In pictures: will.i.am launches the latest BlackBerry smartphone

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone will be available on the Optus and Vodafone networks in Australia, but neither carrier has announced pricing or plan details.
RIM says the main appeal of the BlackBerry 8520 is that it is "incredibly easy to use."
Pictured here with BlackBerry's Australian managing director, Adele Beachley, will.i.am discussed both BlackBerry technology and the future of the music industry.
The press event was held in RIM's Australian offices in North Sydney. Predictably, will.i.am was the centre of attention.
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is aimed at users new to smartphones. Reflecting this entry-level status is the lack of 3G connectivity, though the smartphone does include Wi-Fi. Also on offer are a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth and a microSD card slot for extra storage.
Helping RIM launch the phone was Black Eyed Peas member and self-confessed "BlackBerry addict" will.i.am. With his BlackBerry Bold in tow, the music star said he prefers the BlackBerry platform because "it's like it was made for me."
Today Research In Motion (RIM) [[artnid:320803|unveiled the latest BlackBerry smartphone]] — the [[artnid:320058|Curve 8520]] — with the help of the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am.

will.i.am discussed both BlackBerry technology and the future of the music industry at the North Sydney launch.
In Australia as part of the Black Eyes Peas' The E.N.D. World Tour, will.i.am revealed he prefers BlackBerrys to the [[artnid:309245|iPhone|]] because he "can't text on the iPhone."
The enthusiastic will.i.am briefly discussed the music industry, saying that in the future songs will be released as they are produced and the content pushed out to users using mobile technology.
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is RIM's new entry-level smartphone and is the first to use an "optical trackpad" instead of the traditional BlackBerry trackball. The Curve 8520 is also the first to feature physical multimedia keys.

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