Next-Generation BlackBerry Gets a Possible Name, Release Date

Rumors of a new BlackBerry model are coming thick and fast. The most recent of these supposedly reveals the official name for this upcoming smartphone, and that it could be introduced early next week.

The next smartphone from RIM will be called the BlackBerry Bold, according to several reports. If so, it will continue this company's trend of giving names, and not just numbers, to its more consumer-friendly products. Other devices that have received this treatment are the BlackBerry Pearl and the BlackBerry Curve.

This company's WES 2008 conference kicks off early next week, and BGR is reporting that the Bold will be unveiled at this show. However, this model not expected to actually go on sale at that time.

If this is true, it will contradict an earlier report from Fortune that said the release of this smartphone has been pushed back to late summer.

More about the BlackBerry Bold

The next BlackBerry isn't expected to be a radical departure from RIM's current lineup. Like many earlier models, it will supposedly have a tablet shape with a QWERTY keyboard.

Leaked images of it, though, show it will have a curvier shape, with corners that are significantly rounder than any previous BlackBerry See image at right)

It will supposedly be the first model from RIM with the 3G standard HSDPA, and will be coming to AT&T in the U.S.

It has been fairly well established that the code-name for this model is Meteor, but reports differ on what the product number will be, with many saying it will be the BlackBerry 8900 but others calling it the BlackBerry 9000.

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