RIM beefs up BlackBerry 8110 smartphone

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) has unveiled a new version of its 8110 smartphone, offering new features aimed at making it a truly all-in-one device.

The new model includes built-in GPS, a 2-megapixel camera with 5x digital zoom and quad-band connectivity to allow use in any country except Japan.

RIM has also launched the BlackBerry Owners Lounge, an online platform designed for BlackBerry users who want to get the most from their smartphones.

The new site is designed to help members get the most from work and personal lives by providing a customisable interface to news and access to thousands of applications as well as exclusive offers, discounts and competitions.

Available applications include a range of business and personal services including games, Facebook, B-List and Yahoo.

RIM has also teamed up with T-Mobile to offer the 8110 phone and BlackBerry services as a bolt-on to a normal T-Mobile phone contract.

This will allow customers to add instant email to any new Flext plan for £5 per month, or email and internet access for £10 per month.

The BlackBerry 8110 will be available in mobile phone stores from 1 March.