Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the launch of the BlackBerry® Torch™ 9800, the first BlackBerry® smartphone with the new BlackBerry®  6 operating system, and the first to feature the exciting combination of a full touch screen experience with a BlackBerry keyboard.

Equipped with a broad range of advanced communications and multimedia features, the highly anticipated BlackBerry Torch is ideal for socially connected consumers and packed with the tools business customers love.

It offers support for high-speed 3G (UMTS/HSDPA) networks around the world, includes the latest generation in Wi-Fi® (b/g/n) connectivity and features built-in GPS for location-based applications and geo-tagging. Its 5 MP camera takes exceptional pictures and supports video recording. In addition, it comes with a combined 8 GB of media storage out-of-the-box and includes a microSD/SDHD memory card slot that can bring the total storage memory to 36 GB for customers who want more.

BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system that retains the familiar and trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while delivering a fresh, approachable and engaging experience that’s powerful and easy to use. BlackBerry 6 features a redesigned interface that seamlessly works with the touch screen and track pad, includes expanded messaging capabilities with intuitive features to simplify the management of social networking and RSS feeds (Social Feeds), and provides integrated access to BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), Facebook®, Twitter™, MySpace™ and various instant messaging applications available on the BlackBerry Torch smartphone. Its enhanced multimedia experience rivals the best in the industry and includes a dedicated YouTube app and Podcasts app.

BlackBerry 6 also integrates a new and rich WebKit-based browser on BlackBerry Torch that renders HTML web pages (as well as HTML email) quickly and beautifully for a great browsing experience. It features tabs for accessing multiple sites simultaneously and pinch to zoom for easy navigation. Universal search allows users to search through email, messages, contacts, music, videos and more on the smartphone, as well as extend search to the Internet or to discover applications on BlackBerry App World™.

“With its new high-performance browser, powerful touch screen interface and easy-to-use BlackBerry keyboard, the highly anticipated BlackBerry Torch offers an exceptional mobile experience for both consumers and business users in India,” said Frenny Bawa, Managing Director, India, Research In Motion.