Tag Archives: blackberry

BlackBerry Curve 9380 shows up next to big brother 9860

As a quick follow-up to the BlackBerry Bold 9790 shots yesterday , we’ve got another one showing that the Curve Touch revealed back in January is still alive and well. We’re counting on it being a lower-end version of the Torch 9850 / 60, hosting a smaller 3.2-inch screen and 800 MHz processor, but keeping the 5 megapixel camera with 720p video recording. NFC should be included too, but like with the 9900 , it’s up to the carriers to decide to enable it. The CDMA version was the first to be seen, so we can excpect the BlackBerry Curve 9380 to show up at either Verizon or Sprint, and there were rumbles that T-Mobile may be offering it as well . It’s great that RIM is trying to offer options at all form factors and price points, but it’s hard not to feel like that focus could instead be put towards getting a QNX smartphone out the door a little sooner. The OS 7 devices are really just a stepping stone to that eventuality, so it seems bizarre that RIM is spending so much effort to make OS 7 such a significant generation of devices. of course, if the QNX smartphone doesn’t land until mid-2012, at least there will be a stable of relatively new devices to keep RIM afloat until then. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the naming convention; RIM’s trying to make “Curve” the new entry-level family, but I generally feel like people associate form factors with names rather than pricetags. In any case, here’s hoping the battery life on the Curve 9380 is better than the Torch 9860… So far, that seems to be the biggest strike against the latest BlackBerry devices, but if the lower-end ones can burn a little cooler, they could be attractive options for busy people. [via BGR ] BlackBerry Curve 9380 shows up next to big brother 9860 originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-13T20:44:22Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Sprint to offer mobile hotspot on BlackBerry 7 devices in Q4

RIM’s announcement of their first OS 7 BlackBerry devices was dampened a bit by the lack of the rumoured mobile hotspot function, but a leaked Sprint memo suggests the feature may be unlocked in a future firmware update due in the fourth quarter. The memo was issued because Sprint screwed up on the packaging for the BlackBerry Torch 9860 and listed the hotspot feature there. Presumably such a upgrade, once approved by carriers, would enable mobile hotspot on other OS 7 BlackBerry phones too, like the Torch 9810 and Bold 9900 . Even the Curve 9360 should have it . It’s not unheard of for carriers to block core features for BlackBerry devices, such as NFC on the new Bold . Mobile hotspot may be a particularly tricky feature for carriers to work in, be it because of new pricing options, battery optimization, or any number of other issues. It took awhile for iPhone to get it too, so I’m not particularly bitter about the wait. Given RIM’s obsession with efficiency, and the high demands of mobile broadband, I suspect that carriers will be happy about how little of a strain BlackBerry mobile hotspots will be on their networks. We’ll be keeping an eye out for the first signs of hotspot-friendly firmware (be it official or otherwise), and with any luck, NFC on the 9900 will be unlocked soon too. [via CB ] Sprint to offer mobile hotspot on BlackBerry 7 devices in Q4 originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-13T19:11:53Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Layar now augments reality on BlackBerry

Now that compass-equipped BlackBerry smartphones are gradually hitting the streets, augmented reality app developers can now start setting up shop on RIM’s handsets. Layar launched their offering on App World today, which lets you browser nearby points of interest, like restaurants, hotels, and helpful data like geo-located Wikipedia articles and tweets just by point your phone’s camera in a given direction. Layar for BlackBerry lets you share items you discover on the 2,000-odd layers of data through Facebook and Twitter, if you’re so inclined. Layar uses GPS to figure out your location, the magnetic compass to figure out which way you’re facing, and overlays an image from the phone’s camera with data depending on what you’re looking at. With this scheme, you can find your way to restaurants, see what people are tweeting about within a certain radius, and generally enhances what you’re able to see in the world. Wikitude, a Layar competitor in the augmented reality world, snagged the launch partnership with RIM , so I’ll be curious to see if Layar will bring enough alternative functionality to get people to switch. Layar has done a few things that set it apart, like 3D model support in their developer API , and Google Goggles-style object recognition , so they’ve got a few tricks up their sleeve. If you’re interested in giving Layar a go, it’s available in BlackBerry App World over here . [via BerryReview ] Layar now augments reality on BlackBerry originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-12T19:18:23Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

