RIM Bringing Bluetooth to BlackBerries

Although Research in Motion (RIM) added voice capabilities to its BlackBerry line back in 2002, these devices are still primarily used for wireless email, and many BlackBerry users also have a mobile phone. However, RIM will soon add something to the BlackBerry line that may help change this.

In an interview with Laptop Magazine, Mike Lazaridis, RIM's President and co-CEO, said that his company is going to add Bluetooth to future versions of its wireless handhelds.

Bluetooth will allow the use of wireless headsets, which are used by many mobile phone users, but are especially popular with users of cellular-wireless handhelds, as many feel these devices are too large to be held up to the ear when making a call.

Mr. Lazaridis also mentioned that RIM is still working on its first BlackBerry model that will be able to roam between Wi-Fi and cellular-wireless networks. The company first said it was developing this device last year.

He didn't indicate when the BlackBerries with these new wireless capabilities will hit the market.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

There are several cellular-wireless handhelds that also include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth expected to hit the market soon. Motorola announced the MPx this spring, and unconfirmed reports say HP's iPAQ h6300 will be be introduced near the end of this month.

These have been developed to allow the use of whichever Wireless Network is best in any given situation. Someone could use Wi-Fi to make phone calls when in the office, but switch to GSM/GPRS when out in the field. Once these next-generation handhelds are available, both these tasks can be handled with a single device, whether it be made by RIM, HP, or Motorola.

Thanks to Willem H. for the tip.

Related Links

• Brighthand's First Impressions of the Motorola MPx
• iPAQ h6300 Gets FCC Approval