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AT&T welcoming BlackBerry Curve 3G and Pearl 3G to the fold later this year
RIM products tend to have ultra-predictable launch cycles -- when Waterloo announces a new BlackBerry, odds are pretty great that your carrier's going to pick it up at some point, no matter what carrier that may be. So it goes with the Curve 3G and Pearl 3G; neither product is new, of course, but they're new to AT&T, which has just revealed that it'll be getting both this year. The Pearl seems like it'll probably be coming first, launching on October 17 for $149.99 on contract (in its 20-key flavor) with no rebate required; the Curve, meanwhile, slips in on a to-be-determined date "in time for the holidays" for $99.99 on contract, also sans rebate. Though no mention is made of upgradeability on the Pearl, the Curve is called out as being BlackBerry 6-ready -- RIM needs carrier buy-in to deploy these upgrades, so the fact that AT&T is saying it is notable. The Pearl's price seems way out of whack, but needless to say, we're sure some of the third-party resellers will be getting 'em out the door for a penny on contract within a few weeks. Follow the break for the press release.
BlackBerry 6 shows up on Bold 9700, Pearl 3G -- and we check it out
To the untrained eye, you might think you're looking at a garden variety Bold 9700 here -- but you'd be wrong. So wrong! It's actually running BlackBerry 6, something that no device other than the touchscreen-equipped Torch has managed to do in public (in an official capacity, anyway) so far. We're not convinced that the multiple home screen navigation bar concept translates very well here -- you've got to scroll up then left or right to move between bars, which seems like too much trouble when you can just get to your entire list of apps with approximately the same amount of effort. The WebKit browser is unquestionably a huge improvement over what BlackBerry OS 5.0 users are used to, but we still witnessed it bog down significantly when checking out ye olde standby engadget.com, to the point where other UI actions in the OS were impacted. We guess it's going to take another generation of hardware or two with quicker cores (and more RAM) to fix up that stuff... hopefully. In addition to the 9700, we also checked out the re-upped Pearl 3G, which is exactly what you'd expect in practice: the same user experience, just narrower. A rep told us that the updates are expected to launch within a few weeks, though it'll depend on your carrier. Follow the break for some quick videos! %Gallery-103541%
Motorola Flipout coming to AT&T this weekend, Windows Phone 7 gear on October 17?
We've just taken delivery of a fascinating (as opposed to Fascinating, we suppose) list of rumored upcoming launches on AT&T, so let's flesh 'em out. First up, we're apparently getting the Motorola Flipout and the LG Neon II this Sunday; the Flipout has been rumored for AT&T delivery and the Neon II is an obvious replacement (which Rogers has already launched) for the aging Neon, so that all makes good sense. Next up, RIM should contribute the BlackBerry Pearl 3G and Curve 3G on October 3rd alongside a device called the Laser from Pantech. October 17 is where things really heat up, though: we've got the Motorola "Bravo" and "Flipside" (we don't know what either of these are, but we can pretty safely assume they're Android offerings) along with the "Patek" and "Universe" from Samsung. Given the date's proximity to the presumed Windows Phone 7 launch, we'd argue that at least one of these is likely the Cetus or another Microsoft-powered handset to kick off AT&T's dive into the platform. So, who's lining up for the Flipout this weekend? [Thanks, Nawaid]
BlackBerry Pearl 3G turns up on Cincinnati Bell
Wondering what ever happened to the BlackBerry Pearl 3G that made its debut way back in April and then all but disappeared? Well, we've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that you can now actually buy one in the US. The bad news is that it's seemingly only available on Cincinnati Bell at the moment. If that happens to be your carrier of choice, however, you can get your order in right now for $99.99 on a two-year contract, or simply snag the slim, SureType device outright for $349.99. Still no word on when other carriers will be getting the phone but, if the FCC is any indication, it should be headed elsewhere sooner or later. [Thanks, Adam]
BlackBerry Pearl 3G gets FCC clearance again, this time with T-Mobile 3G
Last time we went down this road, the Pearl 3G was earning its approvals on WCDMA 850 / 1900, meaning AT&T, Rogers, Bell, and Telus were all theoretically ready to roll. This time, it's the AWS version getting clearance -- in both 20- and 14-key flavors, no less -- giving T-Mobile USA along with Canada's WIND and Mobilicity everything they'd need to launch RIM's most consumer-friendly model. We still don't have confirmation either from T-Mobile or AT&T as to what their plans are for this thing, but at least we know we've got some legal hardware ready at this point.
