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Home»BlackBerry News»News & Rumors, International News

Research In Motion expands BlackBerry 7 portfolio: New BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 Smartphones announced

by Bla1ze on 15 Nov 2011 04:00 AM
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9790_9380

Press Release

Research In Motion Expands BlackBerry 7 Portfolio with the New BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 Smartphones

Jakarta, Indonesia and Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced two new smartphones based on the BlackBerry® 7 operating system (OS) – the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9790 and BlackBerry® Curve™ 9380.

Both smartphones offer enhanced communications, multimedia, productivity and social connectivity features together with slim and stylish designs. The BlackBerry Bold 9790 features an iconic design that seamlessly integrates a highly tactile keyboard, optical trackpad and high resolution touch display. The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is the first-ever BlackBerry® Curve™ smartphone with an all-touch display.

"We are very excited to expand the BlackBerry 7 portfolio with the new BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380,” said Carlo Chiarello, Senior Vice President, Handheld Product Management at Research In Motion. “BlackBerry smartphones offer a uniquely refined mobile communications experience that people love and we think many customers will be thrilled by the faster performance, beautiful touch displays and sleek designs available with these new BlackBerry 7 based models.”

BlackBerry Bold 9790 Smartphone with Touch Display and Keyboard

Built with premium materials and finishes, the BlackBerry Bold 9790 smartphone combines a highly tactile keyboard with a high-resolution and highly responsive touch display and a precise optical trackpad, all in a narrow design that is easy to carry and very comfortable to hold.  With the BlackBerry 7 OS and a powerful 1GHz processor, the BlackBerry Bold 9790 delivers fast, smooth performance for web browsing, working with documents, and enjoying multimedia. It includes 8GB of onboard memory and an expandable memory card slot that supports up to 32 GB of additional storage.

All-Touch BlackBerry Curve 9380 Smartphone

The finely crafted BlackBerry Curve 9380 is the first all-touch smartphone in the BlackBerry Curve family. It features a highly responsive and brilliant 3.2” high resolution display and comes with preinstalled social networking apps, including BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), Facebook®, Twitter™ and Social Feeds apps, that offer a smoothly integrated mobile experience. It also has a 5MP camera with flash and video recording allowing users to easily capture and share their favorite moments with their family, friends and colleagues.

Powerful BlackBerry 7 OS

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 are both powered by the new BlackBerry 7 OS, which delivers a faster and richer user experience with improved browsing, voice-activated searches, and support for Augmented Reality and NFC (Near Field Communications). It also includes the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content, and comes with a variety of personal and productivity apps out of the box.

BlackBerry 7 also introduces an enhanced browser that provides a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience. The browser includes a new JIT (just in time) JavaScript compiler to improve the load time speed of web pages and it offers optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences. The popular universal search capability has also been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can simply speak to begin searching their device and the web for information.

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphones include built-in support for Augmented Reality and NFC, allowing users to connect with the world around them in fresh new ways. With the Wikitude Augmented Reality application, users can find nearby BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) contacts in real-time, read reviews on restaurants close to them, or get the story behind an interesting landmark and points of interest. NFC also enables many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to make mobile payments, pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone.

BlackBerry 7 includes a number of preinstalled applications and integrated functionality for increasing productivity and easy sharing and collaboration right out of the box. The Premium version of Documents To Go is included free of charge, offering users powerful document editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer. BlackBerry® Protect is pre-loaded*, offering customers the peace of mind that personal data can be backed up and secured in the cloud.  BlackBerry® Balance is integrated in BlackBerry 7, allowing users to enjoy the full BlackBerry smartphone experience for both work and personal purposes without compromising the IT department’s need for advanced security and IT controls. The Social Feeds (2.0) app has been extended to capture updates from media and favorites all in one consolidated view. The Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook chat and BBM integration that makes it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real time.

Availability

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphones will begin to be available from various carriers around the world over the coming weeks. Availability dates for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s partners.

