Is BlackBerry here to Stay?

It’ official, RIM has a new line up of BlackBerry devices on the launch pad ready for lift-off. Most Canadians hope this is not the last but the first of many more historic launches unlike the last flight of Atlantis on its final mission for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program.
We know the availability of 4 of the 7 devices (Torch 9810, Bold Touch 9900, Storm 3 9860, Curve 9360) are imminent  while the other 3 are still undercover but no doubt these unnamed devices will be a combination of the above models.

Release Schedule

As expected these phones will be available on the BIG 3 Carriers as early as next month.  See Schedule below:-

The big question is will these devices which are all expected to be running the new improved OS 7.0 and faster powered CPU, bring a resurgence of love for the brand and do a good enough job of bringing RIM within striking distance of its competitors.

What to Expect

What we do know however, the new line-up of devices will include the following though a subset for some:

• New Improved Operating Systems: Blackberry OS 7.0
• Supped up CPU: 1.2 GHz Processor  with 768 MB RAM
• NFC Capability: This will allow you to make purchases with your phone one day soon – perhaps, or pair your device with an accessory to interact in some way
• New Liquid Graphics interface, which aims to bring a consistently high standard of visuals
• GPU composited UIs which makes the interface feel a lot smoother than doing UI display calculations on the already resource-constrained CPU

What’s not Included

• NO Dual Core Processor in the works. Need a high powered device that can handle all OS 7 features. Not sure 1.2 GHz Processor will do the job well enough.
• Improved graphics not the standard 480 x 640 pixels more inline with the industry best, 960-by-640-pixels.
• We all want to see a better than average camera 8 mps with front Facing included and HD Video- 780p minimum.
• No HDMI Support at least not on the 4 devices named.
• Appears that Standard battery, Li-Ion 1230/1300 mAh will be powering these devices.

BlackBerry OS 7.0 Highlights

Given that OS 7.O is really going to be the selling point for these devices I have highlighted a few key features of the OS 7.0 platform:

•  A new and improved browser, augmented by RIM’s new JIT (Just-In-Time) JavaScript compiler which also boasts HTML5 support, pinch to zoom and enhanced Flash support, as well as updated HTML rendering.
•  A key feature is BlackBerry Balance, which aims to help users detach their personal and business lives into two separate streams of content on one device.
•  You’ll also be treated to RIM’s new Liquid Graphics interface, which aims to bring a consistently high standard of visuals to BlackBerry devices, powered by the updated CPU and GPU capabilities
• The firmware update also includes support for NFC technology and HD video capture, with newer devices able to capture and playback 720p content.
• The aesthetic though not terribly different from OS 6.1 there are a few new nice touches to have. For example you’ll find larger tabs in the browser, allowing you to shift between open windows with ease and the updated Universal Search with voice support will likely please users too.

Conclusion

With Official Launch Dates out in UK and upcoming release dates in the US, the tentative dates put forward of August 19 th for Canada doesn’t seen too far fetched. As soon as pricing is confirmed and the remaining devices out of the closet we will keep you informed. In the meantime let us know what you want in your ideal BlackBerry phone.