RIM and AT&T are rolling out the first BB 6 device as the Torch 9800 with both a full touchscreen interface and QWERTY front facing keyboard. The 3.2 inch capacitive display slides down over the top of the hardware QWERTY keyboard so you get the best of both worlds in a single device with several software improvements.
RIM launched their BlackBerry App World onboard application store at CTIA on 1 April 2009. The App World application lets you purchase and download applications to your supported RIM BlackBerry device. Apps can be free (30% were at launch) or priced from US$2.99 and up. You can read reviews, download some trials, view screenshots, and provide feedback for the applications.
There have been rumors of a new BlackBerry design, often labeled the BlackBerry 9000 series, and today RIM posted the official announcement of the BlackBerry Bold smartphone that will be coming this Summer to a carrier near you. RIM also announced a US$150 million mobile applications and services development fund similar to what Apple has done with its developer fund a few months ago. RIM is serious about the smartphone market and isn't about to give up to Apple, Microsoft, or Nokia anytime soon.
As we have seen in recent analyst reports, RIM's marketshare is increasing as they continue to support and promote consumer-focused features like video capture, enjoyable web browsing, and style. RIM is now getting closer and closer to launching their first ever touch screen-enabled device, the BlackBerry Storm, and CrackBerry.com has the latest news on this device that appears to be coming soon to Verizon.
After I wrote about the naming and further information of BlackBerry App World, Kevin emailed me about some information found in the developer information that he found a bit shocking. There is a tier for free applications in the App World, but the minimum price for paid apps is US$2.99 with tiers up to $999.99.
We knew the BlackBerry App World launch was coming soon and rumors had it for 1 April. While in a conversation with fellow writers at the Showstoppers event an email appeared on my phone that the BlackBerry App World was available and ready for installation. I pulled out the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 and quickly installed the new application suite to give it a run through. Check out several screenshots in my image gallery and the video below, as well as my more in depth thoughts on this new application store.
The rumors were spot on in predicting this latest device from RIM. T-Mobile may not have the latest and greatest Windows Mobile devices, but they do seem to be the first to get the newest RIM BlackBerry devices. This slim model looks great and I can't wait to try one in person.
RIM will be announcing a new device with multimedia capabilities and an integrated camera in the next month or so. Will this convince BlackBerry fans to stay with this platform or will the power of Windows Mobile and S60 sway them to a new device operating system?
We are all becoming more and more connected and a Rutgers University study shows that employers have to watch their actions or they could be liable for the addiction.
BBM Music is an enjoyable social music service and for a couple of weeks you can download and install the client to get four months of service for free.