At the end of January RIM is launching BlackBerry 10 in a now-or-never moment for the company. The new smartphone, based on the QNX embedded operating system, has distinctive features that just might win it a foothold in a crowded market dominated by Apple iOS and Google Android.

If you are developing for BlackBerry or thinking of doing so, it is worth attending one of RIMs developer events, and coming up in a couple of weeks is BlackBerry Jam Europe, which I imagine will be buzzing thanks to the launch of new devices. The event is in Amsterdam and runs on 5th-6th February.

The normal cost for new attendees is €300 but if you use the following code you can register for half price:

DJEGYX

This is limited to 20 registrations so be quick! I am not sure if it also works on the alumni registration offer price but it is worth a try.

If even that is a stretch, we also have a pair of free passes to give away. Email me tim (at) itwriting . com today 23 Jan with a paragraph on “Why bother with BlackBerry” and the best entry gets the code at the end of today. Only condition is that you give permission to have your comments posted here.