BB 10 Release: New Phone Available By Early March in the U.S.

Culture

Blackberry (formerly RIM) unveiled on Wednesday its much-anticipated BlackBerry 10, the smartphone with which the company hopes to reclaim some its former splendor in the mobile communications market. 

A full touch screen BlackBerry Z10, with a 1280 x 768 4.2-inch HD display, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and an 1,800mAh battery, and a BlackBerry X10 with a hybrid keyboard / touch screen BlackBerry X10 will be available for sale in the U.S. somewhere in late February or early March announced BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins announced during the BlackBerry 10 Experience event from New York City.

BlackBerry hopes to increase its meager 3.4% global market share (down from 20% three years before), with a cost-effective device that will be available on Thursday in the UK — and at least four weeks later in the U.S. (when carriers "complete their testing").

U.S. carrier Verizon Wireless said the phone would cost $199 for a two-year contract, while Canada's Rogers Communications is quoting C$149 ($150) for certain three-year plans.