SlingPlayer Mobile For BlackBerry Public Beta Starts Dec 30th

Sling have set a release date for the SlingPlayer Mobile software for BlackBerry smartphones, first announced at the beginning of 2008.  The software, which allows you to watch streamed video from your SlingBox over a WiFi or 3G connection, will go into public beta come December 30th, at which point it will be available to download for those with BlackBerry handsets running OS 4.5.

Officially supported at launch are the Bold, Curve 8900, 8820, Curve 8320, Pearl Flip 8220 and the Pearl 8120. Versions for the US, Canada and the UK will be available, all as a free download during the beta period.  If you're unsure about whether your BlackBerry is compatible, there's an online checker tool here.

Of course, the requirements for non-WiFi use are a 3G connection, but we've heard on the unofficial grapevine that the app will work with EDGE-only BlackBerry handsets running OS 4.5.  The issue here is widely varying connection speeds, so don't expect a 100-percent perfect user experience using the slower connection.