Katrina launches BlackBerry Curve 9220

Indian smartphone enthusiasts got another reason to rejoice, as Research In Motion (RIM) unveiled its newest gadget, a BlackBerry 7 smartphone, christened BlackBerry Curve 9220. Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif was roped in to unveil the latest RIM product.

Priced at Rs 10,990, the Curve 9220 is based on BlackBerry OS 7.1. The phone comes with a full QWERTY keyboard and includes a 2 megapixel rear camera. The phone unlike most new smartphones is not a 3G phone. It has a modest 2.44-inch display with 320x240 pixel resolution. It has a dedicated BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) key and the camera integration allows direct BBM avatar update. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi, which provides smooth and fast internet browsing without incurring mobile data usage cost. A feature that is rare for BlackBerry phones, the 9220 comes with built-in FM radio. RIM claims that the 9220 has the longest battery life for any BlackBerry Curve smartphone.

"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," said Sunil Dutt, MD, India, RIM.

Patrick Spence, senior VP and MD, global sales and regional marketing, RIM, highlighted that 30% of the world's mobile phone users are based out of India and China, and hence India is a potential market for RIM. He said, "Globally, smartphone sales grew by 61%, but in India it grew by 97%. Hence we have chosen India for the launch of this vivacious phone."

The BlackBerry Curve 9220 will be first available in India from April 19 and RIM said that shipments have already started. The phone will be available in four colors-black, teal, fuchsia pink and pure white at the moment, however Carlo Chiarello, executive VP, smartphone division, RIM said that RIM is planning to come up with 4 more colors till July, 2012.