More New BlackBerry Devices

Apparently, a couple of sites got their hands on what seems to be a Mobile Operator presentation of the upcoming BlackBerry device roadmap for 2007. Aside from the BlackBerry Pearl that everyone is talking about, two new devices are coming up as well under the 8800 model number, the Indigo and the Crimson.

The Indigo is a device with built in GPS and expandable memory via MicroSD. It is expected to target the segment that needs location based service functionality such as logistics and construction companies, where they say that LBS has had slow adoptions so far. Aside from having built-in GPS, the device also has shifted from the BlackBerry standard trackwheel to a Pearl-type trackball.

What is very interesting is that the spec sheet says that it will support WIFI/UMA. WIFI is not really new on other devices, but placing UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) specifically is quite interesting. UMA, assuming is supported by the network, will allow seamless handover of voice calls from the traditional circuit switched domain, ie, a regular cellphone call, to a packet switched domain, ie, VOIP, without the call dropping out. This means that I can start a call via VOIP in a supported hotspot, and as I walk out of the range of the hotspot, the call will automatically switch to a regular GSM call without the call being disconnected as I switch networks. This is huge stuff as several operators start to look at Fixed-Mobile Convergent services to roll out, both for consumer and corporate markets.

Meanwhile, the Crimson seems to be a compromise between the traditional wide-body BlackBerry form factor and the narrow 7100 and Pearl series form factor. It seems to be narrower than the 8700 series devices but will still retain the full qwerty keyboard, no Suretype. The device will not have a GPS will will have a built in camera.

No doubt this device will cover a segment of the market that likes the sleek 7100 / Pearl form factor but just didnt have the patience to use Suretype enough to build their dictionary.

Apparently, a poll over on BlackBerry Forums says that 60% of people that joined the poll will get the new 8800 series devices. Personally, I dunno if the number will be that high but I think the new devices, particularly the Crimson, will further expand the acquisition initiatives of RIM into the mass market.

At the end of the day, 2007 should be a pretty interesting year as far as BlackBerry devices are concerned. I think its actually good that RIM has somehow slowed down their rollout of new devices. I think that they launched way too many devices in late 2005 to 2006. Some devices, like the 7100, actually went less than a year (if I remember right) from launch to end of life. While a constant stream of new devices is good to drive adoption of their wider mass market thrust, too many devices launched at such a short time may disappoint buyers that made the jump early and quickly find themselves holding an obsolete device, as well as potentially alienate potential switchers for fear of their devices becoming obsolete very quickly.

Note: The content of this post was taken from sites around the internet. For more information, also check out The Boy Genius Report or RIMarkable.