BlackBerry to launch seven new smart phones running BlackBerry 7 OS

A top brass RIM (Research in Motion) exec has said that the ailing BlackBerry manufacturer is going to release seven new smart phones running its new BlackBerry 7 OS, the Guardian reports.

That's the target anyway, as stated by co-CEO Jim Balsille at RIM's annual shareholder meeting. He admitted that hitting that target was going to be challenging though, in a meeting with shareholders who will no doubt want to hear how RIM plans to fight back in the mobile market, against competition from the likes of Apple and Google.

The PlayBook tablet didn't sit well with critics (us included), who were disappointed with a lack of apps.

BlackBerry 7, the rejuvenated operating system for new BlackBerry mobiles has experienced delays along the path to getting released. Mike Lazaridis, who recently called a halt to an interview with the BBC, said the delays were because the company wanted its phones to meet market expectations (i.e. be good), and said: "It may have delayed us, but we are going to come out ahead."

Strong words, but with no more info on these new mobiles, it's hard to get too excited. We're expecting the BlackBerry Bold 9900 to launch within the next month or so, at which point we'll get a taste of BlackBerry 7 OS.

But we also received a tip today that suggests the iPhone 5 could be launching in mid-August, which would damage the 9900's chances of making an impact.

What do you think? Is BlackBerry doomed? Or is triumph just around the corner? Let us know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.