11 August 2008
Research in Motion (RIM) is to release a new version of its BlackBerry mobile phone later this month, it has been confirmed. The new device, named the BlackBerry Bold, will rival existing handsets launched by Apple and Nokia and will offer numerous services and features. A two-megapixel camera will be one of them, while video recording capability and a media player through which to manage music and video files will also be available. According to Carphone Warehouse, which is expected to be one of the first mobile phone retailers to sell the handset, the BlackBerry Bold will be offered free on contracts. However, customers opting for pay as you go tariffs will have to purchase the smartphone, it added. Philip Lander of RIM said: "This is really the next generation of phones, and we are confident we can take on the competition." The news comes after Apple launched its iPhone 3G, which as well as the three functions of mobile phone, mp3 player and web browser, also features 3G wireless technology and GPS mapping.