U2 ring a fruity change

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Apr 19, 2009 | by JULIAN BROUWER

BONO says rockers U2 stopped their music contract with Apple boss Steve Jobs because the billionaire computer maker was too much of a control freak about his iPods.

U2 ditched the music players in favour of BlackBerries made by smaller outfit Research In Motion because Apple wouldn't let U2 design their own iPod products.

Speaking with Toronto DJ Alan Cross, Bono said: "[RIM] is going to give us what Apple wouldn't - access to their labs and their people so we can do something really spectacular." Apple used to sell flashy U2 special edition iPods with special colours and engravings - as well as discounted and free downloads of the band's hit songs. Now it seems BlackBerry users could be in for a special treat.

Cross asked Bono if BlackBerry makers RIM were working on a special application that would help the band send personal text messages to fans as part of its "U2 360" tour.

Before slipping away into the crowd after a Boston gig, Bono replied: "You're not far off."