Research In Motion Ltd. is developing its next-generation BlackBerry to have touchscreen capabilities, pitting the popular messaging device directly against Apple Corp.’s popular iPhone.

According to a research note written by GMP Securities analyst Ray Sharma, a recent patent filed by RIM engineers strongly indicates that RIM will release a touchscreen BlackBerry in the near future.

“The oft rumored RIM touchscreen device has lofty prospects,” wrote Mr. Sharma.

In a patent filed to the United States Patent and Trademark Office last June, the new BlackBerry device will have a keyboard that retracts into the device in order to create more room on the screen, Mr. Sharma says. It will also have what is called tactile response mechanism akin to Nintendo’s Wii controller that vibrates based on input from the user.

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