Leaked roadmap shows RIM’s plans for new PlayBook
Research in Motion's first Playbook received a mixed reception in reviews, but never really resonated with the consumers. Even though it recently got a price drop to $199 and a software update that added much needed missing features, consumers seem to have given up on the idea of a BlackBerry tablet. However, if a leaked roadmap is to be believed, then RIM will be trying the tablet game again this April.
The roadmap actually showed us quite a few things, including not one but two tablet designs. Of course the 10-inch LTE version is not of interest to us. What we are watching is the 7-inch deice, supposedly a "3G+" version of the current PlayBook due for release in April. Whether that 3G+ stands for HSPA+ is unknown, but it is disappointing that LTE didn't make it into the pocketable model. No other specs have been confirmed, but a higher resolution display has been suggested by icons found in PlayBook OS 2.0.
Also found on the roadmap was the projected release for the first BlackBerry 10 smartphone, which has been pegged in September of this year. It is disappointing that we won't see BlackBerry 10 at Mobile World Congress, but at least we have a date to look foreword to.
We are often pretty hard on RIM, but it honestly it is still great that they are trying. QNX really has some potential, and BlackBerry 10 looks surprisingly good. They just need to get this stuff out the door, and fast.
[N4BB]
