Research in Motion showed off its BlackBerry Torch at an event in New York City Tuesday. It has both a slide-out and a touchscreen keyboard, something I’m sure will appeal to BlackBerry devotees not yet ready to part with a physical keypad.
And the touchscreen keyboard actually works, not like the one on the Storm.
The new OS6 features wi-fi sync for music, an updated BlackBerry app store that lets you pay via your AT&T phone bill, universal search, and a whole lot more.
It’s really aimed at consumers this time around; the texting crowd and those more likely to be using social networking features and geo-locating pictures.
As many analysts at the event told me, RIM has caught up to where it needs to be in the smartphone market, but it certainly didn’t break any new ground. Android and iPhone users won’t be clamoring to go buy a BlackBerry. That said, I did find it enjoyable and it’s a great step up for current BlackBerry Curve or Bold users.
The BlackBerry Torch will be available Aug. 12, and cost $199 with a two-year contract with AT&T.
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