Blackberry 8800 finally Gets a Spy Shots

” Code-named as the Gamma Ray, the Blackberry 8800 features a trackball, full QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, microSD, all these features and RIM’s wholesome goodness. RIM did away with the track wheel on the side in favor of the track ball so that the design of the device is thinner. This is good, there’s nothing wrong with thin and sexy. It’s still way too early for price and availability – look for the 8800 Q1 of 2007.The thread specific the model in the photo as 8900c, but it should be the Blackberry 8800 leaked in Oct 2005. In the previous rumor report, we have also posted the following Blackberry 8800 Specifications: New narrow QWERTY design – the ultimate balance of form and function Ultra slim form factor with full keypad and large 320 x 240 screen for optimized data input. Dimensions: 106 x 60 x 15.5 mm Bridges voice and data centric users looking for a sleek, slimmed down design optimized for exceptional data entry yet small enough to be used as a phone. Camera – 1.3 mp, 5x digital zoom, flash and video recording Media Player – audio and video playback/streaming, stereo headset compatible. 64 MB Flash, expandable memory (Micro SD) Expanded feature set complements core productivity, functionality and strengthens appeal to a broader segment of users – particularly retail prosumers. Great phone experience Advanced noise and echo cancellation Voice activated dialing, speakerphone, Bluetooth 2.0 Quadband EDGE + 802.11bg Extend data and voice coverage at home, work, hotspots.” More photos at slashphone.com

Mobile Phones to Adopt New, Smaller USB Connector

“The USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF) today announced the completion of the Micro-USB specification, a new connector technology that will replace many of the Mini-series plugs and receptacles currently used in portable products. This USB-IF connector specification was developed to support the growing miniaturization trend for portable devices, as well as the continued adoption of USB in mobile phones. “As portable devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and digital cameras get smaller and more compact, manufacturers recognized the need for a new USB connector specification to suit the design of these new products,” said Jeff Ravencraft, chairman and president of the USB-IF. “USB-IF developed the Micro-USB specification to adapt to sleek new design needs.” The Micro-USB specification supports the USB On-The-Go (OTG) supplement, which was created in response to the growing need for portable devices to communicate directly with each other when a PC is not available. Micro-series definitions include: Micro-B receptacles for standard devices, Micro-AB receptacles for OTG devices, Micro-A and Micro-B plugs, and standard cables. The Micro-series are unique in that they feature a stainless steel shell, which yields more than 10,000 insertion cycles for longer life and higher durability, and passive latching mechanism for higher extraction forces. The Micro-series connectors will continue to maintain the ease-of-use and speed of the USB technology. “Nokia always strives for great user experience. The new micro-USB that is standardized, miniaturized, and optimized for mobile use helps us in that important task. The micro-USB offers innovative design and a flexible platform that our technical teams can easily take on board while working with new product designs,” said Jouko Junkkari, Director within Nokia Technology Platforms.” via home.businesswire.com