RIM exec doesn't regret decision to release touch phone ahead of keyboard version

BUSINESS

RIM exec doesn't regret decision to release touch phone ahead of keyboard version

Rob Gillies The Associated Press
Published Wednesday, June 5, 2013 1:36PM EDT

A BlackBerry Z10 is held up during the global launch in Toronto on Jan. 30, 2013. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Text:

TORONTO -- Modern BlackBerrys with physical keyboards are now available in the U.S., months after the touch-screen versions went on sale.

T-Mobile USA began selling the BlackBerry Q10 on Wednesday. It has Research In Motion Ltd.'s new BlackBerry 10 operating system, which addresses shortcomings that allowed the iPhone and Android devices to surpass the once-pioneering BlackBerry in sales and prestige.

RIM's chief operating officer, Kristian Tear, tells The Associated Press that he doesn't regret the decision to release a touch version first.

The touch-only BlackBerry Z10 went on sale earlier this year, but many long-time BlackBerry users prefer a physical keyboard, which has been RIM's strength.

Tear says it was the right plan even though it was largely a new market for RIM because the touch space is a larger market.