Well folks today is the last day of RIM's WES (Wireless Enterprise Symposium) for 2008. We saw tons of great news including the announcement of the upcoming 3G BlackBerry Bold. Here is just a wrap up of most the headlines from WES this year:

• RIM announced a $150m BlackBerry Partners Fund
• Windows Live Messenger and Push Hotmail coming soon to BlackBerry
• Introducing the BlackBerry Bold 9000
• Rogers confirms BlackBerry Bold coming soon!
• RIM announces annual Developer Conference
• Meet the Bold's leather battery doors
• RIM and IBM partner up for IBM's expansion into BlackBerry Wireless smartphones
• RIM CEO cracks some jokes about BlackBerry addictions

Here's a quick laugh from RIM's CEO Jim Basillie. He talks just about the addictive ways of the BlackBerry and adds some good humor too it. Thanks to CrackBerry for posting this up live from WES.

RIM and IBM have announced a partnership to team up and mobilize Web 2.0 capabilities, by enhancing IBM's Wireless Solutions for BlackBerry smartphones.

“As the world enters the ‘Era of the Mobile Web’, mobile devices like BlackBerry are outnumbering TV’s, credit cards and PC’s, and are becoming increasingly critical to business operations for companies of all sizes globally,” said Bob Picciano, GM Lotus Software. “Today’s announcement extends the portfolio of IBM’s industry-leading social computing and collaboration offerings available to customers as they increasingly rely on their BlackBerry® smartphones.”

IBM and RIM Mobilize Web 2.0 Capabilities

New Mobile Web Solution Brings Social Networking, Enterprise Collaboration and Information on Demand to BlackBerry Smartphones

Orlando, FL –Wireless Enterprise Symposium 2008- IBM (NYSE:IBM) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX:RIM) are taking mobile work far beyond email by delivering to mainstream business professionals the full line of Web 2.0-powered IBM Lotus® collaboration software and information on demand on the market-leading BlackBerry® platform.

The joint initiative enables customers to securely manage their communications, contacts and schedules and collaborate and network through social software, all from within the familiar, intuitive interface of their BlackBerry smartphones. This includes the general availability of the new BlackBerry Client for IBM Lotus Connections, IBM’s social software for business, at a time when eMarketer forecasts that mobile social networking will grow from 82 million users in 2007 to over 800 million worldwide by 2012.

This year, for the first time, more people in the world will have a mobile device than a landline telephone. IBM’s Institute for Business Value predicts one billion mobile Web users by 2011 and a significant shift in the way the majority of people will interact with the Web over the next decade.

“As the world enters the ‘Era of the Mobile Web’, mobile devices like BlackBerry are outnumbering TV’s, credit cards and PC’s, and are becoming increasingly critical to business operations for companies of all sizes globally,” said Bob Picciano, GM Lotus Software. “Today’s announcement extends the portfolio of IBM’s industry-leading social computing and collaboration offerings available to customers as they increasingly rely on their BlackBerry® smartphones.”

“The organizational and personal benefits of the Lotus collaboration suite together with the mobility and security advantages of the widely-adopted BlackBerry platform provide an unmatched solution for enterprise customers,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

IBM and RIM are making the following technologies portable and accessible, anytime and anywhere:

• Portals & Dashboards: IBM WebSphere Portal and IBM dashboard software lets businesses build Web sites and single screen dashboard views that deliver information, applications and processes personalized to the individual BlackBerry smartphone user.
• Social Networking: The BlackBerry Client for IBM Lotus Connections helps people tap into the collective knowledge of others and find the people and information they need for the task at hand while on the go.
• Messaging and Calendaring: BlackBerry® Enterprise Server for IBM Lotus Notes and Domino enables access to key email and calendaring functions as well as custom applications built with Lotus Domino.
• Unified Communications: The BlackBerry Client for IBM Lotus Sametime lets people access their full buddy list, send and receive instant messages, view presence information and convert an IM session to a phone call with a simple click.
• Business Intelligence: IBM Cognos 8 Go! Mobile business intelligence software is the industry’s first business intelligence solution designed specifically for the BlackBerry platform. It provides personalized secure business information in the right context to allow people to view and interact with dashboard-style reports to make informed decisions while they are on the move.