Additional Information

* BlackBerry Protect will be pre-loaded where available. Check with your local operator for availability.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionized the mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry® solution in 1999. Today, BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws.  When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate",  "may",  "will", "should", "intend," "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by RIM in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that RIM believes are appropriate in the circumstances.  Many factors could cause RIM's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov).  These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM's forward-looking statements.  RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.

Filed Under: News & Rumors, International News; Tags: BlackBerry 7, BlackBerry Bold 9790, BlackBerry Curve 9380, press release
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81 Comments

Posted by pilot-leo Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Can someone please tell me the purpose or who the Curve 9380 is targeted to??
Because I would love to know!!
These guys go all over the place sometimes that it bedazzles me... :\

 
 
Posted by twelvezero8 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

actually its very needed. its the all touch phone for the person on a budget. htc android does the same thing... its just overlooked. i would say it targets the person on a budget who may have never used an all touch phone before. me personally i would perfer the 9380 over the 9850/60.

 
 
Posted by drakesaliasonline Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

People with a budget, I think its a pretty good low-end device.

 
 
Posted by gjbsource Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Here we go again, another phone that will help cement RIM's fail. The 9860 is barely competent at year old technology. What's this phone going to be able to do at reduced performance?

 
 
Posted by mjs416 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

Right - because you can tell the difference between a 1 GHz and a 1.5 GHz processor. This old technology you speak of isnt like traveling by rickshaw much to your discredit on embellishing the spec's (or lack thereof).

 
 
Posted by gjbsource Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

Between a max-spec'd 9860 and a budget Storm 2.5. I can't believe the sheeple are falling for round 3 of the storm fail. Gotta love the recycling program in Waterloo.

 
 
Posted by luqman24 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

If you are able to pay for a smartphone data plan every month, then I think you should be able to spend 100-200 on a higher end BB. Just my 2 cents :P

 
 
Posted by deRusett Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Luckily you're not one making decisions.

You can use a BlackBerry in Canada for $100/year prepaid voice, and $35/month unlimited SMS/Social networks/BBM

The difference between a curve phone is about $300-$350 and a Torch phone is about $550-$650, The investment of $300 extra dollars is hardly worth it to those in that position, thus they go with a lower cost Android phone, and pay an additional $10 month on a different data plan

 
 
Posted by Vandeleigh Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

You are using retail pricing. I would guess that at most, 5% of people pay retail.

 
 
Posted by mjs416 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

Posted by Vandeleigh Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 1 hrs ago

You are using retail pricing. I would guess that at most, 5% of people pay retail.

====================

Any statistics to back that up?

 
 
Posted by deRusett Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

You are assuming North America, and EVEN that I think your 5% is way off because of the number of Contract free users, Pay as you Go users, and Budget Carriers.

Go to South America, or Indonesia, or India, where Credit systems are not nearly as evolved, nor is their easily available credit and you see that people purchase their devices outright

 
 
Posted by Houshinto Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

You'd think, but you're wrong. I don't want to make assumptions, but I try not to assume that my financial situation/ability translates to everyone.

That being said I can see this being very welcome in other markets like asia where the best sellers are not the high end line up but rather the entry level models.

 
 
Posted by Clinto Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

My wife really wants this phone in a major way. Her main concern when buying a new phone is size. This is smaller full screen phone that will fit in her pocket better than an i-phine. She wants that Wikitude App too in the worst way and also BBM. For her, this phone is perfect. And.. It looks a lot nicer than her current P.O.S. square, black plastic brick, battery sucking Droid Phone.

 
 
Posted by Intosh Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

Apparently, the budget segment.

But yeah, unless all their devices support and run everything the same, PLEASE CUT on the freaking number of devices. Concentrate on quality software and ecosystem (dev support!), stupid.

They want to be everything to everyone, aim at multiple targets at the same time. By doing so, they spread themselves thin, lose quality, lose focus, self-inflict fragmentation and thus, miss all targets. One company targetting all segments, that's an herculean task. Google has an army of manufacturers to help accomplish that. Only Nokia managed to pull that off, for some time. And they were 10x bigger than RIM.

 
 
Posted by 07thking Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

Like my little bro!!!!

 
 
Posted by kbeard26 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

I hope the 9790 is the last device RIM releases with those fugly cheap looking buttons!

