Mobile WorkHorse

By Al Sacco
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Al Sacco writes about (and drools over) anything and everything mobile or wireless as it applies to the global workforce--with a focus on BlackBerry smartphones

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Al Sacco

BlackBerry "Storm 3" to Function as 3G Mobile Hotspot?

RIM's new BlackBerry "Storm 3" could be the first BlackBerry device to function as an official 3G wireless Internet "hotspot."

Posted July 19, 2010 to Mobile/Wireless |
. What's this?

Rumblings regarding an updated version of BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion's (RIM) touch-screen BlackBerry smartphone, the Storm2, have been circulation via the Web for weeks. But little is known about the upcoming handheld, which may more may not be called "Storm 3," expect for the fact that it, like its Storm-predecessors, will very likely sport a touch screen.


Purported Training Slide for BlackBerry Storm 3
Purported "Training Slide" for BlackBerry Storm 3

Today, an image of what appears to be some sort of device information/training sheet for a mystery BlackBerry device hit the Web along with what could be the first solid technical details on the new touch BlackBerry. The pictured device is labeled "Odin Refresh," and "Odin" was one of RIM's codenames for the Storm2 95xx.

Most of the new information is what any average BlackBerry-watcher would expect for a upgraded device: new BlackBerry mobile OS, BlackBerry 6, along with RIM's new Webkit browser; more RAM, at 512MB; better camera (5 megapixels); and support for the new-ish 802.11n Wi-Fi.

But one detail is particularly interesting. The second to last line seems to read: "3G Mobile Hotspot - Coming Soon." If that does prove to be a proper "translation," the Storm 3, or whatever device that information pertains to—it's not exactly clear if the handheld is the BlackBerry Storm 3 or some other mystery RIM device—could be the first BlackBerry to function as a mobile hotpot, at least without some heavy OS-tweaks.

A BlackBerry 3G mobile hotspot would allow users to share their BlackBerry's wireless Internet connection with nearby devices.

And the final line of the slide appears to end with "…ember," which could be in reference to a September release date or some other notable date in the device roll-out. It's not clear which carrier(s) will eventually release this new touch-screen BlackBerry, but Verizon Wireless is the exclusive carrier for both the Storm and Storm2 in the United States. And recent rumors also suggest a Verizon Storm 3 launch is on the not-so-distant horizon.

Again, it's not certain that the pictured device is RIM's BlackBerry Storm 3, or even if the slide is accurate, but it would be very nice to see some new, unexpected features popping up in new BlackBerry smartphones.

Read more about more unannounced BlackBerry devices, including the BlackBerry 9800 slider, BlackBerry 9630 clamshell and the Curve 9300.

AS

Engadget via CrackBerry


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