Well, look what we have here — a press release from AT&T announcing the early summer availability of the Curve 8900… Conveniently arriving just a few days after we leaked the June availability of the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8900. Sorry to disappoint but as we alluded to in our last post on the subject, there is nothing earth shattering in the press release. AT&T’s 8900 will be a mirror image of the T-Mobile version, though it will of course support standard AT&T services like AT&T navigator and AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot access. No pricing details or exact release date were revealed but our June time frame is still looking solid. Hit the jump for the text of the 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 http://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 http://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 http://www.wireless.att.com in the early summer. For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit http://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.
