Research In Motion (RIM) has unveiled plans to launch five new BlackBerry smartphones based on the BlackBerry 7 Operating System (OS). RIM, in conjunction with carriers and distribution partners around the world, is rolling out two new BlackBerry Bold models and three new BlackBerry Torch models, all running the BlackBerry 7 OS.
The launch will be RIM’s biggest global launch ever. More than 225 carriers and distribution partners have already begun or completed over 500 certification programs for the new handsets.
The Bold 9900 and 9930 are RIM’s thinnest smartphones ever, each offering a large keyboard and touch display. The Torch 9810 combines a large touch display with a slide-out keyboard. The BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860, meanwhile, introduce an all-new, all-touch design featuring the largest display on a BlackBerry smartphone to date.
BlackBerry 7 houses BlackBerry’s latest browser, which RIM says offers a “significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience that is among the best in the industry”. Browsing results are up to 40 per cent faster than BlackBerry 6 based smartphones and up to 100 per cent faster than those running BlackBerry 5. Additional enhancements include optimized zooming and panning for smoother web navigation and optimized HTML5 performance for gaming and video.
All BlackBerry 7 phones come with the Premium version of Documents To Go pre-loaded, included free of charge. Also pre-loaded is BlackBerry Protect (where available), offering customers the peace of mind that personal data can be backed up and secured in the cloud. BlackBerry Balance is also integrated in BlackBerry 7, allowing users to enjoy the full BlackBerry smartphone experience for both work and personal purposes without compromising the IT department’s need for advanced security and IT controls. 
“This is the largest global launch of BlackBerry smartphones in our history,” says RIM president and CEO, Mike Lazaridis. “The BlackBerry solution offers a best-in-class mobile communications experience that customers love, and we think they will be thrilled by the faster performance, enhanced browsing and richer multimedia delivered by these powerful new BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Torch smartphones.”
The handsets will become available from carriers around the world starting later this month. Availability dates for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s partners.
