Research In Motion Expands BlackBerry 7 Portfolio with the New BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 Smartphones

BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380
(Photo from RIM)

Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM – News)(TSX: RIM.TO – News) today announced two new smartphones based on the BlackBerry® 7 operating system (OS) – the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9790 and BlackBerry® Curve™ 9380.

The new smartphones offer impressively slim and stylish designs with enhanced communications, multimedia, productivity and social connectivity features. The BlackBerry Bold 9790 is both powerful and compact, offering users a fully loaded, high performance smartphone with the dual benefits of a high resolution touch display and a highly tactile keyboard. The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is the first-ever BlackBerry® Curve™ smartphone with a touch display. It continues to deliver the powerful social experiences, ease-of-use and smaller handset size that distinguish the BlackBerry Curve family, while also offering Curve users the choice of a larger display and an all-touch design.

“We are very excited to expand the BlackBerry 7 portfolio with the new BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380,” said Carlo Chiarello, Senior Vice President, Handheld Product Management at Research In Motion. “BlackBerry smartphones offer a uniquely refined mobile communications experience that people love and we think many customers will be thrilled by the faster performance, beautiful touch displays and compact designs available with these new BlackBerry 7 based models.”

BlackBerry Bold 9790 Smartphone with Touch Display and Keyboard

True to the BlackBerry Bold brand, the new BlackBerry Bold 9790 smartphone is powerful, full-featured and built with premium materials and finishes. It combines a high-resolution and highly responsive touch display with a highly tactile keyboard and a precise optical trackpad, but comes in a narrow design that is easy to carry and exceptionally comfortable to hold. With the BlackBerry 7 OS and powerful 1 GHz processor, the BlackBerry Bold 9790 delivers fast, smooth performance for browsing the web, running apps, working with documents, and enjoying multimedia. It includes 8GB of onboard memory and an expandable memory card slot that supports up to 32 GB of additional storage.

All-Touch BlackBerry Curve 9380 Smartphone

The finely crafted BlackBerry Curve 9380 is the first all-touch smartphone in the BlackBerry Curve family. It features a highly responsive and brilliant 3.2″ high resolution display and comes with preinstalled social networking apps, including BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), Facebook®, Twitter™ and Social Feeds apps, that offer a fun, easy and smoothly integrated mobile experience. This compact and stylish handset also features a 5MP camera with flash and video recording, allowing users to easily capture and share their favorite moments with family, friends and colleagues.

Powerful BlackBerry 7 OS

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 are both powered by the new BlackBerry 7 OS, which delivers a faster and richer user experience with improved browsing, voice-activated searches, and support for Augmented Reality and NFC (Near Field Communications). It also includes the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content, and comes with a variety of personal and productivity apps out of the box.

BlackBerry 7 also introduces an enhanced browser that provides a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience. The browser includes a new JIT (just in time) JavaScript compiler to improve the load time speed of web pages and it offers optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences. The popular universal search capability has also been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can simply speak to begin searching their device and the web for information.

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphones include built-in support for Augmented Reality and NFC, allowing users to connect with the world around them in fresh new ways. With the Wikitude Augmented Reality application, users can find nearby BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) contacts in real-time, read reviews on restaurants close to them, or get the story behind an interesting landmark and points of interest. NFC also enables many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to make mobile payments, pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone.

BlackBerry 7 includes a number of preinstalled applications and integrated functionality for increasing productivity and easy sharing and collaboration right out of the box. The Premium version of Documents To Go is included free of charge, offering users powerful document editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer. BlackBerry® Protect is pre-loaded(i), offering customers the peace of mind that personal data can be backed up and secured in the cloud. BlackBerry® Balance is integrated in BlackBerry 7, allowing users to enjoy the full BlackBerry smartphone experience for both work and personal purposes without compromising the IT department’s need for advanced security and IT controls. The Social Feeds (2.0) app has been extended to capture updates from media and favorites all in one consolidated view. The Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook chat and BBM integration that makes it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real time.

