On January 30, Research in Motion, makers of the BlackBerry, will launch their latest product, BlackBerry 10, in a global flurry of events.
The company has struggled with BlackBerry sales as Android phones and iPhones have peeled off many formerly loyal BlackBerry users. The good news: BlackBerry 10 has been tested with 50 different global carriers, and RIM stock shot up 6.2 percent after the announcement of its new smartphone's launch date.
What the New BlackBerry Will Look Like
The new BlackBerry will actually be two distinct devices. Customers can choose a touchscreen device that looks more like Apple and Android smartphones, or they can choose a keypad-powered device that resembles BlackBerry's Bold line. The touchscreen phone, which is rumored to be named the BlackBerry Z10, will feature an HD display, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage and an 1,800 mAh battery. The keypad-powered version, the X10, will deliver both rear and front-facing cameras with 1080-megapixel video recording. Both devices will sport Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. The phone will also include near field communications (NFC) capability so that owners can utilize mobile payments where available.
BlackBerry's strongest feature has always been security. Security has made the device a darling of the Department of Defense as well as many other government agencies. The Z10 will keep professional and personal data separate and private, allowing users to switch modes with a simple swipe. The security, along with the super-fast browsing capability, may cause both the public and private sectors to take a second look at the BlackBerry instead of transitioning to iOS or Android.
The 100,000 Apps
BlackBerry's manufacturer hopes to launch its new devices with access to an app store featuring over 100,000 options. To meet this goal, the company has hosted several "Portathons," paying app developers $100 per app for porting up to 20 apps to BlackBerry. Developers who ported five or more apps were entered into a drawing for a free Dev Alpha device.
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
RIM has already launched its BlackBerry Enterprise Service mobile device management program to power both its current products and the BlackBerry 10s. The company knows that BlackBerry 10 is its last hope for a comeback against Apple and Samsung. If market analysts are right, this launch will either save or sink the BlackBerry. There's no doubt that RIM is looking for salvation.
What are your thoughts? Are you waiting for the new Blackberry 10 or have you given up and moved to Apple or Samsung?