 
 
Posted by 3Dee Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Strange that they've gone on the high end devices (9790 and 9850/60) and not the low ends (the curve 93## series). Looks like they're a feature of the high end devices.

 
 
Posted by horne527 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Those buttons are the worst idea Rim has ever had!

 
 
Posted by Houshinto Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

No. I would argue the trackball on the 9630 is the worst idea/concept RIM ever had. It baffles me everyday how this was allowed on ANY bb device.

Sometimes I wonder if this trackball was RIM's way of pissing the trackball stalwarts off so they'd be uber accepting of the trackpad.

 
 
Posted by 3Dee Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Do we have specs for the curve?

 
 
Posted by drakesaliasonline Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

800Mhz processor, 3.2 inch screen (480x360), 5mp camera with flash, 8gb internal memory (maybe), and the back is EXACTLY The same as the Curve 9350/60 so if you had a case that only went around the edge it would fit on all 4 curve devices (9350/60/70/80).

*edit* scratch the 8gb internal memory

 
 
Posted by jranciano Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

I'd like to see specs on the Curve and a ball park price range. Just wondering if it's worth it/cost effective to actually "downgrade" to a Curve from an all touch Torch

 
 
Posted by adicktuz Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

BlackBerry Bold 9790 – 3 things you should know: http://blogs.blackberry.com/2011/11/blackberry-bold-9790/

BlackBerry Curve 9380 – 3 things you should know
http://blogs.blackberry.com/2011/11/blackberry-curve-9380/

 
 
Posted by ONE618 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

__OS7__

SIM Card
- Bold 9900 = keyboard highend
- Bold 9790 = keybaord midrange
- Torch 9860 = fullscreen highend
- Torch 9810 = slider keyboard highend
- Curve 9380 = fullscreen lowend
- Curve 9360 = keyboard lowend

Non-Sim Card
- Bold 9930 = keyboard highend
- Torch 9850 = fullscreen highend
- Curve 9350 = keyboard lowend

Seriously guys, figure it out. It's not compilcated.
*sarcasm

 
 
Posted by drakesaliasonline Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Perfect Chart! Later down the line non-sim will get the curve 9370 (fullscreen lowend)

 
 
Posted by Kishore Thaakur Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

..And where, in your theory, do you contemplate placing the current models: Bold 9780, Curve 9300, Curve 8520???
Remember that these are not discontinued and RIM has given no indication of discontinuing them either.. (RIM launched the Curve 9300 a year and a half ago and still no sign of discontinuing 8520..)

Suggestion:
Bold 9780 = Keyboard Low-end.
Curve 9300 = Keyboard Shallow-end.
Curve 8520 = Keyboard Sunken-end.

;)

 
 
Posted by 00stryder Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

At the top of his nice chart he wrote, "OS 7."

 
 
Posted by luqman24 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

I'll pass on them, I'm happy with my 9810 right now :D

And also these are too many OS7 smartphones to "fill the gap" for the upcoming BBX smartphone(s). Everyone who buys these devices on contracts might not be able to buy a BBX device in a few months especially in Canada where contracts are 3 years and upgrade length maybe 2 years into your contract. I don't think RIM made a smart move here.

 
 
Posted by deRusett Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

India and Indonesia are more price sensitive that we are in North America,

AND there is a demand NOW, Both these phones address those market growth areas RIM NEEDS to keep catering to them whilst attempting to regain North American Mind share.

and for many These phones will be great for their 2-3 year use, as some people still use and are HAPPY with Curve 8330's on OS4.X Heck I know users who are still happy with 8830's and older yet, not everyone wants the latest and greatest, nor needs to wait,

RIM has always done this well, and Android is certainly fighting RIM on this front.

as a Parent I'd sooner give a $300 all touch screen phone than a $600 to my Teenager who is likely to break it

 
 
Posted by gjbsource Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

Write off millions in pb inventory, then sell your leftover storm hardware as a new product.

 
 
Posted by kevinnugent Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Guys, check out where they have been announced. Indonesia. Whilst popular there, it's "low end" Blackberry territory.

 
 
Posted by Heavens1 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

As this is the Indonesian version of the 9790 - any guesses that the specs for other countries will include 4G bands?

