AT&T and RIM announces BlackBerry Torch 9800 with new BlackBerry 6 OS
AT&T and Research in Motion introduced today the all-new BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone; the first RIM device to feature both a touch-screen capacitive display and a BlackBerry keyboard, as well as the first RIM device to feature the new BlackBerry 6 OS.
Let’s first touch on BlackBerry 6. The latest iteration of the BlackBerry OS features a redesigned rich graphical user interface easily usable with both the touchscreen display as well as the trackpad. Other new features of BB 6 include expanded messaging capabilities, enhanced multimedia experiences, a new WebKit-based web browser, universal search, simplified setup, and access to apps via BlackBerry App World.
Speaking of messaging, the Torch features the new Text Messages application which supports AT&T’s advanced messaging features for SMS and MMS. Users can perform group messaging along with “reply all” functionality for up to 10 contacts. You can also tap into the Locations feature which allows you to search for points of interest, businesses, and your own location and then insert this information right into your message – all without leaving the messaging app.
Moving onto the features and specs.. the Torch 9800 has:
- Measures 4.4 (5.8 inches open) x 2.4 x 0.57 inches and weighs 5.68 oz
- 3.2 inch 360 x 480 capacitive touch-screen display
- Light sensor, proximity detection, and accelerometer
- 35 key QWERTY backlit slide-out keyboard designed to feel optimally balanced when opened for typing
- Optical trackpad
- 624MHz processor with 512MB of flash memory
- 4GB built-in memory
- microSD/SDHD memory card slot (4 GB card included)
- 5 megapixel camera with flash, continuous auto focus, image stabilization, scene modes, geo-tagging and zoom, as well as video recording at up to 640×480 resolution
- Built-in GPS
- 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
- 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack
- Voice activated dialing, speakerphone and Bluetooth 2.1
- BlackBerry Desktop Software 6 with integrated media sync, Wi-Fi Music Sync
- Pre-loaded apps including Bloomberg Mobile, ESPN, and CNN
- Tri-band HSDPA (3G) and quad-band EDGE for the option of voice service in more than 220 countries, data service in more than 195 countries, and 3G service in more than 125 countries
- Removable, rechargeable 1300 mAhr battery for up to 5.8 hours of talk time on 3G networks or 30 hours of audio playback or 6 hours of video playback
