RIM launches Wi-Fi BlackBerry 8820

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Research In Motion, maker of the BlackBerry range of mobile email devices, has launched a new model that can operate on both conventional mobile phone networks and 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi.

The BlackBerry 8820 will be launched by AT&T in the US later this summer, before appearing in the UK if well received, the company said.

However, the device remains only a quad-band GSM/GPRS and EDGE-enabled smartphone, underlining the lack of interest in moving the BlackBerry range to 3G.

"The BlackBerry 8820 is an extraordinary business phone for people who really care about mobile communications and productivity. It features all the power and usability of the BlackBerry platform with unprecedented connectivity features" claimed Mike Lazaridis, co-chief executive of RIM.

Other features includes built-in GPS, a microSd flash card slot, stereo Bluetooth support, a new higher-capacity battery, support for WEP, WPA, WPA2, as well as Cisco Compatible Extensions for wireless LAN security. The BlackBerry 8820 also supports UMA, enabling wireless carriers to offer a fixed-mobile convergence service for both business and home use.

RIM is trying to broaden the market for its smartphones by adding consumer-oriented features to the traditionally business-centric devices. Although the BlackBerry has become a staple of executives, it has yet to make any significant impact on the consumer market in the same way as devices like the Sidekick and the iPhone, which is expected to go on sale in the UK in October.

Despite this, RIM forecast a rosy outlook for its future last month, apparently unfazed by the iPhone launch. And Jim Balsillie, RIM's other co-chief executive, has repeatedly said the company isn't worried about the iPhone denting its sales.

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