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.