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Items by Will Park

October 10, 2008
21:49
Microsoft eyeing RIM takeover amidst economic meltdown?
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
Microsoft eyeing RIM for takeover?

There’s no denying that the current economic trade winds on Wall Street are blowing towards greater and greater losses as investors scramble for cash in this credit-strapped market. But, the meltdown in trading markets around the globe isn’t all bad news. For some (companies with the cash reserves to take action), the precipitous drop is stock prices has resulted in some bargain-basement deal.

Case in point, Microsoft is believed to be eyeing BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM) for a possible takeover bid. With RIM’s stock price down to the mid-$50 range, Microsoft may just be waiting to leverage its huge pile of cash in move to takeover RIM. Microsoft is facing increasing pressure from Internet Search giant Google, and with the unveiling of the first-ever smartphone to be powered by Google’s Android mobile OS, Microsoft might be mulling a jump into handset manufacturing-game.

RIM has seen its stock values plummet from a high of $148 on the Nasdaq just four months ago to its current sub-$60 valuation. The drop in stock price represents an incredible bargain for Microsoft. “RIM is a massive strategic fit” for Microsoft, said Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek. “I’m fairly certain they have a standing offer to buy them at $50 (a share).”

Should RIM see their stock price continue to slide (down to the $40 level), Microsoft could be well positioned to make a takeover bid at a premium offering of $50. With RIM’s experience in handset manufacturing and software development, Microsoft could make a serious push to capture a significant chunk of the global smartphone market. Windows Mobile-powered BlackBerry handsets in the near future? We’ll see…

[Via: Reuters]

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September 26, 2008
22:24
Leaked docs hint at Verizon BlackBerry Storm and Touch Diamond launch window
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
Sprint still has the exclusive on their HTC Touch Diamond variant, and we’re still waiting for the BlackBerry Storm to get some solid pricing and release information. But, thanks to an anonymous source, Engadget Mobile has shed some light on possible launch windows for the upcoming touchscreen handsets from two of the biggest names in the smartphone market - HTC and RIM (makers of the BlackBerry lineup).

Training schedule documentation from deep within Verizon’s secret lair reveal that Verizon employees should complete their handset familiarization course for the HTC Touch Diamond by December 3 and should have their heads wrapped around the BlackBerry Storm’s feature-set by November 2. It’s probably safe to assume that Verizon is planning to launch both devices shortly after their sales team has collectively completed training.

Verizon training schedule

Sure, it’s obvious that Verizon would want two of their biggest ticket handsets launching in time to cash in on the holiday shopping rush, but it’s nice to be able assign even the roughest of launch-windows to upcoming devices.

BlackBerry Storm hitting Verizon by mid-November with the Touch Diamond following in mid-December (before the holidays)? We can definitely see that happening.

[Via: EngadgetMobile]

Similar Posts:
September 17, 2008
2:59
BlackBerry Storm 9530 goes live on Verizon - sort of
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

BlackBerry Storm 9530

RIM’s first BlackBerry smartphone to sport a touchscreen display is all but official at this point. We know what it looks like, we know what it’s called, we even know the selling-points that Verizon is using to sell the darn thing. And, now Verizon has gone live with the BlackBerry Storm - sort of.

The BlackBerry Storm isn’t available for purchase or even pre-order, but Verizon has finally gone super-official by posting the BlackBerry Storm on their website. Verizon is taking email sign-ups from interested parties looking to be notified when the BlackBerry Storm does indeed go on sale.

Verizon BlackBerry Storm

Verizon’s BlackBerry Storm will feature both CDMA and GSM radios that should give it truly global reach. The BlackBerry Storm uses EVDO Rev. A on CDMA networks and will use UMTS/HSPA 3G networks when GSM is the only game in town. The 3.2 megapixel camera on the BlackBerry Storm isn’t unexpected, nor is the use of haptic vibration-feedback.

Verizon should be launching their BlackBerry Storm 9530 before the holiday shopping season kicks-off. And, by the looks of things, it’s going to arrive in the very near-term.

Verizon BlackBerry Storm
September 16, 2008
3:15
T-Mobile posts BlackBerry Pearl 8220 to online store, not yet available
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

T-Mobile BlackBerry Pearl 8220 with WiFi

It’s a small step, but a step forward nonetheless, for flip-phone fans looking for a clamshell BlackBerry handset. T-Mobile, long expected to be the official launch-carrier for Waterloo’s first BlackBerry flip-phone, has finally posted the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 flip-phone on their web-store. The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 is still “coming soon,” according to T-Mobile, but it’s good to see T-Mobile giving consumers an official sneak-peak at the first-ever clamshell BlackBerry handset.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 features a bright and crisp internal LCD display that should measure up to even BlackBerry Bold-standards. And, with a 2 megapixel camera and microSD slot, the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 will satisfy that multimedia-fix you’ve been craving.