BlackBerry 9980 gets videoed, doesn’t look any better

Last week we got a closer look at a bizarre-looking BlackBerry bearing the model number 9980 . A fresh video giving us a the tour shows it’s not that different from the Bold 9900, and all of the real changes are cosmetic. On top of that, new information is suggesting the BlackBerry 9980 may be code-named Knight / R47, and that it will be Porsche-branded. This seems likely enough considering the blocky design falls in with the other two Porsche phones out there, and the font used on the keyboard is identical to the one they use on their site . Aside from the change in casing, the BlackBerry 9980 looks like it’s got the same specs as the 9900: 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, 2.8-inch 640 x 480 touchscreen, and OS 7 software complete with the new version of App World . That’s certainly a load off, since there was a lot of worry that RIM had lost their aesthetic sensibilities. For those that are really into the Porsche lifestyle and are willing to shell out exorbitant sums for a luxury phone, this could be a solid partnership for BlackBerry. Nokia dabbled in luxury phones through Vertu , though I’m dubious that such a big investment paid off in the long run. Now that that’s all figured out, hopefully we won’t have to look at this thing again until an official announcement. [via BerryCN , CB ] BlackBerry 9980 gets videoed, doesn’t look any better originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-12T14:28:16Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Rumoured luxury BlackBerry 9980 is ugly as sin

AHHH! My eyes! Kill it! Kill it with fire! Either a Nokia designer from ten years ago traveled through time and infiltrated RIM to play a cruel joke, or this BlackBerry 9980 is still very much a work in progress. We caught a fuzzy glimpse of this BlackBerry a few weeks ago , with the initial assumption that this was going to be RIM’s first QNX smartphone, but that was quickly corrected by the source, and as we can see here, it’s running good ol’ OS 7. Maybe that software will change once (or if) this monstrosity gets launched, but we’ll see.  The source says the keyboard is made of metal, which might actually be a nice change of pace, but everything else about this thing is way, way too blocky. The source also says this may be a limited edition model that will be set with diamonds. As much as I might pray that this is just some crazy Chinese knock-off, there are lots of signs to the contrary, like a label by the SIM card slot saying “Made in Canada”, and the same battery used as the Bold 9900. All of the layout seems to be in line with what RIM has established with the 9900: headphone jack and microUSB jack on the left side, charging contacts at the bottom, NFC built into the battery door, media controls and convenience key on the right side…  That being said, I sincerely hope that this was just an early prototype of the 9900, and isn’t actually something RIM intends to launch. With any luck, it’s just some terrible third-party luxury handset retailer that has struck up a deal with RIM to get access to parts. The ominous “proceeding” etching at the top seems to indicate that this is a prototype that will (or was at one point) moving forward. Is there anyone out there who would actually get this thing, embedded with diamonds or otherwise? [ MaxPDA via CB ] Rumoured luxury BlackBerry 9980 is ugly as sin originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-09T18:23:58Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Sprint BlackBerry Curve 9350 launch pushed back to October

While T-Mobile might be lining up to launch the new BlackBerry Curve soon , Sprint is falling a bit behind schedule. They’ve recently posted on their community forums that “due to unexpected circumstances, Sprint shifted the launch of the BlackBerry Curve 9350 smartphone beyond the planned Sept. 9 availability date. It will now go on sale in October with a specific availability date shared at a later time.” Though the BlackBerry Curve 9350 / 60 is RIM’s latest entry-level device, it beats the snot out of their top-end phones last generation; it’s got an 800 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, and a 2.4-inch 480 x 360 non-touch display. It’s running OS 7, which includes a new graphics rendering engine, and a few added features, like augmented reality support and voice-activated universal search. I had my hands on a Telus unit recently , where you can see just how slim and pocketable the thing is. We should have a review going up next week. It’s a little crazy that it’s taking so long for the new BlackBerry Curve to come out in the U.S., seeing as we’ve had it up here in Canada for about two weeks now , but at least sprint is offering the higher-end Torch 9850 and Bold 9930 . Considering AT&T isn’t due to get some of the newest BlackBerry devices until November , I suspect RIM’s OS 7 lineup won’t be available in its entirety across all U.S. carriers until just before the holidays. [RT @Sprint ] Sprint BlackBerry Curve 9350 launch pushed back to October originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-09T14:41:54Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

BlackBerry Torch 9810 review: same package, new insides

At first blush, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 looks an awful lot like the year-old 9800 ; the slide-out keyboard, the capacitive touchscreen, the unified lock/mute rocker on the top… Even stills of the operating system look identical to OS 6, an update the 9800 helped launch last summer. After playing with the phone in person for even a second, however, you can tell it runs a hell of a lot faster than any of the older BlackBerry handsets out there. But for all of its performance enhancements, should we really be that interested in a phone that looks, feels, and at its core functions the same as a year-old device? Check out our full review below to find out. BlackBerry Torch 9810 review: same package, new insides originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-07T00:29:07Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Verizon gets official with BlackBerry Torch 9850 launch date and pricing

