HTC, HP and Sony Ericsson.