We can’t tell you how many times we’ve wished — and heard other people wish aloud — that the BlackBerry would support WiFi connections. It makes total sense. There are so many WiFi hotspots around, which would certainly speed up the BlackBerrian process. It appears now that our wishes will come true, as Research In Motion has been green lighted by the FCC for the creation of a BlackBerry with WiFi functionality. This is just another in a series of victories for RIM, and although the increase in earnings is wonderful news, this may be the best of the bunch.
Everyone basically knew that all smartphones would one day be WiFi compatible, and once the iPhone announced it would connect to WiFi networks, the flood gates had opened. We absolutely expect the next generation of smartphones to follow suit.
RIM CEO Jim Balsillie has stated before that we can expect to see a Wi-Fi ready BlackBerry during the fourth quarter of 2007. It remains to be seen how far into development and production RIM is with this new model, but with the FCC approval, we can assume that Mr. Balsillie’s projection is likely accurate.
We really wonder if the device will be able to place calls via VoIP when connected to a WiFi network, like T-Mobile’s Hotspot @ Home. That would add even another degree of awesomeness to this development.
Something we didn’t know: there was a previous model of BlackBerry that was WiFi only. But that didn’t work as a cellular device. This is the first time a device compatible with both services has been approved for RIM.
The only problem, as we see it, is that this will only be available on AT&T and T-Mobile in the US. So while it’s exciting for those subscribers, it’s a big thump on the head for us, who are more CDMA-inclined. We’re sure that Mr. Balsillie won’t leave us flapping in the breeze, though.
