Research In Motion is getting closer to rolling out its first QNX-powered BlackBerry smartphone. Code-named Colt, news reports reveal RIM is on target for a first quarter 2012 launch. That's nothing especially new, since that RIM has previously offered that timeline.
Rumors have it the QNX-powered BlackBerry won't offer support for the BlackBerry Enterprise Server. Instead, it will reportedly tap into Microsoft ActiveSync e-mail software. But will QNX help RIM turn around its fortunes in North America? Or will news of an impending new mobile operating system stall sales of the new BlackBerry devices launched last week?
"This is actually problematic. People who have brand affinity and want to stay on with BlackBerry may very well decide to wait longer with this news," said Avi Greengart, an analyst at Current Analysis. "Instead of buying one of the new BlackBerry OS 7 phones, they may wait for a QNX phone."
Wow, it only took RIM 11 years.
Seems that someone finally snapped the Research In Motion executive team out of its collective haze and got them to embrace the client-centric model and (at last) move away from their antiquated model.
The question is, will it be enough and/or is it already too late?
I for one am glad to see RIM acknowledging that the need to produce devices to cater to the ever-growing ActiveSync crowd (i.e. iPhones and Androids). The jury's out on whether this can help stanch the gaping wound bleeding red ink all over the RIM B/S. Their challenge will be to do the same for their existing line and convert them into an either-or; it would be super if a device had the ability to offer you the choice of AS or BES... but that may be asking too much.
Seems that someone finally snapped the Research In Motion executive team out of its collective haze and got them to embrace the client-centric model and (at last) move away from their antiquated model.
The question is, will it be enough and/or is it already too late?
I for one am glad to see RIM acknowledging that the need to produce devices to cater to the ever-growing ActiveSync crowd (i.e. iPhones and Androids). The jury's out on whether this can help stanch the gaping wound bleeding red ink all over the RIM B/S. Their challenge will be to do the same for their existing line and convert them into an either-or; it would be super if a device had the ability to offer you the choice of AS or BES... but that may be asking too much.
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