RIM preps for BlackBerry 10’s launch by buddying up to app developers and wireless carriers

Research in Motion’s survival depends almost entirely on whether consumers will buy the BlackBerry 10 smartphones now set to launch in early 2013. And consumers’ interest in doing so will rest not only on the phones themselves, but also on whether RIM can get software developers to create apps for them and wireless carriers to generate some pre-launch hype. The company has made some baby steps on both those fronts of late. Yesterday, RIM held a preview of the phones in Waterloo for developers, who mostly seemed impressed with the company’s new app-building process. And RIM has also started talks with North American carriers—during which it reportedly handed around some prototype BlackBerry 10 devices and received a “visibly enthusiastic” response. That has to be the most positive reinforcement the company has had in months.

• At key RIM conference, developing a sense of hope [Globe and Mail]
• RIM gives Canadian carriers a look at its new BlackBerrys [Toronto Star]