TELUS has become the first carrier in Canada to release the BlackBerry Storm2. TELUS decided to release the 9550, the CDMA version, which is not compatible with their new HSPA+ network. The Storm2 will run you about $199 with contract, or $599 without contract. Included in box with the 9550 is a 16GB memory card! For more details head over to telusmobility.com. We’re hoping to review the TELUS Storm2 within the upcoming weeks so stay tuned for that as well. Also keep an eye out for an announcement from Bell for the Storm2 shortly.

Well maybe its not really in the wild, but its in Canada! A couple new photos of the “unreleased” highly secret BlackBerry Storm 9550 for TELUS have leaked. The photos show the CDMA model 9550, sporting EVDO and Wi-Fi, not HSPA like some were hoping. Still no word on when this device is launching, but if you head to nearly any TELUS store you will notice the Storm2 ads inside. We can only assume it will be launching within the next few weeks (maybe November 24th?). Anyway so final confirmation says TELUS will be launching the 9550, not 9520, and it will be running OS 5.0.0.320. Keep checking back for more details when we get them.

[via Mobile Ninjas]

Bell has officially rolled out their new HSPA network across Canada, and with that launch came two new BlackBerry smartphones. Bell has launched the classic BlackBerry Bold 9000, as well the new Bold 9700. Both should be available in stores starting today. Pricing starts $249 with three year term for the Bold 9000, and $229 with three year term for the Bold 9700. Something seems a little odd with the Bold 9000 pricing, as its listed higher than the new Bold. Stay tuned we’re looking into that. Meanwhile check out all the details and plans at Bell.ca.

As you may know all three major Canadian networks are getting set to launch the BlackBerry Bold 9700 this week. Rogers seems to have jumped on the ship first, being the first network to officially release it. Starting today you pick up the Bold 9700 for $299 with three year term, or $599 without. The new Bold features high resolution display, with full QWERTY keyboard, trackpad navigation, GPS, Wi-Fi, 3.2 megapixel camera, and operates on RIM’s new OS 5.0. Head on over to Rogers.com for more details.

Also watch for launches from Bell and TELUS this week…

A new rumor has arrived that TELUS will be launching the anticipated BlackBerry Storm2 9550 on November 24th. This would be almost one year on the dot since TELUS first launch the Storm 9530. The new Storm2 will be a new CDMA smartphone, and will not be compatible with their HSPA network, which launches on November 5th. There is no word on pricing yet, but at least we have a rumored release date. Stay tuned for more details when they arrive…

[via The Mobile Ninjas]

Looks like Rogers might be the first to launch the BlackBerry Bold 9700 in Canada! Tips have started to arrive that a select bunch of Rogers stores have started to receive their Bold 9700 stock. We still haven’t heard officially from Rogers when they plan to launch the device, but we most likely will hear something this week. Apparently pricing is expected to be $299 with three year term, or $599 without contract. So sit back and wait a few more days before the official launch.

[via MobileSyrup]

We don’t know why TELUS was a little behind in the news yesterday, but they got around to announcing the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is coming soon. TELUS plans to release the new Bold 9700 with their HSPA network, along side Bell early next month. TELUS joins most of the larger networks in North America with this launch. No pricing or exact release date has been announced as of yet. Rogers is expceted to release this device at $299 with three year term, we imagine TELUS will come in a little cheaper. Stay tuned for us to get more details.

TELUS to offer the BlackBerry Bold 9700 in November

TORONTO, Oct. 21 /CNW/ – TELUS today announced that it will be offering the BlackBerry Bold 9700 in November, the latest 3G smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM).

“The new BlackBerry Bold 9700 will offer both our business and consumer clients an amazing mobile experience,” said David Neale, senior vice-president of Product and Services at TELUS. “TELUS is focused on smartphone leadership for the benefit of our customers, and to that end we offer a comprehensive line-up of state of the art smarphones to meet our customers’ need to stay connected, informed and entertained on the go. The BlackBerry Bold is definitely a great addition to our smartphone selection.”

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone offers top-of-the-line performance, functionality and features with support for 3G HSDPA networks around the world, a next-generation (624 MHz) processor, 256 MB Flash memory, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, 3.2MP camera and, a sharp, dazzling display and a premium finish. Its cutting edge engineering and premium finishes extends to the exterior of the handset as well, with the new model integrating apremiere of BlackBerry’s new touch-sensitive trackpad and added to the highly tactile, distinctive, fretted keyboard found in RIM’s premium full-QWERTY handsets. Chrome highlights and a leatherette back add to the new smartphone’s sleek and elegant look, while the narrow profile, balanced weight and soft-touch frame allow it to sit comfortably in one hand.

