The new BlackBerry is locked down by Genesis Key's SecureVoice technology that turns any Curve or 8830 into a hack-resistant handheld. When he gets the BlackBerry in a few months, he'll be able to call or text to other people with the same software, like Michelle Obama and top aides, whoever they are. The software is considered hardcore enough that it can access Top Secret-level classified data

In the meantime, he's been using a regular BlackBerry for personal stuff and that crappy Sectera Edge for official business.

I wonder if they're going to let Joe Biden in on the secret BlackBerry circle. Would you? [Washington Times via Fast Company]

As mentioned last week, the Sectera Edge is a bulky WinMo 6.1 phone that features various security enhancements—a far cry from the sleek lines of the BlackBerry. Perhaps he should celebrate his victory by upgrading to the 8900 or the Bold. I'm sure the folks at RIM would be thrilled. [MobileCrunch via BGR]

$25 to $50 million dollars, according to marketing experts—one of the biggest endorsement deals in history, were it an actual deal and not a president-elect constantly lamenting having to go cold turkey on BBerries.

The NYTimes has been monitoring this story like the hawks that they are, and on Sunday analyzed the potential security implications of a smartphone-toting president. Even though government BlackBerries are encrypted to the max and of course kill-switchable if lost, the risk of the president's email (or location) being compromised is still too great to allow BO to go on with his 8830.

But then again, as the NYT points out, Barack losing his piece could have an unforseen benefit:

Then there is the fashion concern. Mr. Obama is known to sport his BlackBerry in a holster on his belt, which to many is the sartorial equivalent of wearing socks with sandals. Ridding the president of the phone could avoid legitimizing that look.

I hope BO's enjoying his last BBerry-strapped day. [NYTimes, NYTimes]

Sprint doesn't just leave you hanging, though: It will offer an unlimited BlackBerry email and Web access in the US, Canada and Mexico on CDMA, and GSM/GPRS carriers abroad where Sprint has applicable roaming agreements. You'll still have to pay for your international calls with this plan; Sprint says that could be anywhere from 59 cents per minute to $4.99 per minute. Now there's a pretty good reason to stick with instant messaging (AIM is included).

TRAVELERS GET THE POWER OF CHOICE AND FLEXIBILITY FOR STAYING CONNECTED IN THE U.S. AND ABROAD WITH NEWEST BLACKBERRY SMARTPHONE FROM SPRINT

Unlocked SIM card smartphone gives Sprint customers the choice of using Sprint international roaming service plans or utilizing local providers in international markets

RESTON, Va. June 28, 2007 - Customers needing flexible, cost-effective options for staying connected in the U.S. and abroad need look no further than the BlackBerry® 8830 World Edition smartphone to be available from Sprint (NYSE:S) next month. This smart device, developed by Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM), is the first BlackBerry smartphone with international voice and data roaming capabilities offered by Sprint and will feature unlocked SIM capabilities for voice and data services.

"Sprint is making the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone available with flexible, convenient options designed to appeal to international travelers, especially those customers who may have a significant number of employees working internationally," said Danny Bowman, vice president of customer equipment for Sprint. "By offering the BlackBerry 8830 with an unlocked SIM capability customers can sign up for competitive international service plans directly from Sprint or take advantage of service from local providers in other countries."

"The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition delivers world-class communications, multimedia and GPS features together with the intuitive BlackBerry smartphone experience that users have come to expect, all in a thin and stylish design," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "The BlackBerry 8830 is the first BlackBerry smartphone to combine CDMA and GSM connectivity, enabling Sprint customers to take advantage of its industry-leading productivity benefits at home in the United States and abroad."

The BlackBerry 8830 operates domestically on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, and globally on CDMA and GSM/GPRS networks where Sprint has international roaming agreements. With this handset, Sprint customers have the power to make or receive phone calls in more than 170 countries and access BlackBerry data services including email and Web browsing in more than 75 countries. More information about expansive international coverage options with Sprint can be found at www.sprint.com/international.

