AT&T and RIM Launch BlackBerry Pearl 8110 Smartphone

AT&T and Research In Motion have launched the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone, which includes built-in global positioning system support for location-based applications and services.

According to Research In Motion (RIM), the handset consist of navigation and mapping applications such as AT&T Navigator and provides voice and on-screen directions with 3-D moving maps that can be used in vehicles or while walking.

AT&T Navigator also alerts users through voice and on-screen prompts to traffic slowdowns and incidents along their programmed travel route, and it provides customers with the option to choose an alternative route.

The new phone claims to feature BlackBerry e-mail and messaging capabilities, including RIM’s SureType QWERTY keyboard system. The smartphone features a display that supports more than 65,000 colors and automatically adjusts brightness based on surrounding light levels.

Michael Woodward, vice president of business voice/data and wireless products for AT&T’s wireless unit, said: “Beyond the BlackBerry Pearl 8110′s powerful e-mail and messaging capabilities, which keep users on track with important information while mobile, its new built-in GPS capabilities will keep customers literally on track when they are getting from Point A to Point B.”