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RIM has launched three new “affordable” BlackBerry Curve handsets, the Curve 9360, Curve 9350 and Curve 9370, bringing new devices to six this month

RIM unveiled its latest handsets, the BlackBerry Curve 9360 (UK model), Curve 9370 and Curve 9350 at a global press conference held in London this morning (August 23).

It is the second global launch this month having already launched three new high-end devices, Torch 9810, Torch 9850 and its first NFC  enabled device the Bold 9900. The first new releases since November.

The three new Curve devices, which are targeted at the mid-tier segment of the market  will include its next generation BlackBerry 7 operating system (OS). RIM says the new OS is its fastest ever and 40 per cent quicker than the BlackBerry 6 OS.

The new devices will each include NFC technology, a five megapixel camera including flash and video recording, 512mb of memory expandable up to 32GB. Rim also claims the devices will be pre-loaded with “best in class” communications and social experiences with its integrated suite of phone, email, messaging and social networking applications. Other features includes GPS, and Wi-Fi

A new version of Facebook, Facebook 2.0, will also be available and now includes Facebook Chat. A new version of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), which RIM said has more than 45 million users, will also be made available.

The company revealed at the previous launch there are now 67 million RIM subscribers, with seven million in the UK. It also claimed to have more than 35,000 applications in its Apps World.

Devices will be launched in Canada this month and then to other global markets from September. Vodafone UK has already confirmed it will stock the Curve 9360. Prices and tariffs are yet to be announced.

RIM president and co-ceo Mike Lazaridis said: “These new models will build on the incredible success of the BlackBerry Curve line and further expand the largest global launch of BlackBerry smartphones in our history.

“The new BlackBerry Curve smartphones are absolutely stunning and offer a significant performance upgrade with an unmatched mobile social experience for the millions of feature phone users in the market as well as our existing Curve customers.”

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