14 DAY TRIAL // Shortly after BlackBerry made its new BlackBerry 10 operating system official, along with devices powered by it, mobile phone carrier Sprint confirmed that the new BlackBerry Q10 handset will be released on its 4G LTE network later this year.
Running under the re-designed BlackBerry 10 platform, the handset features a physical QWERTY keyboard, complemented by a touchscreen display and capable of providing users with a highly appealing mobile experience.
The BlackBerry Q10 smartphone was announced as the first BlackBerry 10 smartphone to sport a physical QWERTY keyboard, but BlackBerry (formerly Research In Motion) is expected to release other similar devices as well.
For the time being, however, the wireless carrier did not unveil specific info on the availability of the device, nor on the price tag that it will feature when launched, but it will provide such details closer to the smartphone’s arrival.
“The BlackBerry Q10 smartphone delivers a powerful new platform for BlackBerry customers,” said Carlo Chiarello, executive vice president of Global Smartphone Business, RIM.
“Combined with the 4G LTE network and service plans from Sprint, BlackBerry Q10 customers will be delighted with a re-invented communication experience, seamless multitasking, easy access to multiple social networks and the peace of mind that BlackBerry security gives them.”
The new BlackBerry 10 platform will provide users with a variety of features specifically designed to adapt to their needs, including the BlackBerry Hub, a new keyboard, BBM with voice and video calling, and BlackBerry Balance.
Furthermore, handsets running under the platform will take advantage of the fast speeds that Sprint’s 4G LTE network can provide users with. The service is already available in 58 markets in the US, with more of them expected to receive it this year.
“Sprint and RIM have been strong partners for more than a dozen years, and we have an extremely loyal base of BlackBerry customers who will appreciate the features of the new BlackBerry 10 platform,” said David Owens, vice president of Product Development, Sprint.
“We also look forward to adding BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 to our portfolio and bringing the enterprise mobility solution to our customers.”