Reliance launches BlackBerry Wireless Platform on CDMA Network in India

Reliance Communications (RCOM) and Research In Motion (RIM) have teamed up to announce the availability of the BlackBerry wireless platform on a CDMA network in India.

RCOM has introduced the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone, which enables interoperability between the CDMA and GSM network to improve the productivity of enterprises and professional whilst they are on-the-move.According to RCOM, India for the very first time will see an array of solutions for enterprises and professionals including Internet-based online trading. All this is thanls to the new BlackBerry.

Prakash Bajpai, President, RCOM, said “As the first player to offer BlackBerry World Edition smartphone in India, we are confident that our network will offer a superior value proposition to professionals on the move. Reliance is committed to provide world class Solutions on BlackBerry Enterprise server and we will take BlackBerry ‘BeyondEmail’. Now for the first time in India we are launching BlackBerry service with applications such as Internet-based online trading and Blackberry on prepaid. Many more such solutions will follow suit.”

In addition, the device will allow a number of other features through Reliance, such as Bloomberg anywhere services, Reliance mobile world access to 23 fun applications, video streaming on BlackBerry, prepaid on BlackBerry for the first time in India, BlackBerry Enterprise Server for enterprise, and BlackBerry Internet Service for SME and professional.

Furthermore, the RCOM’s CDMA-powered BlackBerry smartphones make it possible for professionals and entrepreneurs to access their business critical data, including PowerPoint presentations, multimedia files, graphs, etc. With the CDMA technology, users can download their mails and surf the net at faster speeds.

Norm Lo, Vice President, Asia-Pacific, RIM maintained, “BlackBerry smartphones are designed to provide people with the best integrated mobile experience for email, phone, web browsing and other corporate and personal applications. RIM is very pleased to be working with RCOM to further drive the adoption of BlackBerry smartphones and mobile applications in India.”

The other significant features of the BlackBerry 8830 device are:
# Email and messaging capability
# Web browsing
# Full QWERTY keyboard
# Large display
# Trackball navigation system
# A microSD expandable memory slot
# Advanced media player

The BlackBerry models introduced in the country are:
# BlackBerry Pearl for Rs 24,990
# BlackBerry 8703e for Rs 22,990
# BlackBerry Curve for Rs 24,990
# BlackBerry 8830 World Edition for Rs 33,990

Available across 10,000 towns and 3 lakh villages, this will make it the most widely connected BlackBerry service in India. Initially, the BlackBerry 8830 and 8703e devices will be available across 16 Indian cities and will eventually be expanded to other cities in phase II. RCOM has announced the BlackBerry Pearl and BlackBerry Curve on its GSM network in a phase-wise manner beginning with Indore.

Airtel introduces GPS Navigation on BlackBerry 8800 Smartphones in India

Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading providers of telecommunications services has just announced the launch of GPS-based Navigation Application on Mobile handsets.


The company has collaborated with Swedish-based Wayfinder Systems AB for application of this navigation system.

Using this navigation system, users will be continuously updated with real-time content and geographical data via the wireless network using EDGE/GPRS.

This GPS-based Navigation Application turns compatible mobile phones into a GPS-based navigation system complete with detailed maps and Points-of-Interest of a number of Indian cities such as Delhi and NCR ( Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad), Bangalore, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh.

Besides, Airtel users will also have the option to purchase map information as well as area coverage details in other countries such as Europe and North America.

According to Sanjay Gupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Mobile Services, Bharti Airtel, “We are now introducing in India, a state of the art GPS based navigation system that will largely benefit all frequent travelers using compatible mobile handsets like BlackBerry 8800.”

For starters, this GPS Navigation application will be available on the BlackBerry 8800 smartphone.

In fact, Airtel is offering a six month free trial for all its Airtel BlackBerry 8800 users. As per this offer, the customer will not be required to pay any subscription charges on the GPS application during this period.

However, data download charges will apply as per the subscriber’s BlackBerry plan.

If you wish to download this GPS Navigation application on to your BlackBerry 8800 smartphone, you will need to send ‘NAV’ as an SMS to ‘3636’.

