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WES2009: AT&T Confirms 8900 Launch!

by Bla1ze on 4 May 2009 12:21 PM
36
 
8900 Headed To AT&T

We knew it was coming for a long time now. But today AT&T gave us the official word through the news wire that a early summer release is now on. I guess that puts an end to all the statements of AT&T only wanting 3G devices on their network. AT&T's version will be just like any other such as Rogers and T-Mobile, no spec changes, and you can read the full press release after the jump for more details.

 

PRESS RELEASE

BlackBerry Curve 8900 From AT&T Includes Free Wi-Fi at Nearly 20,000 Locations

DALLAS, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AT&T* today announced the early summer availability of the BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8900 smartphone. AT&T consumer, small business and enterprise customers will enjoy new features and enhanced performance, including both Wi-Fi(R) and GPS, a fast next generation processor, rich multimedia capabilities and ample memory for applications offered from AT&T. With the BlackBerry Curve 8900 from AT&T, users can get a faster, richer experience surfing the Internet and accessing their social networking or line-of-business applications via AT&T’s wireless and Wi-Fi networks.

The BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone sports a slim, refined design and is the thinnest, full-QWERTY BlackBerry(R) smartphone yet. It features a striking high-resolution display (480×360), delivering smooth video playback and crisp images. In addition to its industry leading email and messaging, and premium phone features, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 packs a wealth of multimedia capabilities.

Consumers and mobile professionals can easily share photos or record video using the new 3.2 megapixel camera which features auto focus and image stabilization, and the microSD/SDHC expandable memory card slot supports up to 16GB(1) per card, giving users plenty of storage to carry and capture more of their music, pictures and video wherever they go. AT&T will offer the sleek new smartphone in an attractive silver and black finish.

Users who select an unlimited data plan with the BlackBerry Curve 8900 will also receive free AT&T Wi-Fi access at nearly 20,000 hotspots in the U.S. - including retail stores, restaurants and airports from coast-to-coast(2), an unmatched value add for mobile professionals who spend as much time out of the office as in it. The smartphone can also easily connect to a home or office Wi-Fi network.

“This new smartphone has a stunning design that builds upon the success of the BlackBerry Curve with more features for applications, all in a high-quality handset,” said Chris Hill, vice president, AT&T Business Solutions. “Add to it free access to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network and the BlackBerry Curve 8900 from AT&T delivers unmatched value and performance for personal and business use.”

Other BlackBerry smartphones that can access free Wi-Fi are the BlackBerry(R) Bold(TM), BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8320, BlackBerry(R) Pearl 8120, and BlackBerry(R) 8820. A full list of AT&T Wi-Fi locations is available at www.attwifi.com.

Like all AT&T smartphones, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is a world phone, allowing customers to access data in more than 170 countries and make calls in more than 200. The smartphone supports quad-band EDGE (850/900/1700/ 1800Mhz) and Wi-Fi 802.11 b and g. The BlackBerry Curve 8900 also comes with a removable/rechargeable battery that provides a talk time of 5.5 hours and approximately 15 days of standby time.

The on-board GPS supports location-based applications and services, including AT&T Navigator, which provides audible turn-by-turn directions and will be available free for 30 days(3). AT&T Navigator also monitors traffic and alerts you when there is slowdown or incident, and you can get a new route around congestion with just one click. Customers can also use AT&T Navigator Global Edition for access to maps and directions in 21 countries and in five languages. Learn more at www.att.com/navigator.

Customers can also quickly access business listings, phone numbers and more from the included Yellowpages.com application and listen to their music using the included media player or XM Radio Mobile.(4)

The BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone will be available in AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com in the early summer. For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.(5)

(1) MicroSD/SDHC memory cards are available today in configurations of up to 16GB and the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is expected to support upcoming 32GB microSD/SDHC cards.

(2) AT&T Wi-Fi service use is subject to AT&T’s Terms of Services & Acceptable Use Policy (”Terms”) found at https://secure.sbc.com/tosaup.adp. Qualified data rate plan required for free access to AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots.

(3) Users must cancel free trial of AT&T Navigator within 30 days or be automatically subscribed at a cost of $9.99 per month for unlimited routes. You can cancel from the “My Accounts” portal on your handset or call AT&T customer care. Standard data charges apply, depending on your plan.

