BlackBerry Storm OS 5.0 features leaked

The last batch of BlackBerry Enterprise 5.0 features that got leaked had a lot to do with the technical back-end, but we just got wind of a bunch more that end-users will be happy to hear about.

Above all, these outline some of the big changes we’ll see on handheld software version 5.0. Right now we sit at 4.7 on the BlackBerry Storm, so it might not take long at all to segue into the new OS – maybe one or two updates. No word on a release date, but the Wireless Enterprise Symposium next April sounds like a good bet.

- Flag messages and set reminder times on your BlackBerry.

- View personal contact subfolders and edit contacts! Until now BES used to put all of your contacts into the Contacts application even if they were in different folders.

- You will be able to view and use contacts that are in public folders and copy them to your local contact list if you have permissions.

- You will have a file browser to access shared network locations to open, add, or save documents. You will be able to see document information from there such as file type, size, and date.

- Forward meeting invitations and calendar entries from your BlackBerry.

- Ability to add, delete, move, or rename personal folders.

- Ability to view personal distribution lists that you have in your Outlook contacts and send email to them.

RIM is working on a solution to make emails that come from your BlackBerry look exactly like they would if they came from Outlook.

A pretty solid list of improvements all around, and no doubt welcomed by the enterprise crowd.

Just keep in mind that both the the server-side BES software and handheld software will both need to be installed in order to enjoy these new features.

OtterBox releases Defender Series for the BlackBerry 8350i and the BlackBerry 8700

The BlackBerry Curve 8350i has been launched for less than a week, but already those eager beavers over at OtterBox (boy, did I mix that metaphor) already have a Defender Series case available for it. In addition, OtterBox has introduced a new streamlined case for an old classic – the BlackBerry 8700. Why?

“The lifecycle of the BlackBerry 8700 Series smartphone has been long-lived and it remains an essential tool for a variety of industries so we’ve gone back to the drawing board to offer something new,” said Curt Richardson, CEO of OtterBox. “Those in military, construction and other fast-paced work environments need protection without bulk and the OtterBox Defender Series offers the best of both worlds.”

While BlackBerry Cool is always focused on the cutting edge of BlackBerry news, I do notice many 8700’s still in use during my daily excursions around Ottawa. Although you could probably shoot an 8700 through a brick wall without damaging it, I’m sure there are those that need that extra bit of protection.

Blackberry Smartphone

SK Telecom Co., South Korea’s leading mobile carrier, said today it plans to start selling the popular Blackberry smartphone before the end of the year.

The handheld device, which was first released in 2002 by Canada-based Research in Motion (RIM), has been a hit with businesses in North America and Europe as it allows users to access closed corporate e-mail servers through a special software package.

The handset also comes bundled with Web browsing and personal organizer capabilities. It is used by more than 20 million people worldwide, according to RIM.

SK Telecom said it plans to release the BlackBerry Bold smartphone and related software programs. The device will be sold at around 800,000 won (US$586.70), excluding VAT, and at a special discount price of around 700,000 won when subsidies are applied.

The Blackberry e-mail service is required to be purchased at an additional monthly rate of 26,000 won, along with standard fees for voice and data, according to SK Telecom.

BlackBerry Storm

The BlackBerry Storm smartphone’s stunning 3.25″ display with high definition-like picture quality features the unique SurePress(TM) technology that depresses ever so slightly when pressed, giving customers tactile feedback and making navigation and typing more precise. It also automatically adjusts to offer portrait and landscape views, along with a rich multimedia experience that includes a full HTML browser, expandable memory up to 16GB (8GB micro SDHC card is included), and a video-capable 3.2 megapixel camera with built-in flash, autofocus and a photo uploader that makes posting pics to Flickr a snap.

BlackBerry Storm launches at Bell Mobility

Bell today announced that the BlackBerry(R) Storm(TM) smartphone, the first BlackBerry(R) smartphone to feature a touch-screen, is available today at select Bell Mobility stores in the Greater Toronto Area and will be widely available tomorrow at stores nationally. The BlackBerry Storm delivers innovative new features and fast performance with the many benefits for which BlackBerry smartphones are known – exceptional wireless email capabilities, premium phone features and multimedia, full HTML Internet access and support for a wide range of mobile data applications.

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