EXCLUSIVE: BlackBerry Javelin to T-Mobile, Features “Safe Mode” Function and More

To confirm some educated guess-work and rumors, it appears that T-Mobile will be the lucky carrier to launch the ultra-sleek BlackBerry Javelin. Recent API for the device includes T-Mobile WLAN error codes.

Read on past the jump for more information on the BlackBerry Javelin.

Also, with this device to launch with OS 4.6.1, it will feature a “Safe Mode” function that can be envoked by pressing the Escape key while the device is starting up. Perhaps Research In Motion decided to off-load development cycles to Redmond and this beauty was the the result of hard labor and genius design? With all the memory leaks, we can’t say that it hasn’t been a needed feature, though. Does this notification message sound surprisingly familiar?

 “Your device is currently in Safe Mode. Your device starts in Safe Mode if you hold the Escape key during startup. To remain in Safe Mode, click OK. To exit Safe Mode, click Reset.”

While Google was the first to bring the cellular tower-assisted pseudo-GPS, in the form of the ”My Location” enhancement, to the BlackBerry platform, Research In Motion is not too far behind with what they’re calling CellData, or GAS (not really sure on the acronym). An official description of the new feature from RIM:

“Enables a BlackBerry handheld to find its location without a GPS. It works by identifying and locating nearby cell towers, so it will not work out of coverage or where the system does not yet know about a cell.”

All devices running OS 4.6.0, including the upcoming BlackBerry Bold, will include a new multiplayer gaming platform, the BlackBerry Game Service. We are currently unsure as to whether or not this will be for Plazmic-designed games only, or if it will be an open platform for other, more popular BlackBerry game developers, such as Bplay. It appears this will function on an invitation-based system, similar to the behavior found with BlackBerry Messenger.

“Enables multiplayer games on BlackBerry.”

“You have received an invitation to play <insert game title here> on your BlackBerry. Click the <insert game title here> icon on your BlackBerry to play. If you do not have this game installed on your device, you must install it before you can accept this invitation.”

Although the BlackBerry Javelin was rumored by Engadget to launch in mid-2009, we’d be hard-pressed not to expect a more optimistic date of availability. Then again, the BlackBerry Bold was rumored for a late 2007 launch, so perhaps their prediction should be a realistic expectation.