There is a rumor floating around that RIM is working on a touch screen BlackBerry, which is code named AK, for Apple Killer. Putting aside the fact that the name makes it sound like another one of the pointless knock-offs and failed competition, the idea of a BlackBerry with a touch screen is intriguing. RIM usually does not do the fads thing, and targets their devices squarly at business and executive types.

RIM and their BlackBerry line keeps getting direct comparison to the iPhone. RIM has a lot to lose, with the iPhone already nabbing up a 17% market share for smart phones in the US. RIM has a tight grip with 40% market share. Still, the iPhone no doubt has RIM, just like every other manufacturer, thinking very hard about their market strategy. We saw this with a recent patent application by RIM for a touch screen BlackBerry.

A touch screen with keyboard as this patent sketch shows truly would be the best of both worlds. Especially if RIM goes about making the interface right. It is no doubt a huge task to make a non touch interface a touch interface, so RIM would have their work cut out for them. If they made a phone that even resembles what is depicted here, I would think they do not have to worry too much about Apple. They already have an impressive fan base, much like Apple. It would take some serious convincing to to get the BlackBerry crowd to abandon this device.

The iPhone is the king of media, though. It is an iPod in a phone. RIM would have very hard time dislodging the iPhone from it’s users as far as media features go. RIM would need to put more advanced features than they ever have. While RIM is probably capable, it comes down to if they will do it. As a former BlackBerry owner, I found the media features extremely lacking on the Pearl and Curve, both which were aimed at more media oriented crowds.