BlackBerry Pearl 3G scoops FCC approvals in two flavors
RIM thought it'd save everyone some time (us included) by bundling both the 14- and 20-key variants of its upcoming Pearl 3G in a single FCC filing, which is awfully nice of them. The phones you're looking at here are both operating on WCDMA Bands II and V, which means they'll work swimmingly on Bell, Telus, Rogers, and AT&T (though Telus and Rogers have both announced the 20-key version alone, and neither Bell nor AT&T have said a peep on the matter). At any rate -- considering that RIM has promised a May release window -- we can't imagine it'll be long before we get the rest of the details (read: your move, AT&T).
RIM converts BMW's iDrive into 'a remote control for your BlackBerry' (video)
If there's one thing business types love more than their BlackBerry, it's their BMW -- or so we're told. It makes all sorts of sense, therefore, that the two companies would partner up to help the things they sell communicate with each other more effortlessly. Using Bluetooth MAP (Message Access Profile), BlackBerry devices can now beam emails and contacts over to BMW's iDrive dash system, where the driver can listen to his messages via a text-to-speech option or make calls using the car's speakerphone. The first supported handset is the newly minted Pearl 3G, and we're told this functionality will come as an integrated part of BlackBerry 6. To see how it works on a 335is, click past the break for the video. [Thanks, Horatiu]
BlackBerry Pearl 3G video hands-on
Observe, the rare BlackBerry Pearl 3G feeding in its natural habitat. Just look at the majestic display of vibrant colors as it attempts to court the journalist in a mating dance never before captured on camera! All kidding aside though, here's a quick look at the user interface on the 20-key version of the Pearl 3G; it's stock OS 5.0, so you're not really going to notice anything fresh here, but what we did see worked smoothly and without delay -- the delightful result of pairing a responsive optical pad, 624MHz processor, and what we would assume is a pretty well-optimized build of the platform. As we mentioned earlier, we're pretty sure the keyboards on these things are going to be a polarizing experience for users -- some will love them, others will hate them, still others will tolerate them at first and grow used to them over time. To be fair, the peak-shaped keys are probably an improvement over flat keyboards of Pearls gone by; when you've got five keys per row on a fairly narrow body, you need all the tactile help you can get. For some reason, we weren't able to connect to RIM's open WiFi network with the particular unit we were given -- the Bold 9650 next to it fared just fine, so we're not sure if the 802.11n-capable radio in this bad boy is a little dodgier than its cousin, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on. Follow the break for the video.
BlackBerry Pearl 3G first hands-on!
We just wrapped up a quick play with RIM's just-announced BlackBerry Pearl 3G, and our initial impression is a positive one -- if you've currently got a Pearl 8100 series (or even an 8200 series flip, for that matter), this looks like a must-have upgrade. The phone's UI is lightning fast, the optical pad is plenty responsive (as RIM's optical pads tend to be), and 802.11n and HSDPA are obviously both welcome additions. The keyboards are a little funny, but that's nothing new -- Pearls have always had polarizing keyboards, dating back to the early days -- but we think we prefer the 14-key just a smidge over the traditional 20-key. For whatever reason, RIM has chosen to give the 14-key version more rounded, curved keys, whereas the buttons on the 20-key version have angled tops that put a little more pressure on the fingertips (we're sure you could handily get used to either version, of course). The company is quick to note that the numeric keypad is not using T9 -- it's using a flavor of SurePress -- so... you know, don't get it twisted. Hit up the gallery below! %Gallery-91806% %Gallery-91812%
BlackBerry Pearl 3G revealed: two keypad styles and 802.11n WiFi
As smartphones go, the original BlackBerry Pearl 8100 series' longevity is nothing short of astounding -- with some minor tweaks, the phone has lasted essentially unchanged for well over three years. Needless to say, it's time for the granddaddy of consumer-grade BlackBerrys to start collecting pension, so it's an awfully good thing that RIM has chosen its WES conference this week to announce the all-new Pearl 3G. Rumored as the Pearl 9100, the phone becomes RIM's very first with 802.11n WiFi support (in addition to 802.11b and g, naturally) and features a 3.2 megapixel camera, 256MB of internal storage with microSD expansion up to 32GB, GPS, triband HSDPA with quadband GSM / EDGE, and a 360 x 400 display. RIM is making the Pearl 3G available in "several lustrous colors" and two different keypad configurations -- numeric 14-key and the more traditional SurePress 20-key -- though there's no indication that the rumored QWERTY version will make it to retail (at least, not yet) or that the company intends for users to be able to swap modules themselves. Expect the phone to launch with "various carriers" in May -- and considering that they've got both AWS and 850 / 1900MHz 3G versions in the mix, we'd expect to see it launch on AT&T and T-Mobile alike. Follow the break for RIM's full press release. Update: RIM CEO Mike Lazaridis just showed off a white version of the Pearl 3G during his WES talk. We haven't seen one floating around, but it looks pretty hot -- and considering the number of colors the original Pearl came in during its lifetime, we'd expect it to be just the start. Pic after the break.