“The new BlackBerry Bold 9700 delivers state-of-the-art features and performance in a compact and beautifully designed handset,” said Don Morrison, Chief Operating Officer at Research In Motion. “This sleek and powerful 3G smartphone offers an incredibly refined mobile experience that is ideal for both personal and professional use.”

    Features of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone from TELUS include:

    -   Sleek design measuring 109 mm x 60 mm x 14.1 mm and weighing just 122
        grams
    -   Sharp and dazzling 2.44" (62mm) light-sensing display (480 x 360
        resolution at 245 ppi)
    -   Highly tactile, full QWERTY keyboard - with finely sculpted keys and
        chrome frets - for fast, accurate typing
    -   Innovative touch-sensitive trackpad that allows intuitive and
        responsive navigation
    -   Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
    -   3.2 MP camera with variable zoom, autofocus, flash and video
        recording
    -   256 MB of Flash memory
    -   microSD/SDHD memory card slot that supports up to 16 GB cards today
        and is expected to support 32 GB cards when available; a 2GB card is
        included
    -   Media player for videos, pictures and music, plus support for
        BlackBerry Desktop Manager for both PCs and Macs, and BlackBerry
        Media Sync for easily syncing iTunes and Windows Media Player music
        with the smartphone*
    -   A 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, dedicated volume controls, Lock and
        Mute keys seamlessly integrated across the top of the handset
    -   Access to BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog
        of mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry
        smartphones; categories include games, entertainment, IM and social
        networking, news, weather, productivity and more.
    -   Premium and easy-to-access phone features, background noise
        suppression technology and high quality speakerphone
    -   Bluetooth (2.1) with support for Secure Simple Pairing, hands-free
        headsets, stereo headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals
    -   HSDPA and quad-band EDGE support for global roaming
    -   BlackBerry OS 5.0, offering users email management and calendar
        enhancements(xx) as well as a better browsing experience with faster
        JavaScript and CSS processing
    -   BlackBerry Internet Service and BlackBerry Enterprise Server support
    -   Removable, rechargeable 1500 mAhr battery that provides approximately
        6 hours of talk time and 17 days of standby time in 3G mode

    Additional information about pricing and availability will be shared in
the coming weeks.

    -------------
    *  Certain music files may not be supported, including files that
         contain digital rights management technologies.
    (xx) Some features require BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0

It only seems right after 4 of the major networks in North America confirmed they would be getting the new Bold, that TELUS did the same. Our friends over at MobileSyrup has confirmed that TELUS will be launching the new Bold 9700 to go hand and hand with their HSPA network next month. Unfortuantly there is no word on pricing yet, however earlier today Rogers did say when they launch the 9700 it will run you about $299 with three year term. Either way we still are yet to see an official press release from TELUS. Stay tuned when we do find one…

It’s about time really! After being leaked on to the internet for months, its finally ready for prime time. RIM officially announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is coming soon. Apparently the Bold 9700 will make its way to carriers around the World, including Bell, Rogers, T-Mobile, and presumably TELUS.

The new BlackBerry Bold features:

• Sleek design measuring 4.29″ x 2.36″ x 0.56″ (109 mm x 60 mm x 14.1 mm) and weighing only 4.3 oz (122 grams)
• Sharp and dazzling 2.44″ light-sensing display (480 x 360 resolution at 245 ppi)
• Highly tactile full-QWERTY keyboard – with finely sculpted keys and chrome frets – for fast, accurate typing
• Innovative touch-sensitive trackpad that allows intuitive and responsive navigation
• Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) with support for Wi-Fi calling via UMA where available
• 3.2 MP camera with variable zoom, autofocus, flash and video recording
• BlackBerry® OS 5.0, offering users email management and calendar enhancements* as well as a better browsing experience with faster JavaScript and CSS processing
• Built-in GPS for maps and other location-based applications, as well as photo geotagging
• Media player for videos, pictures and music (music play now extended up to 38 hours), plus support for BlackBerry® Desktop Manager for both PCs and Macs, and BlackBerry® Media Sync for easily syncing iTunes® and Windows Media® Player music with the smartphone**
• 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, dedicated volume controls, Lock and Mute keys seamlessly integrated across the top of the handset
• microSD/SDHD memory card slot that supports up to 16 GB cards today and is expected to support 32 GB cards when available; a 2GB card is included
• 256 MB of Flash memory
• Access to BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog of mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones. Categories include games, entertainment, IM and social networking, news, weather, productivity and more.
• Premium and easy-to-access phone features, background noise suppression technology and high quality speakerphone
• Bluetooth® (2.1) with support for Secure Simple Pairing, hands-free headsets, stereo headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals
• Support for BlackBerry® Internet Service and BlackBerry® Enterprise Server
• Available in two versions to support various carrier 3G network frequency combinations:
  • UMTS/HSDPA 2100/1900/850/800 MHz and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM
  • UMTS/HSDPA 2100/1700/900 MHz and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM
• Removable, rechargeable 1500 mAhr battery that provides approximately 6 hours of talk time and 17 days of standby time in 3G mode

