The new BlackBerry 9720, which the company emphasise is designed for a “communications centric experience”, was unveiled yesterday.
Carlo Chiarello, executive vice president for products, said: “It’s perfect for customers upgrading for a feature phone or entry-level Android or Windows Phone device, as well as existing BlackBerry smartphone customers, that want a richer experience and jump up in style and performance.”
The emphasis on a communications-based experience materialises mainly in new BBM features.
The updated interface includes a dedicated BBM key, while BBM Voice allows users to talk to each other over Wi-Fi rather than using airtime minutes.
The new version of BBM, which is also available to download, allows customers to talk, share pictures and the music they are listening to over separate channels.
It can also be linked to Facebook and Twitter.
The BlackBerry 9720 will be released in selected African markets over the coming weeks.
