Sprint Commits to the BlackBerry Curve 8530, Too

Sprint has just promised to introduce the BlackBerry Curve 8530, the latest model in the venerable Curve series of consumer-oriented smartphones.

This announcement comes on the heels of Verizon's announcement that it will release this model later this month.

Sprint hasn't yet revealed when its going to start offering the Curve 8530, or what it will charge for it.

Made for Consumers
The latest Curve model is an updated version of one of RIM's most popular consumer-oriented smartphones. It sports the new BlackBerry OS 5.0 and a new design.

This smartphone has a QVGA display above a QWERTY keyboard. Between these two is an optical trackpad in place of a trackball or D-pad.

This device puts an emphasis on multimedia; in addition to the necessary audio and video players, on top is a set of hardware keys dedicated to controlling music and video playback, as well as a 3.5 mm headset jack.

It has just a 2.0 megapixel camera, rather surprising for a consumer-oriented device like this one.

Sprint Extras
Sprint's version of the Curve 8530 will support this carrier's mobile broadband service, plus it will include Wi-Fi b/g, stereo Bluetooth. In addition, it will come with Sprint TV.

This device is going to replace the Curve 8330 in this carrier's line-up. "BlackBerry Curve 8330 has been a tremendous success for Sprint. BlackBerry Curve 8530 continues that legacy with the addition of several important features that make it a winner for both entertainment and productivity," said Kevin Packingham, Sprint Senior Vice President of Product Development.

This carrier will offer the 8530 in a red, purple, or black casing.

More about the BlackBerry Curve 8530
Naturally, the latest Curve has RIM's standard suite of software, including support for its push e-mail system. Users will be able to download additional software from the on-device BlackBerry App World.

The Curve 8530 is also going to offer a GPS receiver and microSD/SDHC memory card slot.

Sprint's Packingham said, "This is one device that can really do it all with the email, calendar and contact synchronization BlackBerry is known for as well as the latest multimedia and social media features.

Source: Sprint

• Boingo Wi-Fi Service Now Available for BlackBerrys
• Verizon Will Launch the BlackBerry Curve 8530 Later this Month
• Redfly Mobile Companion Now Compatible with BlackBerry Smartphones