(4) XM Radio Mobile is available for $8.99 per month. Data charges also apply and AT&T recommends and unlimited data plan. Downloading and/or using this product will consume a large amount of data,

(5) Coverage not available in all areas. Other terms and conditions apply.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

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36 Comments

Posted by cowboys2000 Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

We knew this was coming, this should make life easier on many wanting the 8900 and not T-Mobile service!

Now, for word on the "Tour"!

 
 
Posted by squinty Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

the red/black combo looks better than the silver/black.

 
 
Posted by TokenWasp Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

I think the above picture was a pre-production version, but I would much prefer the easier-to-read silver number keys, black trackball ring and black back that that version had.

 
 
Posted by seanp666 Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

Does anyone have the loose keyboard and battery cover problem for the 8900....my keyboard is especially loose...it moves when I type wich is annoying considering my old 8320 was rock solid. This is an upgrade, the build quality should be better not worse.

 
 
Posted by Dem0 Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

mine does have the loose keyboard, but the batt cover is rock solid. Mine is the one with red numbers instead of silver ones. (if that helps)

 
 
Posted by JsnE24 Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

Anyone need to buy a storm? Haha

 
 
Posted by Teek Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

That looks beautiful!!

This may be the only solution to my call failed problem on AT&T 3G.
Yay!!

 
 
Posted by Sir Snacky Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

Does this mean it's not a 3G phone? And how much of a difference does that make? I have a Curve 8310 and it seems to be plenty for me right now.

 
 
Posted by zarzamora_hermosa Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

It still won't have 3G, but personally, the difference isn't much... in fact, Wi-Fi is still supposedly faster, a feature which this device possesses. In fact, the improvement in the 4.6 OS (maybe processor) of the 8900 naturally makes the web seem even faster than on devices running the 4.5 OS. The only thing noticeable about 3G is the battery drain.

 
 
Posted by xoxotl Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

Now, when is Verizon going to get off its duff and FINALLY announce the Tour / Niagara 9630? Geeze.

 
 
Posted by icee_man Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

I am patiently waiting for the 9630 to be released. As it will be my first blackberry that I will own. Unless someone tell me why I should get a Curve 8330 or Storm since i'm Verizon. I'm tired of work not giving me one so I will be joining the ranks on my own dime. I don't understand why Verizon doesn't get any cool blackberries? What gives on this point? Before the storm was released they had the 8330 Curve and 8830WE. Nothing cool like the Bold, or anything like that. Why does it take Verizon so long to get new handsets when ATT, Tmobile, etc, get them? I just don't understand.

 
 
Posted by willm Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

IMO it's not just new BB devices that VZW lacks, it's nearly all wireless devices. It comes down to design fundamentals. VZW wants to put its own OS on devices, not use SIM cards, an keep them locked to their own BREW applications instead of Java. Then they have low tech support costs for devices, and can charge customers to "port" contacts, and monopolize app downloads. It's already major that BB got them to concede to allowing the Storm to use a sim. Most providers in the world use SIMs, java-capable handsets and leave the manufactures' OS on the devices.
All that to say, VZW doesn't play as nice as other service providers, so many manufacturers don't bother with them, and many times CDMA at all, unless they really feel the need.

 
 
Posted by rockstar323 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

All Verizon world phones use SIM cards.

 
 
Posted by dasbeav Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1115 days ago

But only for international roaming.

 
 
Posted by *** Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

Does anyone have any insight as to when/what new models Verizon will be getting? I have heard anywhere from two new models (which I think wouldn't be the best marketing strategy) anywhere from May to late summer?

Does anyone think something will be announced this week??

 
 
Posted by kris-ten Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

i was excited to hear about the 8900 coming for AT&T but i am not excited that it will not be running 3G like my bold. it is a nice upgrade for my girlfriend's 8310 but no enough for me to leave my bold. I think i'll upgrade my girl's because she is a simpler person for technology than I am.

 
 
Posted by J4BB Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

I was so desperate to get the new blackberry that I almost bought the 8900 from tmobile to replace my 8310, but now i just need to wait just a little longer. Its me and my boyfriends anniversary gift to one another.

 
 
Posted by SoBroPR Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

Now should I get the Bold or 8900? upgrade next month would it even be released by then?

Any Suggestions? I run a lot of applications on my Curve...

 
 
Posted by PM - PM Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

The bold has 3g.. but there's more memory space for apps on the curve. I still prefer the bold though...bigger physical keyboard and bigger screen size (not pixels, but actual screen size)

 
 
Posted by jnewman91 Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

Test both of them out in the store. And remember that you have 14 days (30 in California) to return the device if you aren't satisfied with it.

