RIM lives to fight again

HARD TO TELL: Heins giving a preview of the new BlackBerry new smartphone and its features to app developers at an event in San Jose, California. Analysts say RIM struck the right chords at the event but that it is hard to predict how well the BB10 devices will work in real world conditions. — Reuters

TORONTO: Research In Motion Ltd (RIM) reported a narrower-than-expected loss and the struggling BlackBerry maker bolstered its cash reserves, sparking optimism ahead of the launch of its make-or-break line of next-generation smartphones.

RIM shares surged 20% in afterhours trade on Thursday on indications the company will have plenty of cash to ramp up production of its new BlackBerry 10 devices and mount a robust marketing campaign for the revamped line, due early next year.