As we noted from CTIA SF 2008, the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 is both solid-feeling and well-balanced in the hand. The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 also feels (and looks) a lot slimmer and portable than pictures of the clamshell BlackBerry might lead you to believe. The recessed trackball “pearl” takes a little getting used to, but quickly becomes comfortable and easy to use in navigating through the BlackBerry Pearl 8220’s menus. The SureType keyboard will take some getting used to, although, we’re not fans of the two-letter-per-key setup.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8220’s WiFi radio, as we mentioned earlier, will allow the new flip-phone to work with T-Mobile’s HotSpot @Home UMA service. And, when in reach of a WiFi hotspot, the Pearl 8220 will surf the mobile web with abandon. Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 is limited to EDGE-only data speeds on T-Mobile’s wireless network. Power users are going to want to look elsewhere for their push-email needs, but if sub-3G data speeds are more than enough for your needs, the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 will likely suit you just fine.

T-Mobile should go live with the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 in the near future. Look for an affordable price-tag to accompany RIM’s inaugural flip-phone. The T-Mobile BlackBerry Pearl 8220 will launch in your choice of understated Red or business-friendly Black.

T-Mobile BlackBerry Pearl 8220
September 13, 2008
6:32
BlackBerry Booth Tour - CTIA San Francisco 2008
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

BlackBerry banner at CTIA San Francisco 2008
One of CTIA San Francisco 2008’s redeeming booths was most definitely RIM’s BlackBerry booth. The push email handset manufacturer from Waterloo currently commands a significant portion of the smartphone market and the RIM is looking to heat things up with their first 3G-capable BlackBerry handset - the BlackBerry Bold 9000.

With a high-resolution HVGA (half-VGA) display that glows with crisp definition, the BlackBerry Bold takes the BlackBerry lineup to new levels. On the aesthetic side of the equation, RIM designed the BlackBerry Bold with metallic accents, smooth lines, and sleek buttons. The keyboard is wonderfully tactile and doesn’t require any “training time” before you’re able to hammer out emails with abandon. The BlackBerry Bold’s keyboard is trimmed in rows of metallic accent that were apparently inspired by the frets on a guitar - further lending to the keyboard’s intuitive feel.

And, when it comes to technology, the BlackBerry Bold doesn’t disappoint. The BlackBerry Bold sports 3G, WiFi, and GPS to make navigation and data connectivity a non-issue anywhere in the world. The full-HTML web browser, however, could be one weak-point on the Bold. Using WiFi, the BlackBerry Bold web browser wasn’t able to fully render the IntoMobile webpage after a good 2 minutes of waiting - which takes just seconds on an iPhone 3G, by the way. The Southwest Airlines website, on the other hand, loaded just fine.

In all, if you’re in need of a high-style and full-featured BlackBerry handset, the BlackBerry Bold fits the bill.

Should a flip-phone fit more in line with your needs, RIM is offering their BlackBerry Pearl 8220 (KickStart) as the first clamshell BlackBerry handset. The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 feels light, yet solid in the hand. As thick as the Pearl 8220 may look on paper, it feels nice and svelte in the hand. Flipping up the front-face of the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 reveals the SureType keyboard that we first saw with the original BlackBerry Pearl. The “pearl” trackball is deeply recessed in to the keyboard, in order to accomodate the flip-phone form-factor. The recessed trackball makes for an interesting navigation experience, but you’ll quickly adapt.

Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 features an EDGE-only data connection for your wireless browsing needs. Hopefully, though, the bright and crisp display will distract you long enough to forget that your webpage is still trying to load.

The BlackBerry Bold 9000 is expected to drop on AT&T in October. The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 should launch shortly afterwards - following the FCC’s recent approval.

[Show as slideshow]
September 11, 2008
20:01
RIM shows off BlackBerry Bold 9000 at CTIA San Francisco 2008
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

RIM has yet to launch their curvy new BlackBerry Bold 9000 on AT&T’s network here in the US, but that didn’t stop the famous push-email handset maker from bringing their latest and greatest new wares to the CTIA San Francisco 2008 showroom floor in the Moscone Center. And we had a chance to get our hands on RIM first-ever BlackBerry featuring 3G data connectivity.

First, despite rumors of infighting between RIM and AT&T over the BlackBerry Bold and its 3G radio, RIM representatives assured us that the BlackBerry Bold launch delay was due to technical obstacles rather than any animosity between the two companies - RIM and AT&T are apparently nice and chummy. The BlackBerry Bold has entered the final stages of testing on AT&T’s network, which means we should be seeing this BlackBerry Bolds stainless steel bezel and other metallic accents in the hands of US consumers soon enough.

The BlackBerry Bold 9000 not only represents Waterloo’s first 3G enabled BlackBerry smartphone, but it also represents a new design direction for the entire lineup of BlackBerry handsets. With metallic accents throughout, a super crisp and bright HVGA display, 3G data connectivity, WiFi, and GPS, the BlackBerry Bold 9000 is one seriously high-flying device. The QWERTY keyboard has wonderfully tactile, with a design that was apparently inspired by the frets on guitar. The curvy keys combined with the fret-like design makes for an incredibly intuitive and comfortable typing experience.

