AT&T Slashes BlackBerry Torch Price In Half – Now Only $99.99

Looks like AT&T is trying to move the BlackBerry Torch of their shelves like mad as the carrier has cut the price of the smartphone to $99.99 on a 2-year contract. Do you find it interesting that the price was cut in such a short period of time? Are they not moving as many as they would like? I believe much of it has to do with the various offerings now provided by Android, Windows Phone 7 and the iPhone 4. Details are below:

AT&T has slashed the price of its flagship BlackBerry smartphone in half. The BlackBerry Torch, which became available in August 2010, is RIM’s first smartphone to feature both a touchscreen and a physical QWERTY keypad. It was also the first BlackBerry to launch with RIM’s new OS, BlackBerry 6. It initially hit store shelves at $199.99 and after roughly three months, the Torch is now available for $99.99 with a 2-year contract. A price drop after this length of time is not necessarily an indication of poor sales, as several blogs have speculated, though many analysts agree that sales have been less than spectacular. At it’s new price point, which is below the magical $100 mark, AT&T clearly hopes that the BlackBerry Torch will finally spread its wings this holiday season.

Source: BGR

You can grab yourself an AT&T BlackBerry Torch at the carrier’s link here. What do you think of this? Are you a little more tempted to head to AT&T and pick one up or is the flame starting to burn out on the BlackBerry Torch? Let us know in the comments, please.

RIM Introduces New BlackBerry Bold 9780 Smartphone

Research In Motion has just announced the Blackberry Bold 9780 Smartphone. Here are the details from RIM:

Today, Research In Motion (RIM) announced the BlackBerry Bold 9780. The Bold 9780 is the newest member of the Bold family, featuring BlackBerry 6 and offering the boldest BlackBerry experience yet.

BlackBerry Bold 9780 smartphone features include:

· Premium design and finish

· Brilliant, high resolution color display (480 x 360 pixels, 2.44” diagonal measurement) with support for over 65,000 colors

· HSDPA support (3.6 Mbps)

· Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi with UMA support (802.11 b/g)

· 5 MP camera (JPEG Encoding, CMOS) with Auto focus, Image stabilization, Flash and 2X Digital Zoom.

· 512 MB Flash, 4 GB onboard memory, microSDHC memory card slot (up to 32 GB)

· 624 MHz processor

· BlackBerry 6, the new operating system for BlackBerry smartphones which includes:

o Crisp, more immersive visuals, including new icons, graphics and animations
o New WebKit browser; it’s high-fidelity and very efficient, with tabbed browsing
o Graphical, context-sensitive pop-up menus
o Redesigned core apps, plus a new multimedia UI and new apps for downloading podcasts, watching YouTube videos, and integrating RSS and social networking feeds

The BlackBerry Bold 9780 smartphone will be available from various carriers around the world beginning in November.

To learn more about the new BlackBerry Bold 9780 smartphone, visit www.blackberry.com/bold.

Anyone in the market for a new Blackberry? Looks like a great offering from RIM!

Thanks

BigTechTony

Facebook Version 1.9 Now Available In Blackberry Beta Zone

RIM has just released Facebook For Blackberry Version 1.9 into the Blackberry Beta Zone. Here’s the scoop:

Today, a new version of Facebook for BlackBerry is available in BlackBerry Beta Zone. Facebook for BlackBerry v1.9 offers exciting features, making it the most convenient mobile Facebook experience yet.

Key new features of Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones v1.9 include:

· Dedicated Inbox – View your Facebook messages in one separate inbox or within your BlackBerry messages inbox. The app pre-fetches 30 of your existing messages, and will then continue to sync messages on your BlackBerry smartphone with your Facebook inbox.

· Facebook Search – Search for individuals and pages, making it easy to find mutual friends, add friends and “like” pages. For BlackBerry 6 users, Universal Search will pull Facebook results too!

· Enhanced Friends List and Page List – View Friends profile photos and pages in list form

· Redesigned Navigation Bar – View your own profile and click on the Search and Message icons with the new navigation bar

You must be a BlackBerry Beta Zone member to try out the new Facebook for BlackBerry app. There are a limited number of spots for the beta, so don’t wait to catch the next social networking trend!

