An official release of OS 4.6.1.204 has arrived via Sprint-Nextel. This new OS is said to fix several key issues including echo issues with the mic, MMS issues, other audio issues, and resetting issues. For full details see the image above. Keep in mind TELUS users may also install this OS by simply removing the vendor.xml file.

Download OS 4.6.1.204 for the Curve 8350i >

_{[via BerryReview]}

TELUS’ iDEN brand Mike has been in need of a serious BlackBerry update! People with dying 7520 and 7100i’s were feeling hopeless until today. TELUS introduced the hot new BlackBerry Curve 8350i featuring Wi-Fi, full QWERTY keyboard, 2.0 megapixel camera, OS 4.6 and of course Push To Talk (PTT). You can pick up the new Mike BlackBerry for only $249.99 with three year contract or $599 without starting today.

TELUS today also introduced new Mike smartphone data plans, which start at only $30/month and give you unlimited email, IM and web browsing or $45/month with unlimited email, IM, web browsing, text messaging, caller ID and voicemail.

For complete details head on over to telusmobility.com >

The BlackBerry Curve 8350i is just fresh on the market and the OtterBox team has already got a case on the go. OtterBox has just introduced the OtterBox Defender Case for BlackBerry Curve Push To Talk Edition. This case will ONLY work with the new Curve 8350i as it features a PTT key on the side. This is a great option for those looking to maxamize the protection on a job sight or just carry around your Curve on every day use. The new Curve PTT Defender case is available directly from OtterBox for $49.95 USD. For all other BlackBerry models visit store.blackberrysync.com.

The folks over at BGR got their hands on a live BlackBerry Curve 8350i. This is the latest in the iDEN BlackBerry lineup, which will launch on Sprint-Nextel sometime in December and on TELUS’ Mike early next year for Canada. Here’s a few bullets from what The Boy Genius had to say about it:

• The 8350i has a 2.5mm headset jack, not a 3.5mm one, and it comes with a 2.5mm headset in the box.
• Ships with the much beloved plastic holster, not the leather holster we’re accustomed to.
• There’s a small size difference. It’s around 2mm taller and 1mm thicker than the other Curves (8300, 8310, 8320, 8330).
• The PTT button can not be reassigned as a convenience key.
• Instead of using the same battery as the Curve, the 8350i uses the BlackBerry 8800-series batteries.
• The side keys are now black instead of being chromed
• We were told the device isn’t a real beast in terms of the signal department. “It can’t get a stable signal to save its life once it boots up”

(see the whole gallery at BGR)

[BGR]

Our TELUS ninja has reported that TELUS’ Mike iDEN network will finally see a new BlackBerry soon. The BlackBerry Curve 8350i is the new addition to the iDEN BlackBerry lineup (joining the 7100i and 7520i). It will feature Wi-Fi, OS 4.6, Direct Connect (PTT) and a little more ruggid but similar design to the current Curve 8300 series. Unfortunantly for now this ninja doesn’t have an exact release but they are expecting it to come soon with tons of accessories to make it a more consumer friendly market.

So what do you think? Will TELUS introduce two BlackBerry smartphones (Storm and iDen Curve) in the month of December or will they wait until early next year??

Thanks, Frogger

NII Holdings has announced they will bring RIM’s new PTT enabled BlackBerry Curve 8350i to Latin America in 2009. In case you forget the Curve 8350i is the new iDEN smartphone that will be seen soon on the Sprint-Nextel network. It features a durable body with 2.0 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi and OS 4.6. Skip over for the press release.

RIM Press Release:

NII Holdings and Research In Motion to Launch New BlackBerry Smartphone with Industry-Leading Push-to-Talk Service in Latin America
The powerful and feature-rich BlackBerry Curve 8350i will enable NII subscribers in Latin America to communicate instantly

RESTON, VIRGINIA and WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Oct. 27, 2008) – NII Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:NIHD) and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced that Nextel Argentina, Nextel Brazil, Nextel Mexico and Nextel Peru will launch the BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8350i smartphone during the first quarter of 2009. The BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8350i will be the first smartphone in Latin America to offer the industry-leading Push-to-Talk (PTT) service, International Direct Connect (IDC) and Wi-Fi(R) capability, making it a powerful and flexible wireless solution for the mobile business user.

The BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8350i smartphone and the industry-leading Push-to-Talk service will provide one-touch, instant and effective communication between NII subscribers in their home markets and with over 10 million iDEN subscribers in North and South America. In addition to enabling seamless access to personal and corporate email, the BlackBerry 8350i will also come with built-in Wi-Fi, a 2-megapixel camera, an internal antenna and a host of other features to help subscribers in Latin America push their business to new heights.