As far as build-quality is concerned, RIM has upped the ante again. The BlackBerry Bold feels rock solid and boasts a standard of material quality that should have even the most demanding enthusiast nodding their head in approval. There’s a minimal amount of “plasticky” feel to the device, again owing to RIM’s focus on making a quality handset with quality materials and high-style.

We’ll be seeing the BlackBerry Bold 9000 hitting the US on AT&T’s network in October, according to AT&T. Let’s hope this launch window doesn’t slip in to the holiday shopping season…

Enjoy the video as you wait for AT&T to launch the BlackBerry Bold.
12:04
BlackBerry Pearl 8220 KickStart from CTIA San Francisco 2008
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

There’s nothing like a little hands-on time with a “first of its kind” mobile phone. Research In Motion, our favorite little BlackBerry manufacturer from Canada, came to CTIA San Francisco 2008 with just these kinds of little gems in tow.

We came to the Moscone Center and immediately noticed the BlackBerry booth proudly displaying the latest BlackBerry handsets to cross the northern border. Following on the RIM’s Pearl 8220 announcement, RIM had the clamshell BlackBerry on hand for some, well, hands-on time. RIM’s first clamshell BlackBerry smartphone has emerged from the land of rumor, as expected, on T-Mobile’s network in the US.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 sports a decently sized screen with just the right combination of clarity and brightness (which is to say, abundant amounts of each). The BlackBerry 8220 passes over an integrated GPS receiver in favor of a WiFi radio. That’s fortunate because you’ll want a WiFi connection to complement the EDGE data connection - nope, no 3G for the BlackBerry 8220 Pearl.

But, the most notable aspect of the BlackBerry 8220 Pearl is its somewhat deceptive form-factor. From pictures and mockups, you’d think that RIM’s first BlackBerry flip-phone would be one hefty sucker. Having held and actually played with the Pearl 8220 for long enough to know what is what, I can say that the BlackBerry 8220 feels a lot slimmer and lighter than I had expected. And, the slick clamshell even looks slimmer in person - perhaps due to the lighter-colored metallic accents adorning the front flip creating a sort of optical illusion.

Whatever the case, we don’t care how big the BlackBerry 8220 Pearl is. All we care about is how it feels in the hand. And, when it comes to the hands-on experience the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 doesn’t disappoint. Unfortunately, the lack of 3G could be a deal-killer to many a smartphone user.

For those of you that just can’t wait to get your hands on a BlackBerry flip-phone, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The combination of cool form-factor and surprisingly svelte profile will definitely offer a unique BlackBerry experience.
September 10, 2008
10:20
BlackBerry Thunder / Storm leaked on video!
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

With CTIA SF 2008 just about underway, it’s fitting that we finally get to see the actual workings of RIM’s first-ever crack at a touchscreen-based BlackBerry handset. The BlackBerry Storm (or Thunder, apparently depending on which carrier is offering this particular bit of touchscreen goodness), rocks a huge touchscreen that should satisfy even the meanest of large-display cravings.

The BlackBerry Storm / Thunder for Verizon has hit the web in all its touchscreen glory thanks to the masked wonder known as Brewninja. The video below confirms the presence of accelerometers, allowing for automatic screen rotation. Unfortunately, the pressure-sensitive touchscreen is a bit of a pain in the you-know-where.

On the upside, the keyboard is nice and big. Even better, it’s not all that hard to use.

So, what say you on the BlackBerry Thunder / Storm?

[Via: CrackBerry]
September 08, 2008
23:01
AP announces Mobile News Network for BlackBerry
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

CTIA San Francisco 2008 is nigh upon us, and you know what that means. New releases, previews, and announcements from just about every corner of the mobile world.

The AP Mobile News Network has gained traction, and popularity, among iPhone and iPhone 3G users. The mobile news application brings together an entire web’s worth of global news to the iPhone’s glorious display. And, with CTIA looming over the horizon, AP wants us all to know that they’ll be bringing the Mobile News Network application to the BlackBerry OS.

AP will be previewing the AP Mobile News Network application on a number of BlackBerry handsets, including the BlackBerry Bold. BlackBerry users will soon afterwards be able to get their “breaking news, sports, entertainment, politics, business and wacky content in the palm of their hand.”
21:41
Report: RIM still leads US smartphone market, Apple takes second place
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

All the doom and gloom surrounding the US economy’s downward spiral into recession apparently isn’t enough to stifle the US smartphone market. While the rest of the US suffers from weak consumer spending, the smartphone market is a veritable “shining star” of hope.

For the January to July 2008 period, NPD Group reports that overall handset sales were down. Consumers bought fewer mobile phones overall, and spent less per cellphone than in the same period the year before. But, that didn’t stop the smartphone segment from making some serious headway in the US.

