RIM and Intel plan to launch a BlackBerry handheld that runs over Cingular's high-speed EDGE data network in the US. The new offering, called the BlackBerry 8700c, is built on Intel's XScale architecture with a PXA901 cellular processor. Cingular will retain exclusive rights to the device for several months before it is launched worldwide. The $299 handheld offers quad-band GPRS/GSM and EDGE network support with a 320x240 landscape QVGA display. The display also comes equipped with light sensing technology that allows it to adjust for indoor, outdoor and dark environments.
RIM and NTP are still battling over patents and awaiting whether the judge who originally ruled on the case will impose an injunction on RIM's BlackBerry email service. RIM has expressed interest in rejoining talks of a settlement with the holding company but is also lobbying the Supreme Court to take the case. Meanwhile, the US Patent Office continues to reject NTP's patent holding claims.
For more on the new EDGE-enabled BlackBerry:
- see this piece from PC Pro