14 DAY TRIAL // Following Research In Motion's announcement regarding the launch of its first sliding device, the BlackBerry Torch 9800, some wireless carriers around the world stepped up with official details on their plans for the device, Vodafone UK included. Although the carrier doesn't say specifically when it would release the new mobile phone on its airwaves, we should expect it to make the BlackBerry Torch available for its pay monthly customers in the near future.
Previous rumors on BlackBerry 9800's arrival on the market suggested that Vodafone would plan on making it available for purchase sometime in September, and it seems that the rumors might pan out in the end. The new BlackBerry device has been put on Vodafone's coming soon page, where users interested in it can register to receive updates on when the device would be released.
For what it's worth, the handset seems pretty appealing, especially since it packs both a touchscreen display and a QWERTY keypad. “The new BlackBerry Torch has a touchscreen that works like those on other smartphones. Simply tap it with your finger and it responds fast. And when you want to type texts and emails quickly and easily, just slide out the Torch’s full QWERTY keypad. There’s also a touch-sensitive trackpad like the ones you find on laptops,” the wireless carrier notes on its website.
Among the specs of the new device, we can count a 624 Mhz processor with 512 MB Flash memory, 4 GB of built-in memory, 5 MP camera with flash, auto focus, and more, a 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen display, 3.5mm stereo headset jack, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, built-in GPS receiver, and a 1300 mAhr battery. The phone runs under the new BlackBerry 6 operating system, complemented by the BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.
“This new operating system makes using a BlackBerry so much faster and simpler and integrates all your favourite social networking apps all in one place. With customizable homescreens you can switch between all your apps or just your favourites in a second. It also allows for easier multi-tasking so using multiple apps at once is a cinch. Be the first to experience OS 6 on the BlackBerry Torch,” Vodafone continues. Those of you who are interested in the new device should head over to Vodafone's website here.