Find out more about Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones v1.9 at http://blogs.blackberry.com/2010/10/facebook-for-blackberry-v1-9-now-in-beta-zone/

I’m checking this out asap! Give it a go if you’re a BBBZ member and let us know how you’re liking the improvements.

Thanks

BigTechTony

Blackberry Messenger Updated To Version 5.0.1.41

Blackberry Messenger has been updated to version 5.0.1.41. Get it now by pointing your BB browser at http://blackberry.com/messenger

Thanks

BigTechTony

Updated Software for BlackBerry Torch

 

BlackBerry Torch owners will be happy to hear that they’ve received an OS update from RIM.

The new software version is:

·         Release Bundle v6.0.0.695, Platform v6.4.0.105/Application v6.0.0.246

BlackBerry Torch customers who upgrade will benefit from overall system performance improvements, including:

·         Browser – faster page loading and improved panning

·         User input – handled more efficiently, improved responsiveness after unlocking device

·         Applications – faster launching, exiting and switching

·         Home Screen – faster rendering and smoother transitions when switching between panes

·         Media – faster rendering of thumbnails in picture application

·         Email/Messaging – faster and smoother scrolling in message list and when reading email

·         Voice- Software improvements for improved audio quality

Over the next week and half customers will receive a notification icon on their BlackBerry Torch Home Screen which will allow them to immediately update their device wirelessly.

For BlackBerry Torch customers looking to update their device software today it is available at www.att.com/bbdownloads and www.blackberry.com/updates.

So, Torch owners, what do you think of this new OS update?

 

source – RIM PR email

 

 

Device Review: AT&T Blackberry Torch From Research In Motion

The good folks at RIM were generous enough to allow The Sauce Report to receive the Blackberry Torch as a review device. Excitement was the word when it arrived on my doorstep. I was stoked to see if RIM had really stepped up their game with this device and OS 6 implementation. This is a review from my point of view so I understand if you have a different opinion than mine. A touchscreen along with a physical QWERTY keyboard were very enticing and I was wondering which I would prefer to use.

Here are a few of the major specs of the device:

- Blackberry 6 OS
- 624 MHz CPU speed
- 512 MB internal flash memory
- 4GB built-in storage memory
- 4GB microSD card included
- Supports up to 32GB microSD card
- 5.0 MP camera, flash, auto focus, face detection, image stabilization, scene modes, 2X zoom, video recording
Integrated GPS with A-GPS (assisted GPS) ready
- Wi-Fi Band: 802.11b/g/n, support for UMA (carrier-dependent)
- Bluetooth v2.1; Mono/Stereo Headset, Hands-free, Serial Port Profile, Bluetooth Stereo Audio (A2DP/AVCRP) and Bluetooth SIM Access Profile supported Headset

The device upon first unboxing felt solid in-hand and a little on the heavier side which is fine by me. The sliding action is smooth, perfectly balanced in the amount of effort it requires to shoot the screen up over the keyboard. It takes a push, and then it zips along the track until it clacks, satisfyingly. And it feels like you can do it a million times. The rippled back is the right amount of rubbery, not so much it makes you hands feel weird, but textured enough the phone will never slip from even gross, clammy hands. The Torch feels more like a quality tool in-hand versus a smartphone. I absolutely love the horizontally-ribbed battery door cover which feels just perfect in the hand and reinforces that quality tool feeling. It’s very pocketable as well.

Physical Keyboard

It felt very much similar to the ergonomic 9700 keyboard and typing on it was a breeze. Pounding out several emails, BBM’s, text messages, etc. was easy as 1-2-3. I was drawn to try the physical keyboard first as I currently use a Blackberry Bold 9650 with the physical keyboard.

Touchscreen Keyboard

I knew a very serious learning curve was in store for me as I hadn’t used a touchscreen keyboard since my Windows Mobile days. Devoting some time to using the touchscreen is necessary. I quickly became acclimated to using the touchscreen without many problems whatsoever. No Surepress clicking on the keyboard is required which was a plus for me. All in all…I had a preference for the physical keyboard over the touchscreen keyboard. I believe my experience with my current Blackberry Bold 9650 leaned me in that direction. RIM has obviously overcome the touchscreen hurdle with BlackBerry 6 and the Torch delivers a very smooth user experience, including support for gestures including tap, pinch, slide, touch and hold and double tap. The swiping and flick scrolling is predictable and the tapping experience is natural – I haven’t found myself opening apps or links by accident.

