Samsung's BlackJack II outed as the i617

Don't worry BlackJack fans, Samsung does indeed seem to have a true BlackJack II successor in the works for you, unlike that stylus-based i780 pretender to the throne. Turns out the i617 -- which we saw pass the FCC yesterday -- will be doing the honors, but unfortunately it's not terribly clear what those honors will be. AT&T is a lock, thanks to the HSDPA 850 / 1900, and of course Windows Mobile 6 will be the main attraction, but there's no confirmation of WiFi or any other notable hardware upgrades just yet other than a bump to 2 megapixels from the original's 1.3. As for looks, we'll let you make up your own mind, but the design isn't much of a departure -- there's still a back hump -- but everything is considerably more shiny this time around. No word on price or availability. There's a shot of the back after the break.

[Via Mobile Phones Reviews and Tips]

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2007 1:46PM]

The keyboard is a definite improvement, as well as the cam. The hump on the back - you get used to it and it actually helps out for holding the darn thing.

If it doesn't have Wi-Fi or GPS then it is a wasted upgrade effort.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2007 2:09PM]

Looks the same, but the numbers are lined up better and the directional pad is now a scroll wheel, rather interesting...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2007 4:27PM]

your welcome Engadget for sending you this link....

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2007 5:21PM]

This looks like the nails in the coffin for the wm6 update to the Blackjack I. There's no way Samsung or AT&T is going to release an update now.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2007 5:47PM]

the update is still coming [as is WM6 for the 8525] AT&T just wants to push the fact that the Tilt/BJ2 are the first devices of theirs to have WM6 Standard/Professional. THEN they'll fulfill their word to the loyal customers who they already had.

[rkdiddy Posted Oct 9th 2007 5:58PM]

So is this going to be out prior to '08 then? I believe the BJ came out 11/21 of last year.

I really hope this has at least a 400mhz processor and BBConnect.

Wow, all these great phones for AT&T - T-mobile where's the love?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2007 6:52PM]

11/16 actually (but you were close!), but hasn't TMobile already announced the Blackberry Pearl 2?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 10th 2007 2:22AM]

how about a mini-USB charging port...?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 13th 2007 1:27AM]

No Wifi and GPS. No need to upgrade.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 23rd 2007 2:19PM]

My Samsung SGH-i600 (bought in Europe) has WiFi and was recently upgraded to WM6. Not sure why WM6 is so much better than WM5. On an HSDPA/UMTS network you need to charge the battery each day.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2007 5:29PM]

I work for at&t and I recieved an email about the blackjack 2 and it sold me! With 2.4 inch display and 2.0 mp camera this is much nicer than the original. Also my sources say it has built in gps for use with the telenav feature(and thats straight from at&t)!!!!! Additional features are Video Share, improved standard battery capacity, increased standard memory, and louder and clearer speakerphone!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 29th 2007 11:15PM]

this is straight from cingulars website


Overview
Introducing the triple threat - the Blackjack(TM) II by Samsung. It's sleeker, smarter, and easier to use than ever. With Windows Mobile� 6, faster 3G downloads, a larger 2.4" display, and a stylish look, it's the device all other smart devices want to be. It supports multiple email programs and has AT&T Music and Cellular Video capabilities. Navigate easily with the front jog wheel. Roam internationally with quad-band GSM, or get ultra-fast downloads with tri-band HSDPA. Take pictures and video with the 2 MP camera, listen to music, and stay in touch with instant messaging. With a full QWERTY keyboard and GPS support, the Blackjack(TM) II truly has it all!
Included Features

* Microsoft� Windows Mobile 6 Standard(TM)
* AT&T Mobile Music and Cellular Video capable
* Windows Media Player� 10 Mobile
* Bluetooth� 2.0� wireless connectivity
* Simultaneous voice and data capabilities
* Quad-band world phone with tri-band UMTS/HSDPA
* Slim design PDA with full QWERTY keyboard
* 2 MP camera with video recording
* Microsoft� Direct Push for real-time email delivery
* Microsoft Office Mobile� - Edit Word� and Excel�, view PowerPoint� files
* Email - Xpress Mail, ActiveSync, and more
* Synchronize your desktop and calendar wirelessly
* Instant Messaging - AOL�, Windows Live�, Yahoo!�
* GPS support for TeleNav Navigator
* Hands-free loudspeaker and microphone
* Large 2.4"color LCD screen
* Video Share calling support
* Fast loading HTML browser
* MEdiaTM Net capable
* RSS Reader