Cheaper BlackBerry to sell in emerging markets

OTTAWA - BlackBerry unveiled a new low-cost smartphone on Tuesday that it intends to sell in emerging markets and elsewhere starting mid-year.

The so-called BlackBerry Q5 boasts a 7.9 centimeter (3.1 inch) touchscreen display, a full keyboard similar to its higher-end Q10 model, and runs on the same BB10 operating system launched in January.

"I know it's going to be a big hit," BlackBerry chief executive Thorsten Heins told an applications developer conference in Orlando, Florida that was webcast live.

The device looks similar to the Q10, and will be offered in multiple colors (black, white, red, and pink), and with many of the same features as its flagship Z10 and Q10 smartphones.

The BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 retail for $599. The company had signalled its intention to roll out a cheaper smartphone, but pricing for the Q5 has not yet been announced.