Service Plans
While customers have the option of using a third-party SIM for international voice and data services, Sprint is also offering clear value and simplicity with its international BlackBerry service plan. The newly available Worldwide BlackBerry plan for $69.99 per month gives customers unlimited BlackBerry email and web access in the U.S., Canada and Mexico using CDMA technology and with GSM/GPRS carriers abroad where Sprint has applicable roaming agreements. Sprint customers have the flexibility to pair the Worldwide BlackBerry plan with any CDMA-based BlackBerry smartphone from Sprint, including the BlackBerry® 7130e and BlackBerry® 8703e, which offer data roaming capabilities in Canada and Mexico.

Sprint international voice roaming rates range from $0.59 to $4.99 per minute, depending on where customers are calling. Customers making frequent calls while in Canada can take advantage of a specific service plan for $2.99 per month which allows calls to be made and received at $0.20 per minute. Additional pricing plans are available exclusively to enterprise customers.

Regardless of where Sprint customers find themselves they can boost their productivity or enjoy personal interests with the premium capabilities of the slim, stylish BlackBerry 8830. A speakerphone, voice activated dialing and Bluetooth support make hands-free use a breeze, while a full QWERTY keyboard and trackball navigation enables easy use of productivity and entertainment applications. Other key features include:

• Built-in GPS - customers can utilize applications such as Sprint Navigation, spoken and visual turn-by-turn driving directions, or BlackBerry® Maps, a mapping application.
• OnDemand - a unique application available exclusively from Sprint that delivers customized, up-to-date information such as sports, weather, news, money and movie information, all with the push of a button.
• Phone as Modem - with the included USB cable, customers can utilize the BlackBerry 8830 as a wireless modem to extend the capabilities of the Sprint Nationwide Network to a laptop. An appropriate service plan is required.
• Media Player - play videos, audio podcasts or music files with the built-in media player; also includes a stereo headset jack.
• MicroSD slot - allows expandable memory to store music and video files.

The BlackBerry 8830 will be available next month online at www.sprint.com, through Sprint Telesales, Sprint business sales channels and retail locations. The BlackBerry 8830 from Sprint will be priced at $199.99 with a two year-service agreement and $100 mail-in-rebate and $100 instant rebate. Additional savings may be available to business customers through their Sprint account manager.

AOL Instant Messenger Service for BlackBerry Smartphones
Sprint is also announcing it is delivering more value to its customers by being the first carrier to launch an AOL Instant Messaging client for BlackBerry smartphones. The downloadable Java application provides a true AOL instant messaging experience on compatible BlackBerry handsets with fast message delivery and presence notification. Sprint customers using a compatible BlackBerry smartphone* from Sprint (CDMA) or Nextel (iDEN) will be able to take advantage of the AOL Instant Messenger service. Compatible CDMA BlackBerry handsets include the 7130e, 8703e and 8830. Compatible iDEN BlackBerry handsets include the 7520 and 7100i.

Key features of this new functionality includes:

• Contact Management. Customers will be able to Manage AIM Buddy Lists right from their BlackBerry smartphone.
• Virtual real-time message exchange. Customers will experience virtual real-time message exchange.
• Immediate presence updates. Customer will see which buddies are online and ready to chat.
• Instant 'New message' notification. Customers can choose how to be notified when they receive a new message.
• Multitasking. Customers can keep the AIM service running in the background while they use the BlackBerry smartphone for other things.
• Emoticon support. Customers can express themselves with many of the AIM emoticons.
• Auto sign-in. Customers can save time by setting the AIM client to remember their username and password and sign them into the service automatically.

Sprint customers can leverage their existing BlackBerry data plans for the AOL Instant Messaging service. There is no additional cost to customers for the AIM client or instant messaging service.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving 53. 6 million customers at the end of the first-quarter 2007; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.
*Contact Sprint for information on AIM support for various BlackBerry models.
###

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

However, and despite the fact that Verizon's flavor of 3G doesn't work in Europe, Research In Motion's international agent of mail love managed to impress me in almost every test. Discover the adventures of a pseudo-American CrackBerry-addict werewolf in Madrid (gallery and video included) after the jump.

