RIM Officially Announces BlackBerry 6, Torch
A new BlackBerry phone and a new OS--looks like RIM wants to tackle Apple and Google.
Tuesday Research In Motion (RIM) announced BlackBerry 6, a seemingly huge overhaul to the RIM-based OS that now incorporates an iPhone-like (or Android-like) functionality. RIM said that the new interface was designed to be both "fresh and familiar," and works with both the trackpad and touch screen. Highlights include a Home Screen with five customizable views (All, Favorites, Media, Downloads, and Frequent), six "visually rich" Action Menus, a Universal Search tool, better web browsing, social feeds and more.
"BlackBerry 6 is the outcome of RIM's ongoing passion to deliver a powerful, simplified and optimized user experience for both touch screen and keyboard fans," said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-ceo, Research In Motion. "Following extensive research and development to address consumer needs and wants, we are delivering a communications, browsing and multimedia experience that we think users will love, and we are thrilled to debut BlackBerry 6 on the amazing new BlackBerry Torch smartphone."
Along with the announcement of BlackBerry 6 came the new BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone exclusively from AT&T. The device will be the first to incorporate RIM's new OS, and will also take advantage of AT&T's new advanced messaging features for SMS and MMS including a "reply all" functionality for up to 10 contacts and a Locations feature.
As for the new smartphone's hardware, it will merge both a physical, 35-key QWERTY keyboard and touch screen capabilites, measuring approximately 4.4-inches (closed) x 2.4-inches x .57-inches and weigh 5.68 ounces. The device will also feature a 3.2-inch 360 x 480 display, a 624 MHz processor, 512MB flash memory, 4GB of built-in storage plus a microSD/SDHD slot for more storage, a 5MP camera with flash, built-in GPS and more.
The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is expected to hit AT&T on August 12, and will cost $199.99 with a two-year (ball and chain) contract. Data plans consist of 200MB for $15 per month, and 2GB for $25 per month. For more information, head here.
According to RIM, BlackBerry 6 is compatible with other "select" BlackBerry smartphones currently on the market. The OS is expected to appear on BlackBerry Bold 9700, BlackBerry Bold 9650 and BlackBerry Pearl 3G, as well as future BlackBerry smartphones--depending on the carrier.
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I like my 9700 but I'd love to get my hands on this Torch! Nice job RIM!
Looks quite well done for a vertical slider with a QWERTY keyboard. I'm sure businesses will be quite interested in this.
So lets get this right: a low res screen, slower processor and essentially a fusion of the keyboard and a touchscreen, which in itself isnt anything new- how is this anything extraordinary?
HAHA. It needs a med-tronics input for heart rate, body temp, blood sugar levels and smelling salts. lol
Actually looks pretty nice. Needs a bigger, better screen and processor though.
Too bad it's on ATT though. Limited data plan pretty well alienates me.
a 624mhz processor in the days when a 1 ghz snapdragon is standard. This I believe is what has really been driving away the casual blackberry users. My next phone is more likely to be an android then another blackberry.
Asinine if you ask me. Blackberry is almost *too* concerned about their users, as bad as that sounds. What I mean is there comes a point where you have to cut the umbilical cord and get people moving ahead with the times. Every BB user I know is just some ignorant "phones are too fancy these days" pc illiterate user who can barely figure out how to type on a blackberry keypad, let alone a touchscreen keyboard.
Eventually these users are going to move on, leaving RIM in the dust with a bunch of antiquated phones nobody wants. They are relegating themselves to a useless market of 1st generation phones. Not to mention they are probably going to hand over the source code to India just to get a few extra million users, and then it's only a matter of time before their security algorithms are leaked out and make the BB nothing more than an SMS service.
Asinine if you ask me. Every BB user I know is just some ignorant "phones are too fancy these days" pc illiterate user who can barely figure out how to type on a blackberry keypad, let alone a touchscreen keyboard.
Yes just like all those people who drive a car with a wheel... A gaming controller is where it's at!!!11! /sarcasm
Seriously though RIM is more into the business market than anything so you predicting BB doom is completely batshit crazy.
Also, I am far more satisfied with the function of a BB over most new smartphones. For a consumer they have well caught up though. **Reminder** average consumer is a moron (JesusHimself)