You can grab more details on the BlackBerry Bold 9700 at BlackBerry.com/Bold9700.

RIM Introduces the New BlackBerry Bold 9700 Smartphone

New 3G Smartphone Delivers High-End Features and Performance With a Compact and Highly Refined Design

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Oct. 21, 2009) -

Editors Note: There are two photos, one spec sheet and one video associated with this Press Release.

Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced the sleek and powerful BlackBerry(R) Bold(TM) 9700 smartphone. The new BlackBerry Bold 9700 offers an extensive array of high-end communications and multimedia features in a compact and highly refined design that will appeal to both men and women and for both professional and personal use.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone offers top-of-the-line performance, functionality and features with support for 3G HSDPA networks around the world, a next-generation (624 MHz) processor, 256 MB Flash memory, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi(R), a 3.2MP camera and a sharp, dazzling display. Cutting edge engineering and premium finishes extend to the exterior of the handset as well, with a smoothly integrated touch-sensitive trackpad and a highly tactile, distinctive, fretted keyboard. The dark chrome frame and leatherette back add to the new smartphone’s sleek and elegant look, while the narrow profile, balanced weight and soft-touch sides allow it to feel incredibly comfortable in one hand.

“The BlackBerry Bold 9700 builds on the success of the original BlackBerry Bold with new, state-of-the-art features and a smaller, lighter and highly optimized design that looks, feels and performs great,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO, Research In Motion.

Key features of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone include:

- Sleek design measuring 4.29″ x 2.36″ x 0.56″ (109 mm x 60 mm x 14.1 mm) and weighing only 4.3 oz (122 grams)

- Sharp and dazzling 2.44″ light-sensing display (480 x 360 resolution at 245 ppi)

- Highly tactile full-QWERTY keyboard – with finely sculpted keys and chrome frets – for fast, accurate typing

- Innovative touch-sensitive trackpad that allows intuitive and responsive navigation

- Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) with support for Wi-Fi calling via UMA where available

- 3.2 MP camera with variable zoom, autofocus, flash and video recording

- BlackBerry(R) OS 5.0, offering users email management and calendar enhancements(i) as well as a better browsing experience with faster JavaScript and CSS processing

- Built-in GPS for maps and other location-based applications, as well as photo geotagging

- Media player for videos, pictures and music (music play now extended up to 38 hours), plus support for BlackBerry(R) Desktop Manager for both PCs and Macs, and BlackBerry(R) Media Sync for easily syncing iTunes(R) and Windows Media(R) Player music with the smartphone(ii)

- 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, dedicated volume controls, Lock and Mute keys seamlessly integrated across the top of the handset

- microSD/SDHD memory card slot that supports up to 16 GB cards today and is expected to support 32 GB cards when available; a 2GB card is included

- 256 MB of Flash memory

- Access to BlackBerry App World(TM), featuring a broad and growing catalog of mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones. Categories include games, entertainment, IM and social networking, news, weather, productivity and more.

- Premium and easy-to-access phone features, background noise suppression technology and high quality speakerphone

- Bluetooth(R) (2.1) with support for Secure Simple Pairing, hands-free headsets, stereo headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals

- Support for BlackBerry(R) Internet Service and BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Server

- Available in two versions to support various carrier 3G network frequency combinations:

– UMTS/HSDPA 2100/1900/850/800 MHz and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM

– UMTS/HSDPA 2100/1700/900 MHz and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM

- Removable, rechargeable 1500 mAhr battery that provides approximately 6 hours of talk time and 17 days of standby time in 3G mode

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone is expected to be available from carriers around the world beginning in November. For more information visit www.blackberry.com/bold9700.

(i) Some features require BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0

(ii) Certain music files may not be supported, including files that contain digital rights management technologies.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion (RIM) 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.