RIM launches BlackBerry smartphone at Rs 10,990

BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion (RIM) on launched its new smartphone 'Curve 9220' priced at Rs 10,990, a move aimed at strengthening its presence in India, which is one of its fast growing markets.

The Curve 9220 may be the most affordable BlackBerry smartphones with upgraded BlackBerry 7.1 operating system. Currently, the Curve 8520, which is one of RIM's best selling models, is available at an MRP of Rs 8,999.

This is also the first time that RIM has launched a phone globally from India.

"The new BlackBerry Curve 9220 offers a unique mobile experience that young Indians will love thanks to its affordable pricing and unmatched messaging and social connectivity features," RIM Managing Director India Sunil Dutt said.

Even though globally, RIM's market share in the smartphone category is declining, but India is among the few markets, where it has strengthened its base.

"India is a very important market for RIM and we are extremely proud to officially launch the new BlackBerry Curve 9220 for the first time here in India," RIM Senior Vice President Smartphone Business Carlo Chiarello said.

RIM posted a net loss of $125 million for the three months ended March 3, 2012 compared to net income of $934 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2011.

During the quarter, RIM shipped 11.1 million BlackBerry smartphones and over 500,000 BlackBerry PlayBook tablets. RIM does not give country specific details.

"RIM is growing 35 per cent year-on-year and it added 20 million customers last year across the world," Dutt said adding that the company has over 77 million customers globally.

The new BlackBerry Curve 9220 smartphone will offer all the BlackBerry messaging and social-centric features, he added.

The new model claims to offer "the longest lasting" battery life yet in a BlackBerry Curve model, giving users up to seven hours of talk time or up to 28 hours of music playback or FM radio listening on headphones.

As part of the launch in India, BlackBerry Curve 9220 customers can download a selection of apps from BlackBerry App World worth Rs 2500 for free. The BlackBerry Curve 9220 will be available in other markets in the coming weeks.