Hands-on experience with new BlackBerrys

BlackBerry developer Research In Motion (RIM) yesterday announced two new smartphone models based on the BlackBerry 7 operating system (OS).

The new handsets, the BlackBerry Bold 9790 and Curve 9380, are set to become available from various carriers around the world over the coming weeks.

While the BlackBerry Bold 9790 has dual input means, with both a touch display and a tactile keyboard, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 has a touch display, which its predecessors did not feature.

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 features a 2.4-inch touch-screen, as well as BlackBerry's signature qwerty keyboard. Powered by the BlackBerry 7 OS and a 1GHz processor, the new Bold includes 8GB of onboard memory and an expandable memory card slot that supports up to 32GB of additional storage.

“[The new BlackBerry Bold] combines a high-resolution touch display with a tactile keyboard and a precise optical trackpad, but comes in a narrow design that is easy to carry,” says RIM.

The model offers enhanced functionality and speed in addition to its new face, adds the company.

Featuring a 3.2-inch display touch-screen, the device comes loaded with preinstalled social networking apps, including BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), Facebook, Twitter and Social Feeds.

The handset also features a 5MP camera with LED flash and video recording capabilities.

Both powered by BlackBerry 7 OS, the new devices offer voice-activated searches and support for augmented reality and near-field communications (NFC).

“The Wikitude Augmented Reality application allows users to find nearby BBM contacts in real-time, read reviews on restaurants close to them, or get the story behind an interesting landmark and points of interest.”

NFC enables users to make mobile payments, pair accessories and read SmartPoster tags using their phone.

The BlackBerry 7 OS also includes the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content. The browser includes a new JIT (just in time) JavaScript compiler to improve the load time speed of Web pages, and it offers HTML5 performance for gaming and video experiences.

The latest version of Documents To Go offers editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer, and the pre-loaded BlackBerry Protect offers the ability to backup and secure personal data in the cloud.

The new models, says RIM, can be used for both work and personal purposes “without compromising the IT department's need for advanced security”, as BlackBerry Balance is integrated in the OS.

The Social Feeds (2.0) app has been extended to capture updates from media and favourites in one consolidated view. “The Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook chat and BBM integration that makes it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real-time.”

As for when the South African market can anticipate the commercial availability of the latest additions to the BlackBerry family, a RIM spokesperson says the public will be kept in the loop and notified in due course. “Availability dates for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM's partners.”