“Our high-value customers in Latin America demand high-performance wireless solutions that enable them to stay ahead of the game with enhanced productivity and flexibility,” said Greg Santoro, chief marketing and strategy officer, NII Holdings. “This powerful and feature-rich smartphone is a push for performance solution that combines the power of Push-To-Talk with the BlackBerry platform’s popular features. It will be the must-have handset for subscribers who need flawless instant communication tools to extend the reach of their business.”

“The BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone will offer customers an exceptional communications experience together with the popular push-to-talk service from NII Holdings,” said Mark Guibert, vice president of corporate marketing at RIM. “We are pleased to build on our successful relationship with NII Holdings in bringing this feature-rich smartphone to customers in Latin America.”

The BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8350i smartphone is designed to deliver the features and services every team needs-day-to-day and year-over-year. Combining BlackBerry(R) data services such as email, messaging, organizer and Internet access with the immediate connectivity of Push-to-Talk, this new smartphone will help teams accomplish tasks and goals more effectively-saving both money and time.

With an eye toward productivity and to facilitate adoption, the BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8350i smartphone is designed to easily integrate into the IT networks of organizations that use the BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Solution to address key business requirements such as:

- Centralized management and support for IT departments with wireless IT policies

- Advanced security features like AES and Triple DES encryption and password protection

- Business grade functionality that further supports communication and collaboration.

The BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8350i is designed to deliver the file storage space the working world requires. In addition to its 128-MB of onboard memory, the smartphone will accept microSD/SDHC cards for up to 16 GB of storage. Users will be able to store spreadsheets, images or pictures, and with the preloaded DataViz(R) Documents to Go(R) software users will be able to edit Microsoft(R) Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents directly on the smartphone, making them more productive and prepared wherever they go.

The BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8350i smartphone will also feature built-in Global Positioning System (GPS). When used with BlackBerry(R) Maps or other location-based applications and services workers can access turn-by-turn directions and other navigation features so they can keep moving in the right direction.

About NII Holdings, Inc.

NII Holdings, Inc., a publicly held company based in Reston, Va., is a leading provider of mobile communications for business customers in Latin America. NII Holdings, Inc. has operations in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile offering a fully integrated wireless communications tool with digital cellular voice services, data services, wireless Internet access and Direct Connect and International Direct Connect(TM) a digital two-way radio feature. NII Holdings, Inc., a Fortune 1000 company, trades on the NASDAQ market under the symbol NIHD and is a member of the NASDAQ 100 Index. Visit the Company’s website at http://www.nii.com.

Nextel, the Nextel logo, Nextel Online, Nextel Business Networks and Nextel Direct Connect are trademarks and/or service marks of Nextel Communications, Inc.

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. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. 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.

Here is a run down of what happend at CTIA Fall 2008 starting off with:

- A Look at RIM’s CTIA Fall 2008 booth

- Introducing the iDEN BlackBerry Curve 8350i for Sprint-Nextel

- Introducing the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220

- Meet the Red colored Pearl Flip 8220

- RIM and TiVo partner up to bring TiVo control on BlackBerry

- RIM and Windows Live Search come to BlackBerry

- MySpace and Ticketmaster also join BlackBerry apps

- Slacker Personal Radio coming to BlackBerry

So overall it was a great success and I’m sure there is more to come before 2008 is done.

This week at CTIA Fall 2008 has been interesting so far for RIM. Early this morning start with the launch of the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 and now RIM is proud to announce the much needed iDEN BlackBerry Curve 8350i. Finally his brings a upgrade to iDEN users on Sprint-Nextel’s aging iDEN network. This new Curve will sport both Wi-Fi and GPS along with a 2.0 megapixel camera, MicroSD memory card slot and stereo Bluetooth. This new Curve will also be the first Curve to operate on RIM’s new OS 4.6 as seen in the Pearl Flip and Bold.

Pricing has been announced yet, but you can expect to find out more within the next few months…

Press Release:

Sprint to Deliver Industry-Leading Push-to-Talk Services on New BlackBerry Smartphone

Operating on the fastest national push-to-talk network, the BlackBerry Curve 8350i will be the first from Sprint to offer built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and Group Connect, allowing instant group conversations with up to 21 people nationwide

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. and Waterloo, ON – Sprint customers seeking the benefits of industry-leading push-to-talk services and the power of BlackBerry® smartphones will have a new version of the coveted combo available later this year. Sprint (NYSE: S) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to deliver the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8350i – the newest Nextel Direct Connect-capable BlackBerry smartphone – by the end of 2008.

