Blackberry 'moves away from business'

By Jim Reed
Newsbeat technology reporter

Blackberry Bold has full support for high speed 3G data transmission

The maker of the Blackberry is launching a new phone with extra multimedia features as it tries to attract more casual users.

The Blackberry Bold retains the same shape and feel as its predecessors with a full QWERTY-style keyboard.

But for the first time there is full support for high speed 3G data transmission as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

It comes with satellite navigation and a bigger, widescreen display. Music can be played over the built-in stereo speakers.

The Blackberry has slowly been moving away from its business roots.

The original model, launched a decade ago, was aimed at corporate executives, lawyers and other professional users.

It was one of the first devices to feature "push" email.

Messages could be instantly sent to and from the Blackberry without the need to manually connect to a company’s IT network.

Blackberry features 624 MHz ARM processor 256 MB Flash memory 1GB internal storage 480x320 pixel screen 2 megapixel camera HDSPA support 802.11 Wi-Fi Integrated GPS

Since its launch, the Canadian firm behind the device, Research in Motion, has dominated the market for smartphones.

But rival models are now threatening to steal some of that business.

Phones aimed at casual users are becoming more powerful with many of the same features as the Blackberry.

Research in Motion is trying to fight back by appealing to the leisure market itself.

A third of the Blackberry's 14 million subscribers are now classified as private users.

The Blackberry Bold is expecting to go on sale this summer in the UK.