BlackBerry Bold 9650 and Pearl 3G outed
Oops, looks like The Street leaked RIM's big unveil for later this morning at its WES show: the BlackBerry Bold 9650 (pictured left looking very Tour like) and BlackBerry Pearl 3G. The Bold 9650 boasts 802.11b/g WiFi, a 3.2 megapixel cam, GPS, and support for US EV-DO Rev A networks or UMTS/HSPDA when abroad -- look for it to launch next month on Sprint. The Pearl 3G is headed to Bell, Telus, and Rogers in Canada with a 3.2 megapixel camera, 802.11n WiFi, GPS, and triband HSDPA data with quadband GSM / EDGE. Both feature RIM's new optical trackpad. Hold tight while we wait for more detail from RIM. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Sunday scoops: Android on AT&T, Palm Eos details, BlackBerry Magnum, and more
Usually, Sundays don't get too crazy at Engadget -- after all, even super-nerds need to rest. That wasn't the case yesterday, however, as we found ourselves knee-deep in a handful of seriously sweet smartphone leaks. Most of the news centered around AT&T's upcoming devices (you know, like its first Android phones, brand new BlackBerry offerings, and... the Palm Eos), but we also saw a few new angles on the Pre. Do yourself a favor and hit all the links below -- you won't be sorry.AT&T leaks HTC Lancaster is a QWERTY slider with Android for AT&T Palm Eos on track for AT&T release second half of 2009 HP triumphantly returns to AT&T with iPAQ K3 "Obsidian" Blackberry Magnum, Onyx, Pearl 3G, and Gemini to harmonize on AT&T HTC's Warhawk and Fortress are AT&T's Touch Diamond2 and Pro2 Nokia Grouper, Mako, Snapper, and Thresher rolling deep on AT&T Pre leaks Sprint's Pre business launch guide leaked in its entirety Plethora of Palm Pre interface videos emerge from leaked emulator
Blackberry Magnum, Onyx, Pearl 3G, and Gemini to harmonize on AT&T
BlackBerry lovers, AT&T beckons. Looks like the just-reviewed Onyx is heading to AT&T and, as rumored before, so is the Magnum. We've got no pics of the latter device, but it's being touted here as the "BlackBerry Bold portfolio evolution" and uses the same processor as the Bold. It's also got a HVGA touchscreen, QWERTY pad, quad-band GSM / GRS / EDGE, GPS, and WiFi. Want more? How about an apparently non-flip Pearl 3G with 3.6 Mbps of HSDPA goodness, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headset jack, trackball, SureType, and aGPS. Rounding out this quartet is the Gemini, with a 512MHz processor, 256MB flash memory, 128MB RAM, Bluetooth, QVGA LCD, 2 megapixel sans flash, trackball, QWERTY keyboard, 3.5mm headset jack, a microSD slot, possibly GPS, and sadly, no 3G. There's no release date in sight, but hey, knowing they're on the way is half the battle, right?
