RIM’s announcement of their first OS 7 BlackBerry devices was dampened a bit by the lack of the rumoured mobile hotspot function, but a leaked Sprint memo suggests the feature may be unlocked in a future firmware update due in the fourth quarter. The memo was issued because Sprint screwed up on the packaging for the BlackBerry Torch 9860 and listed the hotspot feature there. Presumably such a upgrade, once approved by carriers, would enable mobile hotspot on other OS 7 BlackBerry phones too, like the Torch 9810 and Bold 9900. Even the Curve 9360 should have it.
It’s not unheard of for carriers to block core features for BlackBerry devices, such as NFC on the new Bold. Mobile hotspot may be a particularly tricky feature for carriers to work in, be it because of new pricing options, battery optimization, or any number of other issues. It took awhile for iPhone to get it too, so I’m not particularly bitter about the wait. Given RIM’s obsession with efficiency, and the high demands of mobile broadband, I suspect that carriers will be happy about how little of a strain BlackBerry mobile hotspots will be on their networks.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for the first signs of hotspot-friendly firmware (be it official or otherwise), and with any luck, NFC on the 9900 will be unlocked soon too.
[via CB]