Toronto-based Puretracks has developed a new DRM-free mobile music store and service for BlackBerry smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM).

The Puretracks Mobile Edition music store for BlackBerry, built in conjunction with handset development partner Magnet Mobile Media, will work with all BlackBerry Pearl™, BlackBerry Curve and BlackBerry 8800 series smartphones. It is developed using compressed DRM-free AAC/AAC+ file formats. This high-quality digital format is half the size of MP3 files, significantly reducing the download time and storage capacity required while maintaining CD quality sound. The DRM-free service will make it easy for users to download and play songs on their BlackBerry smartphones.

A full version of the mobile music service will launch at CTIA Wireless April 1. The new mobile music store, which will debut in the United States with future roll-out plans slated for Canada and other markets, will feature a broad selection of songs from top mainstream and independent artists. Future additions to the Puretracks Mobile Edition music service will include support for Wi-Fi capable handsets, enabling BlackBerry smartphone users to download MP3 files over Wi-Fi connections.