Blackberry 10 Will Launch On January 30, RIM Says

Research In Motion has finally set the date for the launch of its next-generation BlackBerry 10 smartphones.

The embattled smartphone manufacturer said today it would release its newest BlackBerrys on January 30 with multiple events in a global launch. The company will unveil its first two BlackBerry 10 smartphones — a full touch-screen device and one resembling its current Bold flagship line — as well as provide more details on the platform.

BlackBerry 10 represents the company’s last, best shot at a turnaround. The once high-flying company was a major player in the smartphone world, but in recent years has seen its market share deteriorate in its home market of North America as Apple and Android smartphones began to dominate.

RIM’s smartphones remains a favorite of some corporate users and companies and government agencies who prefer the high security that comes with BlackBerry devices. Still, many traditional BlackBerry users have increasingly turned to iPhones and Android smartphones.

Late last month, RIM said its phones had begun going through testing with 50 global carriers, a key sign of progress for the phones.

“Thanks to our strong partnerships with global carriers and a growing ecosystem of developers, we believe our customers will have the best experience possible with BlackBerry 10,” CEO Thorsten Heins said in a statement today. “We are looking forward to getting BlackBerry 10 in the hands of our customers around the world.”