Based on Verizon's press release, we knew it was coming on June 19th, but physical training documents give the launch a final element of certainty. With the launch of the Pearl Flip 8230, the release of the Tour 9630 is right around the corner. According to information in Crackberry's forums, the device will launch with OS 4.6.1.234, a significant improvement from the original OS released on the GSM 8220. In case you missed it, our original coverage is here, and the press release is below.
June 19th is next Friday, so the launch isn't too far away. Anyone planning on getting one? Sound off in the comments section!
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY and WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 4, 2009) - Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) announced today the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone will be available on the nation's largest 3G broadband network beginning June 19. The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 features the industry's leading mobile e-mail and messaging solution combined with rich multimedia capabilities and the high-speed connectivity of Verizon Wireless' broadband network in a popular flip design.
Available color: Silver
Key features:
- Two high-resolution color displays; the external LCD lets customers preview incoming messages without opening the handset
- 2.0 megapixel camera with zoom, flash and video recording capabilities; video recording requires a microSD card, which can be purchased separately
- Large SureType QWERTY keyboard for easy typing and dialing
- Advanced media player for music, videos and pictures
- microSD/SDHC card slot with support for up to 16 GB of memory per card
- BlackBerry Internet Service and BlackBerry Enterprise Server support
- Voice-activated dialing and speakerphone capabilities
Lifestyle features:
- Easy mobile access to Facebook, MySpace and Flickr, as well as popular instant messaging services (e.g. Yahoo! IM, AIM, Google Talk and Windows Live Messenger)
- Support for BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for the BlackBerry Pearl Flip. Categories include games, entertainment, social networking and sharing, news and weather, productivity and much more
- BlackBerry Media Sync allows for easy syncing of music collections to the BlackBerry Pearl Flip (certain music files may not be supported, including files that contain digital rights management technologies)
- Visual Voice Mail to help customers prioritize their messages
- VZ Navigator(SM)-capable, which means customers get audible turn-by-turn directions to more than 15 million points of interest; customers can also get directions to any address in the U.S. and share the directions with others
Pricing and availability:
- The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone will be $129.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
- VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 monthly access, and Visual Voice Mail is available for $2.99 monthly access. Other charges may apply when downloading or using applications.
- Customers can purchase the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 online and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores. For additional information on any Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go online to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers can contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representatives at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.
Source: Crackberry