 
 
Posted by zarzamora_hermosa Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

I think it is thirty days for most places

 
 
Posted by woodygg Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

the BOLD.

8900 = NO UMA, NO 3G. Worst of both worlds. Why in the world would anyone want an 8900 on the AT&T network????

Bold = 3G.

Easy decision in this case (unless you'd consider TMO - then it's harder...)

 
 
Posted by davidjjpp Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1114 days ago
 
 
Posted by ganns1980 Monday, May 04, 2009 1117 days ago

Not really diggin' the 8300 style keys on the 8900.

 
 
Posted by nolan.b Monday, May 04, 2009 1116 days ago

Hey,

I can see how the silver/black combo makes it easier to identify "phone" keys.

Though do prefer the red/black on mine. I also deal with a slightly wobbly keyboard :( But the battery cover is rock solid.

 
 
Posted by leroypinto123 Monday, May 04, 2009 1116 days ago

Now when will tmobile get the bold? that is the question!

 
 
Posted by johnnybbads Monday, May 04, 2009 1116 days ago

A lot of males suffer from colour blindness, and in darker conditions I have trouble sometimes seeing the lil red numbers above the letters. This would be a huge welcome, personally.

 
 
Posted by AZN.M3NACE Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

well AT&T's 8900 will lack the UMA functionality though...

 
 
Posted by davidjjpp Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1114 days ago
 
 
Posted by WolfmanRobby Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

OK, I was really hoping for the AT&T version to have 3G.

So, my debate is this... Go for a Bold or Wait for the 8900.

The Bold has 3G, that is the ONLY thing about it that gives it any bite over the 8900, in my eyes.

The 8900 on the other hand:
-Higher Resoltion Screen
-Smaller form factor
-I like the Spaced keys better than the bold (I have poor sense of touch in my finger tips)
-Auto Focus, Better camera
-More Application memory

I mean, the speed of 3G is nice, but it's not even fully rolled out here anyway. The main reason I like it, my friend's 3G phones (iPhones YUCK, hate touch screen devices!) don't make my speakers go crazy!!! Anyone got a cure for that?

 
 
Posted by woodygg Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

there's no compelling reason to get the 8900 on the AT&T network... if you do, you get the worst of both worlds...

NO 3G and NO UMA. IMO, I want one or the other. Not having either is a lose lose.

screen? please... the bold's is plenty good enough (still very high resolution - you'll never know the difference in practical terms)
SFF - yes, a little. not a deal breaker.
Keys - much easier to type on a Bold.
Camera - it's a phone camera... not a big deal to me.
Memory... again, any practical ramifications?

 
 
Posted by WolfmanRobby Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

Well, 3G is not fully rolled out, and web surfing is NOT a major use of the BB for me, so Edge is perfectly acceptable in my situation.

I've seen the screens in use on a bold and a T-Moble 8900 side by side, there is a VERY noticable difference to my eyes.

Holding them in hand, there is also a VERY noticeable size difference. The 8900 is actually smaller than my 8300. The bold, much larger.

I can't type on the Bold very well at all. The keys run together on me. It might be easier for you, but for me, it's almost impossible.

I don't like carrying multiple devices around. I have a high quality digital camera, but it's added bulk. It's nice to have the added quality, and the Auto-focus on the BB for quick, on the go pictures.

Pratical rammifications of memory? Well, my co-worker with the Bold has loaded his up with about the same apps I would and he's CONSTANTLY getting out of memory issues. So, yeah, I would consider the higher memory MUCH more practical for my situation.

Honestly, just this post has me thinking the 8900 IS the device for me.

 
 
Posted by islandgal808 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1116 days ago

Does anyone know how much the phone will cost?

 
 
Posted by TBP of Million Year Echo Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1115 days ago

photoshopped keyboard?

 
 
Posted by Treatz Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1115 days ago

Has there been any mention of if AT&T is going to support UMA on the 8900?

 
 
Posted by davidjjpp Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1114 days ago

Everyone on here has been saying no UMA on ATT however I found an article that says that it will have it:

http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/cell-phones/compare/?name1=RIM+BlackBerry+Curve+8900+(AT%26T)

Could someone please confirm a reliable source on this. I don't see why it would not... kind of

If it is no, what about IMS or SIP?
Does anyone know if these are just a matter of firmware or is hardware also required to utilize these and does anyone have any timeframe or idea on their implementation on ATT?

What specifically are they used for as I was reasding that IMS or SIP is what ATT has been implementing and it is a more advanced technology than UMA...

Anyone please comment...