RIM将公布iPhone对手BlackBerry 9800

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RIM预计在下周二公布全新的BlackBerry 6 手机操作系统和 BlackBerry 9800 触摸屏智能手机跟iPhone抗衡

BlackBerry maker to unveil iPhone rival

BLACKBERRY maker Research in Motion is expected to unveil its long anticipated competition for Apple's iPhone next week.

SHARES in Canada's Research in Motion surged overnight on reports the BlackBerry maker plans to release a new smartphone next week to rival Apple's iPhone.

RIM shares gained 4.19 per cent in New York to close at $US55.41.

The Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM is holding a press event in New York on Tuesday but has declined to specify what it is about.

Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya said, however, RIM is likely to unveil the new BlackBerry 6 mobile operating system and a BlackBerry 9800 touchscreen smartphone.

"We expect 9800 shipments to begin in late August, with possible global launch in September," he said.

The analyst said the launch of the BlackBerry 6 platform was a "critical opportunity" for RIM to "stabilise US market share and improve investor perception".

Morgan Stanley analyst Ehud Gelblum said he expected the new RIM phone to receive "hero" treatment from AT&T and for the carrier to "promote the product aggressively".

Gelblum also said he expected the new RIM phone to be exclusive to AT&T, giving it a new smartphone to promote in addition to the iPhone.

AT&T is the exclusive US carrier for the iPhone.

RIM's touchscreen smartphone, the BlackBerry Storm, has failed to match the popularity of the iPhone and handsets running Google's Android mobile operating system.