BlackBerry Bold 9900 & Curve 9360 Get MasterCard PayPass Certification

RIM announced this morning that the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Curve 9360 are now the “World’s First SIM-Based Smartphones to Receive MasterCard PayPass Handset Certification.” That is not to shabby for RIM since these devices are freshly launched. France Telecom Orange is the first carrier to benefit from the certification and plans to use the NFC features for contactless payments.

Check out the quotes below from Orange, RIM, & MasterCard:

"We are happy to offer the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Curve 9360 as part of the Orange range of mobile NFC devices. We are committed to actively marketing NFC devices, and these new smartphones will help accelerate the adoption of mobile NFC services secured by an Orange SIM, including mobile payments," said Vincent Barnaud, Director of Contactless Services at France Telecom – Orange. "We have a strong partnership with RIM, and look forward to working together on more NFC initiatives in the future."

Andrew Bocking, Vice President, Handheld Software Product Management at RIM said, "NFC technology is making smartphones even smarter and the MasterCard certification is a significant step forward in helping transform the way we use mobile devices for payments. We are working proactively with our carrier partners, banks, retailers and other industry players and we are excited to push the boundaries of how NFC can enable new mobile experiences for BlackBerry smartphone users around the world."

"MasterCard is proud to be the first to certify these popular BlackBerry smartphones for mobile payments, and offer consumers another simple, easy, safe and convenient way to pay. In card payments, MasterCard has long been a leader in the testing and certification of products – for the benefit of customers, issuers, merchants and acquirers. We are delighted to extend this leadership role into the mobile payments arena and applaud RIM’s efforts to usher in the next phase of NFC adoption by delivering compliant devices to the market," said Mung Ki Woo, Group Executive, Mobile at MasterCard Worldwide. "The availability of NFC on popular BlackBerry smartphones is an important milestone for the mobile contactless payments business."

"We are happy to offer the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Curve 9360 as part of the Orange range of mobile NFC devices. We are committed to actively marketing NFC devices, and these new smartphones will help accelerate the adoption of mobile NFC services secured by an Orange SIM, including mobile payments," said Vincent Barnaud, Director of Contactless Services at France Telecom – Orange. "We have a strong partnership with RIM, and look forward to working together on more NFC initiatives in the future."

Andrew Bocking, Vice President, Handheld Software Product Management at RIM said, "NFC technology is making smartphones even smarter and the MasterCard certification is a significant step forward in helping transform the way we use mobile devices for payments. We are working proactively with our carrier partners, banks, retailers and other industry players and we are excited to push the boundaries of how NFC can enable new mobile experiences for BlackBerry smartphone users around the world."

"MasterCard is proud to be the first to certify these popular BlackBerry smartphones for mobile payments, and offer consumers another simple, easy, safe and convenient way to pay. In card payments, MasterCard has long been a leader in the testing and certification of products – for the benefit of customers, issuers, merchants and acquirers. We are delighted to extend this leadership role into the mobile payments arena and applaud RIM’s efforts to usher in the next phase of NFC adoption by delivering compliant devices to the market," said Mung Ki Woo, Group Executive, Mobile at MasterCard Worldwide. "The availability of NFC on popular BlackBerry smartphones is an important milestone for the mobile contactless payments business."

 

BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Curve 9360 Are World’s First SIM-Based Smartphones to Receive MasterCard PayPass Handset Certification

- Carriers globally will now have access to the first NFC smartphones certified as MasterCard PayPass(TM) approved devices
- France Telecom – Orange amongst first to benefit from MasterCard certification awarded to RIM

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Oct. 26, 2011) – Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced the BlackBerry(R) Bold(TM) 9900 and BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 9360 smartphones are the first SIM-based NFC smartphones to be certified by MasterCard Worldwide as PayPass-approved devices.

The certification was granted on the basis of the BlackBerry(R) smartphones meeting the functionality, interoperability and security requirements of MasterCard. With this certification, any MasterCard PayPass-issuing bank globally will be able to deploy MasterCard PayPass-enabled accounts to the SIM card of these smartphones.