Memory

You can see that the Torch bring plenty of memory to the average user. 512mb of internal device memory should be more than adequate for the Blackberry fanatics out there. RIM has also included 4GB of built-in (non-removable) storage space for files such as pictures, music, movies and podcasts and a 4GB microSD card is included bringing the storage space out of the box up to 8GB (hence when you plug the Torch 9800 into a computer two drives pop up).

Battery Life

Need I say more? RIM (as usual) knocks it out of the park when it comes to battery life. I easily made it through a full day of heavy usage with about 20% of battery life remaining which included browing on the new Webkit Browser, utilizing Twitter for Blackberry, etc. Great battery life is one area where I will never worry of a problem with RIM. The BlackBerry Torch 9800 gets its power from the new F-S1 1270mAh battery and you’ll be quite impressed. RIM gives the following specs on the battery:

* GSM Talk Time: 5.5 hours, GSM Standby: 17 day
* UMTS Talk Time: 5.8 hours, UMTS Standby: 13 days
* Audio Playback: 29.8 hrs
* Video Playback: 6 hrs

Phone Quality/Sound Playback

The Torch was a joy to use. All calls were clear and crisp and many of those I spoke with advised me that it sounded like I was in the next room talking to them. Kudos to RIM here! Voice quality did not change whether the slider was open or closed. Vibration rings really fit the bill as well. It provided a good combination of vibration and being very quiet at the same time. No iPhone antennae problems here for sure. Lol!

Camera

The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is the first BlackBerry to make the jump up to RIM’s new five megapixel camera that features continuous autofocus, face detection and geotagging. The new camera is a welcome upgrade to BlackBerry. For the most part you’ll be able to simply leave the camera in Autofocus mode and take good pictures, but spending some time getting to know the different scene modes will help you take better pictures. I did find switching between camera scene modes can make a big impact to the photo – so it’s obviously doing something magical to adjust for specific conditions. Also fitting to the Torch name, the camera flash is incredibly bright. I suggest you really check out the features integrated into the camera. You can (without a doubt) take some quality photographs with the Torch.
I also loved the integration RIM provides where you can share images via email, Twitter, Facebook, etc. A few clicks and you’re sharing with others which was a very smooth transition.

WiFi – Like the BlackBerry Pearl 3G, the BlackBerry Torch adds the n standard to b and g and as we observed on the Pearl 3G, it definitely offers an improved WiFi experience compared to devices like the Bold 9700 and 9650 which don’t have the updated WiFi. No ability to create mobile hotspots yet either, but we’ve seen that this should be coming to the Odin (Storm2) refresh later this year. Hopefully that’s a sign most BlackBerry device models will offer it in the future.

GPS – The GPS performance on the BlackBerry Torch 9800 seems up to par with other devices. RIM has been putting a lot of work into improving the BlackBerry platform for location-based services. They’re using more cellular tower data to augment the GPS experience, and have made the cell site / geolocation api available to developers. The useful estimated time of arrival module is supported. While cell tower location is fast and pretty accurate (depending where you are), it still takes longer than I’d like for GPS location to hone in. It’s not bad, but I’d love for that to be instant.

Bluetooth – There’s no real need to mention this one, but just like other BlackBerry Smartphones today the Torch is Bluetooth 2.1 compliant. You should be good to go for using it with most Bluetooth headsets, speakerphones or other Bluetooth accessories you want to pair the Torch to.

Speakers – It could be in my head, or ears rather, but I don’t think any new BlackBerry has quite matched the BlackBerry Bold 9000 for speaker loudness and clarity. Not having a Bold 9000 handy to compare to as I type this but rather a Bold 9700, I can definitely say the Torch 9800′s built-in speakers trump those in the Bold 9700. With the volume cranked, the Bold 9700′s speakers tend to get a little tinny/twangy on the higher notes which forces you to turn the volume down, but the Torch 9800 seems to always keep the sound in check even with the volume turned to max. In other words, you won’t get annoyed listening to the Torch if you sit it on your desk for an afternoon and play some background tunes for everyone in the office.

