RIM launches Blackberry 6 OS capable Curve 3G

BUSINESS SMARTPHONE MAKER Research in Motion (RIM) will make its Blackberry Curve 3G that can use the forthcoming Blackberry 6 OS available from network operators this month.

The Curve 3G is the model 9300 and it comes with a full QWERTY keyboard, an optical trackpad, built-in GPS and WiFi, dedicated media keys for playing songs, a video capable camera and a microSD slot that supports up to 32Gb memory cards.

The Curve 3G ships with the Blackberry 5 OS but is "6 ready" for when the expected operating system is released "in the coming months".

"The majority of people in the worldwide mobile phone market have yet to buy their first smartphone and the BlackBerry Curve 3G is designed to provide an extremely attractive and accessible choice that will help convince many of them to make the leap," said Mike Lazaridis, RIM president and Co-CEO.

However the company is unable to name the network operators that will stock it. One can imagine that might present a bit of an obstacle for all those eager first time smartphone users. µ