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New BlackBerry phone in testing stages at 50 carriers: RIM

RIM CEO Thorsten Heins. Provided

RIM CEO Thorsten Heins.

Published on October 31, 2012
Published on October 31, 2012
The Canadian Press ~ OBJ  RSS Feed

Research In Motion says its new BlackBerry smartphones are being tested by 50 phone carriers around the world, another step towards their release next year.

Topics :
BlackBerry 10 , Waterloo , Parliament Hill , Ottawa

The carriers, which RIM did not name, are checking to ensure the new devices are compatible with their systems, the Waterloo, Ont.,-based company said Wednesday.

President and CEO Thorsten Heins issued a statement calling the move a "key step" for the BlackBerry phones and BlackBerry 10 operating system.

"This process will continue in the coming months as more carriers around the world formally evaluate the devices and our brand new software," Heins said.

"Our respective teams are now engaged on the technical and commercial preparation of the launch of BlackBerry 10 and the lab entry is an important milestone in that context."

RIM aims to have the new devices on store shelves in the first quarter of 2013, but hasn't announced a specific date for the release. A touch screen version of the smartphone is expected to debut first, followed by a keypad variation.

Earlier this month, the company sent out an invitation to some of the federal government's key officials for a sneak peek at the new BlackBerry operating system. The event is designed to drum up excitement on Parliament Hill where the BlackBerry remains the dominant phone.

Company officials also recently gave Ottawa's developer community a sneak peak at the new phone.

RIM has been in a rescue mode as sales of its BlackBerry smartphones continue to decline in North America and Europe, two of its key markets.

The newest line of BlackBerry phones has faced numerous setbacks since their initial announcement, including two major delays in their release.

The company has shifted its focus to other countries, where smartphones are still growing in popularity, to help keep sales momentum more steady in the meantime.

Comments

  • Username
    AJ
    - November 9, 2012 at 13:38:44

    I have been a long time fan of the blackberry product, since early days of the mobitex network! Today I use a Blackberry Torch and a Playbook. I am anxiously waiting the arrival of Blackberry 10. The devices have been nothing but reliable and durable. I stand behind the product and the Canadian company. We Canadians need to support our grass roots companies.

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