RIM has reported $643 million in earnings (that’s $1.12 per share), for the 1st Quarter that ended May 30th. A year ago, that result was 482.5 million (that’s $.84 a share). Excluding a $175.1 million tax credit and other items such as that, RIM earned $564.4 million (that’s $.98 a share). Revenue was $3.42 billion, that’s a whole 53% from the same quarter last year.

This was pretty much in line with what was expected. About 81% of the revenue was attained from the sales of BlackBerry devices, 13% from service, 2% from software, 4% from various businesses. Gross margins were at a strong 43.6%, up from 40% last quarter.

RIM stated it had shipped 7.8 million BlackBerry smartphones and added 3.8 million BlackBerry subscribers which is now at almost 29 million. According to the IDC, RIM is estimated to hold 55% share of the U.S. Smartphone market. So with the great news on hand, why did shares of RIMM fall 5% in after hours trading time? Inflated expectations and the fact that RIM met expectations, but some investors want to see them exceed expectations. Investors are worried about Apple’s newer iPhone, Palm’s Pre, and also the addition of Google’s new Android smartphone (Goog), Samsung, and even Nokia that are now competing to try and get in on the competition. RIM says it will sell between 8.1 and 8.7 BlackBerry devices in the second quarter. With the Flip Pearl (”no more butt-dialing”) on the scene, the Storm 2 and the Tour (hopefully to be arriving soon to a cellular provider near you) on the horizon, RIM may just exceed the goal they’ve set for the next quarter.

[via: Daily Financial]

Just a week or two after Verizon announced they would be launching the BlackBerry Pearl Flip, it’s become available officially. Starting today you can purchase the Pearl Flip 8230 from Verizon for only $79.99 with two year contract (after rebates). Verizon has launched the 8230 in an all silver colour and its expected they will be launching pink verison within the next few weeks. For more details on the Verizon Pearl Flip visit verizonwireless.com.

Just only a day after 8230 dummies started showing up at Verizon stores, they have officially released it. It looks like Verizon’s Pearl Flip will run you $129.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two year term. Verizon is said to be releasing the 8230 in both silver and pink, however the press release only have the silver one listed. We aren’t sure if that means the pink one will follow at a later date or if they forgot it. It’s not listed on Verizon’s website yet but it should show up later today on or around June 19th. Click on over for the full press release…

[Image via CB]

Verizon Wireless Customers Will Flip for the New 3G-Enabled BlackBerry Pearl Flip Smartphone

Verizon Wireless Delivers the Full Power of a BlackBerry Smartphone in a Popular Flip Design

BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY and WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – June 4, 2009) -

Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) announced today the BlackBerry(R) Pearl(TM) Flip 8230 smartphone will be available on the nation’s largest 3G broadband network beginning June 19. The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 features the industry’s leading mobile e-mail and messaging solution combined with rich multimedia capabilities and the high-speed connectivity of Verizon Wireless’ broadband network in a popular flip design.

Available color: Silver

Key features:

- Two high-resolution color displays; the external LCD lets customers preview incoming messages without opening the handset

- 2.0 megapixel camera with zoom, flash and video recording capabilities; video recording requires a microSD(TM) card, which can be purchased separately

- Large SureType(R) QWERTY keyboard for easy typing and dialing

- Advanced media player for music, videos and pictures

- microSD/SDHC card slot with support for up to 16 GB of memory per card

- BlackBerry(R) Internet Service and BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Server support

- Voice-activated dialing and speakerphone capabilities

Lifestyle features:

- Easy mobile access to Facebook(R), MySpace and Flickr(R), as well as popular instant messaging services (e.g. Yahoo!(R) IM, AIM(R), Google Talk and Windows Live Messenger(TM))

- Support for BlackBerry App World(TM), featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for the BlackBerry Pearl Flip. Categories include games, entertainment, social networking and sharing, news and weather, productivity and much more

- BlackBerry(R) Media Sync allows for easy syncing of music collections to the BlackBerry Pearl Flip (certain music files may not be supported, including files that contain digital rights management technologies)

- Visual Voice Mail to help customers prioritize their messages

- VZ Navigator(SM)-capable, which means customers get audible turn-by-turn directions to more than 15 million points of interest; customers can also get directions to any address in the U.S. and share the directions with others

Pricing and availability:

- The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone will be $129.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

- VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 monthly access, and Visual Voice Mail is available for $2.99 monthly access. Other charges may apply when downloading or using applications.