Smartphone sales in the US saw a 71% boost, ending the first half of the year (1H 2008) with a respectable 9 million smartphones sold. As expected, Research In Motion (RIM), makers of the highly respected BlackBerry lineup of smartphones (not to mention the BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Thunder/Storm), took the lead as the top smartphone manufacturer in the US. HTC slid down the list and relinquished its position as the No. 2 smartphone manufacturer to Apple.

With the iPhone 3G supplanting the original iPhone as the hottest handset in the US, Apple has been surfing the wave of smartphone growth all the way to the (almost) top.

Smartphones comprised 19% of the overall US mobile phone market, an impressive increase from just 9% in 1H 2007. Says Ross Rubin, NPD’s director of industry analysis, “Declining prices, streamlined form factors, and consumer Internet connectivity have begun to bring into the mainstream devices that once appealed only to mobile professionals.”

RIM and Apple were followed by Palm Samsung and Motorola as the Top 5 smartphone makers in the US.

While the rest of the US strives for change, it seems that smartphones are changing the mobile phone market for the better.

Press release
September 05, 2008
0:59
BlackBerry Storm 9530 gets closer to Verizon launch
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM

Verizon has yet to push out a true competitor to the iconic iPhone and iPhone 3G from big-dog competitor AT&T. The CDMA carrier has been expected to be bringing the BlackBerry 9530 Storm, formerly known as the BlackBerry Thunder, on board as their iPhone-fighting touchscreen handset. And, as RIM’s first touchscreen BlackBerry handset, Verizon has something of an exclusive here.

The latest rumblings from the rumor mill has the BlackBerry Thunder getting “technical acceptance” (TA) from Verizon - a process which takes 3-4 weeks. And, combined with the fact that the BlackBerry Storm has been delayed 3-4 weeks, we’re looking at a fairly solid rumored launch window in mid-November. The new launch window misses previous speculation that Verizon could launch the BlackBerry Storm 9530 in mid-October, but what’s a month or so between friends BlackBerry fans?

Verizon reportedly still has to work out the sluggish bugs and polish the UI up a bit before releasing it to the general public. If past BlackBerry enthusiasm repeats itself for the first-ever touchscreen BlackBerry, we’ll be seeing droves of BlackBerry fans lining up to grab their own BlackBerry Storm.

[Via: BGR]
September 02, 2008
22:20
BlackBerry Curve 8320 with BlackBerry OS 4.5 hitting AT&T soon
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
Leave it to Boy Genius to get their hands on internal documentation from AT&T that gives us insight in to the BlackBerry Curve 8320’s future on AT&T’s network.

The WiFi-toting BlackBerry Curve 8320 has already hit T-Mobile as a globe-trotting handset, so it only stands to reason that AT&T get their own, Sapphire Blue-colored variant of the BlackBerry Curve 8320. What’s more, the internal docs confirm that AT&T cutsomers will be getting a taste of the latest BlackBerry OS 4.5 with their Sapphire Blue BlackBerry Curve 8320.

The BlackBerry Curve 8320 will apparently hit AT&T with the same 2 megapixel camera, microSDHC card slot, and Bluetooth 2.0 that we’ve come to expect. Look for the Sapphire Blue BlackBerry Curve 8320 to drop in the last week of September. Pricing information isn’t available yet, but expect subsidized pricing to be fair and affordable.

[Via: BoyGeniusReport]

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August 30, 2008
3:28
AT&T preparing to launch BlackBerry Bold 9000 on October 2?
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
It’s good to see some sort of launch-related news that doesn’t include the word “delay.” Following on confirmation that the long-awaited Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 would be delayed even more than it already is, Boy Genius Report has it on a solid source that the BlackBerry Bold 9000 will finally be seeing the light of day in the US on October 2.

As expected, AT&T will be making BlackBerry Bold-dreams come true for business-suited BlackBerry fans itching to get their hands on Waterloo’s latest and greatest push-emailing smartphone. The “source” is apparently planted high up in AT&T’s command chain, and says that the No. 1 US wireless carrier is aiming for to get the BlackBerry Bold in stores by October 2.

The near-term launch could signal AT&T’s intent to have their 3G network shored up in time to accomodate the influx of BlackBerry Bold customers that will undoubtedly add more strain on a network that is speculated to be buckling under the pressure of iPhone 3G data requests.

We’ll keep an eye on this one, stay tuned.

[Via: BGR]

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August 27, 2008
21:17
BlackBerry Bold experiencing 3G network woes with AT&T
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
With data suggesting that the iPhone 3G’s sluggish 3G data speeds and unreliable 3G service are due to AT&T’s underdeveloped network, we have to wonder if any other 3G-enabled devices are experiencing the same kind of 3G network issues.

And, upon wondering, we’re presented with an answer.

Citigroup investment research analyst Jim Suva reports that his experience in testing the BlackBerry Bold has shown 3G connectivity to be just as shaky as with the iPhone 3G - again suggesting that AT&T’s network is the weak point here.

