For BlackBerry fans in the United States the wait for the new Z10 smartphone is almost over because sources informed Bloomberg today that the launch is scheduled for March 22.
The big score
BlackBerry, formerly known as RIM, wants its new Z10 to be a big success here because 20 percent of its product revenue originates from the United States. Although the sources indicate that the launch will occur on March 22, AT&T did not confirm the report.
Mark Siegel, a spokesman for Dallas-based AT&T, said:
“BlackBerry has not announced official launch dates for the BlackBerry Z10 in the U.S. and we are not able to confirm any rumored launch dates on behalf of our carrier partners.”
Everyone except Sprint
While AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon plan to sell the Z10 touchscreen smartphone, Sprint has opted to pass over this model in favor of the Q10 instead, which features the iconic physical keyboard that BlackBerry phones are so well known for.
Most carriers expect to offer the Z10 near the end of March, but the leak from Bloomberg establishes a firm date.
Coming late to the party
By the end of this week, over 20 countries around the world will have seen the launch of the BlackBerry Z10. The reason for the late launch of the new device in the U.S. is due to the wireless carriers having longer testing cycles for new phones before they are finally authorized to be released for sale.
A mixed bag
Preliminary reviews from various tech sites present a mixed bag of reactions from high praise to skepticism. The one common thread, however, revolves around the situation of an “app gap” or the lack of a full complement of applications for the BlackBerry platform.
First reactions from consumers who first saw the BlackBerry Z10 usually asked the question, “Where’s the keyboard?” The Z10 is BlackBerry’s first serious foray into touchscreen keyboards and will come as a surprise to many.
But the Q10 will be released later this year and will sport the signature physical keyboard BlackBerry is so well known for.
Via Bloomberg
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