User Interface

BlackBerry operating system 6 isn’t an overhaul of the BlackBerry OS, and while it brings a couple API-level changes, it’s mostly top layer UI modifications. For starters, BlackBerry 6 brings modal popups, press-and-hold gestures, multitouch gestures like pinch to zoom and two finger select, and drum roll please… a WebKit-based web browser with tabs.

In addition to the above, there are a bunch more enhancements: universal search, multiple contact lists (sadly you can’t link duplicate contact entries), a social networking application that can aggregate all your social networks/accounts in addition to posting simultaneously to them, redone multimedia applications, a new camera interface, kinetic scrolling (though we would have liked to see even more of this), a notifications drop down menu, and much more. I was very impressed with the UI as a whole. All functions flowed smoothly together. You will enjoy this as well.

Something I’m excited to see in BlackBerry 6 is faster application downloading/installation. Previously it would take forever to download apps (or anything for that matter), but in BlackBerry 6 the progress bar zips along just fine most of the time, and this is a welcome improvement. The phone also boots much, much quicker (everything is relative, it’s still a good minute or two) and I was quite happy with it.

Browser

I was very excited to try out the new Webkit Browser and it didn’t disappoint. In terms of rendering, web pages actually display as if they should on a desktop — correctly and formatted properly most of the time. Pinch to zoom is a go, and while it’s not as fluid as some other platforms out there, it does get the job done. Mobile websites rendered even more quickly which is a huge plus as I have quite a few mobilized versions of websites bookmarked on my device. Tabbed browsing and thumbnails in browser history are also a nice touch. Browsing on Wi-Fi was a most pleasurable experience as well. I suggest using Wi-Fi to save battery life but battery life is stellar as usual via RIM and shouldn’t be a concern.

Conclusion

The AT&T Blackberry Torch from RIM is a welcome addition to the Blackberry family. It combines a sleek-looking device with a fluid user interface. It’s easily pocketable and a breeze to use. The touchscreen has a little bit of a learning curve to it but you’ll catch on in no time. The one thing I do wish was that the device was released across multiple carriers which would’ve truly increased the sales of the device. Kudos to RIM on a device well-crafted!

Grab yourself a Torch if you’re on AT&T. Thanks to Research In Motion again for allowing The Sauce Report to review this device.

Thanks

BigTechTony

RIM Announces BlackBerry PlayBook

BlackBerry PlayBook? Ok….I’m down with that. Thanks to Engadget for the shot above, now take a moment to feast your eyes on what we all feared was going to be called the BlackPad. We can all breathe a sigh of relief that THAT name was shelved. Enter the BlackBerry PlayBook. Let’s get right into it, shall we?

Below is the full Press Release by RIM and then below that is a little teaser video! Enjoy:

New Professional-Grade Tablet Delivers Unmatched Power and Web Performance

San Francisco, CA – BlackBerry DEVCON 2010 – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today redefined the possibilities for mobile computing with the unveiling of its new professional-grade BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet and BlackBerry® Tablet OS.

Perfect for either large organizations or an “army of one”, the BlackBerry PlayBook is designed to give users what they want, including uncompromised web browsing, true multitasking and high performance multimedia, while also providing advanced security features, out-of-the-box enterprise support and a breakthrough development platform for IT departments and developers. The incredibly powerful and innovative BlackBerry PlayBook is truly a game-changing product in the growing tablet marketplace.

“RIM set out to engineer the best professional-grade tablet in the industry with cutting-edge hardware features and one of the world’s most robust and flexible operating systems,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “The BlackBerry PlayBook solidly hits the mark with industry leading power, true multitasking, uncompromised web browsing and high performance multimedia.”

The Tablet You’ll Want to Take Everywhere
This beautifully designed and incredibly powerful tablet is ultra portable, ultra thin and super convenient for both work and play. Measuring less than half an inch thick and weighing less than a pound, the BlackBerry PlayBook features a vivid 7” high resolution display that looks and feels great in your hand. With such a unique mix of utility, performance and portability, you’ll want to take it everywhere.

