Blackberry
‘World’ BlackBerry getting hitched to CDMA is Sprint next?
According to the Associated Press, Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Corp. are introducing a BlackBerry e-mail phone that’s compatible with the cellular technology more common in other countries in addition to the standard used on their own U.S. networks. One key difference between the Verizon and Sprint versions of the new BlackBerry 8830 is that Sprint’s will be ”unlocked,” enabling customers who take the device abroad to buy wireless service in other countries through other carriers. Verizon’s 8830 is locked so that it can only be used overseas through Verizon’s roaming service.
The new phone is a variant of the 8800 line introduced in February by BlackBerry maker Research in Motion Ltd. through AT&T Inc.
RIM developed the dual-mode capability to suit Verizon’s and Sprint’s circumstances. Both companies use what some experts consider a superior wireless technology known as CDMA. But the vast majority of the world’s cellular networks run on a standard called GSM. As a result, where GSM-based carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile USA can easily offer phones that work overseas, Verizon and Sprint haven’t had many options for their customers who travel abroad.
Though a dual-mode phone is an obvious solution, the drawback is the cost of adding more complex components and the engineering challenge of jamming them into a handheld device without making it bulky. Verizon said it locked the new BlackBerry as part of its emphasis on ensuring network quality for customers, this time outside the United States. But that policy disables one of the most popular attributes of GSM phones, all of which feature a slot for a removable, postage-stamp sized card that stores a user’s account information. The ability to remove that card, called a SIM, enables a user to buy multiple GSM phones and use whichever one suits the occasion.
More importantly in this case, GSM also enables a traveler to use a single phone, but buy wireless service from different providers in different countries. Then, by slipping the appropriate SIM into the phone in a given country, the user can cut back on the steep international roaming fees charged by carriers.
Vodafone Group PLC, which owns 45 percent of Verizon Wireless, will be providing much of the overseas roaming service for Verizon’s 8830. So by locking the BlackBerry 8830 to only work with a Verizon SIM, those two companies will be sure to capture the revenue from any calls made with the device from another country.
But what about Sprint Nextel? Long desirous of a international solution, does this signal something greater for the perennial stepchild of U.S. wireless carriers? Are they looking for an international acquisition to complement their very good U.S. coverage? Or maybe Sprint is the acquisition target. There are many international partners that would compliment Sprint Nextel’s significant footprint in the U.S. What about Orange and NTT DoCoMo? Both would complement the other’s respective coverage well. NTT DoCoMo has long wanted a U.S. presence and with Sprint Nextel, they get a large swath of valuable U.S. wireless spectrum in which to build out their 3G and 4G services…something that the Japanese market has long outpaced that of the U.S. in usage and capabilities.
Incipio Announces BlackBerry 8800 Cases
On the heels of the long anticipated BlackBerry 8800 smartphone Incipio Technologies is proud to announce a complete line of carrying cases for the BlackBerry 8800. This slim full featured device will definitely make an impact on the market. The phone features GPS, BlackBerry Maps, a multi-media player, expandable memory, and Voice-Activated Dialing all in a slim form factor utilizing BlackBerry’s excellent track ball navigation feature. We’ve been waiting for this device and are very excited for its release 
T-Mobile Releases Blackberry Pearl White As Cingular Adds Pearl Black To Product Line
The Blackberry Pearl White has been released by T-Mobile in time for Valentine’s Day. This new take on an already favorite design is going to be very popular in the weeks to come and will make a great gift. To make it an unforgettable gift, compliment the already stylish design with a new and protective case made of durable silicone available in Pink, Light Blue, Smoke, and Clear. Incipio will also have new sexy, leather cases available for Valentine’s holiday.
(Image Credit: T-Mobile)
On a similar note Cingular has added the Blackberry Pearl Black to their product line.
BlackBerry 8800 Specs?
Photos of the new BlackBerry 8800 have been leaked and now we can see what many have been talking about. Among the many features on this device are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, a Trackball, speakerphone, 64MB Flash, expandable memory and for the models to be released later a 1.3 mp Camera. For a full spec list just continue reading. As for accessories, well Incipio will be there when the time comes for release, which as of now is beginning of 2007 “Indigo” (first release w/o Camera), spring 2007 “Crimson” (second release with Camera). List of Features:
- Quad-Band: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS, EDGE + Wi-Fi
- Phone and SMS
- Corporate Data Access
- Organizer
- Wireless Internet
- BlackBerry Maps
- Trackball, ESC key and Menu key
- Integrated earpiece and microphone
- Integrated speakerphone
- Bluetooth v2.0; headset, hands-free and serial port profiles supported
- Polyphonic, MP3 & MIDI ringtones, vibrate, on-screen or LED indicator
- Embedded RIM wireless modem
- Supported by version 4.2 or higher
- Ultra Thin
- Full QWERTY keypad
- Large 320 x 240 screen
- Full multimedia feature set
- Possible on some versions of the 8800 (Camera - 1.3 mp, 5x digital zoom, flash and maybe even video recording)
- Media Player - audio and video playback (Built-in streaming*) stereo headset compatible.
- 64 MB Flash, expandable memory (Micro SD)
- Great phone experience w/ Advanced noise and echo cancellation
- Voice activated dialing, speakerphone, Bluetooth 2.0
Cingular BlackBerry 8710
Not many details have been released on this new device but the information being shared around the blogosphere states that the Blackberry 8710c is already being tested.
