RIM tipped to launch BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Torch 2 on Tuesday

RIM is to launch its latest BlackBerry handset on Tuesday as the firm looks to gain ground in the mobile market after a sluggish start to 2011.

The BlackBerry maker confirmed that the latest devices come with a revamped version of the BlackBerry operating system, but has not said how many handsets will be launched.

"Pop quiz #teamblackberry: What's shiny and new and social all over?," RIM said on Twitter. "You got it! New #BlackBerry devices are coming w/ our new OS, BlackBerry 7!"

RIM announced the BlackBerry Bold 9900 with NFC and the BlackBerry 7 OS, at the beginning of June, so this is expected to be given a launch date.

The Bold 9900 features a 1.2GHz processor, improved browser with HTML5 support and HD video recording capabilities.

The handset also features BlackBerry Balance, which allows BlackBerry Enterprise Server admins to set policy rules that distinguish between work and personal data on the handset.

Administrators will also be able to control access to work data and delete it if necessary using the Balance software.

Speculation is mounting that RIM will also unveil the BlackBerry Torch 2, as the original is almost a year old.

Despite shipping 13.2 million BlackBerry smartphones and 500,000 PlayBook tablets during the first quarter, RIM saw revenue drop by $74m year on year.

Morgan Stanley has criticised RIM's lacklustre approach to R&D and its continual delays, but the manufacturer looks to have taken this onboard.

However, it will take something special to boost morale at the Canadian firm after it was revealed on Monday that 2,000 staff will lose their jobs.

With two RIM high-level employees jumping ship to chief rival Samsung in the space of a month, it looks like the exodus could continue and RIM could find itself in a similar position to Nokia.