Niigata Global | BB 10 Smartphones Hits Indian Shores.

(prHWY.com) March 27, 2013 - New Delhi, India -- Niigata Global have reportedly revealed in a recent investors meeting that BlackBerry's new flagship Z10 smartphone, incorporating the latest operating system, has been launched in India.

BlackBerry has launched its new Z10 handset in India, before its expected appearance in the U.S. The Z10 is expected to sell for 43,490 rupees, or $800, according to a press release. By contrast, the average price of rival handsets iPhone 5 from Apple and Galaxy Note II from Samsung are 45,000 rupees and 35,500 rupees respectively.

Niigata Global are believed to have noted that the Canadian company BlackBerry, which changed its name recently from Research in Motion (RIM) to better identify itself with its main product, is hoping the new BlackBerry 10 operating system and flagship Z10 handset will revive its fortunes after posting losses in three of its last four quarters.

Blackberry has fared much better in India than in other markets, maintaining a significant market share in the face of increased competition from Apple and Samsung, amongst others. Niigata Global are understood to have remarked that India accounts for around 20 percent of Blackberry's sales in the Asia-Pacific region.

BlackBerry's success in India is largely down to its cheaper handset prices, with its most popular model, the Curve, retailing for less than 10,000 rupees. Their own messenger service is also extremely popular amongst users.

Niigata Global allegedly commented that India's smart phone market could increase by as much as 50 percent for the year, to around $4 billion. The improving mobile infrastructure, along with an expanding economy and growing middle class could see the market jump to as much as $7 billion by 2016.

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