With so many different BlackBerr models on different carriers, RIM does face some issues when updating devices. They have to get things ready for both CDMA and GSM, and then for multiple devices on each. It doesn’t make for easy upgrades. It seems that this issue comes into play, but in different ways, for our two lead stories this week. The fragmentation could affect both the BlackBerry tablet and OS 6.
More details on the BlackBerry tablet
Warning: just a mock-up
Analysts always seem to have the inside scoop on the coming BlackBerry devices. Sometimes we’ve already heard rumors and their notes help confirm them. With rumors circulating every day analysts have helped separate the wheat from the chaff. They’re not always accurate — see the back-and-forth Verizon iPhone debate for example — but I trust them more than, say, a random forum member.
To that end, via CNet, we learn about some details of the BlackBerry tablet. Ashok Kumar, an analyst and managing director at Rodman & Renshaw, provides the tidbits that make us salivate. We’re looking at 1 GHz processor, which seems essential for any new smartphone or tablet. The screen is seven inches, which is a bit smaller than the 8.9-inch version we had previously heard about.
The other major detail is of dual cameras, both front- and back-facing, which continues the trend of enabling video conferencing. Also, this part makes me really salivate:
One possible chip candidate is the Marvell 1GHz Armada 610 processor, which is aimed at tablets, mobile Internet devices, and e-readers. The chip boasts full HD 1080p playback, 16-megapixel image captures, and advanced 3D graphics.
So maybe the RIM tablet won’t be so bad after all. There was no word on whether the device would require an actual BlackBerry with which to tether. This seemed like the biggest drawback of the device, given reader response. I do wonder, though, if RIM is planning this for convenience sake. If they had just one tablet they’d have to choose between GSM and CDMA. By making it a tethered device they can forget about cell network. Then again, they could just go LTE and call it a day.
Tip of the Week: Use BerryReader for the best in Google Reader usability.
Will CDMA users have to wait until 2011 for OS 6?
For a while we were working under the assumption that RIM would release OS 6 sometime in the third quarter. Not that I expected to actually get the OS build then. As we saw with OS 5.0 it does take some time for all the builds to hit all the carriers for all the devices. But now, via PocketBerry, we’re hearing that we might not see OS 6 on CDMA devices until 2011.
This doesn’t mean that OS 6 will be out until 2011. There is, after all, still GSM, and it appears that those devices should get the OS about three to six months ahead of CDMA. This includes the 9800, which will ship with OS 6. It does, however, bring into question the status of the clamshell 9760. That will be a CDMA device, and from what we’ve heard it will run OS 6. Does that mean that the device itself will be delayed until next year? That it will ship with OS 5? Those are details we’ll seek in the next few weeks.
Roundup
Some interesting tidbits in our weekly helping of stray links.
- BlackBerry 9800 to be a Rogers exclusive? AT&T has it in the states, and MobileSyrup passes along the rumor that Rogers could get a similar deal in Canada.
- BlackBerry Protect in private beta. It should go public later this year.
- Curve 9300 nearly identical to 8520. Yes, it has a 3G radio, but that’s one of the only upgrades between devices.
- Could Spring and T-Mobile merge? Only if they both go LTE.
- BlackBerry Messenger use up more than 500 percent. This is a victory for the BBM snobs.
