When was the last time you saw a Blackberry and just stood amazed at the gorgeous design aesthetic?  Yeah, we can't remember, either.  The next time somebody asks that question, I'll be looking back to that point when I first saw this phone: the Blackberry Porsche Design P'9981.

Yes, the sexiest Blackberry to come out in a while wasn't thought up inside RIM's studios.  Instead, it's a luxury smartphone that puts one of RIM's handsets inside a Porsche-designed shell.

Notable physical elements include a forged stainless steel frame, a sculpted QWERTY keyboard and a hand-wrapped leather back cover.  It runs Blackberry OS 7, with an exclusive Porsche Design UI and a custom Wikitude World Browser for getting your augmented reality fix in tow.  According to the press release, it comes with "exclusive PINs" (and, yes, I'm not sure what that means) that allow users to identify when they're communicating with another P'9981 user (i.e. you're rich and enjoy mediocre smartphones).

Hardware specs are pretty run of the mill.  You get a 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen display (640 x 480 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module (with LED flash and 720p video recording), aGPS, 2G with HSPA, WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, 8GB of internal storage and microSD card expansion (up to 32GB).  A single core 1.2GHz processor brings the muscle, paired with 768MB of RAM.

The BlackBerry Porsche Design P’9981 will be available in Porsche Design stores worldwide  at some point before the end of the year.  Price, being a luxury handset, is being pegged at $2,000.

[Blackberry]

RIM has already announced BBX, the next-gen operating system set to appear in the company's upcoming phones and tablets.   According to rumors, the first phone running the updated platform will show up early 2012 in the form of the Blackberry Colt.

Pictured above, the phone will supposedly be RIM's new flagship device.  The image is only a render based on rumors, though, so don’t fret if you don't find it fitting of the premium status (because, the appearance really isn't).

Construction is supposedly unibody aluminum, with no physical buttons anywhere on the front panel.  Leaked specs of the Blackberry Colt include a dual-core processor, a large capacitive touchscreen display (minimum 4 inches, according to the source) with over 900 pixels vertical resolution, a pair of cameras and a battery module similar to the Playbook.

Other than the buttonless design, it doesn't sound like anything special.  Hopefully, RIM sees fit to load this heavily on the hardware end, while making great strides on the software end of the deal.  And an early 2012 release should definitely be in order, since the specs might end up being just downright low-end again if they sit on this too long.  You can hit the link below for the original report.

[N4BB]

RIM has announced a trio of new additions to the Curve line.  Well, it's actually just one phone in three variants: the Blackberry Curve 9350 (CDMA-only), the Blackberry Curve 9360 (GSM/UMTS) and the Blackberry Curve 9370 (GSM/CDMA).

Sporting the familiar QWERTY candybar form factor, the handset embraces the classic Blackberry styling, all while coming in at an extra-slim 11mm.  Both front and rear surfaces are curved for a sleek fit in hand, with a soft-touch band wrapped around the edges for extra comfort.

Details of the new Blackberry Curves include a 2.44-inch non-touch LCD (480 x 360 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module (with LED flash), aGPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, 512MB of built-in storage (1GB on the 9370), microSD card expansion (up to 32GB) and a 1,000 mAh battery module.   A modest 800MHz CPU provides the muscle, aided by 512MB of RAM.

As with RIM's releases over the past week, the new phones will run Blackberry OS 7 with its HTML5-optimized web browser and voice-activated universal search.   All the usual staples are onboard, of course, such as BBM 6.0 and Social Feeds 2.0.

The Blackberry Curve 9350, Blackberry Curve 9360 and Blackberry Curve 9370 will be available in Canada beginning this month and the rest of the world by September.  No word on pricing, though, but expect it along the affordable tip.

[Blackberry]

T-Mobile just announced the first 4G handset from RIM to join its roster.  It's the Blackberry Bold 9900 and it's the thinnest Blackberry ever.

Running the latest version 7 OS, the smartphone pairs all of the platform's best features with high-speed data access for the best experience any Blackberry phone has to offer.  The sleek and streamlined appearance pays a perfect compliment, as well, to the keyboard-cum-touchscreen combo adorning the handset's face.

Details of the Blackberry Bold 9900 include a 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen display (640 x 480 resolution), a four-row QWERTY keyboard, a 5.0 megapixel camera module (with LED flash and 720p recording), aGPS, WiFi, 4G (HSPA+, really), Bluetooth 2.1, 8GB of built-in storage, memory card expansion (up to 32GB) and a 1,230 mAh battery (rated at 6.3 hours of talk time).  Muscle is provided by a 1.2GHz processor, paired with 768MB of RAM.

While the size of the screen is a little small for what most people are now used to, do take note of the resolution -- that 640 x 480 pixels should make for some impressive-looking detail.  Preloaded apps include welcome titles like the latest version of BBM, Facebook for Blackberry and Social Feeds 2.0, as well as T-Mobile's own "may be useful, may be not" bloatware.

