Verizon Wireless today announced plans to carry a version of the Blackberry Curve, the popular GPS-enabled smartphone previously available only from AT&T. The Verizon version of the Curve, dubbed the Blackberry 8330, includes the same multimedia capabilities as other recent Blackberry models, as well as SDHC support, EVDO high-speed internet, voice-activated dialing, and an internal GPS receiver with support for Verizon's premium VZ Navigator mapping service.

It's currently unclear whether the device's receiver will be locked for use only with the VZ Navigator service, or if it will be available to other applications as well.

More About The Blackberry Curve

The Curve is marketed heavily to consumers and individual purchasers, a departure from RIM's traditionally business-oriented sales. As such, the company emphasizes the multimedia capabilities of the device, as well as its 2 megapixel digital camera, an uncommon feature for a Blackberry.

The Curve also features a thumb keyboard, QVGA display, and Bluetooth 2.0.

Pricing And Availability

The device is expected to launch in May for $270 after a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year contract. An additional $100 off will be given to those signing up for certain qualifying voice and data plans, bringing the device's lowest cost to $170 with new service.