Suva’s BlackBerry Bold test unit was apparently plagued by dropped 3G signals - the device repeatedly dropped down to EDGE speeds without rhyme or reason. More importantly, the iPhone 3G and BlackBerry Bold use different 3G radios to connect to AT&T’s 3G network, which rules out hardware defects as the potential root of the iPhone 3G’s network problems - substantiating the Swedish researchers’ findings that the iPhone 3G’s antenna is just fine.

With Wired’s global iPhone 3G data speed survey indicating that, again, the immature 3G infrastructure in the US is resulting in less-than-perfect 3G performance, it should be clear that AT&T has to boost their network before we can expect things to get better.

The BlackBerry Bold was confirmed for AT&T earlier this year, but has been delayed due to unspecified circumstances. Could AT&T be waiting to patch the BlackBerry Bold’s firmware and possibly increase their 3G network coverage before releasing the Bold in to the wild? It certainly is a possibility. It would be a shame to see two headliner devices launched on AT&T with the same set of 3G service issues.
[Via: InformationWeek]

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August 13, 2008
0:53
Rogers BlackBerry Pearl 8220 (KickStart) pricing released!
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
Call it the BlackBerry Pearl 8220, call it the BlackBerry KickStart, call it whatever you want, but don’t call it expensive. The latest rumblings along the wireless grapevine seem to point towards Canada’s GSM wireless carrier, Rogers, pushing BlackBerry Pear 8220 (codename: KickStart) as a back-to-school promotion come September.

The back-to-school shopping season is upon us. And, as kids and parents all over North America scramble to equip themselves with all the latest technology that they hope will give them an edge in school (but probably won’t, in all likelihood), Rogers wants to cash in on the shopping-craze with a low-priced BlackBerry Pearl 8220 promotion.

Compared to RIM’s expected retail price of $599.99 for their first-ever BlackBerry flip-phone, the 3-year contract price of just $99.99 sounds like a bargain (even if you are tied to Rogers for three long years). But, Rogers is looking to bust up the competition by offering the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 at a student-friendly $49.99!

Rogers is looking to score big with the college and university-bound set by pricing the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 lower than the price-tag of an average tank of gas (petrol, if that suits you). But, there is a catch. In order to score a BlackBerry Pearl 8220 for $49.99, Canadian students will need to commit to a 3-year contract, sign up for the $45 Student Plan, add on a minimum $15 email plan, and choose one of the $15 or $20 Value Packs.

This is what the $45 Student Plan gets you:
- 450 Weekday Minutes
- Unlimited Evenings and Weekends starting at 6pm
- MY5 Canada-Wide (Unlimited talk, SMS, and MMS to any five numbers in Canada)
- Unlimited Local Incoming Minutes
- $5 off Value Pack for duration of contract
In typical Rogers-fashion, we’ll be seeing inordinately expensive wireless rate plans and data plans for anyone hoping to jump on the Canadian GSM carrier’s 3G network. Students will find that their cheap BlackBerry Pearl 8220 is tied to a $70+ monthly rate plan that will likely suck them dry over three years (these are students, after all).

Still, you can’t beat the $50 price of admission to the BlackBerry clamshell-show. Hopefully T-Mobile will see to it that us Yankees get more fair pricing structures when the Pearl 8220 hits the US.

[Via: BlackBerryNews]

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August 12, 2008
2:12
US mobile phone sales increase 5.3% in Q2 2008, Motorola still top in US, BlackBerry strong as ever
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
Time and time again we’re seeing the mobile phone sector brushing off the harsh economic pressures that are affecting just about every other business in the world. And, following on previous reports that worldwide smartphone sales were seeing a bit of an uptick in sales volume, a new report from Strategy Analytics shows that cellphone sales in the US were up 5.3% in Q2 2008, compared to the same period last year.

With 41.9 million handsets sold in the US in the most recent quarter, Strategy Analytics points to the preponderance of all-you-can-eat unlimited calling plans and a healthy supply of new handsets coming to market as key reasons for growing US cellphone sales.

The US is one of the worst-hit economies, and boasts mobile phone saturation of about 80% - two factors that led analysts to expect a dip in handset sales. But, the market surprised with healthy growth figures.

And, with a recent financial report that included a small profit, Motorola saw it’s US marketshare manage to hold on to the top spot. With 26% of the US market sporting its wares, Motorola is surprisingly still the leading cellphone manufacturer in the US. Elsewhere in the world, Moto is the third-leading mobile phone vendor. Interestingly, Motorola’s overall profit was overshadowed by fiscal losses in its mobile phone business. Motorola posted $346 million in losses for its cellphone division during the second quarter.

The outlook for Motorola is by no means solidified by the company’s still-strong presence in the US, but these latest figures show “early signs of stabilization.”

Meanwhile, LG managed to hold on to the No. 2 spot in the US with 16.7 million mobile phones sold in Q2 2008. The South Korean handset manufacturer clinched an impressive 22% of the US wireless market.

Research In Motion (RIM), makers of the heralded BlackBerry lineup of mobile phones known for their push-email prowess, saw the most impressive market-share gains. RIM saw market-share growth that secured the Canadian company 11% of the US cellphone market in Q2 2008 - representing the first time that the BlackBerry maker has seen double-digit market share numbers in the US.

