Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BlackBerry Curve 9220 hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/blackberry-curve-9220-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/blackberry-curve-9220-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/blackberry-curve-9220-hands-on/#comments BlackBerry Curve 9220 hands-on

We're just beginning our sojourn through this year's BlackBerry World, and we've already found a rare gem that may not get a lot of face time here in the States: the Curve 9220. This little 3G-less beaut takes advantage of BlackBerry OS 7.1, but it isn't going to attract the spec-hungry folk -- it packs a 2MP camera and features a 2.4-inch non-touch display with 320 x 240 resolution. It very well may, however, gain the favor of anyone looking for a budget-friendly BBM device. Seeing as this is the phone's major selling point, we made sure to take a few minutes to play with its keyboard. Compared to the QWERTY-laden legends that have graced BlackBerry devices for years (the Bold 9900 and Tour come to mind), the 9220's keyboard has some big shoes to fill, but unfortunately you won't be blessed with the same kind of experience that you'd have when using one of its elder brothers. Due to the phone's petite size, the individual keys -- arranged in standalone formation and without frets -- are a bit cramped and felt a little too slick for our taste. Of course, this isn't poised to be the latest and greatest that Waterloo has to offer, but for the low price of 10,990 rupees (about $210), it's still a pretty sweet deal for messaging lovers on a shoestring budget. Head below to view the phone from every angle.

Gallery: BlackBerry Curve 9220 hands-on

Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.

BlackBerry Curve 9220 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 01:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2g9220bb worldBbWorldblackberryblackberry 7.1blackberry curve 9220blackberry os 7.1blackberry worldblackberry world 2012Blackberry7.1BlackberryCurve9220BlackberryOs7.1BlackberryWorldBlackberryWorld2012budgetcurvecurve 9220Curve9220edgeindiamobilepostcrossqwertyresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimTue, 01 May 2012 01:38:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM announces 'budget' BlackBerry 9220 for Indian socialites]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/rim-announces-budget-blackberry-9220-for-indian-socialites/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/rim-announces-budget-blackberry-9220-for-indian-socialites/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/rim-announces-budget-blackberry-9220-for-indian-socialites/#comments RIM announces 'budget' BlackBerry 9220 for Indian socialites

There are a lot of Indian hands out there, hands in which there could also be a BlackBerry smartphone. A fact not lost on RIM it would appear, as it's set to released its "most affordable" Curve -- the 9220 -- over there. Naturally, the ubiquitous BBM service takes center stage, even having its own dedicated button. The new handset also comes fully laden with all the usual social networking goodies, and for the launch RIM's kindly throwing in a selection of apps from BlackBerry World worth 2500 rupees (about $50) if you get on board before June 30th. You might want to find a WiFi hotspot to download them though, as there's no 3G, but you can tune into Radio Mumbai via the FM receiver to take your mind off that omission. Camera-wise it's a fairly humble 2-megapixel affair, which combined with the memory card slot, should allow a stack of photos for sharing. Wondering exactly how affordable it is? Lay down 10,990 rupees (about $210,) and it's yours -- as of tomorrow that is.

Continue reading RIM announces 'budget' BlackBerry 9220 for Indian socialites

RIM announces 'budget' BlackBerry 9220 for Indian socialites originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>92209220 curve9220CurveBBMblackberryblackberry 9220blackberry curveblackberry curve 9220Blackberry9220BlackberryCurveBlackberryCurve9220budgetindiamobilepostminiRIMsmartphoneWed, 18 Apr 2012 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry 9320 leaks out, looks like every other Curve]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/rim-blackberry-curve-9320-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/rim-blackberry-curve-9320-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/rim-blackberry-curve-9320-leaked/#comments BlackBerry 9320 leaks out, looks like every other Curve
If you thought RIM's decline would inject a need to give its handsets a major makeover, think again. The folks from BGR have smudged their fingertips all over an India-bound BlackBerry device and, well, it shamelessly resembles just about every member of the Curve family. The purported 9320 is said to come sporting OS 7.1 at its core, along with a 2.44-inch, 320 x 240 qVGA+ display, 512MB of RAM as well as a 3.2-megapixel rear shooter. Allegedly, the BlackBerry is also rocking a BBM button on its left spine, which should come in handy to those who love some Berry-specific instant messaging. Word is the Curve 9320 will be ready to hit the streets next month for around 12,000 Rupees (or around $245). Hopefully by then you haven't spent your cash on one of those shiny new talkers we saw in Barcelona.

