RIM launches dual-mode cellular, Wi-Fi BlackBerry
Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:51PM EDT


TORONTO (Reuters) - BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. announced a new model of its ubiquitous smartphone on Tuesday, this one able to operate on both cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

The dual-mode BlackBerry 8820, as the device is known, will be launched by AT&T in the United States later this summer, the company said.

"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," RIM co-Chief Executive Mike Lazaridis said in a statement.


RIM launches dual-mode cellular, Wi-Fi BlackBerry | Technology | Reuters

That's cool news. That means us CDMA carrier people will only have about 2 more years to wait before we get it

Sweet! It's official!

Not only that, but then Verizon will be the only carrier to disable the WiFi capability because they couldn't find a way to charge you air time while you use it.

If AT&T didn't suck so bad in my area I would switch to them in a second. They get all the cool toys first. I'm so jealous.

Nice. I hope this means that T-Mobile will be getting the 8320 in August (and the 8820 at some point) . They HAVE to get a better phone for that @Home service. The two that are out now are Doo Doo.

Wonder if this is Wifi + GPS?

It is.

YES.

See: Research In Motion

CarBob

Yes, but same carriers which disable GPS in 8800 today for sure will do the same for 8820.

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! iPhone who? This is exactly what I've been waiting for!

DAMN STraight!

Took the words RIGHT outta my mouth!

OK so I've got no BBpearl anymore & on a SE K790 liking audio ... now pennies saved for this.

WHO"S importing unlocked??!!!

I remember I left a tip on engadget about at&t getting it when they first posted about it and they didn't take me seriously. I hope they do now

Since this has WiFi will users be able to seamlessly switch between Edge and WiFi? And will they be able to send/receive email on the WiFi connection?

If so, whats the route of the messages from the BES to the device? Will the BES be updated to handle internal traffic without going through RIM's NOC? Straight from the BES to the device? What about a public WiFi hotspot or your home WiFi?


We have a horrible time with connectivity in our building. This would be unreal to be able to stay connected inside the bowels of our office building.

Its funny because its true

Which carriers have disabled the 8800's GPS?

That's been the question all along. I don't think anyone knows for certain.

According to this - looks like all kinds of wi-fi (home/hotspot/work) are going to be supported.

Press release (someone else posted the link earlier)

The smartphone works in conjunction with both BlackBerry® Enterprise Server and BlackBerry® Internet Service and can seamlessly switch between cellular networks and a Wi-Fi network to allow users to access email, Instant Messaging, organizer, web browsing and other mobile data applications.

Kinda vague though. No mention of BES and how Exchange/Notes will work with WiFi on an internal AP and external AP's.

I JUST. Bought an 8800, and I am seriously interested in an 8820. Has anoyne heard an official specific release date? What about 3G?

I wonder if we can retrofit the WiFi capabilities? I have a 8800 now but if the parts for WiFi is available and u can install the additional functionality yourself, then that is pretty cool.

Yes, I would totally be interested also since I bought mine two months ago.

VZW has disabled the GPS on the 8830 they're offering.

And BES connectivity won't be an issue, on wifi it hooks up to your carrier to simulate traffic going through them. Even so all BES to blackberry communication is handled by their routers that the BES server stays connected to 24/7, all you need is an internet connection to get to that BB router and the handheld would have that access on the wifi side.

I am very anxious for this and hope that even if it does come out for AT&T first, that it can be unlocked AND still use the UMA services with T-Mo's @Home offering.