- Customers can purchase the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 online and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores. For additional information on any Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go online to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers can contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representatives at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE:VOD)(LSE:VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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, Research In Motion 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.

Verizon customers who have been itching for Pearl Flip will be happy. It’s being reported that Pearl Flip 8230 dummy phones are starting to make their owns into Verizon stores. This means that we should see an official 8230 launch within the next week or so. Verizon is said to be launching it two colors (all silver and all pink). Exact release dates and pricing are not known as of yet. Verizon will join Alltel, US Cellular, Bell and Telus who have all already release this device.

[via CrackBerry]

Canadian’s in Saskatchewan can now flip out for SaskTel’s latest BlackBerry addition. Very soon SaskTel will be offering the BlackBerry Pearl 8230, in either black or pink. The Pearl Flip which was recently introduced by Bell and Telus features the clamshell design with everything you know and love from a BlackBerry smartphone. The 8230 packs a 2.0 megapixel camera, SureType QWERTY keyboard and an external Micro SD slot. SaskTel customers can pick up the Pearl Flip very soon for only $49.99 with three year term. See SaskTel’s website for more details.

• Three Year Term $49.99
• Two Year Term $373.00
• One Year Term $473.00
• No Contract – Not Available

[via MobileSyrup]

I’m starting to get addicted to Twitter (@blackberrysync). While checking out my followers I noticed Elecite (@eveek) announced 5 new Premium Themes for the BlackBerry Pearl Flip. They have just introduced some of their most popular themes (iBerry, PSB, Scion, Leopard & Inspirat) for the sometimes forgotten flip BlackBerry. if you want to check them out click the link below and browse by each title (you will notice on the side if the 8220/8230 is supported). Enjoy!

Check out Elecite.com and see all their Premium BlackBerry Themes >

Virgin Mobile Canada launched BlackBerry service last year and they already include the Pearl 8130 and Curve 8330. Now Virgin has just introduced the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 to their lineup. The Pearl Flip 8230 features 2.0 megapixel camera, Suretype QWERTY keyboard, GPS and OS 4.6. Starting today the 8230 is available from VMC for $0 with three year contract or $399.99 with 30 day contract.

Currently Virgin is only offering the 8230 in black, unlike Bell and Telus who offer Black and Pink. For more details on the 8230 visit VirginMobile.ca >

Vlingo was introduced less than a year ago, and millions of users are using it and are familiar with it. Vlingo Corporation, maker of Vlingo, has now launched version 3.0. Vlingo is a program that already gives meaning to the power of speech, but now it’s even more. It currently gives users the ability to send and reply to emails and text messages, searching on the mobile web using various search cues, dial a contact, look up contacts, and launch certain applications in the phone by using the voice of the user. The program utilizes the side buttons so the user can press a button and speak. But that was 2.0, and with 3.0, it just got better.

Now with v3.0 users can use the enhanced text-to-speech read-back features so that now you can have confirmation of what was said, the ability to speak action requests giving new enhancement to voice command such as send, and support for wired headsets and many Bluetooth headsets.

It’s now available for many BlackBerry BES users, making it available to more users. The BlackBerry Storm also features a special version, which is optimized for the touch screen interface.

With Vlingo v3.0, the user’s voice now has the ability to:

1. Send and reply to text messages with other users who also have Vlingo
2. Web search
3. Dial the phone
4. Send a “note to self”
5. Facebook and Twitter status updates
6. Tell A Friend
7. Optional read-back of the full text or email message that was spoken.
8. Speak action requests such as “send” or “search”
9. Launch native and third party applications

But that’s not all, there’s a paid version called Vlingo Plus, that also includes the ability to send and reply to text messages and emails to anyone for a one-time charge of $17.99. And rest assured, for those existing users of Vlingo v2.0, you can still continue to use it at no additional charge.

Vlingo is currently available for the BlackBerry: Bold, Storm, Pearl, Curve, and 88xx series.

US, Canadian, and UK users are able to download Vlingo v3.0 rights from BlackBerry App World.

