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BlackBerry Bold 9900 appears in leaked T-Mo docs, reveals August 29th release date and $300 price
If you're an abiding RIM fan who's itching for a new 'Berry addiction, your next fix is soon at hand. After AT&T put its cards on the table -- along with Sprint and US Cellular -- an internal T-Mobile document now suggests the Bold 9900 will arrive at the Magenta-clad carrier on August 29th. Sadly, your patience (and loyalty) is going to cost you, because this touchscreen endeavor carries a $300 price tag, and like Ma Bell's model, it features only 14.4Mbps HSDPA. Sure it's steep, but that's all the better for expensing to the corporate account, no?
BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Torch 9810 to hit Bell on August 16th?
Just when you think the BlackBerry news is over... BOOM. More RIM-related intelligence is coming down the pipeline, although this time it doesn't have the word "official" stamped all over it. Leaked screenshots uncovered by Crackberry indicate Canadian carrier Bell is eager to launch two BlackBerry devices on August 16th -- the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Torch 9810 (aka the Torch 2). Given Research in Motion's announcements this morning, this won't really be too much of a surprise to anyone if the leaked dates are right on target -- after all, we already know the 9810 is heading Bell's way sometime this month, we just haven't heard exactly when yet -- but at least Waterloo's fall lineup is coming out swinging. The remaining question has to do with what happens afterward: will it result in a home run, or a strikeout to end the inning? The ball's quickly approaching, so we won't need to wait too long to find out. [Thanks, Jordan]
RIM's BlackBerry Torch 9850 goes official for Sprint and US Cellular (update: Bold 9930 for Sprint, too!)
What's a BlackBerry launch without a bit of love for RIM's CDMA partners? Infinite sadness, that's what. While the outfit (understandably) couldn't showcase the BlackBerry Torch 9850 at its London launch event this morning, the CDMA sibling to the Torch 9860 is making its official debut in the US of A. Destined for US Cellular and Sprint here in the States, the 9850 (shown right) will ship with a 3.7-inch WVGA (800 x 480) touchpanel, BlackBerry 7 OS, a "waterfall" screen design that tickles the edges ever-so-slightly, and not one inkling of a physical keyboard. As with the 9860 -- which is destined for AT&T, Rogers, Telus and Bell -- you'll get a five megapixel "zero-shutter lag" camera, 720p movie mode, inbuilt GPS and a 1.2GHz processor. There's no mention yet of a price or release for the SIM-less duo, but you can bet that we'll keep you posted as we hear more. Update: Sprint's just pushed out a full presser of its own (embedded after the break), which also confirms that the Bold 9930 -- shown above on the left -- will also be making its way onto The Now Network. We're told to expect "fall" availability for both BB 7 OS phones, but specific pricing isn't expected until that already-ambiguous time frame draws nearer. As for the 9930, it's boasting an all-too-familiar design, with a 10.5mm-thick chassis, 2.8-inch capacitive touchpanel, the "widest QWERTY keyboard available on a BlackBerry smartphone" and a trackpad to boot. Moreover, NFC support is thrown in, as is a magnetometer for AR apps. Update 2: A trusted source just informed us that the Torch 9850 will soon go for $199 on contract (and after rebate) at US Cellular, or $549 with no strings attached.
RIM launches BlackBerry Torch 9810, Torch 9860 and Bold 9900, we go hands-on!