Verizon shipped the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition and the SIM card separately to Gizmodo's Madrid lair. The test phone came without manuals, so all the setup was done using just my gadget-o-powers and generous amounts of margarita cocktails. The slot for the SIM card is not marked in any way, so after I opened the battery compartment I spent a long time with Ad trying to realize where to slide in the SIM, which was marked "Verizon Wireless" with a small Vodafone band at the bottom. We figured out that it fitted in one of the sides of the phone after almost breaking the internal microSD slot, which is plainly visible next to its right. The SIM fits perfectly, but it just feels like if you are sliding it in a random empty location between the main circuitry and the exterior plastic case.

And that was the only problem. Starting up the phone worked like any other BlackBerry: It recognized the Vodafone Spain GPRS network instantly (unfortunately, 3G access was disabled) and, after setting up mail access to my Gizmodo account, I was sending mail to unsuspecting women in Sweden friends all over the world and receiving replies back with no delays whatsoever.

Access to the Web worked equally well using the built-in browser. Even while it's nothing to write home about, I was able to get into all kinds of pages, including Gizmodo's own Movable Type publishing system. In fact, this post was started using the BlackBerry (it was originally titled "OMG thos wrksd graaat! Myt finghrs are tooi bnig!", but that's another story and too much tequila in the cocktail shaker). The speed was a little better than my old BlackBerry, but rather this wasn't caused by the network speed (which is exactly the same) but because of the better processor in this unit.

After trying data access I called some people both locally in Madrid, in other countries (UK and Sweden) and in the US (New York, Virginia, Los Angeles and San Francisco). All calls worked great, with clear sound every time, no delays and no problems connecting to anyone, independently of the network they were in. And while this is more a sign of good coverage and good network interconnection systems rather than of the 8830's abilities, it's good to be see that things are working so well after past years of echoes, sudden disconnections and problems.

Two of those problems used to be short messaging systems and voicemail. Again, both of them worked great. I sent short messages to our features editor Wilson Rothman in New York, who uses Verizon, and my friend Zac, who uses T-Mobile, and both of them received them in no time. We timed our SMS: To receive messages in my end it took about 3 to 4 seconds, while in theirs it took about 5 to 10 seconds, counting the time it took to the phone to connect to transmit to the network. Multimedia Messaging, however, didn't seem to work at all but I am not surprised about it. Even using two other Vodafone phones between the UK and Spain, MMS will never work for me either. This is a negative point because it means no sex-phone with visual aids not a quick way to send pictures, but then again, you can still get your images and videos using normal email (which is free).

Voicemail worked without a hitch. After setting up the voicemail for the first time. I accessed like usual: just calling my own number, hitting # to access the login, my password and then # again to enter. I got into it in no time and listened to two messages: Wilson saying hi and someone called Sharon telling me that her oven was broken and I had to go and fix it. (Sharon, whoever you are, I don't want anything to do with your oven. OK, so maybe I am curious about it, but a) you are not Swedish and b) you are not my wife).

One important thing to remember about voicemail: When calling the US you must add the + sign (for international calls) and the number 1 (US' international calling prefix) before your number (i.e. +1 ### ### ## ##). This applies to your voicemail as well. Therefore, if you are traveling my advice is for you it to change your voicemail speed dial temporarily adding that prefix.

Clearly, the RIM BlackBerry 8830 World Edition and the Verizon Wireless/Vodafone partnership works great. Extremely easy setup, even doing it abroad, clear calls, access to email, the Web and voicemail, and almost instant short messaging makes the 8830 a winner for anyone who needs the features of a BlackBerry and travels outside the US. The only thing will be the cost: Let's just say that I am oh-just-so-glad that I am not paying the bill for this test. – Jesus Diaz

Our Original 8830 Story with Plan Pricing [Gizmodo]

We already told you that the smartphone formerly known as Daytona won't have Wi-Fi, nor any kind of 3G. As a GSM handset, it looks like it's having the same basic troubles that Nokia and others are having trying to build a world phone that runs on US HSDPA. (The 8830, a CDMA phone, had no trouble conforming to EVDO standards.) Give it a year perhaps?

Now we have new facts, or at least new educated guesses, along with some tantalizing rumors.