RIM’s growth underlines expectations that the company is ready to fight back against enterprise-class encroachment by the iPhone 3G.

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0:57
RIM BlackBerry Javelin - BlackBerry Bold styling, EDGE data speeds
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
In this day and age, high-speed wireless data connectivity is almost a prerequisite to healthy sales figures. At least that’s the way mobile enthusiasts are likely to see things. In practice, mobile users may not want to pay extra for broadband-like 3G data speeds when EDGE data connectivity could meet their needs.

If wireless acronyms like EDGE, HSPA, and LTE make you want to run and hide under your blankie, we’ll make this easy on you. The BlackBerry Javelin is the lower-end counterpart to the BlackBerry Bold 9000. We’ve been expecting the BlackBerry Javelin to fill a hole in RIM’s BlackBerry lineup - appealing to those with a need for high-end features and styling without the added high-speed 3G data connectivity.

We’re learning that the BlackBerry Javelin will retain the BlackBerry Bold 9000’s high-resolution 480×360 display, a 512Mhz CPU, 256MB of RAM, 3.2 megapixel camera, microSD card slot, and WiFi (with support for T-Mobile’s HotSpot @Home UMA service). But, to help shave a few precious bucks off the asking price, the BlackBerry Javelin will forgo any 3G data in favor or the more widely used EDGE data standard.

As we previously noted, the BlackBerry Javelin seems to be destined for T-Mobile’s network. Without a fully-launched 3G network, T-Mobile is perfectly suited to launch the EDGE-only BlackBerry Javelin for BlackBerry fans looking for BlackBerry Bold-styling and features, without the more expensive 3G data capability.

[Via: CrackBerry]

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August 11, 2008
20:56
Lindsay Lohan trades boys for BlackBerry Bold
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
What’s L. Lo keeping herself busy with these days? Well, if you’ve been following the celebrity gossip pages like us, you’d know that the great Lindsay Lohan’s been trotting around with her new alleged love interest, the BlackBerry Bold 9000.

Lindsay looks happy with her BlackBerry Bold by her side. With the high-resolution display, tri-band 3G data connection, and sleek styling, the BlackBerry Bold brings more than just good looks to the table. It’s a high-powered smartphone deserving of L. Lo’s love. What more could you ask for in a… handset?

While mere mortals will have to wait for official carrier-launched availability before we can get our hands on Waterloo’s latest BlackBerry offering, it seems that the likes of John Mayer and Lindsay Lohan are getting an early whack at the high-res BlackBerry Bold.

Great.

[Via: JustJared]

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August 10, 2008
4:08
BlackBerry Bold 9000 hitting Rogers on August 19th?
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
If the latest rumors filtering down the various intertubes prove to be on point, Canadian fans of the RIM’s push-emailing smartphones could see Rogers launching the heralded BlackBerry Bold 9000 on August 19th.

The BlackBerry Bold 9000 has already gone live in Chile, Germany, and Austria, but North American releases are still rumored to be at least a couple weeks off. Previous speculation hit fairly close to the T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9000’s launch date in Germany and Austria on August 6th, but we could see Rogers go live with the Bold ahead of the speculated end-of-August launch window (depending on how close to the end of the month you consider the 19th to be).

Regardless, the BlackBerry Bold’s staggered launch strategy has already kicked off in other parts of the world, so it’s only a matter of weeks before North American carriers AT&T and Rogers bring the Bold to the US and Canada.

What’s all the hubub over the BlackBerry Bold 9000? Well, as RIM’s first 3G-enabled smartphone, the Bold represents a new age of BlackBerry handsets. With a sleeker, more consumer-oriented design and that crisp 480×320 display showing off the new BlackBerry OS 4.6 UI in all it’s high-resolution glory, the BlackBerry Bold should make a big splash. Here’s a quick recap of the BlackBerry Bold’s features:
- Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) GPRS/EDGE
- Tri-band (850/1900/2100Mhz) UMTS/HSDPA (3G)
- Wi-Fi
- GPS
- Half-VGA (480×320 resolution) color LCD screen
- 2 megapixel camera with flash
- Up to 5 hours GSM talk time, up to 13 days standby
- Side-loading memory slot
- 1GB of on-board memory storage
- 624 MHz processor and 128 MB flash memory
- Bluetooth 2.0
- BlackBerry Media Sync
- BlackBerry OS 4.6
- 3.5mm headphone jack
[Via: MobileSyrup]

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Related Articles at IntoMobile:
August 08, 2008
21:05
RIM BlackBerry Thunder - Verizon BlackBerry 9530 in October 13?
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
The BlackBerry franchise is set to take things to a new level with the release of Waterloo’s BlackBerry Bold 9000. With a 3G data connection and a beautifully high-resolution display, the BlackBerry Bold 9000 is the first in a new wave of BlackBerry devices that both satisfy the business-user’s needs while serving up a fully loaded feature-set.