The Blackberry Bold 9900 is now available to T-Mobile business customers, but will roll out in full force at the end of the month both online and in stores.  Price is steep, though, at $299.99 on a two-year agreement after a $50 mail-in rebate.

[T-Mobile]

RIM just announced two new phones today: the Blackberry Torch 9850 and the Blackberry Torch 9810.  Both will hold the distinction of being the first two phones from the outfit running Blackberry OS 7.

Blackberry Torch 9850

This will actually have two names: 9850 for the CDMA version (for US Cellular and Sprint) and 9860 for the GSM one (for AT&T).  Both will be exactly the same, save for the different radios.

The Blackberry Torch 9850 is an all-touch slate with the largest screen ever for a Blackberry  handset at 3.7 inches (800 x 480 resolution).   Details of the phone include a 5.0 megapixel camera module (with flash and 720p video), aGPS, WiFi, 3G with HSPA, Bluetooth, 4GB of onboard storage, microSD card expansion (up to 32GB) and a 1,230 mAh battery module (rated at 4.7 hours of talk time).  Muscle is provided by a 1.2 GHz processor, paired with 768MB of RAM.

Blackberry Torch 9810

This one is a not-so-sharp-looking vertical slider with a touchscreen on the front and a four-row QWERTY keyboard hiding in the back.  It actually looks very similar to the Torch 9800 from last year, but the hardware has been upgraded to roll with the times.

Details of the Blackberry Torch 9810 include a  3.2 inch capacitive touchscreen display (640 x 480 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module (with flash and 720p video), aGPS, WiFi, 3G with HSPA, Bluetooth, 8GB of onboard storage, microSD card expansion (up to 32GB) and a 1,270 mAh battery module (rated at 6.5 hours of talk time).  Muscle is provided by a 1.2 GHz processor, paired with 768MB of RAM.

Availability for both handsets will begin rolling out later in the month.  Check your carrier for pricing.

[RIM]

Remember the 6.1 update to the Blackberry OS?  Turns out RIM originally underestimated the extent of the changes they were releasing.  As a result, they decided to jump a whole version number, billing the new platform as Blackberry 7.

As a testament to the significance of this update, the company has announced that the new platform will offer no official legacy support for any previous phone -- not even those running 6.0.  The official reason appears to be the strict hardware requirements for this newest version, which eliminates any and all of RIM's previous phones from being able to run it.

According to the press release, Blackberry 7 OS provides "an easier and faster user experience," although we'll probably have to get our hands on actual phones to find out what that really means.  Considering how far developed both the user experience on Android and iOS have become (especially the latter), it might mean that RIM is finally catching up (I mean 6.0 was good, but still lagging behind the competition).

The browser has been revamped for this iteration, which should now exhibit faster rendering, seamless panning and smoother zooming.  It's also received a new javascript compiler, as well as expanded support for HTML5 elements (including video).  Other changes include voice support for Universal Search and a new app called Blackberry Balance (for separating corporate and personal content), which works directly with Blackberry Enterprise.

Only new Blackberry phones will get the Blackberry 7 OS, though.  If you find it an enticing proposition, it will come preloaded in RIM's handset release beginning in the summer.

[via GSMArena]

While the Blackberry Bold 9780 features marginal hardware improvements to the 9700, its list of updates does include RIM's brand new smartphone OS.  Sporting a whole host of upgrades on the software end, it makes for a whole new experience RIM users should find more engaging.

Physically, the Blackberry Bold 9780 looks like a near-exact replica of the 9700, from the pocketable dimensions to the sturdy build to the good feel in hand.  Display is a 2.4-inch LCD, with 480 x 320 resolution.  Call me spoiled by today's touchscreens, but it really feels a bit cumbersome doing non-communication stuff like web browsing and watching videos on the phone.  With that said, the screen is sharp, clear and bright.   Keyboard is the same excellent one on the 9700, so it remains a winner.

As a phone, the Blackberry Bold 9780 makes for generally good calls.  Voices came through very clear on our end, although some folks reported hollowness on the other side of the call.  Speakerphone was especially hollow, but very usable.  Battery is rated at 6 hours of talk time.

Like we said, the bulk of the changes here happen in the software, which constitutes a major revamp for the platform.  While it still falls short of either Android or iOS, it's a huge change for the better.  Despite a moderate 624MHz processor at the helm, everything runs quickly with no lags.

The Bold 9780 is a quad-band worldphone, with the usual array of voice calling features and Blackberry's messaging strengths. Connectivity is fully covered with GPS, WiFi, 3G and Bluetooth 2.1.   Their enhanced security features and corporate email support are all onboard.

It comes with a number of IM clients, as well as built-in apps for numerous social networks.  Web browsing is much improved, although the small screen makes it a pain to use.  The media player is considerably more attractive, sporting a Cover Flow-style UI and a good amount of functions.  Onboard storage is only 512MB, though, so you might want to double up with an SD card.

