Next BlackBerry to follow in iPhone's steps?
updated 12:10 pm EST, Wed November 21, 2007
BlackBerry to mimic iPhone
The next generation of Research in Motion's BlackBerry phones may more resemble the iPhone than any of its current products, one analyst claims. Expounding on earlier rumors, Carmi Levy of AR Communications argues that future 9000-series phones will detach completely from RIM's business roots, which are represented by the signature SureType keyboard on every current BlackBerry. This allows the phones' users to type much faster than they do on many competing devices. But, says Levi, "The 9000 is supposed to be a touchscreen device, very similar in form factor to the iPhone. Which means that it is not an enterprise-friendly device."
The new phone would follow the direction hinted at by the Pearl and Curve, which have added increasing luxuries such as 3G broadband and higher-resolution cameras. Media playback for the 9000s is expected to be significantly improved, as this is essential for competing with the iPhone, which doubles as an iPod.
Levi speculates that while RIM wanted to have a 9000-series phone out by the end of 2007, one should still ship in the first quarter of next year. The company itself will only confirm that four or five new phones will be out in 2008, and Levi suggests that among these may be updated 8000-series phones such as a Curve with WiFi, or others with GPS tracking and still-sharper camera technology. [via Unstrung]
not enterprise friendly?
11/21, 12:52pm reply
I'm not sure why the form factor and touchscreen would preclude the device from being enterprise friendly. A built in camera might. Music and video might. Lack of mail server push might. ...But form factor and touchscreen?
whatever. :roll eyes:
Flying Meat
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2007
Some people were....
11/21, 01:24pm reply
saying that when you have to type in long passwords that you can't see when typing, the touchscreen was a problem. You have to realize that most of the people that love BlackBerry's, love the current keyboards and would probably stop using them if the the keyboard were to be replaced with a touchscreen keyboard.
RIM is really gonna move from it's roots, but that might be not such a good idea. It's a fine company, but they really should stick with the enterprise.
Constable Odo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
Pricing
11/21, 01:56pm reply
on the Blackberries has really gotten competitive especially with the contract discounts. Up here in Vancouver, I've nearly pulled the trigger a couple of times to get one but I keep holding off until I see what iPhone pricing will be like.
legacyb4
Mac Elite
Joined: May 2001
Blackberry Touch
11/23, 12:42am reply
The touch screen offers a lot of flexibility to a mobile phone. I think the software on the phone has the biggest impact on the usability of the device. People will get used to typing on the touch keyboard.
JohnPlantada
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2007