Just after announcing the highly-anticipated BlackBerry 6 with great features, RIM has now joined hands with AT&T to offer users a new stylish mobile device that will run on the latest BlackBerry 6 OS, the BlackBerry Torch 9800. The phone sports a 35 key full QWERTY backlit slide-out keypad and a touchscreen.
Featuring a 3.2-inch touchscreen which displays 360 x 480p, the new entrant comes equipped with an optical trackpad for quick navigation. Powered by 624MHz processor, the phone offers Flash memory up to 512MB. Weighing just 5.6oz, the device includes 4GB storage capacity that can be extended up to 32GB through microSD or SDHD memory card slot. The 5MP camera with AF provides users with image stabilization, scene modes, geo-tagging and zoom function.
“We were the first to launch the BlackBerry solution in 1999 and have a rich history of innovation and collaboration with RIM. The two companies that brought the first BlackBerry smartphones to market have teamed up again with the new BlackBerry Torch, creating a true generational shift in hardware and operating system for this enormously popular service,” remarked Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.
The Torch lets users record videos in 640 x 480p resolutions while its incorporated GPS feature enhances navigation. Connectivity is advanced through Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n whereas the audio aspect is supported by a 3.5mm stereo headset jack. The Torch features integrated voice activated dialing and an incorporated speakerphone. Battery life is enhanced with 1300 mAhr rechargeable battery which offers around 5.8 hours of talktime, 30 hours audio and 6 hours video playback. Users can access various apps from BlackBerry App World with the help of pre-loaded icons on the handset.
“This is one of the most significant launches in RIM’s history and we are proud to introduce the new BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry 6 together with AT&T. With a new user interface, new browser and new handset design, the highly anticipated BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry 6 deliver integrated and uncompromising capabilities for consumers and business professionals that preserve the industry-leading strengths of the BlackBerry platform while adding exciting new dimensions,” elucidated Mike Lazaridis, president and co-ceo, RIM
Users can access social networking apps like Bloomberg, ESPN, The Weather Channel and Slacker Radio content in addition to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and more. It also includes YouTube app and Podcasts app, while the WebKit-based browser displays HTML webpages. The device augments convenience with double-tap and pinch to zoom functions.
The BlackBerry Torch 9800 handset is priced at $199.99 with a two year service agreement. Users can enjoy AT&T’s 200MB wireless data plan for $15 and 2GB scheme for $25 per month. The handset is anticipated to be available through AT&T’s retail and online outlets on August 12, 2010. Additionally, it will be made available through Best Buy, Wal-Mart and RadioShack stores. The handset comes bundled with a 4GB memory card.