Research in Motion is expected to launch its much-awaited BlackBerry 10
smartphones in a few days from now. Thanks to various leaks, these
smartphones have been in the news for quite some time now. So far, these
leaks have indicate that RIM is expected to launch two new smartphones,
but now there is some fresh information about RIM's plans.
If
reports from FierceWireless are anything to go by, then RIM is expected
to launch at least six new smartphones running on this platform within
the year.
The smartphones that RIM is expected to launch
later this month comprise of an all-touch smartphone, which is expected
to be dubbed as BlackBerry Z10 and the other will be a QWERTY device,
which may be christened BlackBerry X10.
In an interview to
FierceWireless at CES 2013, RIM CEO Frank Boulben revealed the roadmap
of the BlackBerry 10 smartphones. Though he did not mention too many
details regarding user expectations from these smartphones, he said,
"We intend over time as we transition the portfolio to have a full range
of devices".
The company feels that with the help of
these six smartphones it will cater to the needs of different customers
across various price points.
Boulben also mentioned that
BlackBerry 10 has no exclusive carrier agreement, which goes against one
of the previous leaks that showcased pictures of a BlackBerry 10
smartphone with the Verizon branding. Guess we will get to know the real
picture a little later in the month when RIM takes the wraps of its
first set of smartphones.
It is well known that, RIM is
counting on its BlackBerry 10 smartphone line-up to compete with the
Android and iOS platforms. The major obstacle that the Canadian
smartphone maker is likely to face is in the apps space.
In
this light, Frank Boulben told FierceWireless that BlackBerry 10 will
launch with at least 70,000 applications and has strong developer
support.
RIM is also planning to launch a high voltage
advertising campaign around these smartphones closer to the launch.
Considering that RIM has put all its eggs in the BlackBerry 10 basket,
the company cannot afford to overlook any aspect of the launch,
especially a strong developer support and a compelling advertising
campaign.
Is this the BlackBerry 10 L-Series smartphone?