No Wi-Fi, sure, but now we're hearing that there will be a 2-megapixel camera, unlike the all-business 8800 and 8830. The Curve will also be slimmer than the 8800 series, but will still most likely pack built-in GPS.

As for the name, the reason MobileWhack suggests that the 8300 will be called the Curve is that both blackberry8300.com and blackberrycurve.com are owned by the same entity. MobileWhack said that the two sites were also linked, but when we visited, all we got were white screens of possibility.

Will T-Mobile introduce it on May 7, RIM's Capital Markets Day down in O-Town? Or will Cingular AT&T ship it sometime this "summer"? We don't know. There is also speculation that a Verizon/Sprint Pearl handset may appear on the 7th, but judging from our recent conversation with Verizon Wireless, and the fact that both carriers are really pushing the 8830s, that seems a bit far-fetched. All we can do is wait and wonder and maybe make some calls. – Wilson Rothman

Blackberry 8300 is the Blackberry Curve [MobileWhack]
BlackBerry 8300: What to Expect from RIM's Uber Smartphone [SmartPhoneToday]

If it looks familiar, it's because our very own Louis Ramirez showed you some pics and mentioned its QVGA screen, microSD slot, and dual GSM/CDMA goodness (and lack of camera) three weeks ago.

In the US, the 8300 runs on VZW's 1X CDMA voice network and its EV-DO data network. But the 8830 also has a SIM card, so that overseas, you get voice roaming over GSM (or CDMA where available) in 157 countries; you also get EDGE data roaming in 62 different countries. More exciting 8830 factoids after the jump.

•The 8830 is 2.6" wide, 4.9" tall and .55" thick, weighing 4.6 oz. (The Cingular New AT&T 8800 is 2.6" wide, 4.5" tall and .55" thick, weighing 4.73 oz; if I find out why there is a counterintuitive weight discrepancy, I'll let you know.) It has a similar keyboard and trackball to the original 8800.

•The network auto-selection feature lets the 8830 search for the first available network, starting with whatever it was using last. If you are in the US, it will always use CDMA, but if you get off the plane at Heathrow and power it up, it will seek a CDMA network. Upon not finding one, it will see a GSM network. Needless to say, it will only roam on networks—CDMA or GSM—for which Verizon Wireless has a roaming deal. (Fun fact: Even though Korea mainly runs CDMA networks, Verizon phones will not roam on them.)

•This BlackBerry has extended battery life. Verizon Wireless says it is 25% greater than previous BlackBerrys. (BlackBerries?) Standby time is 216 hours; that is, roughly 9 days. Talk time is 220 minutes.

•Here's how the pricing breaks down: Unlimited global e-mail service costs $65 per month on top of a standard voice plan. You can get unlimited global data without any voice calling for a flat $70 per month. If you prefer to stay at home, the BlackBerry service is $45 on top of a voice plan, or $50 for unlimited data but no voice plan.

•Verizon Wireless has had CDMA/GSM world phones since September 2004, when it launched the Samsung a790. In addition to the BlackBerry 8830, the current world phone lineup includes the Motorola a840 and the Samsung a795 for global voice roaming, and the Samsung i830 Windows Mobile PDA for global voice and data. The new pricing plan introduced for the BlackBerry 8830 will now also be offered to people who buy or already own the i830.

Bottom line: it's a sweet phone but still mainly an enterprise play. For those of you waiting for a more slender BlackBerry, like the Pearl that T-Mobile made famous, you can keep waiting. Also, if you're waiting for a T-Mobile-like consumer-friendly price plan for this baby, it ain't gonna happen. Not as long as they can lure in well-heeled international bankers who spend too much time in the Northeast US to pick any domestic carrier other than Verizon Wireless but really need some kind of mobile multinational e-mailing companion. Don't get me wrong, I want one bad. I just can't rationalize a device of such global reach (or such painful monthly gougings). – Wilson Rothman

Here's the full VZW announcement:

VERIZON WIRELESS ANNOUNCES THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY: THE BLACKBERRY 8830 WORLD EDITION SMARTPHONE AND GLOBAL BLACKBERRY SERVICE

First CDMA/GSM BlackBerry Smartphone, Coupled with Always-On Global E-Mail and 24/7 Help Desk, Keeps Travelers Connected In More Than 60 Countries

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and WATERLOO, Ontario - Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM: TSX: RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, today introduced the first Global CDMA/GSM BlackBerry®. The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone will be available on May 14 through Verizon Wireless' business sales channels and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on May 28.