The BlackBerry platform is the only mobile enterprise solution to provide mobile access to all major Lotus collaboration solutions today. The proven, market-leading BlackBerry platform enhances the mobile experience for these solutions by enabling the following capabilities:

• Automated Data Delivery and Synchronization – The push-based architecture of BlackBerry® Enterprise Server automates data delivery and synchronization, enabling timely alerts and notifications within Lotus applications on BlackBerry smartphones.
• Easy Deployment – The mobile device management capabilities of BlackBerry Enterprise Server allow IT groups to centrally manage and wirelessly deploy BlackBerry client software for Lotus applications.
• Market-Leading Enterprise-Class Security – The BlackBerry platform is based on a proven security architecture that helps ensure the confidentiality and integrity of wirelessly transmitted information between backend servers and BlackBerry smartphones. With support for more than 400 over-the-air wireless IT policies and commands that enable IT administrators to wirelessly enforce security settings, BlackBerry Enterprise Server meets even the most stringent IT requirements.

Businesses from around the world are already turning to IBM and RIM to help them take collaboration on the road. Financial services giant MetLife is among them.

“Lotus Notes on BlackBerry is used to connect diverse groups at MetLife, including sales and administration,” said Tony Arroyo, IT Manager, MetLife, New York. “Soon we will move forward with Sametime. There is also interest in the advanced collaboration tools within Lotus Notes 8.”

Standard Life PLC, a global financial services firm based in the United Kingdom with 7 million customers, has over 1,100 employees using BlackBerry smartphones and 10,000 employees using Lotus Notes to collaborate and access the corporate intranet, teamrooms and emergency contact lists.

“Lotus software on BlackBerry is critical to our business as it allows Standard Life to enable better collaboration across the world at any time,” said William Campbell, Desktop Services Manager, Standard Life, who is also presenting at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium this week. “We have taken BlackBerry way beyond email, adding a high level of rich functionality resulting in what one of our users calls ‘the laptop in your pocket.’”

Johnson Controls, Inc., based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has 140,000 employees specializing in the design, manufacturing, and installation of automotive systems and non-residential climate control systems. The company provides automotive batteries and all parts of the interior systems in cars and light trucks. Reliance on Lotus Notes via BlackBerry smartphones has grown and now Johnson Controls is moving ahead with Lotus Notes 8.01 with BlackBerry.

Some of the world’s most discriminating technology experts work for the Aerospace Corporation, headquartered in El Segundo, California. Aerospace Corp. employees access Lotus Notes & Domino on their BlackBerry smartphones as they provide independent technical and scientific research, development, and advisory services to national-security space programs and major projects for the United States Air Force, the National Reconnaissance Office, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commercial companies, and leading universities.

The BlackBerry mobile solution for the Lotus collaboration software suite is available today and is being showcased this week at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES) 2008 in Orlando. The BlackBerry client software for Lotus Sametime and Lotus Connections are both now available as a free download for Lotus customers at www.blackberry.com/go/ibmresources.

For more information, visit www.ibm.com and www.blackberry.com

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM’s products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM’s periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. RIM has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.

Well there is no doubt that RIM has been targeting the consumer market a lot lately. With the announcement of the new BlackBerry Bold at WES no one is sure yet if it will be more of hit with the business or consumer market. 

RIM is showing off these new colored leather battery doors to go along with their new toy. Apparently this will just be the start of the different battery doors. Obviously customization is another key to RIM's successful consumer targeting for instance take a look at their upcoming BlackBerry Kickstart. 

[Source] 

RIM also announced a new annual developer conference aimed at bringing all developers from around the World. The conference is sheduled for October 20th this year in Santa Clara, California.

"Based on growing demand from the BlackBerry development community, we are very pleased to announce a new conference focused on developing consumer and business applications for the BlackBerry platform," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM. "The new annual BlackBerry Developer Conference in the fall will complement the successful Wireless Enterprise Symposium held each spring and will provide a dedicated forum to help developers keep pace with advances in the latest hardware, software, tools and best practices for developing on the BlackBerry platform."

Skip on over for the full press release or visit BlackBerryDeveloperConference.com.

RIM Announces New BlackBerry Developer Conference

Annual Event to Advance Skills and Knowledge of Commercial and Corporate Developers for the BlackBerry Platform

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – May 13, 2008) – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced plans to launch a new annual developer conference. The BlackBerry(R) Developer Conference will provide commercial and corporate developers from around the world with opportunities to advance their skills and knowledge in building powerful, world-class applications on the market-leading BlackBerry(R) platform. The BlackBerry Developer Conference is planned for the week of October 20, 2008 in Santa Clara, California.

