AT&T and Research In Motion (RIM) have introduced BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone, which combines a BlackBerry keyboard with a full touch screen experience, and allows users choose to type out messages on the capacitive touch screen or BlackBerry keyboard.
The company said that the new BlackBerry Torch 9800 comes with BlackBerry 6, a new operating system with features including, a redesigned interface that works with a touch screen and trackpad, expanded messaging capabilities that simplify managing social media and RSS feeds, and an advanced multimedia experience.
Mike Lazaridis, co-CEO of RIM, said: "With a new user interface, new browser and new handset design, the highly anticipated BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry 6 deliver integrated and uncompromising capabilities for consumers and business professionals that preserve the industry-leading strengths of the BlackBerry platform while adding exciting new dimensions."
The BlackBerry Torch smartphone expands on RIM’s messaging offerings with the support of AT&T’s messaging features for SMS and MMS. The new device also includes group messaging with ‘reply all’ functionality for up to 10 contacts. For the first time, AT&T’s platform includes a new Locations feature.
The new device features include: 35 key full QWERTY backlit slide-out keyboard, designed to feel optimally balanced when opened for typing; 4GB built-in memory storage plus a microSD/SDHD memory card slot that supports up to 32 GB cards; a 4 GB card is included giving users 8 GB of storage out-of-the-box; and Built-in GPS for location-based applications and geo-tagging.
In addition, the premium phone features include voice activated dialing; new BlackBerry Desktop Software 6 with integrated media sync; and Tri-band HSDPA (3G) and quad-band EDGE support for the option of voice service in more than 220 countries, data service in more than 195 countries and 3G connectivity in more than 125 countries, including Japan and South Korea.
The company said that the new BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone will be available only for AT&T customers on August 12 in AT&T company owned retail stores and its website, Best Buy, Wal-Mart and RadioShack stores.
