by Chris Davies – via www.slashgear.com

Sling have set a release date for the SlingPlayer Mobile software for BlackBerry smartphones, first announced at the beginning of 2008.  The software, which allows you to watch streamed video from your SlingBox over a WiFi or 3G connection, will go into public beta come December 30th, at which point it will be available to download for those with BlackBerry handsets running OS 4.5.

Officially supported at launch are the Bold, Curve 8900, 8820, Curve 8320, Pearl Flip 8220 and the Pearl 8120. Versions for the US, Canada and the UK will be available, all as a free download during the beta period.

Of course, the requirements for non-WiFi use are a 3G connection, but we’ve heard on the unofficial grapevine that the app will work with EDGE-only BlackBerry handsets running OS 4.5.  The issue here is widely varying connection speeds, so don’t expect a 100-percent perfect user experience using the slower connection.

by Daniel Robinson – via vnunet.com

Research In Motion (RIM) has officially launched the BlackBerry Curve 8900, with availability expected from several UK carriers by 20 December.

The Curve 8900, codenamed Javelin, updates the styling of the Curve range to bring it more in line with that of the BlackBerry Bold released earlier this year. It also features the new-look user interface that debuted on the Bold.

RIM said the new model is the thinnest BlackBerry with a full Qwerty keyboard, at 13.5mm thick, and its weight is comparable with other Curve models at 110g.

Unlike most recent BlackBerry devices, the Curve 8900 lacks support for 3G/HSDPA networks. It does, however, have built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS capability to support navigation applications such as RIM’s BlackBerry Maps.

Other features include 256MB of memory plus a slot for MicroSD Flash cards. The 1400mAh battery is rated at 5.5 hours of talk time and up to 356 hours on standby.

RIM said that the BlackBerry Curve 8900 will be available in the UK from O2, T-Mobile and Carphone Warehouse.

by Ilse Jurrien – via letsgomobile.org

T -Mobile Germany and Research In Motion (RIM) launched the BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone. The new BlackBerry Curve 8900 has an expansive feature set that keeps users easily connected with their office, friends and family. In addition to exceptional phone, email, messaging, organizer, web browser and multimedia applications, the new BlackBerry Curve 8900 also features global connectivity support, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, a fast processor (512Mhz) and a dazzling hi-resolution display, enabling customers to remain productive and entertained while on the go.

BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone features

In a sleek and new style, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone from T-Mobile Germany has on-the-go video, text and maps, a full QWERTZ keyboard and an intuitive trackball navigation system that allows users to enjoy an exceptional communications experience. Its full-featured media player supports media streaming and can play all your favorite songs and videos. With its new 3.2 megapixel camera, including auto focus, digital zoom and flash, you can take sharp, print-quality pictures to capture the moment and immediately send them to a friend or post them on the Internet. The microSD/SDHC expandable memory slot supports up to 16GB, giving users plenty of storage that is easily interchangeable.

BlackBerry Curve 8900 quad-band smartphone
The BlackBerry Curve 8900 is a quad-band smartphone, providing global connectivity that is compatible with T-Mobile’s nationwide EDGE network for fast data access and web browsing. The handset can be used in conjunction with T-Mobile’s web’n'walk plans for Internet browsing and accessing emails using BlackBerry Internet Service and BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

Curve 8900 the thinnest full QWERTZ BlackBerry smartphone

At approximately 110 grams and 109 x 60 x 13.5 millimeters, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 from T-Mobile Germany is the thinnest full QWERTZ BlackBerry smartphone to date and comes with a sleek and refined design that feels comfortable for either one-handed or two-handed use. Its large, striking 2.4 inch HVGA+ display (480×360 pixels) projects vivid color and makes information easier to read. The BlackBerry Curve 8900 provides flexible connectivity and helps people find their way, combining built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) support and GPS capabilities.

BlackBerry E-Mail Push Service – Free of charge for six months
T-Mobile Germany is currently offering a special promotion for customers who purchase the BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone and subscribe to BlackBerry Internet Service with T-Mobile’s BlackBerry Webmail plan for individuals and small enterprises. The offer, which is initially limited until December 31, 2008, is available with many rate plans and is open to consumers and business customers who take out a new contract or extend an existing contract. For example, customers can currently try out T-Mobile’s BlackBerry Webmail S plan (which costs EUR 4.95 a month and includes a volume of one megabyte for six months) free of charge.