No more waiting on details for the Verizon BlackBerry Torch 9850 we spotted earlier this summer . As expected , RIM’s latest all-touch smartphone will be available online starting on September 8, and will be in stores on September 15. Pricing will sit at $199.99 on a two-year contract, which is a bit pricier than what Sprint’s asking , but I’m sure that cost will go down quickly enough. The BlackBerry Torch 9850 lines up with the other new OS 7 devices from RIM, packing a 1.2 GHz processor, 768 MB of RAM, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p video recording, a solid 3.7-inch 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen. Augmented reality is finally a go on the newer devices, but this one doesn’t have NFC, and the rumoured inclusion of mobile hotspot sadly didn’t pan out. As far as connectivity goes, the 9850 plays on both GSM and CDMA 2G and 3G networks, ensuring solid world roaming (if not any high-end LTE action). The software’s nicely polished and responsive, but more or less the same experience you’ve come to expect on a BlackBerry.  I reviewed the Sprint model , if you’re thinking about picking up the Verizon one. The Torch 9850 joins the Bold 9930 in Verizon’s BlackBerry lineup , and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Curve 9350 show up later this month , and possibly a lower-end version of the all-touch BlackBerry  to keep the other two company. You’ll be able to find the Torch 9850 in the online store over here starting Thursday. [ via ] Verizon gets official with BlackBerry Torch 9850 launch date and pricing originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-06T18:48:53Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

BlackBerry Torch 9850 due for Verizon September 8

U.S. carriers have been stocking up on RIM’s various new BlackBerry models in preparation for the back-to-school season, but they’re not done yet. We’re still waiting on Verizon’s version of the new all-touch BlackBerry, but some internal documents are suggesting the Torch 9850 may be available to preorder customers September 8 – a scant week away. The full retail rollout should be done by September 15. We had an inkling that Verizon would be launching the phone , and the last batch of leaked dates suggested a launch today, but a week delay isn’t so bad. The BlackBerry Torch 9850 has the biggest screen RIM has slapped on a phone to date, measuring 3.7 inches, with a respectable 800 x 480 resolution. The 1.2 GHz processor and 768 MB of RAM offer a generally smooth experience, but OS 7 is still fairly centred on the strong messaging capabilities that BlackBerry is well known for. Of course, the big screen and processor bump make it decent for watching video, it’s mostly put to use reading e-mail and web browsing. The 5 megapixel camera with LED flash has continuous autofocus, which is more than the Bold 9900 can claim, though the Torch doesn’t have NFC built in. For an in-depth look at the phone, check out my full review . Sprint has already been offering the new Torch for a little over a week now , but the AT&T and T-Mobile model still aren’t anywhere to be seen. You can keep an eye on Verizon’s BlackBerry selection over in their online store here . [ OSBB via VZbuzz ] BlackBerry Torch 9850 due for Verizon September 8 originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-01T16:19:03Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Rogers launches BlackBerry Curve 9360

Another day, another BlackBerry launch. Following up on the Bold 9900, Torch 9810 , and Torch 9860 , Rogers is now selling RIM’s latest entry-level smartphone: the Curve 9360.   Bell and Telus got theirs out the door early last week, and Rogers is matching their $49.99 on a three-year contract. Although the Curve is a bit lower-end than the Bold 9900, Torch 9810, and Torch 9860 launching alongside it, it still beats the specs on RIM’s older phones like the Bold 9780 and Torch 9800. The screen is non-touch, and measures 2.4 inches at a resolution of 360 x 480. The processor is a respectable 800 MHz with 512 MB of RAM, the camera weighs in at 5 megapixels with an LED flash, and there’s even a magnetic compass and near-field communications chip tucked in there (though Rogers has a software block on NFC for now). We’ve got some hands-on time with the little thing over here , and will be giving it a full review next week. RIM’s always done well with entry-level devices, like the 8500-series, and I expect that the 9360, being as slim and pocketable as it is, will be fairly popular too. U.S. carriers are expected to shoot their versions out shortly, but any Canadians wanting to snag the BlackBerry Curve 9360 can find it in the Rogers online store . Rogers launches BlackBerry Curve 9360 originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-08-31T18:04:06Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j