BlackBerry maker, Research in Motion (RIM) has acquired Swedish company The Astonishing Tribe (TAT), an interface specialist that played a part in the development of the basic appearance of several Android phones. As RIM’s smartphone market share is falling, it is vital to acquire companies like TAT for a brighter future.

By downloading the TAT software, even those using Google Android smart phones can make the icons on their device screens look three-dimensional. The Astonishing Tribe has worked with a number of big-name companies over the last several years, including Fujitsu, Google, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Motorola, and it says its technology is used in over 470 million devices worldwide.

“Today we are pleased to confirm plans for The Astonishing Tribe (TAT) team to join Research in Motion (RIM). We’re excited that the TAT team will be joining RIM and bringing their talent to the BlackBerry PlayBook and smartphone platforms,” said David Yach, chief technology officer at RIM in a blog post.

Though Blackberry was once considered the leader in mobile technology, with the entry of more players into the field, its demand began to wane in the market. The latest acquisition is part of RIM’s attempt to check the onslaught from the iPhone and Android devices that have displaced the BlackBerry from its top slot in the US smart phone market. But many customers have admitted that they prefer the iPhone because of its user friendly interface and design in comparison to many other smartphones in the market today. Though the details regarding the deal are not disclosed yet, we can wait for a ‘smart’ blackberry soon.

via economic times