BlackBerry Curve 8900 price & availability

The BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone will be available from T-Mobile Germany from mid of November 2008 and will cost a one-time charge of €4.95 with a 24-month contract on the Relax 200 Plus rate with BlackBerry Webmail S and €359.90 without contract.

by Adam Caitlin – via itworld.com

The BlackBerry mobile phones are very conspicuous and eminent in the market.
They are also termed as synonymous of Business s.mobile phone BlackBerry is well-renowned for inventing business phones and further facilitating the requirements of the business phones’ users all over the world.BlackBerry has introduced a lot of business phones in the recent past as per the requirements of the users. It has thus evolved a huge portfolio of different products over the years.As far as the BlackBerry Storm 9500 is concerned, it’s a new mobile to the market. It is a GSM-enabled mobile with 3G network-HSDPA 2100 feature. Hence, no issues at all with network-connectivity problems regardless of destination. Its 3G technology facilitates telephonic video calling and video streaming.

Its TFT touchscreen can display up to 65K colours; the phone has also an accelerometer sensor for auto-rotation which is a highly valued and innovated attribute to its credit.
The polyphonic ringtones (32 channels), MP3 player with a huge degree of customisation facility are further few useful feathers in its cap to boast of.As regards its memory, it has one GB storage memory, microSD(TransFlash), microSDHC, up to 8 GB and 128 Ram. Now with regard to data transferring devices, it has advanced versions of GPRS, EDGE and 3G HSDPA along with USB v2.0 to facilitate the users optimally.In the context of messaging devices, it has got features viz, MMS, Email, IM along with HTML enabled browser along with recourse to downloadable games.

Its camera is very distinctive in features with 3 MP with flash, autofocus and video. GPS navigation system is very efficient and appealing to the users. When talking
about its battery, then standby capability is up to 360 hours and talktime capability is up to 5 hours and 30 minutes. Thus, battery is very strong and lasting, so would be the mobile in fact!
The BlackBerry 9500 Storm has in fact, got enough capability in terms of its features and utilities to establish itself in the market. The sound and its music system are fabulous and amazing. It has earned a coveted reputation and name in this regard amongst its users. The Storm 9500 in black colour is very befitting and cool.

In short, it has carved out its desired niche in the market by its great features and expeditious functions which run so smoothly.Further talking to its features like – Media player MP3, built-in GPS, video player MPEG4 and 3.5 mm audio output jack. They are very crucial features of a mobile. The battery has got a great stamina which lasts considerably longer both in mode of talktime and standby mode.The email features and browser are quite simpler as well as quick to use. The speaker is able to deliver quality solutions and Bluetooth reception is exceptionally good. Its build-up is very strong and lasting and the mobile body is resistant to scratches.To put it in a nutshell, it is a very unique and well-fitted phone which encompasses all the innovative and desired features of a mobile with great utility.

by Chris Hogg – via digitaljournal.com

The highly-anticipated BlackBerry Storm is launching officially in Canada today. DigitalJournal.com has learned Telus will make the Storm available for $249 under a three-year contract, or $599 without a contract.
The BlackBerry Storm has already earned the name “iPhone killer” (like every other touch-screen mobile). Available through Telus in Canada, the Storm is the first touch-screen BlackBerry sans keyboard from Research in Motion (RIM). Digital Journal first reported on the Storm back in October

Unlike the Apple iPhone 3G, the Storm boasts a large display that actually clicks when you press your finger down on the screen. The promise of the Storm is that it gives you more physical feedback that you are making a selection on-screen (the click helps the user identify an action similar to a mouse click).

The Storm has some features not found in the iPhone 3G, such as a video camera and a copy and paste tool for text.

It also boasts a 3.2 megapixel camera, GPS navigation with turn-by-turn directions, a 480 x 360 3.26-inch display screen that auto adjusts to light, a Web browser and more.

On Monday, Telus held an invite-only media launch party for the Storm, but the official availability date and pricing were still up in the air. DigitalJournal.com picked up a Storm at the launch event and is currently performing an in-depth review (stay tuned for full in-depth coverage coming soon).

Immediately after the launch party, DigitalJournal.com started placing calls to find out when the Storm would be available in Canada, but a launch date could not be confirmed. This morning, however, we learned Telus plans to make it available today.

“It’s available today,” AJ Gratton told DigitalJournal.com before Telus made its official announcement. Gratton works with Telus’ media relations team.