Here they are folks. Months after we first got our hands on pre-release Torch and Bold Touch handsets, RIM is finally ready to show off its latest hardware. They're all powered by a 1.2GHz processor, have 768MB of onboard RAM and -- most importantly -- run the latest operating system BB OS7. RIM claims its new OS is 40 percent faster at browsing compared to OS6-based smartphones, and 100 percent faster than OS5 handsets. It also supports RIM's Liquid Graphics technology, which uses a dedicated graphics processor for smoother scrolling, zooming and panning. Hands-on impressions and video follow after the break. %Gallery-129828% %Gallery-129831% %Gallery-129829% %Gallery-129832%
AT&T to launch BlackBerry Torch 9810 this month, Torch 9860 and Bold 9900 later this year
Research in Motion has had better days -- and years, for that matter -- but it's always had a loyal partner in AT&T, a company that's cranked out BlackBerry products faithfully for the past twelve years. The tradition continues, as the GSM giant has announced its intentions to bring the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810 (aka the Torch 2) to stores sometime this month, followed by the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9860 and 4G Bold 9900 "later this year." No specific dates or prices were given on any of the devices. The Torch 9810 comes with a 1.2GHz CPU, 3.2-inch touch display, a total of 8GB internal memory (with microSD expansion up to 32GB), and a 5 megapixel camera with 720p HD video capture. Oh, and about the "4G" in the title? An AT&T spokesperson confirmed to us that the moniker is simply referring to HSPA+, capping at 14.4Mbps. It's definitely a step up from the original Torch 9800, at least, but our appetite for 4G of the LTE variety runs deep. Will this be too little too late for the Canadian manufacturer, or can this year's fall lineup be enough to keep the company healthy until QNX rolls into town? [Thanks, Gary]
Verizon's Blackberry Bold 9930 unveiled early thanks to website blunder
Oh boy, we don't envy the Verizon web admin who made this particular mis-click. If you go to VZW's sales page for the Blackberry 9650 and click on the "Explore Features" video, you get an unexpected treat: a walkthrough not of the 9650, but of the unreleased Bold 9930. The specs are familiar, like the 1.2GHz processor, 2.8-inch touchscreen and Blackberry 7 OS. But at least we now have it from the horse's mouth that the new Bold Touch is indeed coming to Verizon. We've stuck our own rip of the video after the break, as the original will likely disappear any second -- much like that poor web admin. [Thanks everyone who sent this in]
A new BlackBerry to be unveiled tomorrow, or so Facebook would have us believe
What's made by Research in Motion and is "shiny, new, and social all over?" No one can say for sure, but according to BlackBerry's Facebook page, we're going to find out tomorrow. Might it be the Torch 2 come calling, newly acquired FCC badges in tow? Perhaps Waterloo's hinting at the Bold Touch, its phone of many flavors. Or, maybe it's something yet unseen that will blind all who perceive it with a corona of social networking awesomeness. Whatever BlackBerry's got in store for us, let's hope it's not just another phone with a Facebook button.
BlackBerry Bold 9790 Bellagio offers unsanctioned tutorial (video)
Well BlackBerry fans, yet another variation of the Bold is now making the rounds on the internet: it's the 9790, otherwise known as the Bellagio. Although the device was first leaked in late May -- where we learned it would feature BlackBerry 7 OS, 8GB of internal memory, a touchscreen, and NFC -- RIM's latest QWERTY companion has remained below the radar ever since. Now, it's reappeared in some official tutorials, which reveal a familiar user interface. Also, two other videos offer views of the handset's exterior profile and a quick peek beneath the battery cover. Why are Lazaridis and Balsillie prepping this for sale when the Bold 9900 has yet to reach consumers? All we need is one, and the similar hardware and specs aren't building a compelling argument. Sure, RIM said it would be releasing seven upcoming smartphones in the coming months, but haven't its leaders learned that less is more? Follow the source for an extended peek at the redundancy.
BlackBerry Bold 9930 blows through the FCC, GSM and CDMA on board
It looks like the BlackBerry Bold 9930 just finagled its way through the FCC, indicating the touchscreen, portrait QWERTY handset may be nearing release. This globe-trotting sibling of the 9900 comes packing a dual-band CDMA radio and a quad-band GSM tuner -- in addition to the standard WiFi and Bluetooth antennae, and the increasingly popular NFC. Of course, being an FCC filing in which most identifying information has been removed, this is a bit of a guessing game. But, judging by the radios on board and the sketch of the label placement, it sure seems like the BlackBerry 7 OS-toting 9930 to us.
Blackberry Bold 9900 coming to Three UK in August
We got the lowdown last month on the Blackberry Bold 9900: 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, 640 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, and looks that say "it's business time." Back then RIM said we could snag a svelte new Bold sometime this summer. Then came word that the handset wouldn't be available until September. Now, Three UK has put the Bold 9900 up on its "Coming Soon" page and indicated it's set for an August debut. Whew, we're glad that's settled, but there's one more thing we'd like to know -- how much is it going to cost? Update: Well, it turns out that September is still the launch date for the Bold, as Three UK has changed their website to reflect the later debut. Update: Hello, Amazon is now listing August on its sim-free pre-order page. Perhaps we won't have to wait so long after all.
