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Skype mobile heading to Verizon smartphones on March 25th
We knew it was coming, and now we have a concrete date. Starting this Thursday, March 25th, Verizon Wireless customers with one of nine select smartphones (Motorola Droid and Devour, HTC Droid Eris, various BlackBerrys) and data plan will be able to use Skype over the 3G network. As we heard before, Skype-to-Skype calls will not affect your VZW minutes, and now you've got the option to use the app for cheaper international dialing using the mobile app. Full list of compatible devices after the break, a list we're hoping gets expanded in the not-so-distant future.
BlackBerry OS 4.5 on the way for Verizon's 8830
With the 9630 hopefully right around the corner, the BlackBerry 8830 should be gearing up to take its final curtain call -- but Verizon's not done supporting it just yet. Thankfully, we've been assured the device will be graced with an official upgrade to 4.5, up from the build of 4.2 that it's rocking right now. For what it's worth, Sprint has already released a 4.5 upgrade for its version of the 8830, so this should come as no big surprise -- they're just keeping up with the Joneses, as it were. Too bad they couldn't do it a little faster, though, eh?
Fun rumor du jour: BlackBerry Bold coming to Sprint this quarter
We're hearing from a source -- a source who's pegged big stuff before, we'd like to add -- that Sprint will be replacing its BlackBerry 8830 this quarter with a CDMA version of the Bold. The move would certainly make sense, seeing how the Bold is essentially a direct replacement for the 8800 series (though this could be bad news for those who appreciate the 8830's camera-less nature) and the handset's probably just about due for a refresh. We're told that the Bold will feature EV-DO Rev. A, more memory, and a revised UI to match Sprint's current corporate branding. We'd also guess that it's a global phone in the same vein as the 8830 and the Storm, though we don't know that for certain. More as we get it!
QChat phones, others launching on Sprint mid-April?
Word on the street is that customers might be getting their first crack at Sprint's QChat wares rather soon -- April 16, to be exact. The news comes from phoneArena, which reports that the LG LX400 (pictured) will be launching alongside Sanyo's PRO-200 and PRO-700 on that fateful day, presumably along with the Direct Connect tech (and iDEN heir apparent) itself. The LG is rumored to be coming in at an SRP of $279.99, while the two Sanyos check in at $249.99 and $269.99, respectively. Also slated for April launches are the BlackBerry Curve 8330 in "titanium" along with Sanyo's Katana LX, a replacement for the Katana II that'll presumably keep its slim profile but carry over the forgettable VGA cam.
The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, now in Verizon Red
The 8800 series is perhaps the most uptight, business-oriented model currently in RIM's lineup, owing in no small part to the fact that it lacks a camera altogether. Seems a bit strange then to launch the 8830 in a shockingly casual, let-your-hair-down shade of red -- but hey, we're glad they've taken the plunge, and we imagine it'll actually sell quite well against the original silver. Verizon's red 8830 features the same specs as its blander brother, including GSM / GPRS on the 900 and 1800MHz bands for international roaming and EV-DO for when you're on home turf. Look for it to hit Verizon's online store tomorrow for $299.99 on contract after rebate.
Alltel antes up BlackBerry 8830 World Edition
They're a little late to the party, but it looks like Alltel has started slipping its own variant of RIM's BlackBerry 8830 World Edition into retail channels in the past few days. Thanks to a 900 / 1800MHz GSM radio packed in there beside the standard CDMA / EV-DO fare, the 8830 gives subscribers to CDMA carriers like Alltel a somewhat painless route to international roaming without juggling multiple handsets. The cameraless posterior means that the 8830's pretty much all business -- but with GPS in the mix, it's a darned good business to be in, we reckon. Check it for $250 on contract after rebates.[Via PhoneMag]
Sprint scores silly marketing points, pairs BlackBerry 8830 with private island
Sprint must figure that if you need a phone whose name includes the phrase "World Edition," you're probably the jet-setting type. Like, the type that needs a private island, apparently. A tipster pointed us out to a pretty clever new ad campaign involving Sprint's BlackBerry 8830 World Edition that offers an enticing combo package: an 8830 for $200 (after contract and rebates, of course) and an "Exotic Island plus amenities" for a shade over ten mil. Total cost: $10.5 million. Of course, if you actually go through the process of trying to place an order, the site calls you out on it -- but here's where it gets interesting, they actually offer to take your information through an email and get you in touch with the appropriate brokers if you are, in fact, serious. Talk about customer service![Thanks, Jake]
Sprint launches BlackBerry 8830 World Edition
While Sprint's launch of the dual-mode BlackBerry 8830 doesn't come as a surprise -- we knew it was only a matter of time before it hopped into Sprint's portfolio -- subscibers may raise a cheer if looking for some worldwide phone action. For only $199 (with a new two year agreement and data plan, of course) Sprint subscribers will be talking in 170+ countries and surfing in more than 70 -- which makes RIM's 8830 device just a wee bit handier than a GSM set. As an added bonus, Sprint has served this thing up SIM unlocked, which, for the GSM uninitiated, means you can buy a local SIM card when abroad, pop it in, and take advantage of local calling tariffs. This thing has launched on carriers everywhere and seems a no-brainer if you travel in areas only serviced by GSM and can't survive without RIM's finest at your side.[Thanks, Chris G]
BlackBerry 8830 "coming soon" on Telus website
Telus customers who can't part with their BlackBerry when they travel across the pond could rest easy when the 8830 was listed as coming soon on their website. As of yesterday, the price was $199 with a three year contract, had a 50% discount on international roaming through October, and was launching June 22. As of today, though, it was changed to $499.99 (ouch) with a three year contract and they removed the launch date. No word on what caused the surge in pricing but inquiring minds want to know. What gives, Telus?[Via BlackBerry Sync]
BlackBerry 8830 hitting Sprint next month?
