Thread: Rumor: 10 inch PlayBook Production Stopped as RIM Focuses on BlackBerry "Superphone"

Huge rumor coming from our friends over at N4BB.com that suggests that production for the once rumored 10" BlackBerry PlayBook has stopped and its resources have been relocated to focus exclusively on the first QNX powered BlackBerry "superphone," as they're calling it.

It seems that all this pressure from competitors to get faster and better phones out there has convinced RIM that it needs to focus on that aspect of the BlackBerry brand more so than the tablet market for the moment. This is obviously great news for us BlackBerry fans as the more phones the better. Along with these news, certain specs of this "superphone" have been leaked as well:

• It will have a single-core 1.2GHz processor (same as Bold 9900), as the same dual-core processor in PlayBook is a battery killer apparently (and we know how RIM feels about battery drainage), but that doesn't mean a dual-core processor isn't still a possibility.
  
• 900+ screen resolution puts this device equal if not better than it's competitors. (iPhone 4's resolution is 640x960)
  
• It would be a 4.3″ touchscreen device which makes a lot bigger than Storm and Torch (3.2 inches) and slightly smaller than the HTC Evo (4.8 inches) for example. Great news for big touch screen lovers.

So there you have it! What do you guys think about RIM's upcoming "superphone"? Great or too late?

That's great and all, but I was waiting for the 10inch Playbook. I understand its a good thing that they're focusing on new and better phones. But why at the expence of my 10 inch BlackBerry Playbook. How hard could be to make the same device you have out just 3 inches bigger? On the other hand the "superphone" does sound pretty cool. I'm just bitter.

Originally Posted by BBeesnHoney

That's great and all, but I was waiting for the 10inch Playbook. I understand its a good thing that they're focusing on new and better phones. But why at the expence of my 10 inch BlackBerry Playbook. How hard could be to make the same device you have out just 3 inches bigger? On the other hand the "superphone" does sound pretty cool. I'm just bitter.

I feel the same. I was waiting for the 10" Playbook too.
And now this "superphone" is coming, I don't want my 99** now I know this. What happening at RIM? First only delays, now rumors about new devices?
On a sarcastic note, wasn't the Storm an iPhone killer? I wonder why RIM now all of a sudden has the know how and means to build this Ultimate device?
I'm a bit sceptic now, but isn't this a way to get a bit of calm in a hectic period? Win investors back? I think this will be a device that doesn't seem to be in any known BB line so far, I wonder... Is this the rebirth of RIM?

Originally Posted by Poita316

I'm a bit sceptic now, but isn't this a way to get a bit of calm in a hectic period? Win investors back? I think this will be a device that doesn't seem to be in any known BB line so far, I wonder... Is this the rebirth of RIM?

That last part is key... certain leaks I'm sure are completely planned and this one sounds like one of them... make people have more interest and faith into whats going to come... aka investing...

I am happy that they are focusing exclusively on the first QNX powered BlackBerry "superphone". This is what more people want and this is what RIM needs to do to become the top dog of the smart phone wars. This would become a true "iPhone Killer". I just hope that they put a decent size battery in it. Just think of how nicely BlackBerry Bridge will work with a BlackBerry "superphone". I will gladly wait for the 10" PlayBook if it speeds up the delivery of a QNX powered BlackBerry "superphone".

Good! My 7" Playbook is the perfect size in my opinion.

Originally Posted by AgentBlackBerry

That last part is key... certain leaks I'm sure are completely planned and this one sounds like one of them... make people have more interest and faith into whats going to come... aka investing...

I know leaks have a certain use. It does come at a good time for RIM.
Down side is, that RIM has delayed devices, what makes this one any better? I think they should have waited untill they had a working model. Now investors and critics will say "yeah we heard that before" I just hope RIM builds this "raising hell" Blackberry.

@ Jan van Vugt; I don't think RIM will ever make an iPhone killer, simply because Apple made such a big gap between them and RIM. Apple has a big fanbase and users are less likely to jump to BB then the other way around. I do think that a device that can match them with Apple will attract more users. Down side is that by the time RIM releases this Uber phone, Apple will release an iPhone 6 or higher. Seems RIM needs to build a device that won't be overshadowed by an iPhone. E.g. kick *** cameras (yes a front facing one to) screen that makes you drewl, batterylife thats longer, a new OS because a lot of developers are dropping RIM due to the problems they encounter when making apps. Apple has 1 os and it's easier to build apps, just like with Android. No BB is similar, unlike Apple (RIM Loses Miami Dolphins Fans as Software Developers Defect - Bloomberg)
But we all know what RIM needs to do to make an impressive Blackberry, I just hope they listen and getthe idea...

Originally Posted by Poita316

No BB is similar, unlike Apple (RIM Loses Miami Dolphins Fans as Software Developers Defect - Bloomberg)
But we all know what RIM needs to do to make an impressive Blackberry, I just hope they listen and getthe idea...

Huge Dolphins fan here btw... and I could careless about Seesmic...

I think a "Superphone" whatever that means, is a a better direction right now for RIM.

IMO there is only one thing that RIM should be "leaking" and that is their source code so that people can jailbreak their phones. One of the biggest attractions to the Apple products are the apps and the fact that one can jailbreak the devices. There is no doubt that it drives sales WAY up. It sounds crazy but RIM should seriously consider leaking some code out so that BB owners can do the same as the iPhone users. It will prolly boost the BB app development way up too.

Originally Posted by DownForce

IMO there is only one thing that RIM should be "leaking" and that is their source code so that people can jailbreak their phones. One of the biggest attractions to the Apple products are the apps and the fact that one can jailbreak the devices. There is no doubt that it drives sales WAY up. It sounds crazy but RIM should seriously consider leaking some code out so that BB owners can do the same as the iPhone users. It will prolly boost the BB app development way up too.

Hey, that's not such a bad idea, DownForce. I also can't wait for the Android Player to be available for the BlackBerry.

Originally Posted by DownForce

IMO there is only one thing that RIM should be "leaking" and that is their source code so that people can jailbreak their phones. One of the biggest attractions to the Apple products are the apps and the fact that one can jailbreak the devices. There is no doubt that it drives sales WAY up. It sounds crazy but RIM should seriously consider leaking some code out so that BB owners can do the same as the iPhone users. It will prolly boost the BB app development way up too.

wow that is a really good idea actually... someone get RIM on the phone...

Sad but true, that iPad sales are much higher here in Dubai than the PlayBook, you will find only 1 out of 20 people interested in the PB here