First Touchscreen Smartphones from RIM, the BlackBerry Z10 & Q10

BlackBerry Z10 & BalckBerry Q10

Research In Motion, as known as RIM, has officially introduced its new BlackBerry 10 OS along with 2 new smartphones at the event on January 30, just like the previous invitation. The company also changed its corporate branding from RIM to BlackBerry at the same time. As to the 2 new handsets, named Z10 and Q10 respectively, both equipped with a touchscreen.

Specs of the BlackBerry Z10 & Q10

BlackBerry Z10

BlackBerry Q10

Dimensions & weight: 130 mm x 65.6 mm x 9 mm, weighs 138 g Display: 4.2-inch LCD touchscreen with 768 x 1280 pixels resolution and 356 ppi OS: BlackBerry 10 Processor: 1.5 GHz dual-core RAM: 2 GB ROM: 16 GB, microSD expandable, up to 64 GB Cameras: an 8 MP rear camera and a 2 MP front-facing camera Battery: 1800 mAh battery NFC supported Color: Black/white Launch date: March 2013 (USA) Price: $149 for a three-year contract, $199 for a two-year contract

Dimensions & weight: Dimensions known, weighs 139 g Display: 3.1-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen with 720 x 720 pixels resolution and 328 ppi Physical keyboard OS: BlackBerry 10 Processor: 1.5 GHz dual-core RAM: 2 GB ROM: 16 GB, microSD expandable, up to 32 GB Cameras: an 8 MP rear camera and a front-facing camera Battery: currently unknown Launch date: April 2013 (USA) Price: currently unknown

Highlights of the new OS
Despite the lack of big surprises from both smartphones, there are some highlights brought to BB fans by the BlackBerry 10 OS.

BlackBerry Peek and BlackBerry Hub. BlackBerry 10 supports multitask by sliding to open or minimize an app. With the help of BlackBerry Peek, user can view series of information on BlackBerry Hub by sliding from the left edge of screen to the right. As to the BlackBerry Hub, it's an integrated interface with messaging, social content, etc.

BlackBerry Hub

BlackBerry Balance. A function allows user to switch modes between Life and Work with a simply gesture. Wallpapers, apps and even content from app store could be customized in the 2 modes.

BlackBerry Balance

BlackBerry Messenger. The BBM is similar to apple's FaceTime and Google's GTalk. It's a function which supports live video chat, as well as projects screen to receiver remotely to show apps, pics, etc.

BBM

BlackBerry Remember. A place to keep on top of all user's files, tasks and notes. It is integrated right into the BlackBerry Hub. User can flag messages, assign due dates, take voice notes, add attachments and pull in contacts. It also integrates with Evernote account to bring all notes into one simple BlackBerry Remember app.

BlackBerry Remember

Apps. The BlackBerry company also announced there are currently more than 70,000 apps available for BlackBerry 10. This should be the most ever for a new device, compared with iOS, Android and WP8 gadgets. (But I still wonder if there are some suitable apps to watch PowerPoint on BlackBerry Z10 & Q10, other than using built-in Documents To Go app)

Conclusion

The company has made up its mind to catch up with iPhone and Android phones in the market. As HLNtv said, BlackBerry is like dinosaurs, there was a time when they ruled the earth. Now they’re just hoping to avoid the same fate. Take a look at the global smartphone market share in 2012, iOS and Android still lead. Besides BB diehards, I can't find a reason for other people to change their iPhone/Android phone to a BlackBerry.

Global mobile operation system share in 2012

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