The ecosystem to allow customers to take advantage of the certified BlackBerry smartphones for NFC payments is already growing. France Telecom – Orange believes that mobile NFC has the potential to enable a new revolution in mobile by further connecting people’s mobile digital world with the physical world around them. France Telecom – Orange is the first operator worldwide to have commercial NFC launches in two countries, UK and France, with trials in several European markets.

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Rogers to Sell White BlackBerry Curve 9360 Soon

The latest rumor from up north is that Rogers is gearing up to sell a white version of the BlackBerry Curve 9360. According to MobileSyrup some Rogers stores are already getting dummy devices for the white Curve 9360. The pricing is set for $49.99 with a 3 year contract or $349.99 without. Still cannot get over these 3 year contracts…

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Wind Canada Getting Bold 9900, Curve 9360, & Torch 9860 This Month

User on Wind up in Canada have been waiting patiently for their BlackBerry 7 devices to launch. According to some information leaked on Howard Forums (via MobileSyrup) Wind users may not need to wait long. It looks like Wind is planning on releasing the BlackBerry Bold 9900, Curve 9360, and Torch 9860 in mid-October. My guess is we will hear more about pricing and exact dates soon.

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T-Mobile Offering BlackBerry Curve 9360 Free to Developers With 2 Year Contract

One of our tipsters let us know that T-Mobile has extended their offers to developers to include the just launched T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 9360. The new deal is not much different than the previous one we mentioned for the Bold 9900. T-Mobile is offering the BlackBerry Bold 9360 for free after a $50 mail in rebate as long as you sign up for a 2 year contract. They also waive the activation fee and throw in free shipping which is much better than the $79.99 T-Mobile is charging on their regular website.

Check out the details at www.rimdevelopers.com

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RIM Confirms Pink Telus BlackBerry Curve 9360 – Available Now

RIM let us know that Telus is launching a BlackBerry Curve 9360 in pink and it seems to be confirmed on the TELUS Website. Previous rumors had it launching this month for Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to RIM the Pink 9360 will be selling for $49.99 with a 3 year contract and $25 (maximum of $250,000) will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for each device sold. Select pink accessories for the phone will also donate $5 to the Foundation.

For more info on the Telus Go Pink campaign and the pink 9360 check out  www.telusmobility.com/gopink

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BlackBerry Curve 9360 Now on T-Mobiles Website With UMA – Currently Out of Stock…

Today is the day T-Mobile told us they would officially be selling the BlackBerry Curve 9360 and true to their word the phone is now live on their website. The only catch is that it is currently out of stock… I am not sure what to make of that but at least the website confirms that it is $79.99 after a $50 mail in rebate. The other interesting thing is that the product description clearly specifies that it has both Mobile AND Wi-Fi calling which would mean it has UMA support. That is something that as far as I know is not included on the BlackBerry Bold 9900 from T-Mobile.

Check out the Black BlackBerry Curve 9360 on T-Mobile’s website or you can wait for the Merlot version that is coming soon on October 12th.

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TELUS Canada Carrying Pink BlackBerry Curve 9360 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We heard earlier that TELUS Canada would be getting a pink variant of the BlackBerry Curve 9360 but we didn’t have a time frame. Now we know from MobileSyrup that TELUS will be carrying it for Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is October. During that time TELUS will donate $25 per pink 9360 sold to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. It will be available online and in stores soon.

Now if only RIM would get around to releasing a crimson red version of the Bold 9900

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Official OS 7.0.0.400 for the BlackBerry Curve 9360 from Orange France

The BlackBerry Curve 9360 has yet to show its face stateside but that has not stopped rollouts elsewhere. The latest we have seen is from Orange France who just put out an official OS 7.0.0.400 for the BlackBerry Curve 9360. We have no idea what is new in this version but supposedly it includes some new native app updates like BlackBerry Maps.

