Research In Motion (RIM) seems to be trying hard to make its upcoming (and yet to be announced) tablet different from the iPad.
Even if everything’s on the hush-hush, someone still managed to leak that the smartphone will be relying on its recently acquired QNX Software Systems to develop the operating system for this tablet. QNX is known for its robust and reliable software solutions, often used in critical systems such as automotive and industrial applications. This choice of operating system could potentially give RIM’s tablet a significant edge in terms of stability and performance. It’s even been whispered that the new tablet will be named BlackPad, as evidenced from RIM’s registering of blackpad.com last month.
Connectivity and Features
One of the downsides though is that this tablet will not be having its own cellular connection; instead, it will be connecting through the user’s mobile phone in case WiFi is in short supply. This tethering approach could be seen as a limitation compared to the iPad, which offers models with built-in cellular connectivity. However, it could also be a strategic move to keep the device’s cost lower and appeal to users who already own a BlackBerry smartphone.
The BlackPad is expected to feature a 7-inch touchscreen, making it more portable than the iPad’s 9.7-inch display. This size difference could make the BlackPad more appealing to users looking for a more compact device that is easier to carry around. Additionally, rumors suggest that the BlackPad will include dual cameras for video conferencing and multimedia purposes, a feature that was not available on the first-generation iPad.
Potential Impact on the Market
It remains to be seen if this tablet will usher in a new era of productive tablet devices since the iPad has proven that slates are not all that friendly to creating content. The iPad has been primarily used for media consumption, web browsing, and light productivity tasks. RIM’s focus on a different operating system and potentially more business-oriented features could carve out a niche market for the BlackPad among professionals and enterprise users.
Moreover, RIM’s strong presence in the corporate world with its BlackBerry smartphones could provide a ready-made customer base for the BlackPad. Integration with BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) could offer seamless email, calendar, and contact synchronization, making it an attractive option for businesses looking for a secure and reliable tablet solution.
Another aspect to consider is the app ecosystem. While Apple’s App Store boasts a vast selection of applications, RIM will need to ensure that the BlackPad has a competitive range of apps available at launch. This could be achieved by leveraging QNX’s existing developer community and encouraging BlackBerry developers to create tablet-specific applications.
via Bloomberg
Update 28th September 2010.
RIM has finally announced their BlackBerry tablet full details at the link below.
BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet Gets Official
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