But, it doesn’t end there. RIM is set to take on Apple and the iPhone 3G with their own touchscreen-based smartphone - the BlackBerry Thunder. The iPhone 3G’s new enterprise aspirations put it spot in the middle of RIM’s business niche radar. The enterprise market that RIM has essentially dominated in the US is now under attack from the sleek new wares from Cupertino, and RIM isn’t about to sit back and watch Apple encroach on their turf.

Last we heard, the 3G-enabled BlackBerry Thunder was undergoing additional development to iron out the touch-based UI’s kinks and baubles. And, all those development resources that were poured in to the BlackBerry Thunder may have just paid off. We’re hearing that Verizon already has a formal model name for the BlackBerry Thunder in their inventory system.

The BlackBerry Thunder has apparently been spotted in Verizon’s inventory system as the BlackBerry 9530, and is expected for an October 13 release. The October 13 release date misses the previously speculated Q3 2008 launch window just slightly.

Staying true to RIM’s naming conventions, the “30″ tacked on to the end of the BlackBerry 9530’s model name signifies that the handset does indeed carry CDMA guts. The BlackBerry Thunder has been previously referred to as the BlackBerry Thunder 9500, so the BlackBerry 9530 moniker does make sense.

Interestingly, RIM is also expected to keep the BlackBerry Thunder 9530 as a Verizon exclusive in the US. Perhaps in response to Verizon’s ongoing lack of a suitable iPhone 3G alternative, Verizon may have wrangled an exclusivity deal from Waterloo. Despite claims that Verizon isn’t worried about the iPhone and iPhone 3G, Big Red’s higher-ups must still be feeling bitter at having shunned Steve Jobs’ initial offer to bring the iPhone to Verizon’s network.

[Via: BGR]

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August 07, 2008
22:59
Verizon offers BlackBerry Curve in Pink
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
BlackBerry already has a Pink BlackBerry Curve in their supply chain, what with Telus having already launched the Pink BlackBerry Curve last month. So, it makes sense that they’re branching out and offering the more feminine-colored BlackBerry Curve on Verizon’s network.

RIM looks to be pushing their aging handsets with vigor prior to bringing the BlackBerry Bold 9000 into the mix. With updated color choices and refreshed BlackBerry OS versions, RIM’s last ditch BlackBerry promotions are unlikely to find too many new customers (at least the more educated and tech-savvy types), but that’s not stopping them from spreading the new color love.

Verizon will be offering the Pink BlackBerry Curve 8330 for $99.99 after two-year contract and rebate starting tomorrow, August 8. So, if you or your loved one just can’t stand to not own the latest Pink-colored gadget, the Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8330 in Pink should pique your interest.

[Via: EngadgetMobile]

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22:16
T-Mobile BlackBerry pipeline leaked - BlackBerry launches a plenty!
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Just in time to bolster RIM’s position to launch a significant counter-offensive against the iPhone in the Canadian-based handset maker’s smartphone niche, T-Mobile’s upcoming BlackBerry launches have been detailed. Thanks to a leaky product pipeline at T-Mobile, we’re hearing that no less than five new BlackBerry handsets will be launching on T-Mobile’s network over the next few months. The new BlackBerry models include fresh new color offerings for the BlackBerry Pearl 8120, the much-anticipated BlackBerry Pearl 8220 (formerly known as the KickStart), and the BlackBerry Javelin.

T-Mobile will be launching the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 in three new colors. Following on the newest BlackBerry Pearl 8120 color offerings, T-Mobile is planning to launch the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 in Tahitian Green, Indigo, and Light Blue color schemes. The new Pearl 8120’s will be available with the BlackBerry OS 4.5, to keep things fresh for the aging Pearl.For those BlackBerry fans waiting on RIM’s first attempt at a clamshell handset, the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 will be hitting T-Mobile in late September or early October. The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 has been referred to en masse as the BlackBerry KickStart, but has recently undergone a name change to better fit in with the BlackBerry consumer-oriented product portfolio. And, keeping in line with RIM’s naming conventions, the “20″ tacked on to the end of the BlackBerry Pearl 8220’s model name denotes that the BlackBerry flip will sport a WiFi radio that should play nice with T-Mobile’s HotSpot @Home UMA service. The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 (aka KickStart) should launch with BlackBerry’s newest BlackBerry OS 4.6.

And, just in time to give holiday shoppers something to look forward to, T-Mobile is expected to launch the BlackBerry Javelin in late November or early December. The BlackBerry Javelin is considered to be the EDGE-only variant of the high-resolution BlackBerry Bold 9000 that has garnered so much attention as of late. The BlackBerry Javelin will not offer the higher 3G data speeds of its more capable sibling, the BlackBerry Bold, but stays true to RIM’s new design aesthetic. The Javelin is both sleeker and slimmer than previous BlackBerry monoblocks and should give non-3G users an appealing alternative to the more pricey BlackBerry Bold. BlackBerry Javelin customer can look forward to a slightly newer BlackBerry OS 4.6.1.