BlackBerry 9320 leaks out, looks like every other Curve originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9320bbmblackberryblackberry curveblackberry curve 9320blackberry os 7blackberry os 7.1BlackberryCurveBlackberryCurve9320BlackberryOs7BlackberryOs7.1curvecurve 9320Curve9320indialeakleaksmobilepostminirimThu, 01 Mar 2012 22:01:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM builds BlackBerry server center in Mumbai, right where Indian government wants it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/rim-builds-blackberry-server-center-in-mumbai/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/rim-builds-blackberry-server-center-in-mumbai/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/rim-builds-blackberry-server-center-in-mumbai/#comments RIM puts BlackBerry servers in MumbaiThis is the epilogue to a story that started as far back as 2008, when the Indian government first demanded access to encrypted BBM traffic. In 2010, RIM made "certain proposals" that satisfied politicos and averted a ban, and now it's gone one step further -- placing 5,000 BES Enterprise servers directly beneath officials' noses in Mumbai. It's not yet clear if messages will be subject to any more scrutiny than they were before, but N4BB reports that a "team of officers" has already inspected the installation and that "permission for direct monitoring" is "expected to be issued." Looks like those snoops will soon be working double shifts.

RIM builds BlackBerry server center in Mumbai, right where Indian government wants it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbmbesbes serverBesServerBlackBerryblackberry messengerBlackberryMessengerdirect monitoringDirectMonitoringencryptedgovernmentindiaindian governmentIndianGovernmentmobilepostcrossmonitoringMumbaiResearch in motionResearchInMotionRIMWed, 22 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of September 19, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-19-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-19-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-19-2011/#comments This week was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of September 19, 2011:
  • Opera Software, builder of the popular mobile browser, announced it was acquiring Handster, an app store platform that supports Android, WP7, BlackBerry, and Symbian. [TechCrunch]
  • Samsung unveiled three new HSDPA feature phones destined for India: the Champ 3.5G (S3770), Primo (S5610) and Chat 527 (S5270). [UnwiredView and SammyHub]
  • A leaked image indicates the HTC Hero S will be coming to US Cellular in the near future. The device appears to be the Kingdom, and is expected to feature a 1.2GHz single-core Qualcomm CPU, 768MB of RAM, a 4-inch qHD display and Gingerbread. [PocketNow]
  • Speaking of US Cellular, the Motorola Electrify officially became available for purchase online this week (expected in stores on September 26th), and can be yours for $200 after a $100 mail-in rebate. [AndroidCentral]
  • Wirefly accidentally outed press renders of the Samsung Stratosphere -- on the retailer's Pantech Breakout page. The images have since been removed. [OwenJohnston]
  • A white version of the Samsung Galaxy S II is making the rounds in the UK, but we learned this week that Bell Canada will be launching it well before the holidays. Interestingly, the device in the image (seen above) has retained the international version's three-button layout. [MobileSyrup]
  • Among the barrage of new phones Sprint's releasing on October 2nd is the BlackBerry Curve 9350, according to another leaked employee memo. The price will likely be $80 after a $50 mail-in rebate. [CrackBerry]
  • T-Mobile MVNO Simple Mobile announced a new unlimited prepaid plan for BlackBerry devices for $60 / month, which includes access to T-Mo's HSPA+ network. [N4BB]
  • Huawei appears to have outed press images of the Honor, which is said to have a 4-inch FWVGA LCD, Gingerbread, 1.4GHz CPU (no specifics known yet), and an 8MP rear camera accompanied by a front-facing cam (again, no details on the resolution here). [EuroDroid]
  • A member of the iPhone Dev Team has released a new version of Redsn0w, its popular iOS jailbreaking software, known as 0.9.9b1. Check the link to get the full list of new features. [Technobolt]

