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BlackBerry troops back to the battlefield today
[January 29, 2013]

BlackBerry troops back to the battlefield today


DUBAI, Jan 30, 2013 (Khaleej Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Research In Motion (RIM) is all set to finally unveil to the world its two new devices with latest operating system today that is likely to determine the future direction of the Canadian smartphone manufacturer.



Dubai will be among six cities to be part of the global launch. Price and date of availability in the UAE is not yet disclosed. But it is expected to be available in the first week of February with starting price below Dh2,600, according to sources.

RIM chief executive officer Thorsten Heins will take the stage in New York around 8pm (UAE time) today to unveil new BlackBerry devices and new operating system. The event is being predicted similar in scale to Apple's much-anticipated product rollouts.


The company is launching one with a touch screen called Blackberry Z10 and the other Blackberry X10 will feature a full keypad like its previous devices.

There are great expectations and excitement among Blackberry lovers across the world for the re-designed, re-engineered, and re-invented device and the Canadian smartphone manufacturer is also touting the new system as a big change in smartphone technology. A New York-based analyst, who has tested the device, predicted that people will leave iPhone, Android or Windows phone in favour of RIM's new device.

There are reports that people are waiting for the new Blackberry device despite very good bundle and offers by power retailers during the ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival.

Axiom Telecom, one of the Blackberry distributors in the UAE, has announced that customers will be able to pre-order their Blackberry 10 device from January 31 by visiting its stores or online.

It was also announced that pre-booking customers have the option to get the new device delivered directly to their home or any other desired location as soon as it arrives.

"I've been interacting with customers every day for the past few months about the BlackBerry 10 launch and, having experienced the device first-hand, I have assured them to expect something special. A real buzz is building among our staff as well, and we are doing all we can to ensure Axiom Telecom remains the go-to destination for purchase and support of what promises to be one of 2013's biggest tech events." Ashish Panjabi, chief operating officer, Jacky's Electronics, said: "Blackberry is in for the fight of its life in 2013." Many Blackberry users have been patiently waiting for a new device from RIM and most had tolerated with the previous versions of Blackberry because of attractive data plans and Apps like Blackberry Messenger, Panjabi added.

Telecommunication operator etisalat and RIM held the first exclusive preview of Blackberry Enterprise Service 10 for the UAE business customers this week. Over 200 business partners attended the event, including Etihad, Emirates Airlines, Emirates NBD, HSBC and Nakheel.

"Etisalat is delighted to be the first telecom service provider in the region to offer an exclusive preview of the BlackBerry 10 platform that will match the expectations of our enterprise customers in the UAE," said Abdullah Al Ahmed, senior vice-president, Business Solutions at Etisalat.

RIM regional managing director for Middle East and Africa Robert Bose said: "BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 enables mobile workers to securely access the corporate information -- from applications to email -- that they need, and provides administrators with efficient tools that can help keep their businesses moving. With BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10, administrators can create separate enterprise and personal profiles on BlackBerry 10 devices, enabling employees to use one device for all their needs," Bose added.

RIM is promising a speedier device, a superb typing experience and the ability to keep work and personal identities separate on the same phone.

Accoridng to leaked information, Z10 will have a 1,280x768 4.2-inch HD display, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and an 1,800mAh battery. The X10, the smartphone model with a keyboard, should have similar internal specs and, along with the Z10, will sport two cameras. The front-facing camera will be 2 MP with a 2x digital zoom and 720p video recording and the rear camera should be 8 MP and include a flash, auto focus, 1080p video recording and a 5x digital zoom.

* ___ (c)2013 the Khaleej Times (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) Visit the Khaleej Times (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) at www.khaleejtimes.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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