Availability

The BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphones will begin to be available from various carriers around the world over the coming weeks. Availability dates for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s partners.

Additional Information

For additional information please visit www.blackberry.com.

Note to Editors:

For devices images and more details, visit the BlackBerry 7 Virtual Press Room at: www.rim.com/newsroom/blackberry7.

(i) BlackBerry Protect will be pre-loaded where available. Check with your local operator for availability.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionized the mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry® solution in 1999. Today, BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM – News) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM.TO – News). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Quantenna Launches World’s First 802.11ac Gigabit-Wireless Solution for Retail Wi-Fi Routers and Consumer Electronics

New 802.11ac Solution Builds on 4×4 MIMO Foundation to Enable 2 Gbps Wireless Routers; Reference Designs Available Now for Early Customer Engagements

Quantenna Communications, Inc., a leader in ultra-reliable Wi-Fi networking for whole-home entertainment, today introduced the QAC2300 chipset, the world’s first gigabit-speed IEEE 802.11ac wireless local-area networking (WLAN) solution. With 4×4 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, the breakthrough product brings best-in-class wireless broadband capabilities to bandwidth-intensive retail and consumer electronics applications. The technology is optimized for a variety of retail consumer electronics products including wireless routers, access points, and high-end consumer electronics devices.

The QAC2300 two-chip solution includes a new 4×4 MIMO digital baseband chip that supports the latest 802.11ac specifications, combined with Quantenna’s shipping radio frequency (RF) chip, which already supports 802.11ac. Quantenna was the first company to develop 4×4 Wi-Fi MIMO technology and has used this high-performance foundation to deliver the first 802.11ac wireless LAN solution. By introducing not just the first 802.11ac technology, but also enabling it with 4×4 MIMO, Quantenna extends its lead over other Wi-Fi competitors who have yet to ship 4×4 MIMO technology.

Quantenna has led the service provider segment with its 802.11n 4×4 technology for whole-home video distribution, leveraging its innovations in MIMO and beamforming technologies. The addition of the industry’s first 802.11ac solution forges new ground, expanding Quantenna’s business into the retail segment. By combining its 4×4 MIMO capabilities with 802.11ac, Quantenna is helping retail and consumer electronics vendors speed time to market for products that will deliver gigabit-wireless speeds during 2012.

“The QAC2300 for retail applications complements our existing QHS71x product line, which is optimized for service providers,” said Dr. Sam Heidari, chief executive officer for Quantenna. “This new 802.11ac solution is an industry first that reinforces our leadership role in high-throughput wireless technology, and extends it into new retail and consumer electronics market segments.”

According to the In-Stat report, “Wireless LAN Market Estimates and Forecast by Device and by Technology 2009-2015,” released in February 2011, 802.11ac-enabled device shipments will soar to nearly 1 billion by 2015. The 802.11ac standard expands on the broad frequency bands and multiple-antenna capabilities of 802.11n to deliver the speed and performance that consumers need from retail devices, while retaining backward-compatibility with 802.11n.

Quantenna’s New 802.11ac Reference Design

Quantenna’s new QAC2300-RDK reference design was developed to support the current draft of the IEEE 802.11ac standard and includes schematics, layout, and design guidelines. Building on Quantenna’s existing RF front-end chip that already supports 802.11ac, it enables rapid time to market with 2 Gbps dual-band, dual-concurrent operation (5 GHz 802.11ac plus 2.4 GHz 802.11n) using PCI-e or dual RGMII interfaces.

Availability

Quantenna’s QAC2300-RDK reference design for retail applications is available now to early access customers. Quantenna will be showcasing its 802.11ac chipset at the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 10-13, 2012, at the company’s suite at the Las Vegas Hilton.

About Quantenna Communications, Inc.

