Microsoft will invest in the BlackBerry platform from Research In Motion, becoming the default search provider in BlackBerry browsers and maps, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said during a surprise keynote appearance at BlackBerry World.



From Computerworld:

The news shocked several live bloggers and analysts who tweeted the news from the keynote event in Orlando. Ballmer appeared onstage at about 9:30 a.m. Eastern time and surprised many of the 6,000 in attendance.

"We're going to invest uniquely into the BlackBerry platform," Ballmer said, according to several live bloggers. "Bing will become the default search provider in the browser and maps" on BlackBerry devices, he added, saying "I've never been more excited about where our future is going."

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