Carrying a Torch for RIM
BlackBerry fans will ‘soon' be able to get their hands on the new BlackBerry Torch 9800 from Vodafone UK.
Vodafone UK's website is currently inviting interested people to register for more details of the new touch screen handset and its launch. The Torch is due out in the US on 12 August.
Research in Motion's (RIM) latest handset boasts a QWERTY keyboard and full touch screen with the latest BlackBerry 6 operating system as well as a whole host of other features.
Users can type messages on the Torch's keyboard or using the touch screen and browse the internet using ‘pinch' hand gestures to zoom and swiping motions.
The handset also comes with 4GB of memory and a 5 megapixel camera and plays on the popularity of social networking with MySpace, Twitter and Facebook all pre-installed on the phone.
Many analysts have said the Torch could prove a defining moment in RIM's success as the BlackBerry manufacturer has recently lagged behind in the smartphone race as users are drawn to the iPhone and Android-based phones.
According to research by Gartner, the first quarter of 2010 has seen the strongest year-on-year phone growth since 2006, with world smartphone sales reaching 54.3m units.
The BlackBerry 6 os, available on the Torch handset, will also be rolled out to existing BlackBerry models in a bid to compete with other function-rich smartphones. However, owners of Storm and Storm 2 handsets are set to miss out.
The revamped operating system features a redesigned interface that works with a touch screen and trackpad, expanded messaging capabilities, a new search tool and better multimedia experience.