The New Benchmark in Tablet Performance
At its heart, the BlackBerry PlayBook is a multitasking powerhouse. Its groundbreaking performance is jointly fueled by a 1 GHz dual-core processor and the new BlackBerry Tablet OS which supports true symmetric multiprocessing. Together, the abundant processing power and highly sophisticated OS enable the BlackBerry PlayBook to provide users with true multitasking and a highly-responsive and fluid touch screen experience for apps and content services.

Uncompromised Web Browsing
With support for Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, Adobe® Mobile AIR® and HTML-5, the BlackBerry PlayBook provides customers with an uncompromised, high-fidelity web experience and offers them the ability to enjoy all of the sites, games and media on the web. For more than a decade, the mobile industry has worked to bridge the gap between the “real web” and mobile devices through various apps and technologies and, in fact, a significant number of mobile apps today still simply serve as a proxy for web content that already exists on the web. The BlackBerry PlayBook closes that gap and brings the real, full web experience to mobile users while also opening new and more exciting opportunities for developers and content publishers.

High Performance Multimedia
The BlackBerry PlayBook features premium multimedia features to support high-quality mobile experiences. It includes dual HD cameras for video capture and video conferencing that can both record HD video at the same time, and an HDMI-out port for presenting one’s creations on external displays. The BlackBerry PlayBook also offers rich stereo sound and a media player that rivals the best in the industry.

BlackBerry Integration
For those BlackBerry PlayBook users who carry a BlackBerry smartphone*, it will also be possible to pair their tablet and smartphone using a secure Bluetooth® connection. This means they can opt to use the larger tablet display to seamlessly and securely view any of the email, BBM™, calendar, tasks, documents and other content that resides on (or is accessible through) their smartphone. They can also use their tablet and smartphone interchangeably without worrying about syncing or duplicating data. This secure integration of BlackBerry tablets and smartphones is a particularly useful feature for those business users who want to leave their laptop behind.

Enterprise Ready
Thanks to the seamless and secure Bluetooth pairing experience and the highly secure underlying OS architecture, the BlackBerry PlayBook is enterprise ready and compatible (out-of-the-box) with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server. When connected over Bluetooth, the smartphone content is viewable on the tablet, but the content actually remains stored on the BlackBerry smartphone and is only temporarily cached on the tablet (and subject to IT policy controls). With this approach to information security, IT departments can deploy the BlackBerry PlayBook to employees out-of-the-box without worrying about all the security and manageability issues that arise when corporate data is stored on yet another device.

QNX Neutrino Reliability
The BlackBerry Tablet OS is built upon the QNX® Neutrino® microkernel architecture, one of the most reliable, secure and robust operating system architectures in the world. Neutrino has been field hardened for years and is being used to support mission-critical applications in everything from planes, trains and automobiles to medical equipment and the largest core routers that run the Internet.  The new BlackBerry Tablet OS leverages and builds upon the many proven strengths of this QNX Neutrino architecture to support a professional grade tablet experience and to redefine the possibilities for mobile computing.

An OS Built for Developers
The Neutrino based microkernel architecture in the BlackBerry Tablet OS delivers exceptional performance, high scalability, Common Criteria EAL 4+ security, and support for industry standard tools that are already familiar to hundreds of thousands of developers.  The OS is fully POSIX compliant enabling easy portability of C-based code, supports Open GL for 2D and 3D graphics intensive applications like gaming, and will run applications built in Adobe Mobile AIR as well as the new BlackBerry® WebWorks™ app platform announced today (which will allow apps to be written to run on BlackBerry PlayBook tablets as well as BlackBerry smartphones with BlackBerry® 6). The BlackBerry Tablet OS will also support Java enabling developers to easily bring their existing BlackBerry 6 Java applications to the BlackBerry Tablet OS environment.
Key features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook include:

