Intel to supply chips for RIM's new BlackBerry

TORONTO/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel will supply the chips powering upcoming models of Research In Motion's Blackberry mobile email device, the two firms said on Tuesday.

The long-rumoured partnership will see RIM use Intel's PXA9xx processor, codenamed "Hermon" for its next-generation BlackBerry, which will run on high-speed Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) networks.

EDGE is a mobile network standard that lets users connect to the internet and send and receive data with broadband-like speed.

The two companies said they will also work together to "drive new wireless technologies and handset features."

"The excitement of these devices based on (Intel's chips) is going to help us expand into new markets," RIM co-chief executive Mike Lazaridis told a news conference in San Francisco.

The chief executive said users would notice a "snappy performance" on the new device, due out later this year, because of its increased browser speed and improved imaging.

"It will appear instantaneous in many ways," he said.

Intel's chips will also allow Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM to add features to the BlackBerry without compromising battery life, he said. A long battery life is among RIM's top design requirements.

Launched in 1999 and known for its distinctive thumb-operated keyboard, the original BlackBerry helped RIM carve out a lucrative niche by popularising wireless emailing with corporate users.

But RIM is facing fierce competition from much larger players that want in on the fast-growing wireless email sector.

Microsoft and its longtime rival in the mobile software market, Palm, introduced a jointly developed mobile phone on Monday that targets the corporate users who are RIM's core customer base.

Motorola and Finland's Nokia are also stepping up their wireless email offerings.

Rumours first surfaced in July about a partnership between RIM and Intel.

RIM's stock jumped about 5 percent in August after reports that it would exchange technology with Intel, using battery-saving technology from the world's largest chip maker, and supporting its high-speed wireless technology WiMAX.

With additional reporting by Tarmo Virki in Helsinki.