BlackBerry Z10 to be the first BlackBerry 10 touchscreen device

It may come as no surprise to most that Research in Motion will be unveiling its BlackBerry 10 devices late next month. An with 2012 drawing to a close the first official image of a BlackBerry 10 device, named Z10 has made its appearance.

In the leaked press shot we can see what was previously known as the BlackBerry 10 L-Series handset now being marketed as ‘The New BlackBerry Z10.’ The official press shot has been revealed by UnwiredView along with serial tipster, @Evleaks. The picture shows the handset in both colours it is expected to be launched in – black and white.

From this official image we can see the app switching pane and a contact profile page. This is nothing new and Research in Motion has revealed details on these features in the past.

First official image of BlackBerry Z10 leaked

The report notes, “According to the marketing material pictured below, obtained by a reliable source, RIM is jettisoning the traditional four-digit model numbers in favor of a shorter, catchier nomenclature; the full-touch device, currently known by its “L-series” designation, should come to market as the BlackBerry Z10, in both black and white.”

Apart from this touchscreen device, Research in Motion will be announcing a keyboard version as well and the report by UnwiredView claims that it will be branded as the BlackBerry X10.

A few days ago it had been reported that Research In Motion is all set to showcase its upcoming operating system—BlackBerry 10—in all its glory. The company has started sending out invitations for the launch events of the operating system, which will be held on January 30, 2013. The launch events will be held in cities around the world, including New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Johannesburg and Dubai.

At the time, there weren't many details other than the invitations. All we know is that RIM will be showcasing the operating system during the launch events and will undoubtedly unveil the next line-up of BlackBerry devices that will be running the OS.

Research in Motion announced that it will hold its BlackBerry 10 launch event on January 30, 2013. The event will be held simultaneously in multiple countries around the world. This day will mark the official launch of its new platform, BlackBerry 10, as well as the unveiling of the first two BlackBerry 10 smartphones. Details on the smartphones and their availability will be announced at the event.

BlackBerry 10 will offer a large catalogue of leading applications from across the globe and across categories, including Games, Productivity, Social, Lifestyle and Leisure, Multimedia and Published Content, as well as applications designed for business and enterprise use.

The BlackBerry 10 platform recently achieved FIPS 140-2 certification, which means government agencies will be able to deploy BlackBerry 10 smartphones and BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 as soon as it is available. The company claims that this marks the first time BlackBerry products have been certified ahead of their launch.