This document sure seems to think so. The world-ready variant of RIM's BlackBerry 8800 series -- sporting both CDMA / EV-DO and GSM radios -- saw a recent launch on Verizon, and seeing how these two carriers like (need?) to one-up each other, a July launch makes perfect sense. Looks like the device is pretty much the same as Verizon's variant (Sprint even says right in the slide that price and plans will be "competitive with VZW") though the carrier is touting that its global roaming service will be more user-friendly than Verizon's, offering a single phone number with unified calling and texting.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Hands-on with the BlackBerry 8830
Even though it just became available for consumers, Verizon has had its latest 'Berry available to business customers for some time now. Thanks to our favorite parcel carrier, we're able to bring to you The Network's latest pony into the BlackBerry stable, the 8830. Now even though this is a dual band 800 / 1900 CDMA device with a splash of 900 / 1800 GSM designed for international roaming, we think this device could be a big hit for most BlackBerry customers of Verizon even if they aren't travelers -- read on to find out why.
Verizon Wireless unleashes globetrotting BlackBerry 8830
It would seem that the info we posted last week (it feels so good to be spot on sometimes) was right and Verizon was indeed set to release the BlackBerry 8830 today. While the hardware has been covered ad nauseam, the $199 price point -- if you sign a new 2 year agreement of course -- is a definitive plus for those of you just now taking the plunge to enjoy some of this brand spankin' new, worldwide Berryin' from Verizon. Also packed in your kit is the "Global Support Pack" which includes your SIM card and user reference guide to accessing the global 24 hour free tech support and a free calling card to do it with, no matter where you might be. Stay tuned for our hands-on.[Via PR Newswire.com]
Verizon to release 8830 on May 28?
There appears to be light at the end of the proverbial dark tunnel for customers of Verizon Wireless -- non-business channel ones, anyway -- who attempt to satisfy their "Crackberry" addiction. Sources suggest that The Network should be ramping up for consumer launch of the globe trottin' BlackBerry 8830 for Monday May 28. Yep, that's only a few short days from now. Better start saving those pennies now, especially at the $400.00 price with a two year contract..[Thanks, HTC Kid]
Telus confirms BlackBerry 8830
Now that everybody is doing it has done it, it seems Telus is about to drop this newest and sweetest BlackBerry flavored device in Canada. Sometime between now and a little later from now, the BlackBerry 8830 will be offered by Telus for the princely sum of $400 on a 3-year contract -- and yeah, that's a pretty savage price. While Telus isn't giving an official date yet, the pic of the 8830 on the site has the date May 25th on it; this of course could be just a random date, but we're positive many eager Telusites will hope not. Check the link for more info and a pretty 360 degree view.
More BlackBerry 8830 details
Just when we're down in the dumps about our 'Berry, here's some good news that should brighten up the day. New intel suggests that Verizon is planning to release the BlackBerry 8830 (aka Cyclone) on May 14 for the business channel and May 29 for consumers. A couple other bits of information as well: there's support for microSD cards up to the standard 2GB, and the media player supposedly supports -- get this -- iTunes music. Check out an additional pic (fuzzy, but helpful, we promise) after the break.[Thanks, HTC Kid]
BlackBerry 8830 Cyclone heading to Telus, eh?
RIM isn't selfish -- especially when it comes to sharing with its own countrymen -- and the BlackBerry 8830 isn't going to be any different. Our friends up north at Telus report that the svelte new Cyclone is in the final testing stages with a release in the not too distant future. Here's the rundown on specs: a dual band 800 / 1900 MHz CDMA radio, GSM / GPRS support for international roaming, trackball navigation, OS 4.2, media player, and removable memory. Now, only a two important questions remain -- at what cost and when?
BlackBerry 8830 "Cyclone" peeped with Verizon branding
As mentioned a few days ago, Verizon Wireless seems to be prepping for the release of a new dual band version of the venerable Blackberry 8800, christened the 8830. With this handy bit of tech you will be able to use CDMA radio while in the States (and maybe Canada?) and switch over to that good old fashioned GSM love while abroad. The pic above clearly shows the 8830 in silver, while the images in our last article seem to show it in black. No other solid info is available, but you can be sure we will be updating as the news and details trickle in.