In addition, Verizon Wireless announced the May 14 availability of its new Global BlackBerry service, an "always-on, always connected" wireless e-mail solution that provides quick, easy access to e-mail, contacts, calendar, organizer and the Web while on-the-go. With the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone and Global BlackBerry service from Verizon Wireless, customers get wireless e-mail and the convenience of one local number for domestic and international use in Australia, Europe, parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North America.

Verizon Wireless' new Global BlackBerry service allows customers to place and receive voice calls from more than 150 countries and send and receive e-mails in the United States, Canada and more than 60 countries worldwide. With Global BlackBerry service, Verizon Wireless customers receive the Global Support Pack, which includes a SIM card, a user reference guide and details on accessing the Global Help Desk for 24-hour customer support, seven days a week. Customers also receive a calling card for free support calls while traveling outside of the U.S. from any landline phone to technical support if the BlackBerry 8830 is lost, broken or stolen.

"The BlackBerry 8830 with Verizon Wireless' Global BlackBerry service will set a new standard for global wireless service," said Mike Lanman, vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. "Customers leave the U.S. with the ultimate productivity tool enhanced by a service and support package they won't find anywhere else in the industry. This is the gold standard for the international enterprise, and with its unique blend of form, function and value, we expect this device to quickly become our top selling BlackBerry for domestic use as well."

"The BlackBerry 8830 is built on an exciting new device platform that combines CDMA and GSM/GPRS roaming support with the latest in industrial design and functional innovations," said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-chief executive officer at Research In Motion. "This innovative and stylish smartphone includes all the benefits that users have come to love about the BlackBerry solution along with a compelling new global service from Verizon Wireless."

The BlackBerry 8830 provides an international option for enterprise customers of all Verizon Business groups. The Verizon branded companies offer customers a portfolio of wired and wireless solutions inclusive of the recently announced BroadbandAccess Router Service.

Features and Pricing for the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone and Global BlackBerry Service
The new BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone packs the latest features into a stylish global device and offers the following capabilities and features:

EV-DO/GPRS network connection for high-speed data transfer in more than 60 countries
GSM/GPRS (900/1800 MHz) for continued voice and e-mail while traveling internationally
Auto-selection of CDMA/GSM Mode
Thin form factor of just 14mm for both style and easy handling
New Trackball navigation system
Media player
Expandable memory option with microSD™ card (sold separately)
Speakerphone
Bluetooth® capabilities for certain profiles inclusive of hands-free, dial-up networking and serial port
Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD)
Instant Messaging capabilities for quick and easy communication

The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone will be available in May for $299.99 after a $100 rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the device is available for customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of purchase.

Customers signing up for Global BlackBerry service will get unlimited e-mail in the United States, Canada and more than 60 countries worldwide for $64.99 monthly access with a qualifying voice plan, or for $69.99 monthly access without a voice plan. Customers can also add a "Pay As You Go" data feature to any qualifying voice plan for an additional $20 per Megabyte. Customers wanting to use the BlackBerry 8830 for e-mail solely in the U.S. may opt for an unlimited e-mail plan beginning at $49.99 monthly access.

Customers may request more information on the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone and Global BlackBerry service from Verizon Wireless at www.verizonwireless.com/global. For more information on BlackBerry devices from Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com/blackberry. Business customers should contact a Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative directly at 1-800-VZW-4-BIZ.

BlackBerry 8830 Coverage [Gizmodo]

The 8830 looks like the 8800 and will pack a QVGA screen, microSD slot, and 3G EV-DO support. The bad news is that there's no camera. Even though I don't take a lot of cell phone pics, that's a deal-killer for me. Otherwise, corporate types should fair well with this baby in their pocket. – Louis Ramirez

Verizon Wireless Gets RIM BlackBerry 8830 Cyclone [Phone Arena with images via Howard Forums]