“We’ve experienced unprecedented interest in the BlackBerry Storm smartphone and are pleased that Canadians are just as excited about the BlackBerry Storm as we are,” said John Watson, president of Telus Consumer Solutions in a press release.

via phones4u.co.uk

The new BlackBerry Storm is probably RIM’s most important phone release since the first Pearl became available back in 2006. Why? Because like the Pearl, which introduced the business orientated BlackBerry brand to the consumer world, the Storm represents another first for RIM, the introduction of a touchscreen handset with a brand new interface ready to take on the current smartphone darling, Apple’s iPhone 3G.

Originally known as the BlackBerry Thunder prior to the official announcement, we received word of its imminent release on October 8th when the Storm 9500 was confirmed for Europe – incidentally, the Storm 9530 is the version to be sold in the USA – and word is the BlackBerry will be on sale from October 22nd.

Research in Motion realise how important the touchscreen interface is and have added their own unique style to the system as well as addressing the various feature omissions which frustrate both existing and potential iPhone users. The Blackberry Storm has its fair share of impressive features and will appeal to a broad range of mobile phone fans, as it’s set to be as competent on the multimedia side as it’s sure to be on the business side. If you’ve held off purchasing another smartphone because you where intrigued to see what RIM were cooking up, then it looks like you’re about to be rewarded, as the Storm looks mightily impressive.

The Smartphone For Everyone, All the Time.

It’s not the first time RIM have made a BlackBerry which will appeal to everyone, but it’s perhaps the first time they have packaged one inside such a stylish handset! Style is everything in consumer world and phones don’t come much better looking than when they are almost devoid of ugly buttons. It’s not just a pretty face either, as the Storm does everything the casual user demands.

Mobile Video – The Way You Want It.

The BlackBerry Storm is happy playing the majority of common video files, including MPEG4 and WMV formats, plus you have the option to stream clips from sites such as YouTube.com directly to your phone.

Music the Way You Want it Too.

It’s not just video which can be streamed to your Storm either, as the phone accepts streaming audio too. Like several other recent BlackBerry’s, the music player will play MP3, WMA and AAC encoded files and can be synced with your PC via iTunes as well as the included BlackBerry Music Sync software. A 3.5mm jackplug socket has also been added so you can plug in your own headphones.

A Superb Camera.

The first of the features the Storm boasts which improves on the iPhone 3G’s spec. The Storm’s camera is a 3.2 megapixel item and has both a flash unit and autofocus to take the sharpest pictures possible. The Storm’s camera also shoots video.

An Array of Messaging Options.

Aside from the BlackBerry’s brilliance at email, you can also compose SMS and, again adding something the iPhone 3G lacks, MMS messages. Another standard feature is the BlackBerry Instant Messenger enabling you to chat to your friends in the same way you would with Yahoo or MSN instant messenger on your PC.

Social Networking on Your BlackBerry Storm.

If you’re a Facebook or MySpace addict and love to update them during the day but don’t always have access to a computer, then the Storm will make your life much simpler! Direct access to your accounts means it’s easy to change your status or add a blog post all from your mobile phone, wherever you are.

BlackBerry Maps and Built-in GPS.

The Storm features a built-in Assisted GPS receiver for the fastest location service possible, making sure you never get lost again. BlackBerry Maps is a very flexible software package which can not only plot a route, but highlight points of interest, bookmark favourite spots or suggest locations based on a search term too.

Enjoy Fantastic Business Tools on the BlackBerry Storm.

Once a business device, always a business device. The Storm may include every cool multimedia function in order to attract those who don’t want to use the phone for work, but RIM made their name by providing just about the best mobile office handset on the market and the Storm is no exception.

The Original and Best Mobile Email.

Think BlackBerry, think email. The Storm offers few surprises in the email department, as their tried and tested system is already top-notch. Integrate your office email system via the BlackBerry Enterprise Server which works with Microsoft Enterprise, Lotus Domino and Novell Groupwise ensuring whichever system your work has chosen, the Storm will happily connect with it. The same applies to personal email systems too, either via syncing with your PC or in the case of Yahoo or Gmail, the entry of your username and password in order to set everything up in mere moments. Use it once and you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.

Data Connections Galore!

The Storm 9500 is a 3G, quad band GSM handset with HSDPA support for the fastest mobile data access available. GPRS and EDGE are on hand to back the 3G connection up and v2.0 Bluetooth plus a USB socket complete the line-up.

