Phones running BlackBerry 10 -- the long-awaited, mildly anticipated new version of RIM's BlackBerry software -- is due to touch down in February, following an official debut on 30 January.
The new software will arrive with new devices in tow. RIM's Kristian Tear told the San Francisco Chronicle new devices should land on multiple continents within 30 days of the January event. That means the UK is likely to see the rumoured BlackBerry London on sale in the first two months of 2013.
The touchscreen-only London has already leaked extensively, so I'll eat my mittens if the mobile up there on the left isn't RIM's next flagship effort. The BlackBerry 'Nevada' (on the right) is likely to launch at the same time, and features the familiar Qwerty keyboard.
It's no secret that BlackBerry-maker RIM is in dire straits, with BlackBerry 10 seen as the company's last-ditch effort to turn around the sinking ship before it strikes the iceberg of obsolescence, and steer it safely into the port of mixed metaphors.
BlackBerry boss Thorsten Heins is optimistic, boldly stating, "We're here to win," but CNET UK's editor Jason Jenkins suspects the new software won't be enough.
BlackBerry fans needn't wait until next year for a new software treat, however. BBM -- the popular messaging service that gained notoriety during the London riots -- is introducing an update that lets you make free calls over a Wi-Fi connection.
In other words, if you're at home or in a Wi-Fi hotspot, you'll be able to ring your buddies via BBM without incurring any additional charges.
The update is available to devices running BlackBerry 6 OS or higher, and has a split-screen feature that lets you send text and picture messages during a voice call -- handy if you're in the phone while your puppy starts doing something hilarious.
It's out now in beta, and can be downloaded at the BlackBerry Beta Zone.
What does the future hold for RIM? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
Image credit: CrackBerry
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anonymous 15 November, 2012 15:19
BB10 is a brand-new, cutting-edge operating system. It will be the only real-time mobile OS on the market (i.e. enabling true, all-on, multi-app multitasking, and its so-called "Balance" ability to run two fully partitioned profiles - personal and business - simultaneously). It is a solid generation ahead of Android and iOS, and corporate clients worldwide will continue to prize its far superior security over anything else available. 82 million BB owners worldwide: With enormous global growth potential for the smart phone segment, I'll be surprised if this number doesn't reach 100 million by 2014.
billfred 16 November, 2012 14:13
OK RIM employee, get back in your box. No one really cares about BB10. It's too late. Yeah it looks cool, but not that cool.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 14:53
Lol @ first comment.
The only thing its a full generation ahead of is its 2+ generations old predecessor. Sorry but blackberry is over.
anonymous 17 November, 2012 11:41
I will go for this qwerty keyboard since I can't speak on phone because I am deaf.
Many deafies will like to have it.
anonymous 18 November, 2012 15:11
eveyone needs to relax, BB is doing fine, the fact that is not doing as good as the preppy IOS or ghetto Android does not mean its over and up for sale, any business majors here? I think NOT!
anonymous 27 December, 2012 01:47
Cant wait for the new BB 10. I have had all IPhones and Androids and always return to Blackberry.