RIM ON THE EDGE:

A statement issued by Microsoft said that "certain BlackBerry devices" would use the exFAT file system, which is designed to make large media files easy to move and copy, even between and Apple products. The company claims a fivefold increase in the speed at which content stored in flash memory can be accessed compared to standard FAT technology.

David Kaefer, Microsoft IP licensing general manager, said that advancing mobile technology prompted the move by RIM.

"Today's and tablets require the capacity to display richer images and data than traditional cellular phones. This agreement with RIM highlights how a modern file system, such as exFAT, can help directly address the specific needs of customers in the mobile industry," he said.

Microsoft noted that it has reached similar licensing agreements for exFAT with other electronics companies, including Sanyo, Panasonic, Sony and Canon. As in those cases, however, financial terms of the agreement with RIM were not disclosed.