New BlackBerry smartphones to echo PlayBook hardware
Monday, November 14, 2011 - 09:19:16
Research in Motion (RIM) is in the process of refreshing its BlackBerry smartphone range in the labs and, according to Slashgear, it will be bringing over high end features from the Playbook tablet for its next-gen handsets.
RIM's Alec Saunders explained that the new BlackBerry models destined to arrive in the first few months of 2012 will feature high resolution touch screen displays matching up to a pixel count of around 1024x600, which is a major leap up from the current crop of devices.
It also looks like physical keypads will be ditched on these new smartphones, something which long time BlackBerry fans may find problematic, although at least one keyboard-toting option will probably be retained for business users.
The QNX operating system which powers the Playbook tablet is also being adapted for the new RIM smartphones, although it will be known as BBX and allow for fluid multitasking and cross-platform app operation.
Interestingly, Mr Saunders also said that the BBX-powered smartphones will follow the Playbook in lacking support for its business-focused email client. This could be another potential problem, although it looks like RIM has actually found a way of bypassing the need for the service altogether, which might ease concerns amongst users.
Dual core processing is expected to arrive on the new BlackBerry smartphones, although by the time it does, there will already be quad core smartphones from Android-toting rivals on the market. While raw power has never been the best way to judge a mobile, those who are interested in a pure numbers-based comparison might turn their noses up at RIM's latest efforts.
There is no doubt that BlackBerry smartphones need to be modernised if they are to continue to sell well and remain relevant. Thankfully, the new operating system is built on solid foundations and the hardware sounds promising, but app support could be a sticking point.
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