While going under many different code names, RIM today announced the first BlackBerry flip phone. The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 will initially be a T-Mobile exclusive, launching this fall.
The Pearl Flip comes at a time that RIM is quickly expanding its device form-factors. The traditional layout will be updated this October with the North American launch of the BlackBerry Bold. Also, RIM is expanding into touch screen territory with the Thunder and Storm devices.
However, the Pearl Flip is not new in terms of technology. As a quad-band EDGE device, it lacks 3G data access. The device does however include 802.11g Wi-Fi to compensate for this. Otherwise, the device maintains essentially the same feature set as the existing high-end Pearl on T-Mobile.
RIM has said that pricing and specific launch dates will be announced for the Pearl Flip at a later date.
[…] Pearl Flip 8220 will be available from wireless carriers around the world beginning this fall. The BlackBerry Pearl Flip will be available in the United States exclusively from T-Mobile beginning this fall. Specific availability and pricing details will be announced at a later […]