The 5.0 camera is one of the few hardware areas that improved on the 9700.  Unfortunately, there's a lack of detailed editing options and image quality is very average.

As with previous releases from RIM, the Blackberry Bold 9780's main strength lies in its messaging prowess.  It's a great choice for a messaging phone, but may not be worth the upgrade if you already own a 9700.

If something ain't broken, RIM won't change it.  That's what they did with the Blackberry Curve 3G 9300 and that's what they're doing with the Blackberry Bold 9780, which retains much of the same hardware as its 9700 predecessor, adding just a few beefed-up parts.

The changes?  RIM's new Bold has a higher-resolution camera, more onboard storage and it runs the latest Blackberry OS 6.0.  That means, you get better UI, an all-new Webkit-based HTML browser and social networking integration, among other more modern touches.

Details of the 9780 include a 2.4-inch TFT LCD, a 5.0 megapixel camera module, aGPS (with Blackberry Maps), 3G with HSPA, WiFi, stereo Bluetooth, 512MB of built-in flash storage and microSD card expansion (up to 32GB).  Battery has a rated talk time of 6 hours, with a standby of 17 days.  No word on CPU, but it's likely running the same 624 MHz processor, as well.

Like its predecessor, this candybar handset is a world phone with optical trackpad navigation, a full QWERTY keyboard, a whole slew of messaging talents and access to the Blackberry App World.  Phone dimensions are 4.29 x 2.36 x 0.56 inches, with a weight of 4.3 ounces.

The BlackBerry Bold 9780 will be available worldwide beginning November.  No pricing has been announced.

[Blackberry]

The RIM Blackberry Curve 3G 9300 is the direct successor of the Curve 8520.  Successor might be too strong a word here, since they're identical in many ways, save for a few added capabilities.

Physically, it takes on the classic Blackberry shape - a QWERTY candybar with a nice grip and a good weight in hand.   It's very similar to the 8520, with a few design tweaks, such as an improved optical trackpad, dividers for the navigation buttons and texturized rubber back.  The 2.4-inch display is clear and sharp, while the QWERTY keyboard proved excellent for extended typing.

As a phone, the Curve 3G 9300 makes for very impressive call quality on both ends of the line, coming as close to landline quality as you can ask for.    Speakerphone was also excellent, almost being as good as regular calls.  Battery is rated at 4.5 hours of talk time, which should net you a full day or more of moderate use.

It comes with Blackberry OS 5, although RIM has said it can be upgraded to OS 6.  For now, though, you don't get the notable UI improvements, but expect it somewhere down the line.

RIM threw in the usual phone features, like a variety of calling options, basic messaging, Bluetooth and WiFi.  As an upgrade to the 8520, they also squeezed in both 3G and GPS.  Download speeds were decent, with most heavy sites loading in 30 seconds or less.    It's running a rather underpowered 624MHz CPU, but it performed well (at least, for OS 5).  OS 6, however, may be another matter entirely.

You, naturally, get Blackberry's excellent messaging features here, from support for web-based email services to their Enterprise Server to MS Exchange to IBM Lotus Domino and more. IM options are aplenty too, with BlackBerry Messenger, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo, Windows Live and others.  Plus, there's access to App World, which should be good for a few useful downloads.

Music playback is great - even the speaker was surprisingly usable.  Videos worked nice too, although the size might be a tad too limiting.  Photo quality from the 2.0 megapixel camera, however, leave a lot to ask for.

Overall, we're a tad underwhelmed that the RIM Blackberry Curve 3G 9300 doesn't offer much improvements over its predecessor.  The addition of 3G and aGPS are appreciated, though, making this a solid contender at its $79.99 price point with a two-year service agreement from T-Mobile.

An unannounced phone from RIM just showed up for sale over at Canadian carrier Rogers' site.  Called the Blackberry Curve 3G 9300, the handset appears eerily similar to the Curve 8520, with 3G connectivity appearing to be the biggest difference.

Unlike the Torch, this one isn't likely to be running the Blackberry OS 6 (at least, there's no mention of that potential selling point), so none of the fancy new UI experience.   It takes the familiar QWERTY candybar form factor, with 109 x 60 x 13.88 mm dimensions and 106 grams of weight.

Details of the Curve 3G 9300 include a 2.4-inch TFT LCD (320 x 240 resolution), a 2.0 megapixel camera module, aGPS (with Telenav), Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi, 3G (3.6Mbps HSPA), 256MB internal storage and 2GB microSD card preloaded (expandable up to 32GB).  Battery is rated at four hours of talk time and 17 days of standby.  As with RIM's other newer releases, it comes with Blackberry's usual robust messaging and business features, along with world phone capabilities, access to the Blackberry App World and pre-installed social networking apps.

The Blackberry Curve 3G 9300 is now available from the Rogers website.  Price is $79.99 (Canadian) with a three-year agreement and $399.99 without a contract.

[Rogers via Unwired View]