Mobile Miscellany: week of September 19, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9350applebellblackberryblackberry curve 9350BlackberryCurve9350canadachampchamp 3.5gChamp3.5gdev teamDevTeamelectrifygalaxy s ii whiteGalaxySIiWhitehandsterhero sHeroShtc herohtc hero shtc kingdomHtcHeroHtcHeroSHtcKingdomhuaweihuawei honorhuawei honourHuaweiHonorHuaweiHonourindiaiosipadiphoneiphone dev teamIphoneDevTeamipod touchIpodTouchjailbreakkingdomltemobilepostcrossmotorola electrifyMotorolaElectrifymvnooperapantech breakoutPantechBreakoutprimoredsn0wredsnowresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsamsung champsamsung champ 3.5gsamsung chatsamsung galaxy s ii whitesamsung primosamsung stratosphereSamsungChampSamsungChamp3.5gSamsungChatSamsungGalaxySIiWhiteSamsungPrimoSamsungStratospheresimplesimple mobileSimpleMobilesprintt-mobileus cellularUsCellularverizonwhitewireflySat, 24 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peek calls own internet-only devices 'collector's items,' heads to India with the cloud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/peek-calls-own-internet-only-devices-collectors-items-heads/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/peek-calls-own-internet-only-devices-collectors-items-heads/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/peek-calls-own-internet-only-devices-collectors-items-heads/#comments Peek calls own internet-only devices 'collector's items,' heads to India with the cloud Nokia? Samsung? LG? Those jokers are all 'old world' has-beens. The future -- according to Peek's latest email campaign -- is Indian featurephones. Well, at least MicroMax's latest, the Q80 EZPAD. Peek says its 'Genius Cloud' gifts the Q80 with smartphone-like features via cloud-based software. The firm's site claims that the service will run on any hardware, from not-phone to smartphone, providing push mail, instant messaging, video chat, social networking, software GPS, web browsing, and other smartphone features. Writing on Business Insider, Peekster-in-Cheif Amol Sarva asserts that low-end devices have pushed Nokia out of the asian market, and suggests that with the help of the Genius Cloud, featurephones can do the same to RIM. If that doesn't work out, at least the firm still has a corner on the dedicated tweeting handheld market.

Peek calls own internet-only devices 'collector's items,' heads to India with the cloud originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud computingCloudComputingdumb phoneDumbPhoneexpadezpadfeature phonefeature phonesfeaturephonefeaturephonesindiaMicroMaxMicroMax Q80MICROMAX Q80 EZPADMicromaxQ80MicromaxQ80EzpadPeekPeek CloudPeek Genuis CloudPeekCloudPeekGenuisCloudphonephonesq80 ezpadQ80EzpadRIMThu, 21 Jul 2011 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry PlayBook rolling out internationally over the next month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/blackberry-playbook-rolling-out-internationally-over-the-next-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/blackberry-playbook-rolling-out-internationally-over-the-next-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/blackberry-playbook-rolling-out-internationally-over-the-next-mo/#comments Here in the US and Canada, we're already worrying about things like recalls, while the rest of world is still waiting for its crack at the original BlackBerry PlayBook. RIM today announced that its enterprise-friendly tablet will be hitting 16 more markets over the next 30 days -- though some of the locations, like the UK, have already been announced (you guys will be getting the thing in a mere six days). Recipients include Hong Kong, India, and Australia -- check out the full list in the form of a press release after the break. And when you're done let's start talking next-generation specs.