"Based on growing demand from the BlackBerry development community, we are very pleased to announce a new conference focused on developing consumer and business applications for the BlackBerry platform," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM. "The new annual BlackBerry Developer Conference in the fall will complement the successful Wireless Enterprise Symposium held each spring and will provide a dedicated forum to help developers keep pace with advances in the latest hardware, software, tools and best practices for developing on the BlackBerry platform."

The BlackBerry Developer Conference will feature keynote presentations by thought leaders and innovators in mobile technologies, general sessions, roundtable discussions, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities and exhibits, enabling a broad range of developers, from novices to seasoned experts, to learn more about developing applications and services for the BlackBerry platform.

Topics planned for this year's conference include:

– Building Powerful Enterprise Applications on the BlackBerry Platform – It has never been easier for corporate developers to extend business systems to the mobile workforce. Participants can learn about the latest tools, techniques and frameworks for building native, integrated BlackBerry(R) smartphone applications that leverage the security, manageability and push-based features of the BlackBerry platform.

– Creating Captivating Applications & Services for Consumers – With growing interest in consumer applications for BlackBerry smartphones, the BlackBerry Developer Conference will help participants learn best practices for building media-rich, easy-to-use, lifestyle applications.

– Latest Development Tools – Find out what's new with the latest releases of the BlackBerry(R) Java Development Environment (JDE), BlackBerry(R) JDE Plug-in for Eclipse, BlackBerry(R) Plug-in for Microsoft Visual Studio, and BlackBerry(R) MDS Studio. Get hands-on training and learn about the most recent advancements in BlackBerry and Java APIs, and simulation and testing tools.

– Rich Internet Application Development – Learn about the latest advancements in developing Rich Internet Applications (RIA) for BlackBerry smartphones and how to take advantage of AJAX, streaming video, SVG, GPS, and other advanced features of the BlackBerry Browser.

– Integrating Location-Based Services – Learn about the possibilities for integrating location data with web-based and native BlackBerry applications.

For updates and more information about the new BlackBerry Developer Conference, including upcoming details on how to register, visit www.blackberrydeveloperconference.com.

Visit www.blackberry.com/developers for the latest news, information and updates for BlackBerry developers. Also, visit the new BlackBerry Developer Video Library at www.blackberry.com/go/developervideolibrary to view a variety of instructional videos.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry(R) wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld(TM) product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. RIM has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.

Rogers has just confirmed that they will be launching the BlackBerry Bold in Canada! While they don't announce any launch dates or pricing they simply made a coming soon page. You can asked to be notified when the Bold launches. Visit the Rogers website for details.

Kicking off WES 2008 this morning RIM announced the upcoming release of BlackBerry Bold, also known as BlackBerry 9000. This 3G packing smartphone comes fully equipped with HSDPA, EDGE, Wi-Fi, GPS and a 2.0 megapixel camera. Not only that but the BlackBerry Bold also features 1GB on on-board memory, 128MB of flash memory for content storage (such as phonebook and messages), Media Sync allowing it sync directly with iTunes and its amazing half-VGA (480×320 resolution) color display.

The BlackBerry Bold is expected to hit carriers this summer. Pricing is expected to be fairly high. Check out BlackBerryBold.com or click on over for its full press release.

RIM Introduces the BlackBerry Bold Smartphone

Top of the line BlackBerry smartphone features premium design and unprecedented performance; perfect for business professionals and power users.

Waterloo, ON- For customers seeking a smartphone that makes a bold statement, Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today introduced the admirable BlackBerry® Bold™ smartphone. Crafted from premium materials, inside and out, that radiate elegance with a dramatic presence, the BlackBerry Bold is designed to give business professionals and power users unprecedented functionality and performance in an intuitive BlackBerry® smartphone. It is the first BlackBerry smartphone to support tri-band HSDPA high-speed networks around the world and comes with integrated GPS and Wi-Fi®, as well as a rich set of multimedia capabilities. From its lustrous black exterior, satin chrome finished frame and stylish leather-like backplate, to its stunning display, sophisticated user interface and newly designed full-QWERTY* keyboard, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone is a symbol of accomplishment and aspiration.

“The new BlackBerry Bold represents a tremendous step forward in business-grade smartphones and lives up to its name with incredible speed, power and functionality, all wrapped in a beautiful and confident design,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO, Research In Motion.