Download OS 7.0.0.400 from BlackBerry.com

Thanks JD for sending this one in via ZonaBlackBerry via BBNews.pl

Warning: This OS will not install on any other BlackBerry besides the one mentioned above. Don’t forget to delete the vendor.xml file located in c:program files>common files>research in motion>apploader to install it on a different carriers device. If you do not know how to upgrade your BlackBerry OS please start by reading this step by step guide.

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BlackBerry Curve 9360 Pamphlet Shows Up in T-Mobile Stores

The BlackBerry Curve 9360 was rumored to launch on T-Mobile on September 14th but that obviously has not happened. Now we have a picture of a T-Mobile flyer scored by TmoNews from a T-Mobile store for the BlackBerry Curve 9360. That should be a pretty good sign that these devices should be coming very soon. Anybody want to hazard a guess? Sadly there is still no word on UMA calling…

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Leaked Roadmap Confirms T-Mobile Curve 9360 Launch Date

Its nice to see things are still in line for T-Mobile to release the BlackBerry Curve 9360 on September 14th here in the States. Carriers up north in Canada are already playing with the device but we know this month is when it should start showing up here. I think the Curve 9360 series will really be a great hit for new smartphone users along with corporate users who cannot justify the cost of the Bold 9900. Its offers some substantial updates to the current Curve 9300 series and the price seems to be right.

via TmoNews

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Leaked AT&T Q4 Roadmap With BlackBerry Torch 9860 & Curve 9360

I have been waiting patiently for AT&T to get off their lazy… and release the BlackBerry Bold 9900. Until then we have a leaked AT&T roadmap showing off their Q4 launch devices with the BlackBerry Torch 9860 (all touch) and BlackBerry Curve 9360 on schedule for Q4 whenever this roadmap was created. Sadly my beloved 9900 is not on the list but maybe AT&T was planning for a Q3 launch? It would be really sad if AT&T released the 9360 before the 9900 but with AT&T they might just roll like that.

via PocketNow via CrackBerry

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BlackBerry Curve 9360 Gets Hands On – Differences Between 9350 9360 & 9370

RIM has been showing off the BlackBerry Curve 9360 that they just announced. The first to post a hands on preview of the release device is Engadget which got a nice gallery full of images. Many of you are also probably wondering what the difference is between the BlackBerry Curve 9350, 9360, and 9370. Thankfully Bla1ze managed to get to the bottom of it with the following differences mostly regarding network compatibility and device storage:

You can find more details on the differences here

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RIM Makes BlackBerry Curve 9350, 9360 & 9370 Official!

In one fell swoop RIM has introduced the new BlackBerry Curve lineup. Today’s announcement includes the BlackBerry Curve 9350, 9360, and 9370. They do not mention the differences between the models but obviously there is GSM and CDMA models but maybe the third is for T-Mobile AWS 3G since it is not the all touch Curve that has also been rumored.

About availability of these devices here is what RIM has to say:

The BlackBerry Curve 9350, 9360 and 9370 smartphones are expected to be available from carriers in Canada this month and from other carriers around the world beginning in September. Availability dates and pricing for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s partners.

Check out the full press release below:

RIM Introduces New BlackBerry Curve Smartphones

Sleek, fast and easy-to-use smartphones feature next-generation BlackBerry 7 OS and deliver smooth social experiences wherever you go

