Research In Motion (RIM) has announced the Blackberry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones, which could appeal to people who are looking at switching to a handset with mobile broadband capabilities.

The new models integrate a Blackberry keyboard with a high-resolution, capacitive Liquid Graphics touch screen, while a new performance-driven platform powered by the Blackberry 7 operating system (OS) will also feature.

This platform boasts a 1.2GHz processor as well as support for the 4G and HSPA+ wireless networks.

As well as this, the smartphones will support Near Field Communications technology.

These handsets will include the premium materials and finishes that have been prevalent in previous Blackberry Bold phones, including a brushed stainless steel frame and a high-gloss glass-weave backplate.

Additionally, these two models are the thinnest smartphones to ever be produced by the brand and are measured at just 10.5mm.

Mike Lazaridis, president and co-chief executive officer of RIM, said: "The new BlackBerry Bold smartphones and BlackBerry 7 OS are inspired by millions of customers around the world who want the ultimate combination of performance, functionality and style.

"These fully-loaded and beautifully crafted smartphones offer a highly refined user experience with blazingly fast performance, a brilliant touch screen and an outstanding typing experience."

Augmented reality technology will also feature in the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones, with a magnetometer being used to support it.

Wikitude will also be supported by the two handsets, which is a new application that overlays contextual information based on the images being seen through the phone's camera viewfinder.

It is expected by RIM that the Blackberry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones will be available from carriers at some stage of this summer.

Last month, Orange confirmed that its Motorola Atrix handset will be available to purchase on a £35-a-month contract.

The phone is now available to buy exclusively from the provider.

Categories: Wireless Broadband

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