Continue reading BlackBerry PlayBook rolling out internationally over the next month

BlackBerry PlayBook rolling out internationally over the next month originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiablackberryblackberry osBlackberryOscolombiaenterprisefrancehong kongHongKongindiainternationalitalymexiconetherlandsresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsingaporetabletuaeukFri, 10 Jun 2011 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[India wants to spy on Nokia users, BlackBerry fans no longer feel special]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/16/india-wants-to-spy-on-nokia-users-blackberry-fans-no-longer-fee/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/16/india-wants-to-spy-on-nokia-users-blackberry-fans-no-longer-fee/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/16/india-wants-to-spy-on-nokia-users-blackberry-fans-no-longer-fee/#commentsNokia blocked in India Poor Nokia, between having to abandon its Symbian baby and hawk anachronistic wares at a Microsoft event, it's had a pretty rough go of it recently. Now India's Ministry of Home Affairs wants to block the launch of the company's new push email service until a monitoring system can be put in place. According to The Economic Times, the Department of Telecommunications is being asked to hold back the service until the intelligence community has a way to spy on messages being sent. RIM recently fought a similar battle with the Indian government, as well as those in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Looks like the two companies share more in common than just their slip from the top of the smartphone heap.

India wants to spy on Nokia users, BlackBerry fans no longer feel special originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbannedblackberryblockindiamessagingMinistry of Home AffairsMinistryOfHomeAffairsmonitoringnokiaprivacypush emailPushEmailrimsecuritysnoopsnoopingspyspyingSat, 16 Apr 2011 22:01:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM opens door for Indian officials, promises to keep Enterprise Server locked up tight]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/rim-opens-door-for-indian-officials-promises-to-keep-enterprise/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/rim-opens-door-for-indian-officials-promises-to-keep-enterprise/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/rim-opens-door-for-indian-officials-promises-to-keep-enterprise/#commentsRIM opens back door for Indian officials, promises to keep Enterprise Server locked up tight Things weren't looking good for BlackBerry in India, with threats of bans that were avoided at the last minute. We knew at the time that RIM had made "certain proposals" that would enable its messaging services to stay alive in India and now, about four months later, we're learning what those proposals amount to. Basically, RIM has created a backdoor into the company's messaging services, a "lawful access capability" that "meets the standard required by the government of India for all consumer messaging services offered in the Indian marketplace." That's a little disconcerting, but if you're pinging your connects exclusively through BlackBerry Enterprise Server you can take it easy, as RIM is keeping that service locked up tight -- or, at least, that's what it wants you to believe.

RIM opens door for Indian officials, promises to keep Enterprise Server locked up tight originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backdoorblackberryblackberry enterprise serverBlackberryEnterpriseServergovernmentindiaprivacyrimFri, 14 Jan 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM averts BlackBerry ban in India... for now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/rim-averts-blackberry-ban-in-india-for-now/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/rim-averts-blackberry-ban-in-india-for-now/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/rim-averts-blackberry-ban-in-india-for-now/#comments It was facing an August 31st deadline before India banned BlackBerry service in the country, but it looks like RIM has now managed to avoid that scenario -- at least for a little while. According to India's Ministry of Home Affairs, "RIM have made certain proposals for lawful access by law enforcement agencies and these would be operationalized immediately," and that "the feasibility of the solutions offered would be assessed thereafter." Details are still a bit light beyond that, but India's assessment will apparently come after 60 days, and there's still no guarantee that we won't end up back at square one at that point. Interestingly, India is also still raising complaints about Gmail and Skype, with it now saying that it wants Google and Skype to set up servers in the country that would give it greater monitoring capabilities.