BlackBerry Bold 9900 delayed until September, IT admins everywhere weep
BlackBerry fans itching to get your touch on: don't reach for your wallets just yet. BGR is reporting that RIM's upcoming Bold 9900 has been delayed until September, which is a bit later than the expected "Summer" release quoted back at BlackBerry World. We know you're heartbroken, but it looks like you'll have to live vicariously through our video hands-on until you can pocket one of your own.
BlackBerry Bold 9900 hands-on (update: video)
So we finally got our dirty little hands on RIM's new BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone here at BlackBerry World 2011. It's basically the old Bold but with a capacitive touchscreen and updated innards including a 1.2 GHz CPU, 768 MB of RAM, a GPU , HSPA+, and NFC support. From a design perspective it mixes BlackBerry's traditional formula with iPhone 4-like materials (that familiar stainless steel rim). It certainly looks premium and feels lovely in the hand, and the keyboard is typical BlackBerry -- which is to say fantastic. The screen is beautiful too, perfect to showcase that elusive new BlackBerry 7 OS. Still, we can't shake the feeling that we're looking at the device RIM should have shipped last summer instead of the lackluster Torch. We'll have a hands on video up soon but for now take a peek at our gallery below. Update: Our video is now live after the break. %Gallery-122644%
BlackBerry Bold Touch makes brief appearance on RIM's website
As you may have been able to discern from the multitude of leaks that have surfaced over the past few months, RIM is apparently getting set to debut a new touchscreen-equipped BlackBerry Bold at BlackBerry World next week. While still not completely official, that's now been all but confirmed by RIM itself, which briefly featured the teaser pictured above on its website before pulling it for reasons unknown. As you can see, RIM apparently couldn't help itself and promised that it will be a "bold step ahead," and it appears that the phone is unsurprisingly running BlackBerry 7, which until recently was better known as OS 6.1. Of course, that's hardly the only news we're expecting to hear at BlackBerry World, and you can be sure we'll be there to brave the puns and bring it all to you. [Thanks, Matt]
Full specs leak for BlackBerry Bold Touch, 1.2GHz Snapdragon can't overcome ugly
We understand that it's hard to take two steps rather than one, but a solid list of specifications isn't going to make the BlackBerry Bold Touch (Dakota) look any less last-decade. For whatever reason, RIM's design department seems to be stuck in an era where last-generation is the new next-generation, while it's internals team has seemingly managed to escape. For those who couldn't disagree more regarding the exterior, you'll likely be elated to know that the impending handset will boast a blisteringly fast 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, 8GB of internal storage, 768MB of RAM, a microSD expansion slot, 5 megapixel camera and a 35-key backlit keyboard. You'll also get a microscopic 2.8-inch LCD with a woeful 640 x 480 resolution, Bluetooth 2.1, a 3.5mm headphone jack, A-GPS, dual-band 802.11b/g/n WiFi and a 720p movie mode. So, one down, one to go -- time for a reread, is it RIM? Update: Seems as if the faucet's still flowing, with a full specs list popping up for the BlackBerry Torch 9860 (Monza) as well! [Thanks, bighap]
BlackBerry Bold Touch previewed in leaked tutorials: prepare to pinch-to-zoom (updated)
A slew of leaked video tutorials for upcoming BlackBerry devices is finally giving us a glimpse into what RIM has in store to keep its diehard fans from ditching the platform. Among some more video of the all-touchscreen BlackBerry Monaco / Touch, we're finally seeing how the popular Bold form factor will benefit from some touchscreen magic in the aptly named Bold Touch. We're longtime fans of the traditional form factor, but if anything, the addition looks to be more trouble than it's worth. Like its sliding cousin, the Torch, touch input seems even more gimmicky given that all the same functions can be performed using the familiar (and beloved) optical trackpad -- which doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Sure, touchscreens are all the rage these days and pinch-to-zoom is nice, but we can't help but wonder if RIM is simply killing time until its dual-core QNX-equipped phones hit unsuspecting BBM'ers. Of course, the company has been impressing us with its use of touch on the Playbook, so there's no telling what it might have in store come BlackBerry World. You can peep the Monaco action after the break, or check out a torrent of others at the source link as well. [Thanks, Reagan M.] Update: Uh oh, looks like the original Monaco video got yanked, but fret not, as Crackberry has just posted some more clips -- we got one of the new ones after the break as well.