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Aug. 23, 2011) –
Editors Note: Photos for this release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire and AP PhotoExpress.
Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced three new BlackBerry(R) smartphones featuring the BlackBerry(R) 7 Operating System (OS). The all-new BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 9350, BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 9360 and BlackBerry Curve(TM) 9370 smartphone are exciting additions to the popular BlackBerry Curve series.
These new models are designed to address a large and important segment of the global mobile phone market where customers are looking to upgrade their existing feature phone or existing BlackBerry Curve with an affordable, easy-to-use, full-featured and socially-connected smartphone.
"These new models will build on the incredible success of the BlackBerry Curve line and further expand the largest global launch of BlackBerry smartphones in our history," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "The new BlackBerry Curve smartphones are absolutely stunning and offer a significant performance upgrade with an unmatched mobile social experience for the millions of feature phone users in the market as well as our existing Curve customers."
Everything You Need
The new BlackBerry Curve smartphones are slim, stylish and simply beautiful. They are ergonomically designed with a comfortable and iconic keyboard for fast, accurate typing and an optical trackpad for easy, one-handed navigation. GPS and Wi-Fi(R) support are also included, as well as a 5MP camera with flash and video recording so that memories can be captured and instantly shared on social networks. The microSD/SDHC slot supports up to 32 GB memory cards for additional media storage.
In addition to supporting the new BlackBerry 7 OS, the new BlackBerry Curve smartphones feature a range of powerful hardware enhancements including upgraded processors, displays and memory, and built-in support for NFC (Near Field Communications), a new technology that is enabling many exciting capabilities, including the ability to pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone.
Next-Generation BlackBerry 7 OS
BlackBerry 7 introduces a next generation BlackBerry browser which combines the dramatically improved performance of the advanced WebKit browser engine with the hardware enhancements in the new BlackBerry Curve smartphones to deliver a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience. Additional enhancements to this next generation BlackBerry browser have also enabled smoother navigation and optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences.
BlackBerry 7 OS also includes a number of other pre-loaded applications and integrated functionality for increased productivity and collaboration right out of the box. The Premium version of Documents To Go is included free of charge, offering users powerful document editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer. BlackBerry(R) Protect is also pre-loaded(i), offering customers the peace of mind that personal data can be backed up and secured in the cloud. With BlackBerry Protect, users can locate their misplaced BlackBerry smartphone using GPS or remotely turn up the ringer for an audible notification if their handset is close-by. BlackBerry(R) Balance (announced May 2, 2011) is integrated in BlackBerry 7, allowing users to enjoy the full BlackBerry smartphone experience for both work and personal purposes without compromising the IT department’s need for advanced security and IT controls. The popular universal search capability has also been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can now simply speak to begin searching their device and the web for information.
Best In Class Communications and Social Experiences
The next generation BlackBerry Curve smartphones deliver the world’s best mobile communications and social experiences with a highly refined and integrated suite of phone, email, messaging and social apps to keep users connected and productive throughout the day.
The latest release of BBM(TM) (BlackBerry(R) Messenger) is pre-loaded and now extends the real time BBM experience to a range of other apps, such as Foursquare, allowing users to easily interact with each other from within the ‘BBM connected’ app (see separate announcement on July 28, 2011).
The updated Social Feeds (2.0) app has been extended to capture updates from media, podcasts, and favorites all in one consolidated view. The new Facebook(R) for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook chat and BBM integration that makes it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real time utilizing push notifications. Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones also delivers a deeply integrated experience including use of real time push notifications and Social Feeds integration.
Availability
The BlackBerry Curve 9350, 9360 and 9370 smartphones are expected to be available from carriers in Canada this month and from other carriers around the world beginning in September. Availability dates and pricing for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s partners.
Additional Information
For additional information please visit www.blackberry.com.
Note to Editors:
For devices images and more details, visit the BlackBerry 7 Virtual Press Room at: www.rim.com/newsroom/blackberry7
(i) BlackBerry Protect may not be available in all countries.

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BlackBerry Curve 9360 & 9370 Get FCC Approval with NFC Radio

The FCC can always be counted on to confirm devices that RIM has yet to announce. The latest to pass through is the BlackBerry Curve 9360 and 9370. What is interesting is that this FCC filing confirms that the device is sporting an NFC radio like the Bold 9900. It was spotted by Pete6032 on CrackBerry forums and then spread.

Check it out at the FCC

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T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 9360 Launching September 14th?

While the Curve 9360 would have looked hot a year ago it really pales compared to the latest BlackBerry 7 devices like the Bold 9900. Still there will definitely be a market for it in the low end BlackBerry form factor which the Curve line invented. We heard that T-Mobile will hopefully get the Bold 9900 on August 31st according to a new leak from TmoNews it looks like it will be followed up by the Curve 9360 coming September 14th to T-Mobile.

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Bell Canada BlackBerry Curve 9360 Coming August 29th?