The BlackBerry Curve 8350i will be the latest BlackBerry smartphone to utilize iDEN technology and feature Nextel Direct Connect, the only national push-to-talk service in the industry to offer sub-second call setup and connection to the world’s largest push-to-talk community with millions of users and integrated business solutions, including one of the largest selections of GPS-enabled solutions. With Nationwide and International Direct Connect, Sprint customers will be able to instantly connect within the US and to users in other eligible countries including Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru. The BlackBerry Curve 8350i will also be the first BlackBerry smartphone from Sprint to offer Group Connect, allowing customers to instantly set up group conversations with up to 20 other participants.

“Smart phones in general, and BlackBerry products in particular, have become more important to both business people and consumers lately,” said David Chamberlain, Principal Analyst with analyst firm In-Stat. “The BlackBerry Curve 8350i with PTT capability rounds out Sprint’s options to fill communications needs of many industries particularly those in the blue-collar segment of construction, field services, transportation and manufacturing.”

“Sprint is the undisputed leader in push-to-talk services, and with the launch of the new BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone, we are keeping our promise of expanding the Nextel Direct Connect capabilities and options for our customers,” said Danny Bowman, president of Nextel Direct Connect. “The BlackBerry Curve 8350i will be very attractive for business customers who need instant, convenient push-to-talk services to communicate now with employees, customers and suppliers but also want the capabilities of a high-end smartphone.”

In addition to delivering the unmatched push email and messaging capabilities of the BlackBerry solution, the BlackBerry Curve 8350i will provide rich multimedia, organizer and Internet browsing capabilities, as well as access to thousands of other mobile applications. The smartphone will also include built-in Wi-Fi® capabilities, allowing customers to browse the Internet and download email attachments quickly and easily. When connected to a Wi-Fi network, customers will also be able to send and receive emails or surf the Internet while talking on the phone.

Other key features include:

• Integrated GPS – Built-in capabilities for assisted autonomous GPS capabilities
• 2 Megapixel Digital Camera – with 5x digital zoom, flash and video recording*
• DataViz® Documents to Go® – preloaded software makes it easy to edit Microsoft® Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents directly on the smartphone
• Internal Antenna – improves design appeal and durability
• Speakerphone – optimized for exceptional sound quality with Direct Connect
• Advanced Media Player – great for listening to music, watching videos and showing pictures
• Removable/Rechargeable 1400 mAH Battery – provides exceptional battery life
• Expandable Memory – microSD memory card slot allows plenty of storage for pictures, videos, music and documents
• Bluetooth® – version 2.0 with support for (A2DP) stereo Bluetooth and more
• Additional Messaging Capabilities – support for instant messaging and multimedia messaging including audio, pictures and text to email addresses and capable phones

“The BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone will offer customers an exceptional communications and multimedia experience together with the power and convenience of the popular Nextel Direct Connect service,” said Mark Guibert, vice president of corporate marketing at RIM. “We are pleased to build on our successful relationship with Sprint to bring this powerful new smartphone to Sprint’s customers.”

Customers can find more information on the BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone and sign up to be notified of commercial availability from Sprint at www.sprint.com/instantconnectbb. Pricing, service plan details and an exact availability date will be announced at a later date.

Nationally, the Nextel National Network continues to operate at best-ever performance levels based on internal metrics. Internal performance metrics show double-digit percent improvement year-over-year (i.e., March 2007 to March 2008) for drops (i.e., where a customer’s voice connection fails or drops during a call) and blocks (i.e., where a customer is unable to make a voice connection) for the Nextel National Network. Customer issues related to dropped and blocked calls, and voice quality combined, have decreased more than 60 percent year-over-year (i.e., March 2007 to March 2008). This level of improvement translates to a more reliable calling experience for our customers. Customer calls on the Nextel National Network are successfully connected and maintained better than 99 out of 100 times.

For more information about Nextel Direct connect, please visit www.sprint.com/nextel.

BBNews is confirming that a new iDEN BlackBerry Curve is getting ready to launch before Christmas! Apparently this BlackBerry Curve 8350i will feature WI-Fi, an optional 2.0 megapixel camera and OS 4.6 (same as the Bold). Apparently this hot new Curve will launch on Sprint-Nextel for December 1st, but I’m thinking we will have to wait and see…