Quantenna Communications, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company developing standards-based 802.11n MIMO chipsets that deliver the highest levels of performance, speed and reliability for wireless networks and devices. Headquartered in Fremont, Calif., Quantenna has assembled a management and engineering team with a long track record of start-up success, and is backed by leading venture capital firms, including Sequoia Capital, Venrock, Sigma Partners, Southern Cross Venture Partners, DAG Ventures, Swisscom Ventures, Grazia Equity, and Telefónica Digital. For additional information, please visit www.quantenna.com.

Sierra Wireless Launches World’s Smallest Cellular Module

The new AirPrime™ WS6318 rewrites the design rules for connected devices, delivering 15 years of M2M experience in a cellular module half the size of competing solutions

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – News) (TSX: SW.TO – News) today announced a new addition to its line of embedded wireless modules, launching the industry’s smallest cellular solution for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Drawing on 15 years of experience in M2M, the Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ WS6318 module provides essential M2M connectivity in a smaller, simpler, and highly innovative package.

“As the market leader in cellular M2M connectivity, we continually strive to expand the boundaries of what is possible for connected devices,” said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless. “By providing GSM connectivity in a module roughly half the size of competing products, Sierra Wireless is once again breaking new ground in M2M communications and opening new possibilities for connected devices.”

Delivering big things in small packages

Over the past several years, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have launched innovative connected devices and services, equipping everything from industrial equipment, to eBook readers, to cars and vending machines with cellular connectivity. However, bold design ideas have continued to bump up against the size limitations of cellular modules. Now, Sierra Wireless is helping customers extend M2M connectivity to places it has never been before.

The new AirPrime WS6318 provides essential M2M connectivity in a module just 15×18 mm2. As a result, OEM customers can integrate GSM connectivity into smaller and more inconspicuous products. For example, by embedding health monitoring and wireless communication capabilities into a small watch or wristband, a health application provider could extend its service to customers that would be unwilling to wear a bulky monitoring device. In this way, the AirPrime WS6318 opens the door to connected devices that were previously impossible and enables M2M innovators to address markets that otherwise would be out of reach.

Leading the industry in M2M innovation

While Sierra Wireless is widely recognized for the most advanced cellular solutions, the AirPrime WS6318 is designed to serve a different set of requirements, providing M2M connectivity in the smallest, simplest package possible. It provides all the essential cellular features and capabilities that connected devices need, implemented in proven software developed with 15 years’ experience in M2M communications.

Based on this proven track record, global fleet telematics provider Scope Technologies has become an early adopter of the product.

“To meet our customers’ requirements, we need highly reliable, cost-effective connectivity solutions in the smallest possible footprint,” said Friedl Jacobs, Research and Development Director, Scope Technologies. “Sierra Wireless understands exactly what we need for these types of applications and has come to market with the right product at the right time.”

The AirPrime WS6318 is also among the first cellular modules in the industry to use conformal coating technology. Instead of relying on metal shielding to protect chip sets and circuit boards, the module is coated with a protective chemical barrier. By eliminating the need for complex metal enclosures, Sierra Wireless can deliver a much smaller wireless module while fully protecting sensitive electrical components

For more information about the new Sierra Wireless AirPrime WS6318 embedded wireless module, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/WS6318. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email sales@sierrawireless.com.

Note to editors:

To view and download images of Sierra Wireless products, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/newsroom/productimages.aspx.

About Scope Technologies

Scope was founded in 1999, with the core business focusing on the needs of the fleet industry. In just over a decade, Scope has firmly established itself as a global leader in mobile asset management, encompassing Fleet Telematics, Insurance Industry Solutions and Mobile workforce management. A truly global company, Scope’s range of products are sold in 47 countries, on 5 continents and utilised by major corporations. At the heart of Scope’s global success is a network of leading professional and dedicated service providers and partners who view technology as a tool to provide business solutions, and not an objective in its own right. Establish a global leadership role in the telematics industry by providing our customers and service providers with innovative, cost-effective and reliable end-to-end technology solutions.

