subject: Blackberry torch [print this page] BlackBerry maker Research In Motion unveiled a new smartphone on August 3 that offers iPhone-like features to "crackberry" addicts while adding a few unique touches.
The BlackBerry Torch is targeted at general consumers rather than BlackBerry's traditional base of business users. It includes an updated version of the BlackBerry operating system, called OS 6. The phone will be available Aug. 12 for $200 with a two-year contract on the AT&T network.
The Torch is a big step forward for RIM, which has been working for nearly 16 months with AT&T to create a device that can compete not just with the iPhone but also with a host of snazzy Android devices that are fast gaining market share. RIM's earlier touchscreen phones, the Storm and Storm 2 on Verizon Wireless, were popular, but drew criticism for their buggy OS, browser and hardware. Meanwhile, in 2009 RIM launched its app store and attempted to attract developers to build software applications for the phone.
The Torch helps brings all those efforts together. The device includes a new web browser, which AT&T has called a "generational shift" from previous BlackBerry browsers. For instance, the Torch offers tabbed browsing. And unlike most other BlackBerry devices, the Torch will have the BlackBerry app store, App World, pre-loaded.
Instead of just a touchscreen, the Torch includes both a touchscreen and a slide-out, physical keyboard. The design is evocative of the Palm Pre.
The Torch has three times the input options of the iPhone: You can tap on a virtual keyboard on the 3.2-inch, 480 x 360 pixel display, you can slide out the hardware keyboard preferred by most BlackBerry users, or you can use an optical trackpad to select menu items.
Overall, the Torch is slightly larger than the iPhone, even with the keyboard tucked in, and weighs 5.6 ounces to the iPhone 4's 4.8 ounces.
BlackBerry 6 also sports a universal search feature. When you search, the BlackBerry Torch not only queries e-mail, calendar, and apps on the device, but also external services such as Google and YouTube. An API lets developers make other services searchable here, too.
