BlackBerry Magnum spotted in video
updated 12:45 pm EST, Thu January 28, 2010
BB Magnum with SurePress, QWERTY spotted in video
The BlackBerry Magnum 9220 is still alive and well, judging by this video, comparing it to existing BlackBerry devices. The handset is called a hybrid of a Bold and Storm, as it has both a full QWERTY keyboard and a SurePress touchscreen that clicks when pressed. Other changes compared to a Bold include a micro USB port rather than a mini USB, and there is no flash on the Magnum's camera, though this could be due to it being a prototype model.
The pre-production unit had no OS preloaded onto it, suggesting it is still far from production. If the device is an indication of the future trend of BlackBerry devices, it indicates the phasing out of physical directional pads altogether, building on the existing transition that began with trackpads last year.
Despite the video, there is still no indication of if or when the Magnum will come to market; it's rumored to be an unsuccessful offshoot of BlackBerry development, and a final QWERTY plus touchscreen device could be significantly different. [via IntoMobile]
