RIM Research In Motion’s BlackBerry ‘Thunder’ To Go Up Against The Apple iPhone

Research in Motion, RIM, which is a Canadian mobile wireless solutions provider, famous for the mobile multi-functioning BlackBerry handhelds, is working on launching it’s own mobile touch-screen - Codename “Thunder”, designed to go up “head-to-head” against the Apple’s almighty iPhone.

Research in Motion who just recently introduced the BlackBerry ‘Bold’, is in works on a new mobile model, the RIM Thunder, with plans to offer and sell the unit exclusively via Verizon Wireless in the United States, and Vodafone throughout the world.

Although the various rumors of an iPhone like touch-screen by BlackBerry appeared early in May 2008, it is believed that the plans for the new model are already well under way. Research In Motion is yet to confirm or deny that the Blackberry Thunder exists, mounting speculation that it will be introduced during the third quarter of 2008.

In February 2008, RIM did however announce that it may introduce a touch-screen mobile device if there was enough demand for it. The new RIM “Thunder” will likely come to the market around the same time period as the BlackBerry’s other new model “Bold”, which Research In Motion released details of earlier this week.

The RIM Bold in part is to rival the iPhone as well, offering such goodies as: a built in media player, a 2 megapixel digital camera, all encased in a strong solid stylish silver rim. The RIM Bold should also have the added capabilities thats required for the 3G network, competing with the iPhone’s rumored upcoming 3G model.

Although there are really no suggestions that Research In Millions err Motion, will combine the RIM Bold’s touch screen technology with the Thunder, if it was to do so, the Thunder would truly be a direct rival to the Apple iPhone.

RIM chief executive Jim Balsillie has said he doesn’t see the iPhone as a direct threat to its core RIM business.