3GSM World Congress - BARCELONA, SPAIN - Research In Motion (RIM) today introduced the highly anticipated BlackBerry® 8800 - a feature-rich and finely tuned smartphone that is both functionally and visually inspiring.
The BlackBerry 8800 is the thinnest BlackBerry handset yet and is designed to satisfy the most demanding mobile professionals. Equipped with a full, highly tactile QWERTY* keyboard and RIM's user-friendly trackball navigation system, it also includes built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), multimedia features and a microSD expandable memory slot.
“The BlackBerry 8800 smartphone offers another winning combination of superior hardware, software and service embodied by an extremely elegant industrial design,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “We spent a tremendous amount of effort refining the BlackBerry 8800, inside and out, and that effort will be evident to customers. From the premium finish to the vivid screen to the exceptional sound quality and the unmatched usability, the BlackBerry 8800 is a standout choice for mobile professionals.”
The quad-band GSM/GPRS and EDGE-enabled BlackBerry 8800 offers best-in-class performance with smoothly integrated support for voice and data applications, including phone, email, text messaging, web browser, organizer, multimedia and more. Powering its robust performance is an ultra-thin, high-capacity battery that further extends the uncompromising battery life for which BlackBerry handsets are renowned.
Through its built-in GPS, the BlackBerry 8800 can pinpoint its location and provide "out-of-the-box" support for a wide variety of location based applications and services, including BlackBerry Maps. BlackBerry Maps provides driving directions -- with the ability to track the route via GPS -- and integrates with other BlackBerry applications, so users can generate a map from an address in their BlackBerry Address Book and send maps via email from their BlackBerry 8800.
The BlackBerry 8800 is a world-class mobile phone with advanced and easy-to-use phone features including noise cancellation for enhanced audio performance, Speaker Independent Voice Recognition for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD), intuitive call management functions such as smart dialing, conference calling, speed dialing and call forwarding, as well as dedicated “send”, “end” and “mute” keys. It also features a high quality, low-distortion speakerphone and Bluetooth® 2.0 for use with hands-free headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals. Support for polyphonic, mp3 and MIDI ringtones is included.
With the large, bright, high resolution (320 x 240) landscape display, images appear vivid and crisp for viewing emails, attachments, pictures, videos, web pages, business applications and games. Built-in light sensing technology automatically adjusts the screen, keyboard and trackball brightness for optimized visibility in various lighting environments. The vibrant display, coupled with the BlackBerry 8800’s innovative trackball navigation, delivers a user experience that is dynamic and intuitive.
The BlackBerry 8800 also comes with a media player and stereo headset jack. Its expandable memory capability allows users to store their favorite music and videos on a microSD card to enjoy while on the go. Music and video are delivered with rich sound and vivid color.**
The BlackBerry 8800 can operate with BlackBerry® Internet Service, giving users the ability to manage up to 10 supported personal and corporate email accounts, as well as BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, which includes IT policy controls for managing the handset's features and usage.
The BlackBerry wireless platform gives customers the capability to deploy a variety of applications. Hundreds of business solutions from third party software providers can further extend the BlackBerry platform to support various business needs such as CRM, sales force automation, field services, business intelligence, supply chain management and continuity of operations, as well as a broad range of industry-specific applications for sectors including health care, law enforcement, government, financial services, insurance, pharmaceutical, professional services, real estate, manufacturing, wholesale and retail.
The BlackBerry 8800 comes with a complement of accessories in the box, including a headset, travel charger and USB cable. Additional Authentic BlackBerry Accessories, including premium leather holsters and totes, desktop and automotive chargers, Bluetooth® headsets and other peripherals, are available online at www.shopblackberry.com.
The BlackBerry 8800 will be available from a variety of carriers worldwide beginning in February 2007.
For more information about the BlackBerry 8800, please visit www.blackberry8800.com.
* Keyboard also available in AZERTY and QWERTZ configurations to support different language groups.
** Supports MP3 and ACC music files and MPEG4 and H.263 video files.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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