RIM averts BlackBerry ban in India... for now originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banblackberryblackberry banBlackberryBangmailgoogleindiarimskypeMon, 30 Aug 2010 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM reportedly working with India to avoid BlackBerry ban]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/rim-reportedly-working-with-india-to-avoid-blackberry-ban/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/rim-reportedly-working-with-india-to-avoid-blackberry-ban/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/rim-reportedly-working-with-india-to-avoid-blackberry-ban/#comments There were reports as late as this morning that RIM was remaining "defiant" over the looming (and recurring) BlackBerry ban in India and not willing to cut any "special deals," but it looks like that may not be the case after all -- Reuters is reporting that RIM has assured India that it will provide a "technical solution" sometime next week. That's presumably similar to the arrangement RIM recently worked out with Saudi Arabia, but India still isn't making any final decisions just yet, with a government source simply saying that its "technical team will evaluate if it works." Somewhat curiously, the source also mentioned that India had "concerns" about Gmail and Skype, but didn't offer any further details.

For its part, RIM has issued a customer update that outlines the four main principles that govern the capabilities it provides to carriers for "lawful access purposes." Head on past the break for the complete statement.

Continue reading RIM reportedly working with India to avoid BlackBerry ban

RIM reportedly working with India to avoid BlackBerry ban originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banblackberryblackberry banBlackberryBanindiarimFri, 13 Aug 2010 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM reported to have agreed to snooping deal with India, says 'no way!']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/rim-reported-to-have-agreed-snooping-deal-with-india-says-no-w/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/rim-reported-to-have-agreed-snooping-deal-with-india-says-no-w/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/rim-reported-to-have-agreed-snooping-deal-with-india-says-no-w/#comments Reports out of India this morning claim that RIM has agreed a deal with the local government to permit its security agencies to "monitor" email and messaging done on BlackBerry devices. There's even a roadmap for this snooperiffic rollout, as all consumer email is expected to be opened up within 15 days and tools are being developed over the next six to eight months to allow chat surveillance as well. A very detailed report indeed, but the IDG News service reports RIM has rubbished the entire thing, stating it's in a continuing dialog with the Indian government and discussions remain confidential. Then again, we'd expect RIM to keep up the facade as long as possible, considering the likely domino effect a capitulation in India would have in nearby states that have similar security concerns. In the mean time, Nokia has meekly announced it'll be complying with the Indian government's rules for push mail and is "installing the required infrastructure." For more on that and the BlackBerry saga, hit the source links below.

RIM reported to have agreed to snooping deal with India, says 'no way!' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryemailgovernmentindiamessagingmonitoringrimsecuritysnoopingstatesurveillanceTue, 03 Aug 2010 07:12:00 EST<![CDATA[India's desire to snoop on BlackBerry users continues unabated, UAE wants in on the act]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/indias-desire-to-snoop-on-blackberry-users-continues-unabated/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/indias-desire-to-snoop-on-blackberry-users-continues-unabated/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/indias-desire-to-snoop-on-blackberry-users-continues-unabated/#comments
Governments have traditionally had a "love-hate" relationship with technology: they love using it to keep tabs on you and your cronies, but they hate the idea that you could be using it to protect your privacy. One clear example of this is the whole back'n'forth that's been playing out between RIM and the nation of India over the last couple years. Remember way back in '08 when the country demanded that the company give it access (one way or another) to encrypted BlackBerry Messenger traffic and email? Well, it looks like nothing's been resolved after all: just last week the Indian telecommunications ministry gave RIM until the end of the month to provide said access, otherwise it could ban BBM altogether -- much as it tried to do two years ago. Meanwhile, in the UAE, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has issued a statement claiming that "[c]ertain BlackBerry applications allow people to misuse the service, causing serious social, judicial and national security repercussions." We're not certain if things will go quite so far in Abu Dhabi as they seem to be in New Delhi, but the government assured everyone that it will find "a solution that safeguards our consumers and operates within the boundaries of UAE law."

India's desire to snoop on BlackBerry users continues unabated, UAE wants in on the act originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbmbig brotherBigBrotherblackberryBlackBerry MessengerBlackberryMessengerblackbery networkBlackberyNetworkencryptionindiarimsurveillanceuaeunited arab emiratesUnitedArabEmiratesMon, 26 Jul 2010 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Vodafone bringing BlackBerry Storm to India]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/vodafone-bringing-blackberry-storm-to-india/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/vodafone-bringing-blackberry-storm-to-india/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/vodafone-bringing-blackberry-storm-to-india/#comments
Not much to say in addition to the information-packed headline, but yeah, RIM's BlackBerry Storm is coming to India courtesy of Vodafone. The handset is expected to go on sale January 15th for Rs 27,990, which -- at $574 using present day conversion charts -- should shut any American up about high phone prices.

