We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
While scrolling through our CrackBerry Slack channel this morning, I happened to notice Adam had dropped a link to what appeared to be a patent site seemingly showing off a BlackBerry patent. To my surprise, it wasn't really a patent site at all but rather a shop, called Retro Patents, where you could buy prints of patents to be used as posters. The one he had linked to was the very first BlackBerry patent.
In 1999, RIM introduced the BlackBerry 850 pager. Named in reference to the resemblance of its keyboard's keys to the druplets of the blackberry fruit, the device could receive push email from a Microsoft Exchange Server using its complementary server software, BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES). The introduction of the BlackBerry set the stage for future enterprise-oriented products from the company, such as the BlackBerry 957 in April 2000 which was the first BlackBerry smartphone.
This patent titled 'Hand Held Electronic Device with Auxiliary Input Device' was filed on the 5th of April, 2000. The device is described as having a "keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software" which optimized for the use of the device with thumbs!
So cool! Retro Patents does sell the limited edition (250 each) prints in a few different sizes such as 12" x 18" (30.5cm x 45.5cm), 24" x 36" (61cm x 91cm) and finally, a Hardwood Deluxe Edition sized 24" x 36" that requires no frame. Prices are €27.86, €47.77 and €140.00 respectively and shipping is available worldwide. Now, naturally we're digging the BlackBerry one but there are plenty of others to choose from should you decide you need something else in your life. Kindle, iPod, Atari and more are available!
See the BlackBerry Patent print at Retro Patents
Read more
BlackBerry AtHoc now integrates with Microsoft Teams
BlackBerry recently announced the integration between BlackBerry AtHoc and Microsoft Teams allowing organizations managing critical events to alert, contact, and account for individuals using the Microsoft Teams platform.
BlackBerry Hub+ apps, and BBMe updated with bug fixes and improvements
The latest BlackBerry Hub+ app updates have arrived on the Google Play Store along with a critical bug fix for BBMe.
BlackBerry Hub+ app updates bring crash fixes and improvements
After sitting in beta for a while, the latest BlackBerry Hub+ app updates have now arrived on the Google Play Store.
How to fix BlackBerry World 'No Network Connection' errors
If you've been hit by the BlackBerry World 'No Network Connection' error, here's how to fix it!