Future Blackberries will have Intel Inside

Intel has announced that future Blackberry mobile email devices from Canada's Research in Motion (RIM) will be powered by Intel's "Hernon" processor.

Intel announced today that it has signed an extensive technology agreement with Canada’s Research in Motion (RIM) to supply processors for future Blackberry products. RIM plans to use Intel’s forthcoming PXA9xx cellular processor, codenamed "Hernon" for forthcoming Blackberry devices which will connect to high-speed Enhanced Data Rated for Global Evolution (EDGE) network. EDGE is an advanced data technology for GSM wireless networks which enables high-speed data exchange.

Mike Lazaridis, RIM’s President and Co-CEO said "We chose the Intel PXA9xx cellular processor because it provides us with the increased processing horsepower we need for future wireless applications, without compromising battery life requirements."

Intel’s Sean Maloney, executive VP and general manager of Intel’s Mobility Group, said "This collaboration demonstrates how Intel’s XScale application and cellular processors are leading this trend. We look forward to working with RIM to bring new technologies and new devices to this market."

Blackberry wireless handsets are widely popular amongst corporate and institutional users, so much so that the units are often jokingly referred to as "crackberries" for their seemingly addictive charms. Blackberries combine phone and SMS capability with wireless email, Web browsing, instant messaging, and PIM-like organization and calendaring features.