BlackBerry unveiled its latest model this week and the sleek new gadget is set up to give the iPhone a run for its money.
The new BlackBerry model, which is called the Torch, features both a touch screen and a slide out keyboard for easier texting. It will be available in stores starting August 12th at a cost of $199 and a two-year contract with AT&T, which is the exclusive provider of these new phones.
Each Torch uses RIM’s new Operating System 6, which is a substantial upgrade over the web browser in older models of BlackBerry phones. The new Torch Mobile Web Browser is based on the same Webkit system used by Apple and Google. The phone features a 3.2-inch, 360-by-480 touch-screen display.
Browsing will be much easier on the phone because it features a universal search function already found in iPhones, Androids, and Palms. It will allow a user to do a keyword search and draw results from e-mail, downloads, or search engines.
If the Torch turns out to be as good and as user-friendly as advertised, it could help BlackBerry from losing customers to rival companies. Time will tell how good these Torch phones really are. Past models have been criticized for snail’s pace internet connections and it’s hard to believe the Torch will be much better.
Twice before the company trotted out touch-screen phones with the Storm and the Storm 2. Neither one, however, compared favorably to touch-screen models offered by rival companies and failed to catch on with consumers.
Chances to get in on the touch screen market are dwindling for BlackBerry and that isn’t a good sign. A substantial number of mobile phones are going the touch screen route, since that function is becoming more and more popular with consumers each year. If BlackBerry can get the Torch to catch on, it will give the company a leg up on their competition since their phones already feature some of the best security features found in any mobile phone.