BlackBerry With Touch Screen Planned

Research In Motion Ltd. plans to introduce a touch-screen version of its BlackBerry device, according to people familiar with the matter, answering the challenge posed by the popularity of Apple Inc.'s iPhone.

Dubbed the Thunder, the new BlackBerry is among RIM's strongest moves so far to appeal to the increasing number of consumers opting for multimedia phones, a market that is increasingly turning to touch-screen devices for their ease of use. The iPhone's sophisticated touch-screen was one feature that made Apple's device a big hit.

The new BlackBerry, slated for introduction in the third quarter, will be sold ...