Office and Calendar Features.

The BlackBerry Storm features DataViz’s Documents To Go viewer and editor to allow simple manipulation of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files – which can be sent and received by email – plus the comprehensive RIM calender and address book, which are integrated so well into the operating system they can be accessed quickly and easily even when on a call.

Browse the Internet On the Move.

The BlackBerry Storm’s web browser is rumoured to be based around the same software as the one found on the iPhone 3G, but its operation is still something of a secret. What is known is that it will feature copy/paste, something the iPhone 3G doesn’t, and will make use of the multi-touch technology and special feedback given by the Storm’s brand new touchscreen.

Inside the Eye of the Storm.

It’s the Storm’s biggest attraction and will likely be the talking point all over the mobile phone world upon its release, we’re of course, talking about the beautiful new touchscreen. But the screen is not the only impressive technology found on the BlackBerry Storm…

All New Touchscreen Experience.

Research in Motion was unlikely to follow the herd and just add a regular touchscreen to their first ever device to feature such an item, but we didn’t expect something as unique as this! Touted as a ‘clickable’ touchscreen, it’s supposed to feel like you’re actually pressing a physical button rather than an unresponsive glass screen when using the Storm, which RIM claim makes the experience far more interactive and user-friendly than expected. Will the Storm be the first re-invention of the touchscreen? We can’t wait to find out!

Two Keyboard Options.

Unlike the iPhone 3G’s portrait keyboard, the BlackBerry Storm offers two different ways of typing your emails, SMS’s or chat sessions. If the Storm is held upright as normal, then a SureType keypad is displayed, just like the one found on the Pearl, but if you rotate the phone into landscape orientation then a full QWERTY keyboard appears for faster and even more accurate typing! This is surely the biggest advantage the Storm has over its competitors.

Auto Screen Rotation.

This transfer between SureType keypad and full keyboard when the phone is rotated is fully automatic thanks to the accelerometer inside the Storm. It works well for web browsing and videos too.

A Fast Processor and Upgradeable Memory.

A 624Mhz processor should keeps things moving swiftly along, as will the 128MB of RAM. Internal storage is 1GB out of the box, however there is also a slot for a MicroSD card up to a huge 32GB in size!

Large Screen Size and Plenty of Battery Power.

The Storm’s touchscreen is 3.25 inches and displays a resolution of 360×480 and 65,000 colours. The battery, which will be removable and therefore user-replaceable, offers a quoted 360 hours standby and over 5 hours talktime.

Look out for the BlackBerry Storm to hit the UK at the beginning of November, as this is going to be a big one!

via cellularreviewer.com

Intelligence and beauty are seamlessly merged in the BlackBerry 8707g. This multimedia communication device is sleek and sophisticated, allowing for connections in most areas worldwide. This mobile phone is an excellent choice for individuals on the move who want practical features and head-turning style.

BlackBerry offers Internet Service Instant Messaging for real-time correspondences. Users can silently send text messages using short messaging services (SMS) and they can send sounds and pictures using multimedia messaging services (MMS). The system has email support with attachment viewing.

The high-quality phone offers reliable connection and users have quick access to contact information using the system’s ample phone book. Effortless dialing is possible using the system’s speed dialing features. Hands-free convenience is available using the unit’s integrated speakerphone.

Other calling features include smart dialing, conference calling and call forwarding. These calling features are designed for convenience and organization. Additional organizational tools include a calendar, task list and memo pad for setting priorities and creating reminders. The system is compatible with popular Personal Information Management (PIM) software.

The BlackBerrry 8707 offers Bluetooth capability for hands-free communication using headsets and car kits. The system keeps users connected using the Web browser for connecting to the Internet and tethered modem capability for reliable wireless connections to laptops and personal computers.

Maneuvering the unit is quick and easy with QWERTY, QWERTZ or AZERTY keyboards. The dedicated send, end and mute keys allow for fast entries and the user-definable convenience key offers lightning-fast input with one push of a button. Viewing is crystal clear with the high resolution display that adjusts itself according to light sources.

Personalization tools include polyphonic and MP3 ring tones allowing users to choose incoming call signals according to their personal tastes. Ample storage is available using the system’s 64 MB of internal memory.

The BlackBerry 8707 is a sophisticated mobile phone that offers striking good looks and plenty features designed to keep users connected, informed and entertained.