RIM launches its first smartphone with Wi-Fi

Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM) announced on Tuesday the launch of a new BlackBerry model that will provide wireless voice and data access over both cellular and Wi-Fi networks, enabling users to make free phone calls over the Internet.

The new device, named BlackBerry 8820, is RIM’s first dual-mode smartphone, and is company’s thinnest model with a full keyboard.

The BlackBerry 8820 features a full QWERTY keyboard, a large and bright 320 x 240 display and a user-friendly trackball navigation system. The new BlackBerry also includes a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) support, latest media player enhancements and best-in-class voice and data functionality.

The phone also features voice-activated dialing, conference calling, speed dialing and dedicated keys for muting calls and performing other functions.

In addition, an expandable memory slot, microSD / microSDHC (microSD High Capacity), for micromemory cards up to 32GB and a removable battery also added to the new device.

"The BlackBerry 8820 is an extraordinary business phone for people who really care about mobile communications and productivity. It features all the renowned power and usability of the BlackBerry platform with executive class styling and unprecedented connectivity features, including cellular, Wi-Fi and built-in GPS," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM. "The BlackBerry 8820 complements our carrier partners' cellular networks with the added ability to stay connected via Wi-Fi at home, through hotspots and corporate campuses."

To be marketed by San Antonio, Texas-based AT&T Inc., which is also Apple’s exclusive U.S. carrier partner for iPhone, the new Blackberry smartphone has the ability to connect to wi-fi broadband networks. The pricing of the phone that would likely hit the markets later in summer was not yet announced.

According to RIM, primarily known as the maker and provider of BlackBerry wireless devices and e-mail services, the 8820 is the first dual-mode BlackBerry handset, which combines EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity for data access and voice support.

It also offers email and text messaging (SMS and MMS), instant messaging, organizer, web browser and advanced phone features. A speakerphone and Bluetooth 2.0 support are some other features of the new phone.

With the launch of new BlackBerry smartphone, the Waterloo, Ontario-based Company, which is enjoying success in the corporate market for years, expects its share in the global smartphone device market to increase sequentially in future.

RIM's latest product launch comes less than one month after Apple Inc. launched its multifunctional iPhone, an all-in one cell phone/iPod/pocket computer. Priced at $499 for 4-gigabyte model and $599 for an 8-gigabyte model, Apple’s iPhone went on sale on June 29 at Apple and AT&T stores as well as Apple's Web site.

Founded in 1984 by Mike Lazardis, the company is now worldwide provider of BlackBerry wireless devices and e-mail services. Its BlackBerry models are available on about 300 networks in 120 countries.

RIM’s smartphones have proven popular with corporations who use them for field service representatives and other mobile employees. Now, RIM’s BlackBerry 8820 smartphone has to prove its mettle against rival iPhone in the US smartphone market.

According to RIM’s latest estimates, company’s BlackBerry subscriber accounts grew by about 1.2 million during the first quarter for a total of 9.2 million. For the year ended March 3, 2007, its revenue jumped to $3.04 billion from $2.07 billion a year earlier and profit rose to $631.6 million from $374.7 million in the same period.

RIM shares surged C$4.19 to C$240.29 on Tuesday in trading at Toronto Stock Exchange, while they jumped $3.53 to $230.07 on NASDAQ.