 
 
Posted by PondHockey Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Both my kids will be using the all touch curve if Sprint releases.

 
 
Posted by kebosatu Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

am I reading it correctly... 9790 comes only with 1Ghz processor?

what's the RAM size if you happen to know? is it 512MB?

 
 
Posted by kebosatu Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

oh, answered in other post... ^^.

Doesn't sounds so promising... but probably good for battery life

 
 
Posted by xanadome Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

1Ghz processor would be just fine for this smaller size screen. It should be more than compatible with the 9900 performance.
With a battery being the same as the one for 9900, no concerns about the battery life.
And 103g weight? That's really an ultra light.
9790 is truly a pocketable communication device. I am sold!

 
 
Posted by BerryLoca Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Actually the "CDMA" BlackBerrys released for Verizon:
-Tour 9630
-Bold 9650
-Torch 9850
-Storm 9550
(And on and on)
ARE GSM capable as they are World Phones. I've traveled internationally with a few different models and used other GSM SIMS and they worked perfectly. You can have them unlocked via carrier.

 
 
Posted by wguzman Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

I feel sorry about you RIM it those things are the best you have to offer

 
 
Posted by 00stryder Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

They're not... hence why numerous posters before you have referred to them as "low-end" OS7 options from RIM. Reading is your friend.

 
 
Posted by Rgainsmi Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Focus Rim, Focus!

Nuf Said...

 
 
Posted by deRusett Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

They are focused,

On their Biggest growth Markets where their subscription base is growing every year.

You don't stop providing to the people who pay your bills in hopes you can find new people to pay your bills

 
 
Posted by 00stryder Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

+1

 
 
Posted by psarhj Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Does the 9790 have a respectable, autofocus-equipped camera? Because if it does it'd make this ex-9900 owner cry.

(I've a 9810 and miss the 9900's keyboard)

 
 
Posted by dancing-bass Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Was tempted by the Curve Touch when it first showed up here on CB. I think it was on Verizon's roadmap or something.... anyway, I am in no way a power user so the curve series would work for me. That being said, I'm likely gonna jump to another OS for the next while. Canadian 3yr contracts mean that if/when I come back to BB, BBX should be nice and stable with all the bugs worked out.... or there will simply be no BB to come back to at all. (RIM has really taken a nosedive over the last 12 months. If this trend continues, 3 years down the road they may simply no longer exist. I hope this never happens but it is a possibility)

Of the current devices available (no nessisarily on my carrier, but the ones BB has outed) I'm most interested in the 9810 or maybe the 9790. However like I said, I'm not a power user. If my choices were restricted to BB only I'd have a good look at all the models before making a final choice.

 
 
Posted by Tinsel Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Good idea to launch Bold 9790 and curve 9380?
http://zamkato.com/2011/11/15/why-i-am-irritated-at-rim-after-their-new-...

 
 
Posted by Guatiao Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 100 days ago

Pleeeeeeaaaaseeee!!!!!!

 
 
Posted by segunnatural Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

The production of lowend phones is a good way of taking care of RIM customers in countries where carriers dont offer contracts, and you have to buy your phone.RIM sales volume may be low in US,but in UK and Africa,if you dont have a BlackBerry phone, you dont have a phone ! I have friends that have as many 3 lines from different carriers in thier outright purchased BlackBerry in Nigeria.I hope introducing these phones at the time will not prolong debut of BBX phone though...

 
 
Posted by upsidedown Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

Anyone know the difference between the 9790 and the 9900? Other than looks...

 
 
Posted by liestarter Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011 98 days ago

From what I've seen there's a lot of difference. The 9790 is just an improved 9780, but what's the need at this point?

 
 
Posted by akaquietstorm Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 99 days ago

I am getting so confused with all of these 9000+ series phones coming out. If I didn't know anything about blackberry I wouldn't know which one to purchase. It would have been better if BB trained phone carrier employees to know the difference. From reading on this blog and having experience myself, employees persuade you from purchasing any blackberry phone. I see right now RIM is trying to compete with the Android (OS system not manufacturer) market instead of focus on fewer and greater products.

 
 
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