Virtual BlackBerry for Windows Mobile Nearing Release?

Almost two years ago, RIM announced plans to release an application that will let a Windows Mobile-based smartphone act as if it was a BlackBerry. It's been a while, but this project is apparently nearing completion.

Numerous pictures and details of this virtual BlackBerry software have leaked out in the last couple of days, giving a nearly complete overview.

It will be called the BlackBerry Application Suite, and it will run on some Windows Mobile 6.x Pro devices. In fact, users will have the option to have this suite basically take over their smartphone, with the BlackBerry shell launching when the device is turned on.

It's a REAL BlackBerry

This virtual environment will have support for BlackBerry email, phone, calendar, address book, tasks, memos, browser, instant messaging, and other applications developed for the BlackBerry platform, but not video playback.

It will be able to connect to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server for synchronization.

The  BlackBerry Application Suite is currently based on BlackBerry OS 4.2.1, but an update to a more recent version is expected to happen soon.

Most of RIM's devices don't have touchscreens, but the BlackBerry shell will be able to take advantage of the touchscreen on the Windows Mobile device. Naturally, users will also be able to use the D-Pad and keyboard. This software will run on QVGA and VGA devices, and in both portrait and landscape modes.

This application will be able to access files stored on the Windows Mobile device, and it will also have 32 Mb of storage of its own.

It is not known when RIM will release the BlackBerry Application Suite.

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Via BerryReview and BlackBerryCool