The long-delayed and perhaps last best hope for Research in Motion, the overhauled Blackberry 10, has been set for an official launch on Jan. 30.
The new phone and software will give Blackberry an integrated touch-screen experience, complete with Web browsing and apps—in other words, an experience similar to iPhone and Android devices, which have trounced the Blackberry over the past five years. The Blackberry 10 will be available only with a touchscreen at first, but a version with the traditional keyboard will follow shortly.
Since it will come after the coveted holiday season, analysts said the launch will count on lingering Blackberry loyalty among smartphone users. On Monday, RIM’s shares traded for about $9, down from a high of $140 in 2008.
