BlackBerry says it is seeing a good response to its recently-launched Z10 smartphone as consumers show strong interest in the device running the next-generation BlackBerry 10 OS.

The Financial Times reports that BlackBerry UK managing director Stephen Bates said some UK retailers had sold out of the Z10 just a few days after its launch. However, analysts have warned that this could reflect a low initial supply of the device.

In BlackBerry’s home country of Canada, number-two operator Bell Mobility said pre-orders for the Z10 had been stronger than for any previous BlackBerry device. Market leader Rogers Communications also reported strong early demand with the device going on sale earlier this week.

Combined with positive reviews for the Z10, BlackBerry — formerly known as RIM — saw its share price increase by 7 per cent in Toronto yesterday to hit CAD16.04.

BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins revealed the first two devices powered by the BlackBerry 10 OS last week. The touchscreen Z10 and Qwerty Q10 are seen as critical in reviving the company’s fortunes.

View Mobile World Live’s video coverage of the launch here.