BB launches BB Z10 in NZ

BlackBerry launched the BlackBerry Z10 in New Zealand yesterday, with the smartphone set to be available to Kiwis later this month.

Featuring the "re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform", the rebranded Canadian firm says the device will come with the BlackBerry 10.1 software update.

The release follows what has been described as an "underwhelming" response to the newly launched Z10, after U.S. research firm UBS reported a disappointing opening for the product in March.

BlackBerry hit back at rumours however, branding the claims “absolutely false.”

In fact, BlackBerry went one further, insisting “in several cases, returns are now exceeding sales” across the U.S.

Undeterred by the claims, BlackBerry's managing director for the ANZ region Matthew Ball insists the product will be a success Down Under.

“New Zealanders will love the new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone, running the re-designed BlackBerry 10 platform," he says.

"The platform learns from your gestures, commands and words and is designed to keep you moving, whether at work or at play.

"The availability of the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone and BlackBerry 10 platform introduces exciting new possibilities for our customers, channel partners and app developers in New Zealand.

"We’re looking forward to BlackBerry being the phone of choice for both consumers and business customers in New Zealand.”

Supporting the 4G LTE network, pricing for the smartphone has yet to be revealed, with Kiwis able to purchase the Z10 "with competitive pricing plans from carrier partners Telecom New Zealand and Vodafone New Zealand in June."

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