Early BlackBerry 10 developers get limited-edition, red Z10
BlackBerry says it will hand out 12,000 of the smartphones for developers who qualify by February 28.
BlackBerry is extending a bit of a thank you to BlackBerry 10 developers who have created apps for its platform.
In a blog post, BlackBerry announced today that it will hand out 12,000 limited edition BlackBerry Z10 units to developers. Unlike the black versions of the Z10 shown off last week, the limited edition models will come in red.
The BlackBerry Z10 comes with a 4.2-inch touch screen and runs the company's latest operating system, BlackBerry 10. In a research note, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said that Z10 sales have so far been "solid" in Canada and the U.K., where it has already been released. He added that in some locations, the Z10 is sold out in the U.K.
BlackBerry's limited edition Z10 offer is the company making good on a promise it made to developers prior to the launch of BlackBerry 10. BlackBerry hosted "Portathon" events recently. Participants who delivered apps before BlackBerry 10's unveiling on January 30 could earn money -- and a smartphone.
To qualify for the red Z10, developers must have submitted applications and have them approved by BlackBerry. According to the company, its deadline for qualifying for the red Z10 is February 28.
According to a timeline on BlackBerry's Web site, it will take six to eight weeks for the red handset to ship.