We acknowledge and share our customer’s need to focus on their companies’ growth, profitability increase and high customer retention in a highly competitive market. We therefore make it our mission to create long term partnerships with our customers across the globe by delivering tangible and sustainable business benefits.

For more information about Scope Technologies, visit http://scopetechnology.com/.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – News) (TSX: SW.TO – News) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

Cinterion Launches New High-Speed Automotive M2M Module

Cinterion, the global leader in cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) communication modules and a Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) company, launches AH3, its new high-speed automotive M2M module with a new triple-diversity antenna design. AH3 delivers reliable always-on communications across global 2G and 3G cellular networks for advanced applications such as, onboard vehicle computing, internet access, fleet management as well as automatic eCall and emergency roadside assistance, integrated hands free calling and many more.

The module’s SIM Access Profile enables easy integration of additional wireless devices, connection with smartphones and software applications, while analog audio processing and advanced voice support provide superior hands-free capabilities. AH3’s compact, single-sided design shares a common footprint with forthcoming LTE modules.

The ruggedized AH3 module features a totally new and improved triple-diversity antenna concept that is based on pogo pads enabling simple and reliable mounting at reduced total cost of ownership. The three antennas allow always-on communications with simultaneous voice, data and continuous GPS tracking for true multi-tasking. AH3’s extended temperature range and improved power management preserve battery power and guarantee longevity even in extreme vibration, moisture and temperature conditions typical of automotive applications.

“There’s tremendous opportunity and demand in the automotive sector as a growing number of manufacturers are leveraging the power of broadband cellular M2M communication in cars, trucks and other machines to provide drivers and mobile businesses with greater and richer access to information and remote diagnostics,” said Norbert Muhrer, CEO Cinterion. “Cinterion’s easy-to-integrate, richly-featured AH3 module meets all the demands of advanced automotive applications.”

Additional AH3 product information:

AH3 samples and evaluation kits are available with mass production beginning in Q2 2012. AH3 meets the most stringent automotive industry quality standards including e-mark and VDA 6.2 and it is IMDS listed and produced in a factory that is certified according to automotive TS16949 standards. AH3 comes in two versions: AH3-US which supports AWS band in Northern America, and AH3-W which adds 900 MHz to cover all other world regions and to ensure true global roaming. All Cinterion modules are backed by market leading customer support and come with full type approval (FTA) as well as pre-certification by the world’s largest mobile network operators supporting global functionality and a swift time-to-market.

About Cinterion, a Gemalto Company

A Machine-to-Machine (M2M) industry pioneer and market leader for more than 15 years, Cinterion gives customers the confidence to excel in a complex M2M ecosystem through the foundations of expertise, security, simplicity and partnership. Cinterion’s award-winning products and services allow machines, equipment, vehicles and other assets to securely communicate over wireless networks, helping enterprises simplify operations, increase efficiency and establish new business models. Offering unique competence in combining wireless M2M modules with Machine Identity Modules (MIM), MIM personalization capabilities and device management platforms in a trusted and secure environment, Cinterion is a valued partner for equipment manufacturers, integrators, MNOs, and end-users. Cinterion products power M2M technology for diverse vertical markets including: automotive, tracking and tracing, industrial mobile computing, metering and smart grid, payment systems, healthcare, security systems, routers and gateways, remote maintenance and control and more.

Cinterion is part of the Gemalto Group (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security with revenues of €1.9 billion in 2010, and over 10 thousand employees operating out of 87 offices and 13 Research & Development centers in 45 countries.

For more information, please visit www.cinterion.com, www.facebook.com/cinterion, or follow @cinterion on twitter.

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the world leader in digital security with 2010 annual revenues of €1.9 billion and over 10,000 employees operating out of 87 offices and 13 Research & Development centers in 45 countries.

