BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- Research In Motion Ltd on Wednesday launched a first flip version of its popular BlackBerry Pearl smartphone. 

    The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220, a 3.6-ounce clamshell adaptation of the compact Pearl "smart" phone, will be available from several global carriers this fall, Co-Chief Executive Officer Jim Balsillie said.

    The first-ever flip BlackBerry comes loaded with multimedia features such as a video and music player and a 2-megapixel camera with flash, as well as a Web browser and an abridged keyboard.

    No price was given for the new quad-band BlackBerry. In the United States, T-Mobile will be the exclusive launch carrier.

    The launch of the new device is "extremely important" to capturing more retail users, said Balsillie.

    The drive for retail consumers has put the company in more direct competition with hardware makers such as Apple and its iPhone, as well as Motorola and Nokia.

(Agencies)