[Via Cellpassion]

Filed under: , , , , ,

Vodafone bringing BlackBerry Storm to India originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry stormBlackberryStormedgegsmhsdpaindiamobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimvodafonevodafone indiaVodafoneIndiavodaphoneSun, 18 Jan 2009 03:43:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM changes course, promises to keep Indian Blackberry network secure]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/27/rim-changes-course-promises-to-keep-indian-blackberry-network-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/27/rim-changes-course-promises-to-keep-indian-blackberry-network-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/27/rim-changes-course-promises-to-keep-indian-blackberry-network-s/#commentsAlthough several Indian news outlets reported last week that RIM was preparing to let the Indian government monitor the domestic Blackberry network, it appears that the outcry has prompted the company to change course and announce that it's committed to "serving security-conscious businesses in the Indian market." That's a big reversal from the rumored plan, which would have allowed Indian security agencies access to the network in exchange for taking the blame for any leak of user data. Of course, not everything's quite settled yet: the Indian government is still demanding that RIM furnish "satisfactory answers" to its security questions, and RIM told the AFP that there are some other ways for "government to take care of security concerns" without elaborating further. Based on RIM's enterprise-heavy statements and refusal to comment on the consumer service, we'd guess that enterprise customers will probably get to keep their networks locked down, but that consumers shouldn't expect their messages to be secure. Not the best compromise, but we'll see how this all plays out.

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RIM changes course, promises to keep Indian Blackberry network secure originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 May 2008 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>encryptionindiamobileprivacyresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsecurityuser dataUserDataTue, 27 May 2008 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM changes course, promises to keep Indian Blackberry network secure]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/27/rim-changes-course-promises-to-keep-indian-blackberry-network-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/27/rim-changes-course-promises-to-keep-indian-blackberry-network-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/27/rim-changes-course-promises-to-keep-indian-blackberry-network-s/#commentsAlthough several Indian news outlets reported last week that RIM was preparing to let the Indian government monitor the domestic Blackberry network, it appears that the outcry has prompted the company to change course and announce that it's committed to "serving security-conscious businesses in the Indian market." That's a big reversal from the rumored plan, which would have allowed Indian security agencies access to the network in exchange for taking the blame for any leak of user data. Of course, not everything's quite settled yet: the Indian government is still demanding that RIM furnish "satisfactory answers" to its security questions, and RIM told the AFP that there are some other ways for "government to take care of security concerns" without elaborating further. Based on RIM's enterprise-heavy statements and refusal to comment on the consumer service, we'd guess that enterprise customers will probably get to keep their networks locked down, but that consumers shouldn't expect their messages to be secure. Not the best compromise, but we'll see how this all plays out.

Filed under:

RIM changes course, promises to keep Indian Blackberry network secure originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 May 2008 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>encryptionindiaprivacyrimsecurityuser dataUserDataTue, 27 May 2008 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM allows Indian government to monitor Blackberry network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/rim-allows-indian-government-to-monitor-blackberry-network/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/rim-allows-indian-government-to-monitor-blackberry-network/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/rim-allows-indian-government-to-monitor-blackberry-network/#commentsWell, it took longer than 15 days to reach a resolution, but apparently RIM is going to back down and allow the Indian government to monitor the Blackberry network in that country. What's worse, it appears that RIM was more interested in covering its own ass than protecting user data during the negotiations: the only concession the company received from the Indian government was a promise that it won't be held liable if there's a leak of users' personal information. Yeah, that ought to provide a sparkling incentive to keep things safe. There's no word on when monitoring might begin, but we've got a feeling privacy-loving Indians might suddenly be in the market for a new smartphone.