The all New Sleek BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone debuts

Today, Research in Motion (RIM) unveiled the BlackBerry 8800, a new version of the BlackBerry Smartphone. So what’s new in the BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone, that’s absent from its predecessors? Well read on to find out.

Above all, the all new and sleek BlackBerry 8800 phone will replace RIM’s signature side navigation wheel with a front trackball that first appeared in the recently launched BlackBerry Pearl.

Secondly, the BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone happens to be the thinnest BlackBerry to be manufactured to date. The BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone measures just 0.55-inches from the front to the back. It is however, a bit taller, but much narrower than its predecessors.

Then, the BlackBerry 8800 phone is also able to pick up signals from GPS satellites meant for location tracking, because the Smartphone comes installed with BlackBerry maps, which is an application that can actually use GPS signals to provide driving directions, in case you get lost on the road. Moreover, users can also send maps via e-mails using the BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone.

The BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone comes preloaded with a media player, and an external storage slot for removable microSD memory cards.

A feature that has remained constant from the earliest BlackBerry to the BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone is the high-capacity battery, which provides the same uncompromising battery life that Blackberry Smartphones have always been known for.

The BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone is also equipped with a full, highly tactile QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard is also available in AZERTY and QWERTZ configurations.

RIM said 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.

The BlackBerry 8800 phone has 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 pixel) 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. RIM said the vibrant display, coupled with the BlackBerry 8800’s trackball navigation, delivers a user experience that is dynamic and intuitive.

The BlackBerry 8800 phone also comes with a media player and stereo headset jack. The player supports MP3 and ACC music files and MPEG4 and H.263 video files. The handset’s 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. 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 phone 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.

BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Review

The BlackBerry 8830 (Blackberry 8800 series) World Edition smartphone carries the world in its sleek form. This stunning multimedia communication device has everything necessary to keep users connected no matter where they roam. This fully functional cell phone is designed with chic looks and all the benefits of today’s cutting edge technology.

The unit comes equipped with a high quality phone that keeps users connected clearly and with reliability. Users can take advantage of voice dialing for ultra-fast connections and the unit has a convenient speakerphone for hands-free convenience.

Bluetooth technology is also built into the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition. Users enjoy hands-free communication using headsets and car kits. The unit also has stereo headset capability for outstanding sound quality. Headsets can be purchased separately and consumers have a choice of several different types.

Messaging features are abundant in this clever mobile phone. Short messaging services (SMS) is at the tips of fingers for quick text entries. Pictures and sounds can be sent using multimedia messaging services (MMS). Instant Messaging (IM) is available for real-time correspondences.

While taking advantage of the messaging features, users can check email and review documents using attachment viewing. Contacts are easy to find using the system’s innovative address book. Optimal organization is possible with Personal Information Management (PIM). The unit also has a calendar, memo pad and a task list for added convenience.

The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition assures access to the quickest route with GPS navigation for location-based services. BlackBerry Maps is a valuable tool for people on the move. Maps are easy to read using the high resolution display that adjusts to different lighting levels for crystal clear images no matter where it is viewed.

Users stay connected using the system’s reliable Web browser. The unit has tethered modem capability that allows for wireless connection to personal computers and laptops. Maneuvering the system is easy using the full QWERTY keyboard with dedicated send, end and mute keys. The trackball navigation system and user-definable convenience key also make maneuvering a breeze.

Media Player is integrated into the unit for audio and video playback. The system has 64 MB of memory and expandable memory using microSD card is available. The unit is has M4 and T4 hearing aid rating.

The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition is an outstanding multimedia communication device that is the perfect blend of form and function.

BlackBerry 8820 Review

With style, charm and sophistication the BlackBerry 8820 (BlackBerry 8800 series) is a prime example of today’s cutting-edge multimedia communication devices. This fully functional smartphone has many exceptional features packed in a petit design that is certain to turn heads.

Practicality is important to professionals on the move and the BlackBerry 8820 delivers. Users have access to a generous address book that keeps contact information sorted and easily accessible. The calendar keeps important dates in order for meetings, special occasions and anniversaries.

The memo pad offers the perfect vehicle for keeping reminders in check and at the tips of fingertips. Users can also take advantage of the unit’s task list that keeps priorities in top priority. The unit is compatible with popular Personal Information Management (PIM) software.

