BlackBerry quietly launches Z30 smartphone

BlackBerry has announced the launch of its latest flagship smartphone, the Z30.

Running the company’s most up-to-date version of its latest mobile operating system – BlackBerry 10.2 – the handset has a 5in super AMOLED display, making it the second device in its latest range to run as a touchscreen device without the traditional BlackBerry qwerty keyboard and putting it in competition with the Samsung Galaxy Note II.

Its biggest boast is long battery life, as the firm has included a 2880mAh battery – the largest to ever feature in a BlackBerry – which promises 25 hours of mixed use.

Other features include improved signal with new Paratek Antenna technology, which boosts connectivity in low-signal areas, and BlackBerry Natural Sound, which aims to make voice and video calls sound more like you are in the same room.

“The BlackBerry Z30 smartphone builds on the solid foundation and engaging user experience of the BlackBerry 10 platform,” said Carlo Chiarello, executive vice-president for products at BlackBerry.

“The smartphone rounds out the BlackBerry 10 portfolio and is designed for people looking for a smartphone that excels at communications, messaging and productivity,” he said.

Despite the fact this handset will be BlackBerry’s highest end product, the launch was very low key, with no global press event like the unveiling of the Z10 earlier this year.

It comes at a time when there is much speculation around the future of BlackBerry, with the company’s CEO, Thorsten Heins, admitting it was looking into selling the firm to a rival. It also comes in the same week Apple’s latest iPhones hit the stores, with consumers already queuing to be the first to get their hands on the new devices.

The Z30 will launch first in the UK and Middle East, with plans to be on the shelves as early as next week. Other regions will get the smartphone in time for Christmas.