Check out Vlingo at Vlingo.com >

It’s been floating around in Canada for a while now, but looks like the United States is about to get their hands on the CDMA Pearl Flip. Alltel has announced that they will releasing the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 sometime “Early May” which means it could come as early as next week! Pricing is expected to be around $79.99 with two year term with a voice and data plan. With the Alltel getting purchased by Verizon does this mean they will also see the Pearl Flip? Stay tuned. Anyway for details on the Alltel 8230 release keep an eye on Alltel.com.

Press Release:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With wireless customers craving both style and functionality, Alltel Wireless announced today that the BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip 8230 smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) will be available in retail stores and online at alltel.com beginning in early May. This stylish and compact smartphone puts customers in control of how, when and where they communicate and joins Alltel’s impressive spring line-up of phones that make perfect gifts for moms, dads and recent grads.

The clamshell design of the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone allows users to discreetly screen calls and preview messages on the high-resolution external display or utilize the large internal display to respond to calls or messages, view maps and web pages, and play games. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, the internal LCD displays videos and pictures in crisp detail and contrast.

“Alltel is committed to offering customers stylish and innovative phones, and the BlackBerry Pearl Flip gives customers the best of both worlds – a small, stylish smartphone rich in multimedia coupled with the industry’s leading mobile email and messaging capabilities,” said Angela Rittgers, director of product management for Alltel Wireless. “As Alltel expands its handset lineup and showcases hot phones for spring, we know that the BlackBerry Pearl Flip will be a favorite with customers across the 22 states that we continue to service.”

Featuring a large SureType® QWERTY keyboard, an intuitive user interface with trackball navigation, built-in GPS with BlackBerry® Maps preloaded and support for locations based applications and services, and a 2 MP camera able to record video*, the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone is packed with powerful features, yet sleek enough to slip easily into a purse or pocket. It also features full HTML browsing, a rich media player with the ability to sync music from iTunes® or Windows Media Player**, an expandable memory card slot (microSD/SDHC up to 16GB) and stereo Bluetooth® support. Customers can activate the smartphone on BlackBerry® Internet Service as well as BlackBerry® Enterprise Server.

In addition to the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone, Alltel customers can choose from a wide-range of additional phones that make perfect gifts for any occasion, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and upcoming graduations. Alltel is also offering the recently announced Motorola Evoke, great for social networking; the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8330, one of the most popular smartphones available today; the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8130 smartphone, an impressive handset that combines multimedia and communications features in a compact design; the Motorola Hint QA30, a stylish, compact device with a slide-out keyboard; and the LG Rhythm™, allowing customers to bring their music with them, right on their handset.

Alltel Wireless is offering the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone for $79.99, after a $70 mail-in rebate, at Alltel retail stores and online at shopalltel.com. This discounted price is available to new and existing eligible customers who sign-up for a two-year service agreement on a qualifying Smart Choice Pack. Smart Choice Packs start as low as $69.99 per month and include unlimited data, email and Web access. Alltel has also announced that the BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone is now available for $49.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, and the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 smartphone is free after $100 mail-in rebate.

Alltel Wireless continues to serve 2.2 million customers and operate in the 91 Cellular Market Areas (CMAs) that Verizon is required to divest. Alltel Wireless continues to be an industry-leader, providing choice and flexibility with its exclusive “My Circle” feature, providing unlimited calling to and from any 5, 15, or 25 numbers on any network. Alltel Wireless was also the first to offer Anytime Plan Changes, giving customers the flexibility to change their calling plans at any time without extending their contract.

For more information on the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone, visit alltel.com or blackberry.com/blackberrypearl.

* Video recording requires a microSD card, which may be sold separately.

** Using BlackBerry® Media Sync. Certain music files may not be supported, including files that contain digital rights management technologies.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

[Source]

I was browsing the site today when I noticed one of the Google ads on this site was showing the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8210. Correct me if I’m wrong but has the 8210 officially been released yet? When clicking the link it took me to BlackBerry.com and only shows the 8220 and 8230 available. Could it be a typo or a sign that RIM is getting ready to launch the GPS enabled Pearl Flip 8210?

Update: After running a google search for “BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8210″ I found another ad at the top of Google’s search for the 8210. Very weird.