Mobilicity launches BlackBerry Bold 9780
Mobilicity dropped a new set into the wild today: say hello to the BlackBerry 9780. We've seen this device launching all over and it will no doubt bring a smile to the faces of those who've picked Mobilicity over the big three up in Canada. The new Bold is running BlackBerry 6, has a 5 megapixel shooter, a Web-Kit browser (huzzah!), and of course quad band GSM and 3G connectivity in the 2100 / 1900 / 900 MHz realm. Sure the $499 price tag looks steep -- because of the whole no contract thing -- but take heart in the fact you're under no obligation and that this set costs the same at Bell if you skip the contract.
Visa clears DeviceFidelity's In2Pay mobile payment microSD card for use in smartphones
No iPhone? No problem. If you'll recall, we heard back in May that Visa was in cahoots with DeviceFidelity, with the two trumpeting a not-exactly-svelte In2Pay case that would add contactless payment support to Apple's darling. Today, the rest of the world is finally being taken into consideration. The aforementioned firms have just cleared a new In2Pay microSD solution for use in the real world, with the BlackBerry Bold 9650 and the Samsung Vibrant in particular named as compatible. In theory, it seems that nearly any smartphone with a microSD slot could be ushered into the arena, and Visa itself expects to add additional phone models for use with this technology, "including phones based on the Symbian and Windows operating systems." This unveiling is happening after a solid 18 months of testing around the globe, but there's no definitive word on which banks will be offering this to customers. Between this and the sudden interest in NFC, America seems more poised than ever before to slip ever further into an endless pool of debt, and with way less friction than before! We kid, we kid... kind of.
BlackBerry Bold 9780 finally official, hitting T-Mobile on November 17th for $130
After what feels like an eternity of leaks, RIM has finally (finally!) come forward with the first BlackBerry Bold to ship with BlackBerry 6. The Bold 9780 looks exactly as we expected it to (meaning not too far from the 9700 design tree), boasting an optical trackpad, QWERTY keyboard, a WebKit-based browser and a five megapixel camera. You'll also get inbuilt 3G / WiFi, and at least on the T-Mob version, UMA / WiFi calling. Geotagging your images is a breeze courtesy of the integrated GPS module, and RIM's also tossing in 512MB of Flash memory as well as a microSD slot. We're told to expect it from "various carriers around the world beginning in November," with T-Mobile USA confirming that its version will hit on the 17th of next month for $129.99 on a two-year contract.
BlackBerry Bold 9780 leaks out with OS 6, QWERTY instead of touchscreen
Take this one with a grain of salt, but it's looking like our old friend the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is getting a wee bit of an update. Yesterday evening, CrackBerry discovered a RIM document that describes a QWERTY-packing, OS 6-rocking "BlackBerry 9780" destined for a GSM carrier near you... and less than 24 hours later, handset sleuth Salomondrin claims to have the first picture of the device. While we quite honestly can't tell the difference, the man who outed the Curve 2 says this device's chrome bezel is a tad darker than the original, and that it'll have 512MB of flash memory when it hits the scene. Of course, this could just be an Bold 9700 with a hacked ROM or a theme of some sort, but we certainly hope not; pepper it up with CDMA, and you've got a shoe-in for the Curve 3. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
US Cellular adds HTC Desire and BlackBerry Bold in August, teases BlackBerry 9670 for 'later this year'
We were extremely close to cramping our sarcasm muscle with all the faux excitement we had to drum up for the 3.2-inch Acclaim, but US Cellular has now come back with word that it'll soon count HTC's Desire among its roster of phones. The Desire, which is mooted to be coming to other smaller carriers like Cellular South, will debut in August alongside the BlackBerry Bold. We're more excited, however, to find US Cellular promising it'll offer "a BlackBerry flip smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard" later this year. That sounds like RIM's slightly unorthodox 9670 to us, and will probably form the second part of the BB maker's pledged introduction of two new handsets. US Cellular's 2010 device lineup refresh will be completed with a pair more Androids, courtesy of LG and Samsung. The former is said to have a "large touch screen and slide-out, ergonomically-designed QWERTY keyboard," while the latter is only described as "highly-anticipated." Not too shabby.
