Research In Motion has posted a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss, sending its shares up nearly 18% in after-hours trading, according to BBC News.

The maker of the Blackberry also boosted its cash pile, as it nears the launch of its next-generation devices.

RIM reported a net loss of $235mln (£145mln) for the second quarter, ending 1 September, compared with a profit of $329mln for the period last year. Excluding one-time restructuring items, the loss was $142mln.

RIM increased its cash to about $2.3bn from $2.2bn.

Being able to dip into a cash reserve could be key to a successful launch of RIM's line of revamped smartphones that will run on its new Blackberry 10, or BB10, operating system.

The struggling company has staked its future on BB10.

Once a smartphone pioneer, RIM's fortunes have faded as rivals such as Apple and Samsung have taken market share.

Thorsten Heins, chief executive of the Ontario-based firm, said: "Despite the significant changes we are implementing across the organization, our second quarter results demonstrate that RIM is progressing on its financial and operational commitments during this major transition."

RIM said it shipped 7.4 million Blackberry smartphones in the quarter and 130,000 BlackBerry PlayBook tablets.