RIM intros its first Wi-Fi smartphone

Research in Motion (RIM) launched the Blackberry 8820, the firm’s first “dual-mode” smartphone, combining EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular and Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g) connectivity. The device was first spotted about two weeks ago on the FCC website.

According to the manufacturer, the device offers enterprise users who need to access the corporate network through a virtual private network, integrated IPSec-based software that supports the commonly deployed VPN gateways from vendors including Cisco, Check Point and others.

The new Blackberry, which resembles the look of the other phones of the 8800 series, also includes GPS capability and will first be available outside the U.S “from select wireless carriers around the world in the coming weeks.” AT&T will begin offering the 8820 in the U.S. “later this summer”, RIM said.