RIM to roll out new handsets in two weeks

Research in Motion (RIM) is now getting ready for a slew of new launches.

Next week, it will start shipping the new PlayBook, loaded with a new operating software ‘PlayBook OS 2.0’ at three price points. The one with 16 GB storage is priced slightly under Rs 14,000, another with 32 GB storage under Rs 18,000 and yet another with 64 GB storage at under Rs 32,000.

“Our problem was supply rather than demand. We have a huge backlog of demand for PlayBook from the enterprise segment as we have completely run out of stocks,” RIM India MD Sunil Dutt said.

The new operating system makes the PlayBook tablets smarter with additional functionalities, including the ability to run Android-based applications. It will also add advanced messaging features, increased social integration and better browser, among other things, Dutt said. Next in line are two new BlackBerry handsets on the OS 7 platform which has become the company’s standard OS for smartphones since  late last year when the company introduced four new handsets.

And, of course, along with its global launch in the second half of 2012, RIM will also introduce another handset on a completely new operating system called BB10 which is based on the new QNX powered operating system already seen in the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Talking about India business, Dutt pointed out that India is one of the focus markets for RIM and despite intense competition, BlackBerry is doing very well here.

“Consumers in India are finding BlackBerry as an overall solution, for enterprise needs as well as for entertainment,” said Dutt. “The BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) is a big hit with the young users as number of apps are also available on BBM.” The company is also strengthening the ‘touch’ experience in its smartphones as the users are demanding better options.