14 DAY TRIAL // BlackBerry Curve 8980 is one step closer to a release in China, as the device resurfaced after almost a year, bearing the China Mobile carrier branding. The official announcement is imminent, and will probably include the Bold 9700 also, which is released through the same carrier
Leaked in October 2009, Blackberry Curve 8980, also codenamed Atlas, reappeared on a Chinese website, and is now preping for a China Mobile launch.
Even though we were sceptical that the smartphone could be launched in China, as the device was known for carrying Wi-Fi technology, it seems that RIM managed to avoid the Chinese regulatory restrictions, which didn't approve this kind of technology.
If one year ago the device was closer to a presumable Verizon launch, we are now in the position to tell for sure that Blackberry 8980 will be launched through China Mobile in a next couple of weeks.
The smartphone is coming with full Wi-Fi capabilities, but misses the 3G compatibility. Fortunately, those that are looking for such a smartphone from RIM will be able to choose the Bold 9700, which should launch about the same time.
So, it will either be Curve 8980 with Wi-Fi or Bold 9700 with 3G. Other key features of the device include: 3.2-megapixel camera, HVGA display, GPS, 624 Mhz processor, and 128 (or 256 MB) memory, microSD card slot for memory expansion.
The included Curve-like QWERTY keyboard will probably make it more appealing than the Bold 9700, but tastes may differ.
Unfortunately, technical information about the current device is a little bit scarce, so we can only assume that it will get most of the Bold's features, less the 3G.
There's no info regarding its price tag and release date, but we can assume that the smartphone will be launched in the coming weeks and will be cheaper than the Bold 9700.
