Initial BlackBerry 10 Phones Won’t Have a Physical Keyboard

By Ken

Research In Motion’s newest operating system will be initially used with touch-screen keyboards, not the traditional physical keyboard most people associate with the success of the BlackBerry brand.

Although it’s been confirmed that devices with physical keyboards will eventually be created for use with BlackBerry OS 10, RIM has not disclosed when they plan to do so, only that they intend to roll out phones with touch-screen keyboards first.

It may seem as though RIM is simply keeping up with the Joneses, as both iPhones and Androids utilize touch-screen technology instead of a physical keyboard, RIM claims their phones are made for new wave of smartphone users.

Even though most people closely associate a real keyboard with the BlackBerry brand, and all the previous touch-screen only BlackBerry devices have had disappointing sales, RIM feels it’s the direction they need to move in.

The fact that businesses use BlackBerry phones more than most other types is a testament to the idea that physical keyboards are easier to use, so only time will tell whether or not those who use BlackBerry devices will upgrade their phones to the new operating system or not. iPhones are quickly catching on in the corporate world, and if BlackBerry doesn’t play their cards right with their latest line of phones, they could find themselves losing their stranglehold over the business market.

Research In Motion been slowly moving away from the “all business no play” motto that they had with earlier models. BlackBerry 10 is going to be designed with the end user experience in mind, not just productivity. This means that you’ll be able to browse the internet faster, download higher quality apps, and enjoy media much faster and easier than before.

With BlackBerry 10, it seems as though RIM, whose stock has recently fallen dramatically on the NYSE, wants to make a few changes. Although the physical keyboard is BlackBerry’s main distinguishing feature, it appears as though RIM feels that it’s a bit dated in design, and that changing to touch-screen is simply keeping up with the times.

Research in Motion hopes that their new operating system, new phones, and recent layoffs will help get the company on the right track once again. Although RIM is in high spirits, with the announcement of touch-screen phones over those with physical keyboards, the company’s stock dropped over 2%.

Only time will tell if consumers reject or embrace the initial lineup of BlackBerry 10 phones. Acceptance will allow RIM to flourish. If sales flop, BlackBerry 10 could very well be the nail in RIM’s coffin.