[Thanks, Rishab J.]

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RIM allows Indian government to monitor Blackberry network originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 May 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiamonitoringrimsnoopingspyinguser dataUserDataThu, 22 May 2008 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM allows Indian government to monitor Blackberry network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/rim-allows-indian-government-to-monitor-blackberry-network/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/rim-allows-indian-government-to-monitor-blackberry-network/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/rim-allows-indian-government-to-monitor-blackberry-network/#commentsWell, it took longer than 15 days to reach a resolution, but apparently RIM is going to back down and allow the Indian government to monitor the Blackberry network in that country. What's worse, it appears that RIM was more interested in covering its own ass than protecting user data during the negotiations: the only concession the company received from the Indian government was a promise that it won't be held liable if there's a leak of users' personal information. Yeah, that ought to provide a sparkling incentive to keep things safe. There's no word on when monitoring might begin, but we've got a feeling privacy-loving Indians might suddenly be in the market for a new smartphone.

[Thanks, Rishab J.]

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RIM allows Indian government to monitor Blackberry network originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 May 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiamobilemonitoringresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsnoopingspyinguser dataUserDataThu, 22 May 2008 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Indian Blackberry network given 15 days to allow government snooping or shut down]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/indian-blackberry-network-given-15-days-to-allow-government-snoo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/indian-blackberry-network-given-15-days-to-allow-government-snoo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/indian-blackberry-network-given-15-days-to-allow-government-snoo/#commentsThe last we'd heard, the Indian government had ruled out the threat of a Blackberry ban if RIM didn't allow it to snoop on messages, but it looks like some overzealous bureaucrat is getting his way after all: the Department of Telecom has issued a 15-day deadline for RIM to either open up for the G-men or get shut down. RIM says it won't comment on regulatory issues as a matter of policy, but it looks like the Indian government is playing hardball, with Telecom Minister A Raja saying that national security will not be sacrificed at any cost. Hmm, hear that? That's the sound of over 400,000 Indian Blackberry users desperately grabbing at their devices to get another quick fix -- something tells us this isn't going to end well.

[Via Cellpassion]

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Indian Blackberry network given 15 days to allow government snooping or shut down originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackbery networkBlackberyNetworkencryptionindiarimTue, 25 Mar 2008 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Indian Blackberry network given 15 days to allow government snooping or shut down]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/indian-blackberry-network-given-15-days-to-allow-government-snoo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/indian-blackberry-network-given-15-days-to-allow-government-snoo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/indian-blackberry-network-given-15-days-to-allow-government-snoo/#commentsThe last we'd heard, the Indian government had ruled out the threat of a Blackberry ban if RIM didn't allow it to snoop on messages, but it looks like some overzealous bureaucrat is getting his way after all: the Department of Telecom has issued a 15-day deadline for RIM to either open up for the G-men or get shut down. RIM says it won't comment on regulatory issues as a matter of policy, but it looks like the Indian government is playing hardball, with Telecom Minister A Raja saying that national security will not be sacrificed at any cost. Hmm, hear that? That's the sound of over 400,000 Indian Blackberry users desperately grabbing at their devices to get another quick fix -- something tells us this isn't going to end well.

[Via Cellpassion]

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Indian Blackberry network given 15 days to allow government snooping or shut down originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryencryptionindiamobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimTue, 25 Mar 2008 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[India's encrypted BlackBerry network lives to fight another day]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/14/indias-encrypted-blackberry-network-lives-to-fight-another-day/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/14/indias-encrypted-blackberry-network-lives-to-fight-another-day/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/14/indias-encrypted-blackberry-network-lives-to-fight-another-day/#commentsRemember the Indian government's threat to shutdown RIM's in-country network if they didn't open it up for snooping? Ain't gonna happen. Today the Indian government ruled out banning the BlackBerry service. Instead, the government will continue working with the Telecom Commission on security matters (whatever that means) with a promise to resolve the matter soon. Look India, if the notoriously controlling Chinese allow the data to run encrypted, what's your beef chicken?

