It is apparent that the close relationship, which Apple and U2 used to have, is over! The Irish rock band U2 has recently tied up with the Apple rival Research in Motion.

The rock band U2 has announced that it has tied up with Research in Motion for its upcoming dance across the globe tour, which will begins on June 30 in Barcelona, Spain. The rock band has announced that its new corporate partner Research in Motion, with its BlackBerry line of smartphones, will sponsor its Live Nation-presented U2 360 tour to support its new "No Line on the Horizon'' album.

According to U2 manager Paul McGuinness, "This tour announcement marks the first stage of a relationship and shared vision between RIM and U2 that we expect will lead to new and innovative ways to enhance the mobile music experience on the BlackBerry platform for U2 fans. We look forward to sharing more details as the relationship unfolds."

The rock band U2 is comprised of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar) and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion).

In 2004, Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs, and the U2's Bono and Edge announced the marketing partnership between Apple and U2 at the newly restored California Theatre in San Jose. The rock band has helped launching several of Apple's new products including new iPod video, the new black and red iPod U2 Special Edition, etc.

In his report, CNBC's Jim Goldman has reported an interesting fact that could be main reason behind the recent partnership between U2 and RIM. Goldman has stated that U2's Bono is partner in the venture firm Elevation Partners, which hold 39 percent of Palm, which is set to roll out its touchscreen Pre smartphone in June to compete with Apple's iPhone.

According to Goldman, "I think this (U2 - RIM) deal says a lot more about U2's commercialism and partnership with Live Nation than it does about the future of iPod and Apple's ongoing influence in the music industry."