The integrated phone offers excellent sound quality and easy access to contacts. The phone can be activated using voice dialing for ultra-fast connections. Users can also take advantage of the unit’s hands-free speakerphone and the system also has Bluetooth capability that can be used with headsets and car kits.

Messaging features include Instant Messaging (IM), short messaging services (SMS) and multimedia messaging services (MMS). The unit offers email support with a handy integrated attachment viewing features for quick access to important documents while on the go.

Users can also stay connected using the system’s Web browser and Wi-Fi support that allows access to just about any Wi-Fi network. Maneuvering around the World Wide Web is easy using the full QWERTY keyboard. Dedicated send, end and mute keys are accessible and the system has trackball navigation and a user definable convenience key.

BlackBerry Maps and GPS navigation ensure that users find their destinations quickly and easily. The system ahs 64 MB of memory and expandable memory is available using microSD cards. The unit also features Media Player for songs and video clips.

Stunning good looks, compact design and exceptional features the BlackBerry 8820 is certain to turn heads.

BlackBerry 8800 Review

The BlackBerry 8800 (BlackBerry 8800 Series) is a sharp smartphone that is offered in a striking black hue. The sleek, comfortable design is perfect for savvy cell phone users who want plenty of features packed in a lustrous device. The 8800 is a sophisticated unit that offers style, flexibility and practicality all in one.

The system comes equipped with a phone that provides exceptional sound quality and convenience. Voice activated dialing is ideal for making lightning-fast connections with little effort. The speakerphone offers hands-free expediency that is so very valuable when on the move.

Messaging features include short messaging (SMS) services for quick text entries and multimedia messaging services (MMS) for picture and sound messages. Instant Messaging (IM) is featured in the system so users can connect to their contacts on popular IM programs. Email access with attachment viewing is also featured on the BlackBerry 8800.

Organizational tools include an ample address book for keeping contact information in tact and accessible. The calendar, task list and memo pad keep users up-to-date on their latest projects and recreational commitments. The system is compatible with popular Personal Information Management (PIM) software.

BlackBerry Maps offers quick directions and navigational information. The unit also has Global Positioning Service for location-based services that get users where they are going quickly and efficiently. Seeing map directions is easy with the smartphone’s high resolution display.

The system comes equipped with a Web browser for reliable connection to the Internet. The unit has tethered modem capability that provides wireless connection to a compatible personal computer. The full QWERTY keyboard allows for quick entries and easy maneuvering.

Media Player is built into the system for access to videos and music. The songs can be appreciated using the optional stereo headset and Bluetooth capability. The device has 64 MB of internal memory and the capacity for more using microSD cards.

The stunning BlackBerry 8800 offers outstanding features, eye-catching design and connectivity. This compact unit promises to deliver and follows through each and every time.

BlackBerry 8820 Dual-mode Smartphone unveiled by RIM

Yesterday, Research in Motion (RIM), announced the new BlackBerry 8820 smartphone. The company claims that it is the first dual-mode BlackBerry to provide wireless voice and data access over both cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

The all-new BlackBerry 8820 smartphone features a large and bright 320×240 display. It sports a full and highly tactile QWERTY keyboard and a very user-friendly trackball navigation system.

The BlackBerry 8820 also includes built-in GPS functionality, new enhancements in RIM’s media player as well as a microSD expandable memory slot that supports up to 32GB cards.

This latest offering from RIM, the BlackBerry 8820 combines EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity for data access and voice support via UMA (unlicensed mobile access) for fixed mobile convergence.

According to 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.”

The BlackBerry 8820 smartphone also comes with voice-activated dialing, conference calling, speed dialing and dedicated keys for muting calls as well as for performing other functions.

Not only that, the ultra-thin, high-capacity battery is removable and this further extends the exceptional battery life for which BlackBerry handsets are known.

The latest BlackBerry from RIM also features a speakerphone and Bluetooth 2.0 support.

The BlackBerry 8820 smartphone from RIM comes with a number of accessories in the box. They include:
* Headset
* Travel Charger
*USB cable
*Holster