• 7” LCD, 1024 x 600, WSVGA, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch and gesture support
• BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
• 1 GHz dual-core processor
• 1 GB RAM
• Dual HD cameras (3 MP front facing, 5 MP rear facing), supports 1080p HD video recording
• Video playback: 1080p HD Video, H.264, MPEG, DivX, WMV
• Audio playback: MP3, AAC, WMA
• HDMI video output
• Wi-Fi – 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Connectors: microHDMI, microUSB, charging contacts
• Open, flexible application platform with support for WebKit/HTML-5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Reader, POSIX, OpenGL, Java
• Ultra thin and portable:
o Measures 5.1”x7.6”x0.4” (130mm x 193mm x 10mm)
o Weighs less than a pound (approximately 0.9 lb or 400g)
• Additional features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook will be shared on or before the date this product is launched in retail outlets.
• RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.

Availability
The BlackBerry PlayBook is expected to be available in retail outlets and other channels in the United States in early 2011 with rollouts in other international markets beginning in (calendar) Q2.

RIM will begin working with developers and select corporate customers next month to begin development and early testing efforts.

The BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK is planned for release in the coming weeks and developers can register for early access at www.blackberry.com/developers/tabletos.

For more information, visit www.blackberry.com/playbook.

*Bluetooth support required.

What do you think? Are you sold on this? Stickin with the iPad? Going with something different? Couldn’t care less? Let us know in the comments, we want to hear what you think!

source – RIM PR

Sprint Announces New BlackBerry Curve 3G (9330)

Following on the heels of the RIM/Verizon Wireless announcement yesterday, Sprint/RIM announced today the availability of the BlackBerry Curve 3G (9330) on their network, coming September 26th. Great news for Sprint customers wanting to pick up this device to add to their arsenal.

Here’s the full presser from Sprint, who’s planning on picking one up?

Popular Series Continues with New BlackBerry Curve 3G from Sprint; Able to be updated to BlackBerry 6

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), September 15, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the upcoming availability of BlackBerry®Curve™ 3G (model 9330), a new addition to the popular BlackBerry Curve family of smartphones. The
new model offers Sprint customers a powerful, feature-rich handset at an easily affordable price.

BlackBerry Curve 3G will be available beginning Sunday, Sept. 26, through Sprint’s direct ship sales channels including Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and Web sales (www.sprint.com) for $49.99 with a new two-year service agreement, after a $100 mail-in rebate (taxes and surcharges
excluded). It will then be available in all remaining Sprint sales channels beginning Sunday, Oct. 10.

The new BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone features a sleek and professional look with its slim and lightweight form factor, textured battery door and a new chrome-like finish in Graphite Gray or Royal Purple. BlackBerry Curve 3G has 512MB Flash memory as well as a MicroSD/SDHC slot that supports
up to 32GB memory cards for media storage.

This new smartphone ships with BlackBerry® 5 out of the box and is BlackBerry® 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry® smartphones that will be available to Sprint BlackBerry Curve 3G customers in 2011. It retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while
delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Key enhancements will include a new intuitive user interface, new Social Feeds application, WebKit browser and universal search.

“The BlackBerry Curve series continues to be a tremendous success,” said David Owens, vice president of Marketing for Sprint. “We are excited to offer this new model and then bring the new BlackBerry 6 operating system to it in 2011. BlackBerry Curve 3G offers the same value and form factor our
customers have come to expect but it also provides key enhancements to stay productive and entertained with email messaging and the latest multimedia and social media features.”

BlackBerry Curve 3G offers many popular features including:

*Convenient trackpad interface with full QWERTY keyboard
*2.0 MP camera with support for video recording
*Dedicated media keys to play, pause and skip songs
*Wi-Fi®: 802-11 B/G and GPS
*Visual Voicemail
*512MB Flash memory plus a MicroSD/SDHC slot for up to 32GB of media storage, 2GB card included

“The new BlackBerry Curve 3G is an extremely attractive, approachable and affordable handset that provides a perfect choice for Sprint customers who are looking for a user-friendly 3G smartphone to help them make the most of their day,” said David J. Smith, vice president of Product Management,
Research In Motion.

The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone will support a variety of multimedia applications, including Sprint Music Store™, Sprint TV™ and Pandora™. It also boasts dedicated applications for a smoothly integrated social networking experience with Facebook®, MySpace™ and Flickr™.

