We heard awhile back on the Facebook fan page that US Cellular was getting the BlackBerry Bold 9650.  We just got the word that tomorrow it will officially be available in all retail locations.  I had a hard time spotting the device on their website so they’re probably planning on posting that up sometime tomorrow along with the launch.  In the press release, it is emphasized that the 9650 does support BlackBerry 6, and it’s funny seeing OS 5.0 referred to as “BlackBerry 5″ sounds like a band.  That’s the main punch line.  Because everyone will just look at it as a BlackBerry that’s been out for quite some time now, so BlackBerry 6 support is the new push.  Any way, we’ll definitely fill you in on pricing details tomorrow.  You all know the specs to the Bold 9650 already, nothing new but another BlackBerry 6 supported device moving along to other carriers.  Hit the jump for the full press release.

U.S. CELLULAR ADDS TO ITS SMARTPHONE PORTFOLIO WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE BLACKBERRY BOLD 9650 SMARTPHONE

CHICAGO (Aug. 17, 2010) – U.S. Cellular today announced that the BlackBerry® Bold™9650 smartphone will be available online and in U.S. Cellular stores beginning Aug. 18.  This much-anticipated smartphone is stylish and feature-rich, satisfying customers’ needs to stay connected with their business and personal email, Internet and social networks, all on U.S. Cellular’s nationwide 3G network.  The BlackBerry Bold 9650 can be used around the world; it supports high-speed EV-DO Rev. A networks in North America, as well as UMTS/HSPA (2100Mhz) and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks abroad.

“When you combine the BlackBerry Bold with our industry-first programs such as Overage Protection and Battery Swap, our customers can have a powerful smartphone with a unique wireless experience,” said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. “The international voice and data capabilities of the BlackBerry Bold give our customers options while traveling for business or with their friends and families.”

With its combination of quality, performance, functionality and entertainment features, the BlackBerry Bold 9650 appeals to both professionals and consumers.  Customers can view videos and pictures on the brilliant 2.4-inch HVGA+ display and browse the Web at fast 3G speeds.  The 3.2 MP camera features auto-focus and takes high-quality pictures that can easily be shared on popular social networking sites.  Plus with a microSD/SDHC memory card slot that supports up to 32 GB cards, customers have plenty of storage to take their music, pictures and videos with them wherever they go.  And of course, customers get the convenience and reliability of BlackBerry email and access to instant messaging services like BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™).

Customers can use the BlackBerry Bold 9650 smartphone’s built-in Wi-Fi® to connect to the Internet over wireless hotspots at home or on the road, and the built-in GPS along with BlackBerry® Maps offers step by step directions and easy searches for local points of interest.  The full-QWERTY keyboard makes typing fast and comfortable and the optical trackpad allows fluid scrolling through menus and icons.

The BlackBerry Bold 9650 includes easy access to a range of U.S. Cellular applications such as My Contacts Backup, Tone Room Deluxe and Your Navigator Deluxe.  Thousands more applications are available on BlackBerry App World™, making it easy for customers to personalize their phone to suit their style.

The BlackBerry Bold 9650 ships with BlackBerry® 5 and is BlackBerry® 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry smartphones that was announced earlier this month.  It retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy to use. BlackBerry 6 is expected to be available for the BlackBerry Bold 9650, subject to certification by U.S. Cellular, in the coming months. For more information about the BlackBerry Bold 9650 smartphone, visit www.blackberry.com/bold.

-by Otoniel Bruno

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