BlackBerry joins touchscreen bandwagon

Research In Motion, the company behind the BlackBerry handheld computer, is developing a touch-screen handset for launch later this year, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal.

The device, known as the Thunder, will be sold exclusively through Verizon Wireless in the US and Vodafone abroad, the Journal reported on its website.

RIM declined to comment on the report, stating that it does not comment on rumours and speculation. Earlier this week, rumoured details of a touch-screen BlackBerry surfaced on the internet.

In February, RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie said the company may bring out a touch-screen device if customers want it.

This week, Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM announced its BlackBerry Bold, a sleek smartphone with a keyboard aimed at its core base of business users.

Introducing a touch-screen BlackBerry would put RIM in more direct competition with Apple's popular iPhone. In the past, Balsillie has dismissed concerns that the iPhone could pose a serious competitive threat.

A touch-screen BlackBerry would also build on RIM's continuing push into the broader retail market as it seeks to diversify its client base beyond the executives, lawyers and other professionals who have been its mainstay.

RIM will also face competition from HTC's growing range of touch-driven devices.

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