Hopefully the competition in the smartphone market is paying attention because RIM's latest smartphone, the Blackberry 8820, is chock full of features that even make the iPhone seem ancient.

Without hesitation, let's get straight to the features ...

The BlackBerry 8820 smartphone supports the 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi that now allows the phone to enable data access through public hotspots and wireless home networks. YIPPIE! This feature is already making me drool over this phone ... But even better, by utlizing UMA, the 8820 can also seamlessly switch voice calls between a wireless carrier's cellular network and a Wi-Fi network. So for those currently on T-Mobile (like myself), this phone should be part of T-Mobile's new HotSpot @ Home Free Calls over WiFi service.

Next on the list of new features is the built-in GPS. This is a definte plus for all of us who Blackberry while in the car (we don't encourage this, but it happens). Using the GPS, the 8820 can pinpoint its location and utilize one of the wide variety of location-based applications and services it supports, including BlackBerry® Maps, so that you can get to the important [strike]baseball game[/stirke] meeting in time.

Now for those who need a distraction from all those work emails, RIM didn't forget about you. The 8820 now allows users to play both audio and videos files (in full screen!) and has a new desktop media manager, Roxio Media Manager for BlackBerry. Using this new media manager, you can search for media files on your computer, create MP3s from your CDs and even convert pictures, music and videos for optimal playback on the smartphone.

Actually there are a lot more features in the 8820 that I couldn't get to (disappointedly no camera), so defintely checkout RIM's Blackberry 8820 Website that lists all of these features plus gives video tours, 360 views and more.

The BlackBerry 8820 will be available from select wireless carriers around the world in the coming weeks. AT&T is scheduled to launch the BlackBerry 8820 in the U.S. later this summer.