Research in motion (RIM), the Canadian smartphone maker, is reported to be launching a flip version of the Blackberry pearl smartphone, a move prompted by competition from rivals like Apple, Nokia and HTC.
The first flip Blackberry will be loaded with multimedia features like video, music players, web browser, 2 mega pixel camera with flash and an abridge keyboard. This new phone is reported to be available around the world starting this autumn. In the US, T-Mobile will be the exclusive launch carrier.RIM currently has more than 16 mn subscribers. No pricing details were immediately available.
Another report says that Waterloo, an Ontario- based company will be launching BlackBerry- Bold in North America later this month. RIM is also planning to launch a touch-screen BlackBerry similar in design to the Apple's iPhone.
RIM is expected to launch a broad array of consumer products in the second half of 2008, with multiple handsets, including the Bold, a touch-screen, flip, slider, 3G Pearl and others, says an analyst with RBC Capital Markets.
Concerns about the timing of the company's new product launches and their ability of compete with the likes of iPhone have put pressure on the stock, which sank below the US $100 mark on Tuesday to its lowest closing price in nearly six months.