backberry.jpg Missing: The first BlackBerry device running Research In Motion Ltd.'s new operating software, BlackBerry 10, will not have a physical keyboard, only a touch-screen one.


The significance? RIM's attempts in the past to offer touch-only phones have largely flopped. Many corporate users have stuck with the BlackBerry solely because of its physical keyboard.

RIM says BlackBerry 10 will be offered on devices with physical keyboards in the future, but declined to say when.

The company is expected to start selling BlackBerry 10 touch-screen devices this year.