Blackberry Torch To Take On Apple iPhone
August 16th, 2010 | by Mobile Data Group |Research In Motion (RIM), maker of the BlackBerry, has unveiled a BlackBerry Torch to take on the hot-selling iPhone, avoiding comment on a plan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to snuff out data service there.
RIM’s first mobile phone with a slide-out keyboard and touchscreen debuted at a press event in New York City.
The launch of the BlackBerry Torch would occur “in the coming months” in Australia, with telcos Optus, Telstra, Vodafone and 3 all looking to carry it, RIM Australia said.
RIM executives did not make themselves available after the gathering to field questions about discussions said to be taking place between countries such as the UAE regarding access to data sent using BlackBerry devices.
While the popularity of iPhones has soared among fans thrilled by games, social networking, video watching and other casual uses, BlackBerry has remained a favourite for business people craving secure wireless communications.
BlackBerry smartphones can be hard targets for countries that do electronic snooping in the name of national security.
The UAE has said that BlackBerry services including messenger, web browsing and email will be suspended on October 11 because they “allow individuals to commit violations” that the country cannot monitor.
In an emailed statement on Monday, RIM said it was aware some customers were “curious about the discussions that occur between RIM and certain governments” but that such talks were confidential.