Home › Reviews ›

Review: BlackBerry Torch 9850

Form Basics Extras Video Wrap-Up Comments 74

Media Camera Photos/Video Browse/Customize Extras

Music

The 9850's media player is unchanged when compared to RIM's other BlackBerry 7-based devices. The basic search options let you cycle through artists, albums, playlists, songs and the like. The music player can be sent to the background and users may listen while doing other things, such as browsing the web. Incoming calls pause music, which resumes once the call is disconnected. There are some advanced options, but not too many. There is an audio boost; captions can be turned on/off; and music can be enhanced when the 9850 is used with headphones.

As for syncing, the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop manager is helpful for stuffing the 9850 full of your favorite playlists. It can add songs via USB cable or Wi-Fi. It is compatible with iTunes, for those who favor Apple's media management software. The Amazon MP3 store is installed to enable purchases directly from the handset and Slacker Radio is on board for streaming.

Sprint has also added its Sprint Radio and Sprint Music Plus into the mix just for the fun of it. Sprint Radio is Sprint's streaming music service, and Sprint Music Plus is another option for seeking out downloadable tunes.

Video

The 9850 also comes loaded with the same video options as found on the 9900/9930. There is a native video application that can play sideloaded or captured content. There is also a YouTube application for managing and interacting with your YouTube account.

You and I both know that Sprint can't leave its devices bereft of video options, so the Torch 9850 also has Sprint Football Live, Sprint NASCAR, and Sprint TV & Movies. These all offer streamed video content.

Given the multitudinous media options, you'll be pleased to know that movies look great on the 9850's 3.7-inch display. The streamed content, while suffering from the normal issues encountered by content sent over the network, looked as good as it would on an Android or iOS device. The sideloaded movies I stuffed onto the 9850 looked and sounded great.

Next page: Camera

Related

Video Tour: BlackBerry Torch 9850

Here is a quick look at the Research In Motion BlackBerry Torch 9850 for Sprint. It offers the latest system software from RIM in addition to svelte good looks.

RIM Dinged with Bluetooth-Related Patent Suit

Dec 11, 2012
Wi-LAN has filed a lawsuit against Research In Motion alleging that the BlackBerry maker is infringing on a single patent related to Bluetooth technology. Wi-LAN says a number of RIM's smartphones, such as the Bold, Pearl, Storm, and Torch, infringe on the patent.

NXP Sues RIM Over Patents, Wants Triple Damages

Apr 3, 2012
Research In Motion was hit with a lawsuit by NXP, which alleges that RIM's BlackBerry Torch, Curve, and Bold smartphones infringe on six of its patents. NXP wants sales of the devices halted, and compensatory and triple damages.

Apple, HTC, LG, RIM, Samsung Targeted by Patent Suit

Mar 28, 2012
A company called Graphics Properties Holdings recently filed a lawsuit against Apple, HTC, LG, RIM, Samsung, and Sony, alleging that the companies' products violate its intellectual property. Specifically, the lawsuit covers a patent pertaining to how mobile devices process data and text into pixels on a display.

Verizon Updates BlackBerry 9930 Bold, 9850 Torch

Oct 19, 2011
Verizon Wireless has made operating system updates available to both the Research In Motion BlackBerry 9930 Bold and 9850 Torch. Both are being updated to OS version 7.0.0.374 and include extensive change logs.

BlackBerry Torch 9850

3.7" display 480 x 800 pixels
Snapdragon S2 MSM8655 processor
1,230 mAh battery
Memory Card Slot, Headphone Jack (3.5mm)

more news about: