By Gurmukh Singh

Toronto, Dec 5 (IANS) BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) is buying Sweden's The Astonishing Tribe (TAT) which specializes in developing software that lets smart phone users personalize their device the way they like.

The unique software designed by TAT is found on 15 percent of all smart phones globally. By downloading the TAT software, even those using Google Android smart phones can make the icons on their device screens look three-dimensional.

It is not known how much the Canadian wireless giant has paid for the Swedish software developer.

Confirming the deal, David Yach, chief technology officer at RIM, said in a blog post, "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.''

He said, ""For those who don't know, TAT is renowned for their innovative mobile user interface (UI) designs and has a long history of working with mobile and embedded technology.

"TAT focuses on delivering great user experiences, from a design, technology, and usability perspective. Their design technology is used today in a variety of industries, including the consumer electronics and automotive sectors.''

The latest acquisition is part of RIM's attempt to check the onslaught from the iPhone and Google Android devices which have displaced the BlackBerry from its top slot in the US smart phone market.