Blackberry is expected to unveil next week the new BlackBerry 9800 touchscreen that could effectively with Apple's iPhone and other smartphones.

The company is expected to announce the launch of the BlackBerry 9800 next Tuesday, with AT&T to get exclusive U.S. rights to sell the new device.

Although the information about the new smartphone is limited, it is expected to run a new operating system, a full slide-out keyboard and a revamped web browser and full slide-out keyboard.

RIM first gave a sneak peek of its new operating system, modern interface and what promises to be a fast, accurate and easy-to-use Web browser in April and said a launch would come before the end of August. Called OS 6.0., the operating system is expected to be more touch-friendly and will include a new, browser. It will also support pinch-to-zoom browsing, support for tabs, a new music player, upgraded photo viewer and a customizable homescreen. BlackBerry will also offer social network applications that combines status updates from both Facebook and Twitter, as well as an integrated chat interface which allows users to message friends on Google Talk, BB Messenger and AIM.

RIM hopes that the 9800 will steal the spotlight, especially after the antenna issues reported for Apple's new iPhone 4.