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone's support for tri-band HSDPA and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g) networks and its next-generation 624 MHz mobile processor make short work of downloading email attachments, streaming video or rendering web pages. The BlackBerry Bold also includes 128 MB Flash memory plus 1 GB on-board storage memory, as well as and a microSD/SDHC memory card slot** that is conveniently accessible from a side door. It comes with the renowned BlackBerry productivity applications, including phone, email, messaging, organizer and browser, and works with thousands of mobile business and lifestyle applications, making it easier than ever to stay connected, productive and entertained. With this powerful new smartphone, users can even talk on the phone while sending and receiving email or accessing the web, and download Word, Excel or PowerPoint files and edit them directly on the handset using the preloaded DataViz® Documents to Go® suite.

STUNNING DISPLAY
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone comes with the most vivid and bold display ever introduced on a BlackBerry smartphone. Its half-VGA (480×320 resolution) color LCD is fused to the undersurface of the lens, making images leap out with stunning definition and clarity. Pictures are vibrant and razor sharp, while videos play smoothly and web pages, documents, presentations and messages snap with exceptional quality and contrast.

DESKTOP-STYLE WEB PAGES
With its newly enhanced, high performance browser and high-resolution, ultra-bright display, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone gives users an on-the-go web browsing experience with desktop-style depiction. The trackball mimics a mouse, making it easy to navigate sites in "Page View" or "Column View" or to zoom in on specific parts of a web page, while various emulation settings allow users to choose between the full desktop-style HTML content and layout or the mobile version. Attachments can also now be downloaded from within the browser and there is support for watching streaming videos (RTSP – real-time streaming protocol).

RICH MULTIMEDIA
While it is designed to meet the extensive requirements of the business professional during the day, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone also caters to the business person’s consumer side during evenings and weekends. It features a 2 megapixel camera with video recording capability, built-in flash and 5x digital zoom. The enhanced media player can display pictures and slideshows quickly, play movies smoothly in full screen mode, and manage an entire music collection. Audio can be played over the handset’s dual speakers in rich, stereo sound, and when using wired headphones or external speakers, the media player gives the user an equalizer with 11 preset filters – like "Lounge", "Jazz" and "Hip Hop" – that boost or soften audio ranges to create the perfect ambiance.

For managing music and video, the BlackBerry® Desktop Manager software includes Roxio® Media Manager for BlackBerry® as well as Roxio Photosuite® 9 LE, which makes it easy to enhance pictures and create photo albums on the computer. For users that manage their collection with iTunes®, the new BlackBerry® Media Sync application provides a simple way to sync iTunes digital music collections with the smartphone***. Support for High Speed USB 2.0 allows all files to be transferred quickly from a desktop computer to the BlackBerry Bold smartphone.

POWERFUL WI-FI & GPS
For even broader high-speed network coverage, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone supports the 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi standards, ideal for use in enterprise or campus wireless LAN deployments, over Wi-Fi hotspots and on wireless home networks. A new "Push Button Setup" is included, making it faster for users to connect to protected wireless networks that require a sign on process.

Through its integrated GPS, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone can pinpoint its exact location, supporting applications like BlackBerry® Maps and other location-based applications or services. With its improved rendering capabilities, faster download speeds and ability to support simultaneous voice and data, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone even allows users to navigate while on a call.

FIRST CLASS PHONE
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone features a new acoustic design that increases the size of the phone’s audio sweet spot, improving listening quality and clarity. It also comes with numerous premium phone features including Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD), Bluetooth® 2.0, with support for hands-free headsets, stereo headsets, car kits (including car kits that adhere to the Bluetooth Remote SIM Access Profile) and other Bluetooth peripherals. It is a quad-band EDGE and tri-band HSDPA handset that supports global roaming**** and features dedicated 'send', 'end', and 'mute' keys, smart dialing, speed dialing, conference calling and call forwarding. It also features noise cancellation technology that offsets background noise, a powerful speaker phone and support for polyphonic, mp3 and MIDI ring tones.

ROBUST EMAIL & MESSAGING
Like all BlackBerry smartphones, the BlackBerry Bold gives users the industry’s leading mobile messaging solution. It works with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, which enables advanced security and IT administration within IBM® Lotus® Domino®, Microsoft® Exchange and Novell® GroupWise® environments, as well as BlackBerry® Professional Software for small businesses. It also works with BlackBerry® Internet Service, which gives users access to up to 10 work or personal email accounts (including most popular ISP email accounts), and the BlackBerry® Unite! software for SOHO and home users.

