Thorsten Heins, CEO of Research in Motion, introduces the BlackBerry 10, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
NEW YORK (AP) -- After lengthy delays, Research In Motion Ltd. is unveiling its first phones with the new BlackBerry 10 system. RIM redesigned the system to embrace the multimedia, apps and touch-screen experience prevalent today. The question is whether there's time for the once-pioneering BlackBerry to catch up to Apple's trend-setting iPhone and devices running Google's Android system.
RIM CEO Thorsten Heins is hosting the main event in New York. Video of his appearance is being shown at other RIM events in Toronto, London, Paris, Dubai, Johannesburg, New Delhi and Jakarta, Indonesia.
RIM initially said BlackBerry 10 would come by early 2012, but then the company changed that to late 2012. A few months later, that date was pushed further, to early 2013, missing the lucrative holiday season. The holdup helped wipe out more than $70 billion in shareholder wealth and 5,000 jobs.
RIM had shown off prototypes and previews before. Wednesday's event is the first time RIM is showing a complete product, with details on prices and availability.
Most analysts consider a BlackBerry 10 success to be crucial for the company's long-term viability.
RIM is promising a speedier device, a superb typing experience and the ability to keep work and personal identities separate on the same phone. Previews of the BlackBerry 10 software have gotten favorable reviews on blogs. Financial analysts are starting to see some slight room for a comeback. With smartphone sales growing, the BlackBerry 10 can succeed without iPhone and Android users switching.
Regardless of BlackBerry 10's advances, though, the new system will face a key shortcoming: It won't have as many apps written by outside companies and individuals as the iPhone and Android.
Here's a running account of the BlackBerry 10 event, presented in reverse chronological order. All times are EST. Besides Heins, presenters include Alec Saunders, vice president of developer relations.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:10 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:10:37 GMT
For the first time in seven years, most U.S. homebuilders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months.
For the first time in seven years, most U.S. homebuilders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months.
Saturday, June 15 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-06-15 23:27:36 GMT
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Motorists are seeing stable prices at the pumps in New Jersey.AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.40, the same price as last week. It's also the same price motorists were paying a year ago.The national average price also remained stable, coming in at $3.63 for the second straight week.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Motorists are seeing stable prices at the pumps in New Jersey.AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.40, the same price as last week. It's also the same price motorists were paying a year ago.The national average price also remained stable, coming in at $3.63 for the second straight week.
Friday, June 14 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-06-14 16:14:45 GMT
Stocks are turning lower in midday trading on Wall Street at the end of a volatile week.The Dow Jones industrial average was down 67 points, or 0.5 percent, at 15,106 as of noon Eastern time Friday. The Dow had surged 180 points the day before.
Stocks are turning lower in midday trading on Wall Street at the end of a volatile week.The Dow Jones industrial average was down 67 points, or 0.5 percent, at 15,106 as of noon Eastern time Friday. The Dow had surged 180 points the day before.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:03 AM EDT2013-06-14 13:03:06 GMT
As we close in on summer, we are all dreaming of a summer vacation. But how can you make it affordable?One way is by using those credit card points and miles you've accumulated over the year.
As we close in on summer, we are all dreaming of a summer vacation. But how can you make it affordable?One way is by using those credit card points and miles you've accumulated over the year.
Friday, June 14 2013 7:05 AM EDT2013-06-14 11:05:39 GMT
Boy Scouts of America says it is disappointed Caterpillar Inc. will no longer give money to the group.But public relations director Deron Smith on Thursday thanked the Peoria-based heavy equipment manufacturer for its past support.
Boy Scouts of America says it is disappointed Caterpillar Inc. will no longer give money to the group.But public relations director Deron Smith on Thursday thanked the Peoria-based heavy equipment manufacturer for its past support.
Thursday, June 13 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-06-13 22:15:30 GMT
Law enforcement officials nationwide are demanding the creation of a "kill switch" that would render smartphones inoperable after they are stolen, New York's top prosecutor said.
Law enforcement officials nationwide are demanding the creation of a "kill switch" that would render smartphones inoperable after they are stolen, New York's top prosecutor said.
Thursday, June 13 2013 6:02 PM EDT2013-06-13 22:02:05 GMT
Bargain hunters from around the world flock to Manhattan's Chinatown for bags, jewelry and other accessories bursting onto sidewalks from storefronts along Canal Street.
Bargain hunters from around the world flock to Manhattan's Chinatown for bags, jewelry and other accessories bursting onto sidewalks from storefronts along Canal Street.
Thorsten Heins, CEO of Research in Motion, introduces the BlackBerry 10, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
