AT&T readying BlackJack II 3G smartphone

AT&T is on the verge of releasing a new version of its successful Samsung BlackJack cellphone, a leak from Mobiledia reveals. Formally known as the i617, the BlackJack II would tweak the design of the QWERTY-keyboard phone to add a sharper 2-megapixel camera as well as a slightly refined look with a deep red color option. Windows Mobile 6 will also be standard on the device rather than just an upgrade and should include Office Mobile out of the box. Access to AT&T's Music and Video download and streaming services will be available over the phone's 3G, HSDPA-based Internet access that carries over from the original BlackJack.

The escaped details and photos omit details such as battery life or a possible increased storage limit for the microSD slot. However, they also show the phones in full branding with formal product shots, suggesting a near-term release for the phone which is otherwise very similar to the original. Reports suggest a release before the end of the year with pricing similar to the $200 AT&T charges for the current BlackJack with a two-year contract but before a $100 rebate for the old model.