Entry level BlackBerry inbound

05 August 2011 - 11:38:35

Andrew Hutchinson

Research in Motion (RIM) looks like it will be making its BlackBerry range a little more accessible after it hinted that a low cost smartphone featuring the latest BB operating system will be arriving in the coming weeks.

In a statement made to TechRadar, spokesperson, Stephen Bates explained that RIM understands the need for a more affordable BlackBerry device and, as such, the company will deliver fans just that.

Insiders expect that this as yet unnamed mobile will probably be a new addition to the Curve range, as this has typically been targeted at younger users with smaller budgets but a burning need for messaging and social networking on the move.

BlackBerry Messenger, the instant messaging service which has proved particularly popular amongst users of all ages, is being refreshed to keep pace with the seventh iteration of the operating system found on RIM handsets and it could be a real asset of this upcoming budget device.

Reports suggest that the new smartphone will be called the Curve 9360, which looks to be a redesigned version of the 9300 which launched last year. It retains the full QWERTY keypad associated with most BlackBerry handsets while its display looks to sport a higher resolution than its predecessor to make web browsing more palatable.

Mr Bates seemed to suggest that RIM would be attempting to appease its existing user base by augmenting and improving features like BlackBerry Messenger and email functionality with future handsets. Of course the downside of this is that it might not be innovating in ways that will get it noticed outside of circles already thoroughly loyal to the BlackBerry brand.

RIM has been struggling with sliding sales figures and a perception that its software is just not up to scratch when compared with Apple and Google's offerings. The Curve 9360 will at least have value for money on its side.