There will be BlackBerry touch screen in Q3

Canadian smartphone maker RIM plans to release a version of BlackBerry equipped with a multi-touch screen to "respond" to Apple iPhone, the Wall Street Journal said.

Called "Thunder" (Thunder), the new BlackBerry line will be distributed via Verizon mobile network in the US and Vodafone in international markets.

"The touch screen will make writing and receiving / sending wireless emails much simpler, more interesting , " the WSJ's confidential source revealed.

The new version will also be packed with entertainment and multimedia features, which RIM often left open.

Since then, BlackBerry has always been considered a smartphone of work. The series is strong in email and office applications, but its entertainment features are incredibly poor.

Even recently released models are not equipped with integrated digital cameras or MP3 players - although these are the "standard" features on today's mobile phone village.

However, the birth of the " cult " iPhone has upset all. With an oversized touch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity and a full web browser, the iPhone allows users to edit emails easily.

So, iPhone has the same powerful music function as iPod.

(Photo: AFP)

"IPhone killer" ?

The media fever created by the iPhone has forced other cell phone companies to stand still.

A series of products dubbed "iPhone Assassin", "iPhone rival" came into being, promoting an oversized touch screen.

Even RIM cannot stand outside. Last February, co-CEO Jim Balsillie of the company said there would be "a touch screen device if users need it".

Rumors of a version of BlackBerry touch began to appear on the Internet since the beginning of the week, but RIM representatives declined to comment on the information that WSJ posted.

RIM's latest product is the BlackBerry Bold smartphone, with a rather stylish and sleek design aimed at business users.

If the BlackBerry Thunder information is true, then RIM will jump into a direct, uncompromising confrontation with Apple iPhone in a short time.

In the past, Mr. Balsillie himself denied that the iPhone could "threaten RIM's market share".

And yet, BlackBerry touch screen will also help RIM penetrate deeper into the mass consumer market.

This is a necessary move when the firm's loyal customer base is only confined to leaders, lawyers and experts.