With RIM releasing the Bold 9900 & 9930, Torch 9810, and Torch 9850 & 9860 this month you would think the Curve update would have lagged behind a more. The latest rumor and leaked screenshot scored by MobileSyrup shows that the Curve 9360 will also be landing up north this month. The rumored launch date is August 29th for the BlackBerry Curve 9360 on Bell Canada. The Torch 9860 is also confirmed for Bell on August 22nd. That means 4 new BlackBerrys lines in one month!

This leaked spec sheet confirms the 2.44-inch screen (resolution of 480 x 360), QWERTY keyboard, 800Mhz processor, BlackBerry 7 OS, 5 megapixel camera and Wi-Fi radio. No word on NFC. Anybody considering this device? I am just super glad that RIM finally revamped the device with a nice screen and processor in the Curve line.

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BlackBerry Curve 9360 Also Sporting Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot

One of the features RIM has been very coy about in BlackBerry 7 has been the mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. We saw it pop up in documentation and even devices before but all the devices RIM has been showing off don’t have it featured. They also seem to be glossing over mentioning it on any of the devices they have announced. We are pretty sure that it is coming to the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Torch 9810, 9850, and 9860 but RIM has not confirmed it as far as I have seen.

That is what makes it interesting to see the mobile Wi-Fi hotspot feature show up on the lower end BlackBerry Curve 9380. As you can see in the pictures the feature is there and alive. I am sure RIM is going to find a way to make sure carriers get paid extra for you to use the feature but I think it would be a huge boon for PlayBook users. It would simply allow you to tether to your BlackBerry using Wi-Fi though I am curious what it will do to battery life.

I know quite a few of you are waiting for RIM to release such a feature. Let us know why!

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Unannounced BlackBerry Curve 9360 OS 7.0.0.244 Found Online

The unreleased devices keep on getting OS updates but now we have unannounced devices getting them at the same time. Ashley pointed out that the BlackBerry Curve 9360 now has OS 7.0.0.244 available. Not much most people can do with this OS but if you guys are looking for one of these prerelease devices let us know.

You can pick up OS 7.0.0.224 for the BlackBerry Curve 9360 @ fileserve.com

Warning: This OS will not install on any other BlackBerry besides the one mentioned above and is not an official release.If you do not know how to upgrade your BlackBerry OS please start by reading this step by step guide.Don’t forget to delete the vendor.xml file located in c:program files>common files>research in motion>apploader to install it on a different carriers device. Don’t forget our usual warnings: do not download and install these updates if you don’t know what you’re doing. Incorrect procedure or just bad luck could render your BlackBerry inoperative or unstable.

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BlackBerry Curve 9360 Has NFC Built In? (Pictures)

We mentioned when RIM announced the BlackBerry Torch 9810 & 9850/9860 that we were surprised they did not have NFC built in like the Bold 9900 and 9930. We just assumed that meant that previous reports of the BlackBerry Curve 9360 packing NFC were also incorrect. One of our new tipsters did some sleuthing and found that the BlackBerry Curve 9360 actually HAS NFC according to its OS. Odd right?

 

As you can see in these pictures the BlackBerry Curve 9360 reports back that it has NFC along with the same options as the Bold 9900. Also notice the little NFC lightning bolt style icons in the picture above. The main oddity is that it does not have the NFC antenna in the battery door like the Bold 9900. I am not sure what to make of that. Let us know what you think!

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Unannounced BlackBerry Curve 9360 Gets Another Photo Shoot

With all of the craziness today in BlackBerry 7 announcements the Curve line was sorely underrepresented. Not to be forgotten the BlackBerry Curve 9360 showed up for a photo shoot done by OneMobileRing. There are loads of pictures of the device with its upgraded screen and new 800Mhz processor. Currently RIM has only announced 5 of their 7 planned BlackBerry 7 devices and the 9360 Apollo should be the 6th followed by the touch enabled Curve Orlando or 9790 Bellagio.

Check out all of the pics at OneMobileRing. Via Slashgear

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