Verizon Prepping BlackBerry Curve2 for the Holidays

Verizon Wireless is apparently going to release a model from the BlackBerry Curve 8500 series in time for the holiday shopping season. This is an updated version of one of RIM's most popular consumer-oriented smartphones.

A product catalog meant only for for Verizon employees has leaked to the public. Most of the products on it are already available, but there's one notable exception: a device being called the Blackberry Curve2.

Few details are given, aside from the fact that this device will sport Wi-Fi and come with social-networking apps like Facebook and Flikr.

Looks Familiar
Although the Verizon flier doesn't specifically say so, the image shown is of a BlackBerry Curve 8500 series model. There was also an earlier rumor that this carrier would be getting a device from this series.

Earlier this year, RIM updated the venerable Curve series with the latest software and a new design. It runs BlackBerry OS 5.0, and has a QVGA display above a QWERTY keyboard. Between these two is an optical trackpad in place of a trackball or D-pad.

Verizon's version is expected to have support this carrier's mobile broadband service, Wi-Fi b/g, and Bluetooth.

Pricing & Availability?
Exactly when Verizon will release the BlackBerry Curve2 is not yet known, nor is the price it will charge. However, this device is expected to be a relatively inexpensive model in Verizon's offerings.

Those who are interested in this model don't have to wait: T-Mobile USA launched the BlackBerry Curve 8520 this summer.

Source: BGR