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India's encrypted BlackBerry network lives to fight another day originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryCultureencryptionindiamessagingmobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimFri, 14 Mar 2008 07:24:00 EST<![CDATA[India's encrypted BlackBerry network lives to fight another day]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/14/indias-blackberry-network-lives-to-fight-another-day/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/14/indias-blackberry-network-lives-to-fight-another-day/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/14/indias-blackberry-network-lives-to-fight-another-day/#commentsRemember the Indian government's threat to shutdown RIM's in-country network if they didn't open it up for snooping? Ain't gonna happen. Today the Indian government ruled out banning the BlackBerry service. Instead, the government will continue working with the Telecom Commission on security matters (whatever that means) with a promise to resolve the matter soon. Look India, if the notoriously controlling Chinese allow the data to run encrypted, what's your beef chicken?

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India's encrypted BlackBerry network lives to fight another day originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryencryptionindiarimFri, 14 Mar 2008 07:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Indian Blackberry network to be shut down unless RIM allows government snooping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/indian-blackberry-network-to-be-shut-down-unless-rim-allows-gove/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/indian-blackberry-network-to-be-shut-down-unless-rim-allows-gove/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/indian-blackberry-network-to-be-shut-down-unless-rim-allows-gove/#commentsUh-oh, Indian Blackberry users -- better get ready for some major disconnection anxiety. Apparently the Indian government is demanding that RIM either allow it to snoop on its encrypted email service (or worse, drop down to 40-bit encryption), or shut down the entire Indian Blackberry network at the end of the month. That'll cut off an estimated 400,000 subscribers, so the carriers, RIM, and government officials are due to meet and try and hammer out a solution on the 14th, but the issue probably won't be easy to solve -- ISPs are now concerned that if RIM complies, all encrypted wireless data will be open to spying, which would make things like ecommerce virtually impossible. Furthermore, since Blackberry traffic gets routed to Canadian NOCs first, there are some thorny international issues at play as well -- just to put things in perspective, RIM doesn't even allow the Chinese government to snoop in this way, although we're certain there's another backdoor in place. Honestly, though, we'd suffer through a little CrackBerry withdrawal if it kept the G-men out of our hair -- let's hope RIM's got some fight in 'em.

[Via Boy Genius Report]

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Indian Blackberry network to be shut down unless RIM allows government snooping originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryencryptionindiarimWed, 12 Mar 2008 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Indian Blackberry network to be shut down unless RIM allows government snooping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/indian-blackberry-network-to-be-shut-down-unless-rim-allows-gove/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/indian-blackberry-network-to-be-shut-down-unless-rim-allows-gove/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/indian-blackberry-network-to-be-shut-down-unless-rim-allows-gove/#commentsUh-oh, Indian Blackberry users -- better get ready for some major disconnection anxiety. Apparently the Indian government is demanding that RIM either allow it to snoop on its encrypted email service (or worse, drop down to 40-bit encryption), or shut down the entire Indian Blackberry network at the end of the month. That'll cut off an estimated 400,000 subscribers, so the carriers, RIM, and government officials are due to meet and try and hammer out a solution on the 14th, but the issue probably won't be easy to solve -- ISPs are now concerned that if RIM complies, all encrypted wireless data will be open to spying, which would make things like ecommerce virtually impossible. Furthermore, since Blackberry traffic gets routed to Canadian NOCs first, there are some thorny international issues at play as well -- just to put things in perspective, RIM doesn't even allow the Chinese government to snoop in this way, although we're certain there's another backdoor in place. Honestly, though, we'd suffer through a little CrackBerry withdrawal if it kept the G-men out of our hair -- let's hope RIM's got some fight in 'em.

[Via Boy Genius Report]

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Indian Blackberry network to be shut down unless RIM allows government snooping originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryencryptionindiamobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimWed, 12 Mar 2008 15:13:00 EST