The move to offer the BlackBerry Javelin in favor of the BlackBerry Bold point to T-Mobile’s ongoing push to roll out their 1700Mhz 3G network across the US. The T-Mobile 3G network just recently went live in Las Vegas and Austin, so the nascent 3G infrastructure is moving along quite nicely. But, it’ll likely be well in to 2009 before we see a T-Mobile compatible BlackBerry Bold 9000.

[Via: BlackBerryNews]

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19:25
RIM renames BlackBerry KickStart 8220 - Meet the BlackBerry Pearl 8220
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RIM apparently didn’t think the BlackBerry KickStart moniker was going to vibe too well with the general public, and has decided to rebrand their first foray in to clamshell designs. The first BlackBerry flip-phone, the BlackBerry KickStart, as it has been known, will hence forth be referred to as the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8220. The name change comes on the heels of reports that the handset would be called the BlackBerry KickStart 8220 - not too far off base from the actual handset model name.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8220, in accordance with Waterloo’s naming conventions, will sport a WiFi radio, while the BlackBerry Pearl 8210 will pack integrated GPS hardware beneath the clamshell form-factor.

We’re also hearing that the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 will be offered on T-Mobile’s network while the BlackBerry Pearl 8210 should give AT&T customers with a hankerin’ for a GPS-enabled BlackBerry flip something to chew on. More as we hear it.

While we wait for T-Mobile and AT&T to go live with the BlackBerry Pearl 8220 and BlackBerry Pearl 8210, respectively, take a gander at the video below. It should help pass the time a bit faster (but just a little bit).

[Via: Cellphonesignal]

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August 06, 2008
22:32
RIM mounting BlackBerry counter-offensive against Apple iPhone
» ‎ IntoMobile » RIM
It’s clear that the Apple iPhone and iPhone 3G have been the most sought after handsets in the US smartphone market for some time now. Following on the previous ChangeWave survey that indicated that the iPhone 3G would have a “tsunami like impact” on the smartphone market, ChangeWave has released a new survey that shows RIM and its BlackBerry aren’t taking the issue lightly.

While the iPhone 3G had the distinction of being the most desired smartphone among potential smartphone consumers, RIM has a dominating lead in both the consumer and enterprise segments with their BlackBerry lineups - 42% of the smartphone market is no small accomplishment. RIM is pitting their BlackBerry Bold and touchscreen-based BlackBerry Thunder against the iPhone 3G, and it seems to be (somewhat) working.

The latest ChangeWave survey data shows that a total of 4% of respondents report they’re “Very Likely” to buy the new RIM BlackBerry Bold when it becomes available. Another 13% are “Somewhat Likely.”

The BlackBerry Thunder saw 2% of respondents indicating that they’re “Very Likely” to buy a RIM BlackBerry Thunder when available. A total of 13% are “Somewhat Likely.”

As for RIM’s first BlackBerry clamshell, the RIM BlackBerry KickStart, a total of 2% say they’re “Very Likely,” and 11% are “Somewhat Likely” to purchase a RIM BlackBerry KickStart when it goes on sale.

According to the data, RIM and Apple are poised to battle for the lucrative US smartphone market. The iPhone 3G still takes the lead for planned smartphone purchases, but RIM is following in a strong second. And, with an installed user-base that far exceeds the iPhone’s, the BlackBerry lineup is sure to put up a good fight. Unfortunately, that means the lesser smartphone competitors are going to have to duke it out for the remaining smartphone market scraps.

“The real losers in this smart phone battle will most likely be the second-tier players, who could find themselves increasingly pushed to the sidelines as the two Goliaths battle for market dominance,” says Tobin Smith, founder of ChangeWave Research and editor of ChangeWave Investing. That couldn’t be a reference to Palm, could it?

The survey was conducted after the iPhone 3G announcement but before the handset’s release and included a survey pool comprising 3,567 participants.

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21:28
Apple, Palm, RIM under fire in GSM patent lawsuit
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It’s been some time since we’ve heard of any major lawsuits stemming from questionable patent holdings in the mobile space. We’ve almost lost faith in shady patent holding companies looking to make a quick buck from whatever vague patents they may or may not have.

The latest patent lawsuit involves none other than the famous smartphone trio of Apple, RIM, and Palm. WiAV Solutions, a patent holding firm, filed its lawsuit in Virginia last month. The suit names Apple, Palm and BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) for violating ten patents that WiAV either owns or licenses from Mindspeed.

The 23-page complaint details WiAV’s right to patents regarding GSM technology and Adaptive Multi-Rate (AMR) voice-compression technology. And, as with all lawsuits standing on the kind of shaky ground beneath this particular suit, WiAV’s claim generically applies to various aspects of cellular communication - from voice-detection to power management.

Interestingly, WiAV only owns the rights to two of the ten patents in question here. The remaining eight patents are actually licensed to WiAV from partner Mindspeed, who has been involuntarily dragged in to this lawsuit.

We’ll keep a close eye on this one folks.

[Via: AppleInsider]

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