CONVENIENT ACCESSORIES
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone comes with a variety of convenient accessories including a stereo headset, travel charger, carrying case or sleeve and USB cable. Users will also be able to personalize their BlackBerry Bold smartphone by purchasing replaceable leather-like backplates that come in a range of colors. The removable / rechargeable 1500 mAhr battery provides multi-hour usage with a target talk time of approximately 5 hours and 13 days standby time.

Accessories for BlackBerry smartphones, including leather holsters and totes, charging pods, premium earphones, the BlackBerry® Remote Stereo Gateway and Bluetooth headsets, are available through retail outlets or online at: www.shopblackberry.com.

AVAILABILITY
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone (model number: 9000) is scheduled to be available from wireless carriers around the world beginning this summer.

For more information please visit: www.BlackBerryBold.com.

RIM and Microsoft has signed an agreement to bring Microsoft's Live Hotmail and Messengers services to BlackBerry. This agreement will allow BlackBerry users to have access to push Hotmail email and actual a Live messenger application by entering their username and password once (similar to how Windows Mobile works).

"The BlackBerry platform is respected around the world for providing optimized messaging capabilities and RIM continues to look for ways to provide customers with a wide range of communications options and the best possible mobile experience," said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. "Our relationship with Microsoft and the addition of Windows Live services to BlackBerry smartphones helps us build on that strategy for our customers."

Microsoft and RIM to Bring Windows Live Services to BlackBerry Smartphone Customers

Agreement will enhance the communications experience on BlackBerry smartphones through popular Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger services

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON and WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – May 12, 2008) – Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced an agreement to provide Microsoft Windows Live services on BlackBerry(R) smartphones. As a result of this collaboration, BlackBerry smartphone customers will enjoy easy mobile access to Windows Live Messenger and an enhanced level of integration between Windows Live Hotmail and the BlackBerry platform.

The integration of Windows Live services into the BlackBerry platform will allow customers who use Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger on their BlackBerry smartphone to benefit from the BlackBerry platform architecture with the ability to communicate in real-time using push technology, and offering an exceptional mobile communications experience. Customers will also be able to seamlessly access their Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger account from their BlackBerry smartphone by simply entering their Windows Live e-mail address and password once.

"The BlackBerry platform is respected around the world for providing optimized messaging capabilities and RIM continues to look for ways to provide customers with a wide range of communications options and the best possible mobile experience," said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. "Our relationship with Microsoft and the addition of Windows Live services to BlackBerry smartphones helps us build on that strategy for our customers."

Among other features:

Windows Live Hotmail for BlackBerry will allow customers to:

– Use BlackBerry 'push' technology for automatic message delivery and message synchronization so the customers' online account is up-to-date with actions taken on their BlackBerry smartphone

– Use a dedicated inbox for Windows Live Hotmail messages, which are automatically delivered to the smartphone. Customers can also choose to receive their Windows Live Hotmail messages, along with messages from other e-mail accounts, within a single inbox on their BlackBerry smartphone

– Display HTML e-mail with the ability to view graphics, Web links, and contact photos in emails

Windows Live Messenger for BlackBerry will allow customers to:

– Send instant messages and join group chats

– Set status and see the presence of friends and colleagues within Windows Live Messenger or their contact cards

– Customize status messages

– Save conversations

– Showcase their Display Picture (Avatar)

– Send and receive pictures and files

– Use more than 60 emoticons

"Over 430 million people around the world rely on Windows Live to stay in touch," said Brian Arbogast, Vice President of the Mobile Services organization at Microsoft. "Our collaboration with RIM will enable BlackBerry smartphone customers to take full advantage of Windows Live, whether at work or on the go."

Windows Live services for BlackBerry smartphones are expected to be available beginning this summer with support for multiple languages.

RIM has teamed up with RBC and Thomson Reuters to start a $150 Million fund called "BlackBerry Partners Fund". This fund will be focusing on investing into new mobile applications and services. 

“The mobile world has evolved well beyond phone calls and simple messaging to require more empowering and liberating solutions that connect people to everything that matters most to them, wherever and whenever they want,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO, Research In Motion. “RIM, RBC and Thomson Reuters share the common belief that mobile applications and services will propel the industry forward and the BlackBerry Partners Fund is being formed to help fuel innovation and activity in the mobile ecosystem.”

