PRESS RELEASE: RIM Announces Java SDK to Support New BlackBerry 6

User Interface Enhancements, Web Kit Browser Support and New Services Make it Easier to Build Compelling and Fresh Applications for BlackBerry Smartphones

Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced a new Java SDK to support BlackBerry® 6, a highly anticipated new operating system for BlackBerry® smartphones. BlackBerry® Java SDK v6.0 takes advantage of new UI features, offers deeper integration with BlackBerry smartphones, access to new and enhanced services and support for rendering and porting content to the new WebKit-based browser.  

BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 focuses on providing developers with powerful tools that enable them to create rich, visually appealing applications on the BlackBerry® Application Platform and make it easier to integrate capabilities that have traditionally been difficult for developers.  The BlackBerry developer community can now access more than 40 new APIs that allow them to build visually rich and deeply integrated applications that take advantage of the new features in BlackBerry 6.

“The opportunity for developers to create applications that tie to core applications and features of the BlackBerry Application Platform has never been greater,” said David Yach, Chief Technology Officer, Software at Research In Motion. “Our veteran developers, as well as those who are new to the BlackBerry platform, are going to be thrilled with the new APIs as well as the sleek and powerful user interface.”

Richer User Interfaces

The BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 supports the fresh new look in the BlackBerry 6 user interface (UI) with new pre-built UI elements including contextual menus, tables, lists, inertial scrolling, activity progress indicators, pane managers, tool bars, title bars and sub menus.

BlackBerry Browser with WebKit
The new browser in BlackBerry 6 leverages a WebKit rendering engine and developers will be able to build dynamic web sites and rich mobile applications as well as advanced widgets that can be seamlessly integrated with the browser and core native applications. BlackBerry Widgets and web applications designed for the BlackBerry Browser v 5.0 will be forward compatible to the new browser.

HTML5 Support
With the added support of HTML5 in the new BlackBerry 6 Browser, web developers will be able to create content for BlackBerry smartphones that is run through the web, including compelling games and interactive media with 3D graphics in real time and more.

Native Feature Integration
Developers can use new APIs to more deeply integrate their applications with various aspects of a BlackBerry smartphone’s core functionality. The Unified Search Framework API will allow developers to register their application and their content partners to be searchable, as well as provide a mechanism for in-app search. The Mapfield API has been redesigned to provide enhanced features including panning, zooming, my location and convenience toolbars. Developers can call the Mapfield API to customize the look of location data and can use multiple mapfields simultaneously on the same screen for added user benefits.

Location Service Enhancements
The Location Service has been enhanced with a Wi-Fi® Geolocation API, allowing developers to build applications that leverage a handset's location based on its proximity to Wi-Fi networks. The API builds on the LBS features already available to developers through cell tower location and GPS. Reverse Geocoding now allows applications to leverage zip/postal codes to obtain local information. The Travel Time API brings estimated time of arrival (ETA) information into applications. The ETA is based on anonymous real-time crowd sourced data combined with historical traffic information.

BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 is available for download at www.blackberry.com/developers/java. More information about BlackBerry 6 can be found at www.blackberry.com/developers/blackberry6 .

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe,  Asia Pacific, and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

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