BlackBerry Curve 3G requires activation on an Everything Data plan or a Business Advantage Messaging and Data plan. Additional plan options are available for business customers. Sprint’s industry-leading Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM include unlimited Web, texting and
calling to and from every mobile in America while on the Sprint network. Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month – the same price Verizon and AT&T charge for unlimited talk only (all price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).

With the Sprint Free Guarantee, customers can take advantage of BlackBerry Curve 3G for 30 days. If not completely satisfied, customers may return the smartphone within 30 days to get reimbursed for the handset purchase and activation fee, get both the early termination and restocking fees waived,
and receive a full refund for the monthly service plan charges.

Sprint is the only wireless carrier to offer Ready Now service with trained retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize their BlackBerry Curve 3G, set up features and demonstrate how it works before the customer leaves the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a
Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or they can schedule an appointment for a later time at http://www.sprint.www.sprint.com/storelocator.

source: Sprint PR

Verizon Wireless And RIM Announce The New BlackBerry Curve 9300 3G

Just received word from RIM and Verizon Wireless that the new BlackBerry Curve 9300 3G device has OFFICIALLY been announced. We’ve been hearing alot about this device over the past few months, but we finally have something concrete, and officially joint announcement.

Here’s the presser from RIM, with a link to the Verizon press release to follow below:

Today, Research In Motion (RIM) and Verizon announced the BlackBerry Curve 3G. The 9300 model is the newest member of the Curve family, and with support for Verizon’s high-speed 3G network, it’s fast, easy-to-use, and BlackBerry 6 ready. The stylish BlackBerry is available in charcoal or fuchsia red, each featuring sleek chrome highlights. With its 3G capability, browsing the web, using applications and streaming music are as quick as ever!

Verizon BlackBerry 3G smartphone features include:

* A full QWERTY keyboard for fast, comfortable typing, as well as an optical trackpad for effortless navigation

* Mobile access to RIM’s renowned e-mail services, as well as instant messaging applications such as the popular BlackBerry Messenger service

* 2.0 MP camera with zoom and video recording
* Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS

* Access to BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones

* Advanced media player for music and videos, dedicated media keys, and a microSD/SDHC card slot for expandable memory up to 32GB

* Long lasting battery

* Ships with BlackBerry 5, and is BlackBerry 6 ready

The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone will be available in business sales channels on September 16 and it will be available online and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks for $29.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.

To learn more about the new BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone, visit www.blackberry.com/curve3G.

Great news for Curve lovers! Anyone picking up this device? If so, you’ll be picking this device up at a pretty penny. Pretty good price for a brand new device.

Here’s the Verizon Wireless press release: http://news.vzw.com/news/2010/09/pr2010-09-13f.html

source – RIM email/VZW PR

Starbucks launches a BlackBerry app

RIM just sent out an email blast about a new app to hit the scene for your BlackBerry device. Like Starbucks Coffee? Grab yourself a cup of java and settle in with this new app just released.

Enjoying Starbucks Coffee Just Got Easier! You will never be without your favorite java!

Now you can add a shot of BlackBerry to your favorite coffee! Starbucks announced its Starbucks Card Mobile App for BlackBerry smartphones. The BlackBerry application syncs with Starbucks Cards and My Starbucks Rewards, making it even more convenient to manage your account.

With the Starbucks Card Mobile App for BlackBerry, you can:
* Check your Starbucks Card balance
* Reload your Starbucks Card account with any major credit card – You can even set up automatic reloads when the balance gets low
* Find nearby Starbucks stores with a worldwide store locator feature
* Check your My Starbucks Rewards status
* Experience mobile payment at Starbucks stores in more than 1,000 U.S. Target locations or in trial Starbucks stores in Seattle and Northern California.

The Starbucks Card Mobile App for BlackBerry is available for download at http://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/mobile-apps/starbucks-card-mobile-bb for BlackBerry Bold, Curve, Storm and Tour models.

For more information about the app, please visit: http://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks+expands+mobile+footprint+with+starbucks+card+mobile+app+for+blackberry+smartphones.htm.

source – RIM email