RIM, RBC and Thomson Reuters to Anchor a $150 Million BlackBerry Partners Fund Focused on Investing in Mobile Applications and Services

New fund to mark "mobile" as the new frontier

Toronto, ON- Research In Motion (RIM) (TSX: RIM; NASDAQ: RIMM), RBC (RY: TSX; RY: NYSE) and Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI; TSX: TRI; LSE: TRIL; NASDAQ: TRIN), today announced plans to launch the BlackBerry® Partners Fund, a US$150 million venture capital fund, to invest in mobile applications and services for the BlackBerry® platform and other mobile platforms. The Fund is to be co-managed by JLA Ventures and RBC Venture Partners.

 

Agnostic to both stage and balance sheet, the BlackBerry Partners Fund will not restrict the development of mobile applications and services to any single mobile platform or any specific industry segment. The Fund will be designed to advance the industry by fostering development and driving the entrepreneurial spirit to create the most innovative mobile offerings for customers.

 

“The mobile world has evolved well beyond phone calls and simple messaging to require more empowering and liberating solutions that connect people to everything that matters most to them, wherever and whenever they want,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO, Research In Motion. “RIM, RBC and Thomson Reuters share the common belief that mobile applications and services will propel the industry forward and the BlackBerry Partners Fund is being formed to help fuel innovation and activity in the mobile ecosystem.”

 

“Thomson Reuters is committed to supporting the development of next generation mobile applications that will provide our professional and business customers with anywhere, anytime capabilities,” said Devin Wenig, Chief Executive Officer, Markets Division of Thomson Reuters. “The ability to make business critical decisions with intelligent information available on mobile devices will give our customers a clear competitive advantage.”

 

“The BlackBerry Partners Fund will focus on evaluating companies in all regions of the world and investing in the long term success of those that demonstrate market leadership and unique differentiation,” said John Albright, Managing Partner of JLA Ventures, who will also assume the role of Co-Managing Partner of the BlackBerry Partners Fund.  “Whether it's access to corporate data or the latest craze in mobile entertainment, we want to fund companies that are forerunners in driving adoption and further enriching the mobile experience.”

 

"The BlackBerry Partners Fund will be a catalyst for the development of next generation mobile applications and services," said Kevin Talbot, RBC Vice President and Managing Director of RBC Venture Partners, who will also assume the role of Co-Managing Partner of the BlackBerry Partners Fund. "The BlackBerry Partners Fund will focus exclusively on mobile applications and services and our close alliance with RIM will bring unparalleled access and value to our portfolio companies."

About BlackBerry Partners Fund

The BlackBerry Partners Fund is a $150 million venture capital fund being formed to focus on applications and services for the BlackBerry platform and other mobile platforms including mobile commerce (payments, advertising, retailing and banking), vertical and horizontal enterprise applications, communications, social networking, location-based applications and services (navigation and mapping), media and entertainment, and lifestyle and personal productivity applications. The Fund will consider all stages of development and is to be co-managed by JLA Ventures and RBC Venture Partners. To sign up to receive further information visit:  www.blackberrypartnersfund.com.

 

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visitwww.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

 

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals.  We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people in 93 countries.  Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRI); Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: TRI); London Stock Exchange (LSE: TRIL); and Nasdaq (NASDAQ: TRIN). For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

 

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name of RBC. We are Canada’s largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization and one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies. We provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking, and transaction processing services on a global basis. We employ approximately 70,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 15 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 36 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com. 

After a little bit of research it appears that blackberrybold.com has been registered to someone in Vancouver and not by RIM as of yet. However RIM does own a wide variety of blackberry9000.com domains including blackberry9130.com.

So it's really hard to say what RIM will launch the BlackBerry 9000 as but we should find out real soon…

Current WHOIS information for BlackBerryBold.com (let's watch over the next few days and see if it changes:

Domain Services Provided By:
RealTimeInternet.com,
http://www.bargainname.com

Registrant:
c/o BLACKBERRYBOLD.COM
P.O. Box 821650
Vancouver, WA 98682
US

Registrar: DOTSTER
Domain Name: BLACKBERRYBOLD.COM
Created on: 07-MAR-08
Expires on: 07-MAR-09
Last Updated on: 07-MAR-08

Administrative Contact:

c/o BLACKBERRYBOLD.COM
P.O. Box 821650
Vancouver, WA 98682
US
+1.360-449-5933

Technical Contact:

c/o BLACKBERRYBOLD.COM
P.O. Box 821650
Vancouver, WA 98682
US
+1.360-449-5933

Domain servers in listed order:
NS2.NILL.NET
PARKING.NILL.NET