Gemalto is at the heart of our evolving digital society. Billions of people worldwide increasingly want the freedom to communicate, travel, shop, bank, entertain, and work—anytime, anywhere, in ways that are convenient, enjoyable and secure. Gemalto delivers on the growing demands for personal mobile services, identity protection, payment security, authenticated online services, cloud computing access, modern transportation, e-healthcare and e-government services. Gemalto does this by providing secure software, a wide range of secure personal devices, and managed services to wireless operators, banks, enterprises and government agencies.

Gemalto is the world leader for electronic passports and identity cards, two-factor authentication devices for online protection, smart credit/debit and contactless payment cards, as well as subscriber identification modules (SIM) and universal integrated circuit cards (UICC) in mobile phones. Also, in the emerging machine-to-machine applications Gemalto is a leading supplier of wireless modules and machine identification modules (MIM). To operate these solutions and remotely manage the software and confidential data contained in the secure devices Gemalto also provides server platforms, consulting, training, and managed services to help its customers achieve their goals.

As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the Company is poised to thrive over the coming years.

For more information visit www.gemalto.com, www.justaskgemalto.com, blog.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on twitter.

NCP engineering Releases New Entry VPN Client for Windows 32-/64-Bit Operating Systems

Version 9.3 Enhances Usability with Mobile Broadband and IKEv2 Support

NCP engineering today announced the latest version of its entry VPN client for Windows 32- and 64-bit operating systems is now available. The NCP Secure Entry Client version 9.3 now supports mobile broadband in Windows 7 and Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2). The new version also offers a more simplified and intuitive IPv6 firewall GUI and enables seamless roaming, allowing mobile workers to securely transition between different types of networks, such as 3G to Wi-Fi, without losing their VPN connection. Like all of NCP’s award-winning software, the Secure Entry Client version 9.3 is a powerful, yet easy-to-use solution that enables remote employees to connect to their corporate networks with a single click.

Key New Features

Mobile Broadband Support in Windows 7 – LTE’s high-speed data communication has resulted in frustrating bottlenecks for any implementation based on Microsoft Windows virtual COM Ports. Communicating via the Windows Mobile Broadband Interface solves this issue by ensuring maximum data communication speeds. Version 9.3 enables users to bypass the LTE gridlock and securely redirect connections with Windows Mobile Broadband.
Firewall Configuration – The improved GUI, which features an integrated personal firewall, enables users to directly activate or deactivate firewall rules, as well as easily pre-define the rules, with a single click. This new version also allows IPv6 rules to be configured.
IKEv2 Support – By implementing mobility extensions of the IKEv2 into the client’s code, NCP’s VPN client is now compatible with all other IPsec gateways, including Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2.
Seamless Roaming – Combined with the NCP Secure Enterprise VPN Server, the NCP Secure Entry Client version 9.3 enables online applications to retain their active session in the event of connection losses or networks changes.

Resources

• Learn more about NCP’s full remote access VPN product line. A free, 30-day trial of the NCP Secure Entry Client for Windows 32/64 is also available.
• Find out about customers’ success with NCP engineering’s next-generation network access technology.
• Reach NCP engineering on its blog, VPN Haus, and on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

About NCP engineering

Since its inception in 1986, NCP engineering has delivered innovative software that allows enterprises to rethink their remote access, and overcome the complexities of creating, managing and maintaining secure network access for staff.

NCP’s award-winning product line spans the spectrum of remote access, from IPsec / SSL VPNs to endpoint firewalls and network access control (NAC) functions. The company’s products support organizations with complex remote user needs, who want to leverage the latest end-devices to increase staff productivity, reduce network administration and adapt policy changes on-the-fly. Each solution is interoperable with existing third-party software or hardware.

With global headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany and U.S. headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area, the company serves 35,000-plus customers worldwide throughout the healthcare, financial, education and government markets, as well as many Fortune 500 companies. NCP has established a network of national and regional technology, channel and OEM partners to serve its customers. For more information, visit www.ncp-e.com.