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Another device launch is just around the corner! This time it’s a new edition to our BlackBerry Curve family: introducing the BlackBerry® Curve 8520™ smartphone! Rather than tell you about the device myself, I followed Becky’s lead and grabbed some face time with the product manager behind it all: Pankaj.
Can you describe your role at RIM?
I’m the Handheld Product Manager for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone. I define the requirements for the product and work with cross functional teams from the product concept phase through to development leading up to the global launch.
What was the vision for the new BlackBerry Curve?
To offer an entry level smartphone and provide an update to the BlackBerry Curve 8310/8320 products. The new smartphone addressed the aspirations of people currently using a mid tier feature phone to step up to a BlackBerry smartphone that's affordable and meets their lifestyle needs.
You've been using the device for a while now. What do you like about it?
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone has some capabilities that I am proud of. It’s easy to carry and use as a phone (just like the original). I like the dedicated media keys, and it has a sleek and simple design that feels really soft and light in the hand. The trackpad touch navigation interface is cool -- it makes navigation easy and actually kind of fun. We changed the design of the side keys so they are integrated into the side band, which means again they are much sleeker and still very functional.
Why the new trackpad? How does it work?
We are always looking forward and investigating new technology, trying to meet the needs of our customers. The trackpad was a good fit for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone. It emulates a similar experience to what we all love and use on our laptops today.
Why Wi-Fi?
We looked at the target audience for the product and Wi-Fi® support seemed to be the best choice because it allows for an enhanced broadband experience. Wi-Fi coverage seems to be everywhere now, so you can enjoy blazing fast web browsing on this product.
Black or Frost?
Love both the colors. Frost blue is a unique color on a QWERTY device.
What do you do when you aren't managing products?
I spend time with my family – go biking, watch movies, play basketball with kids. I love to work in the yard at home too.
And now for our readers: if you want the lowdown on all the product specs, you can get them here.
Post a comment and tell us what you think about the new BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone.
Why doesn't it have GPS, almost every smartphone has GPS these days, even the 8310 which it replaces?
It's a nice looking device but why no flash? why no GPS? I know it's entry-level but even the pearls had a flash & GPS (some of them at least). I definitely like the fact that this device is better encased (convenience keys and trackpad) but people aren;t going to be giving up their Bold's for this one.
Hi Dave, Kylo,
RIM offers a variety of BlackBerry models, each with a different mix of features. For those people looking for a BlackBerry smartphone that comes with built-in GPS, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 would be an excellent choice.
Cheers,
Annu
hi annu
i want to see the BlackBerry Curve 8520 on vodafone india's page http://www.vodafone.in/existingusers/vbs/pages/blackberry.aspx with all other mobels.can i know when will BlackBerry Curve 8520 will be available in indian market
Being an original Curve user, I can saythis vesion looking intreging although I have to see the track pads in action since I'm pretty fast with the ball. WI Fi sounds great- better than 3G! What really would have bee cool is to add a touch screen to the unit, live video and vpn capability. I really nee a phone that I can access my surveilance cameras remotely. haven't found a good platform yet.
The trackpad looks interesting, even though it's missing a few features like GPS it looks like a great entry level or first time Blackberry for people.
Well, I think I might be getting a blackberry. I love to text, and I do have to go to school. Some people think blackberries are a little much for a teen as myself. I just want a phone that is proficient in texting, keeping track of daily events or special occasions, so that I won't miss anything. Should I get the blackberry 8520 curve?
Sounds like the 8520 would be a good choice for you.
I have just got the 8520, and man, what I an awesome phone! Who cares about GPS, I have one, so why would I need another? The phone works like a dream and is much easier to use than I expected, baring in mind that this is my first BB. Well done guys and thank you!!!
I got my blackberry 8520 two days ago and it's really
a cool phone only that i have a hard time figuring out
everything in the menu and all its settings.My problem
now is that my phone is still in the "vibrate mode" and
i don't know how to set it to "ringing".I know i sound
stupid,but i honestly do not know.Will someone here
teach me?thanks.
Hello tori,
You can do this by selecting the Profiles icon on your BlackBerry smartphone. In here you should be able to select a Loud or Phone only profile that will play a ringtone for incoming calls.
Scott
Come follow your BlackBerry Technical Team on twitter! @BlackBerryForum
Want to learn how to use your BlackBerry® smartphone? Visit www.youtube.com/BlackBerry to help you get the most out of your BlackBerry smartphone!
how do I set up email? there is only the option to 'use a work email acccount with a bb enterprise server'. I don't want to do this and just want to use gmail.
Hello bbgirl,
If the option for personal email is not listed when you try to setup email then you may not be provisioned properly for data services. You can try setting up the account using the following link from a PC http://na.blackberry.com/eng/support/blackberry101/setup.jsp#tab_tab_email
If you are unable to setup the account using the above link you are going to want to call your service provider and verify that you data plan includes personal email.
Brian
Come follow your BlackBerry Technical Team on twitter! @BlackBerryForum
Want to learn how to use your BlackBerry® smartphone? Visit www.youtube.com/BlackBerry to help you get the most out of your BlackBerry smartphone!
Is there is any chance this curve will also be release for the Sprint/Nextel carrier. Something similar to the 8350i?? Will really like to know before I make a buying decision. Thanks