RIM is All Geared Up to Launch Two Smartphone Models in Early 2013

By Thea Neuman (Google)

Thorsten Heins (RIM’s CEO) revealed during an interview with AllThingsD that forthcoming BB 10 devices are nearing finishing stage and RIM will roll out these new BB 10 smartphones on the scheduled release time frame, which is around 1 Q, 2013.

He laid emphasis on the fact that BB 10 smartphones will be powered by latest BB 10 OS, and will be featuring an altogether refined and better user-friendly interface.

He revealed during a conversation with The Wall Street Journal that the new Blackberry smartphones are on the verge of getting a finishing touch, and he also assured that die-hard BB 10 fans won’t be disappointed once again since RIM will keep its promise regarding release of BB 10 smartphones.

Heins confirmed once again that though they are rolling out of a new model featuring touch-screen interface; the company won’t ditch their popular QWERTY keyboard.

Heins also suggested that his company has taken into consideration different classes of consumers and have accordingly developed 3 smartphones for both categories of phones i.e., virtual as well as physical keyboard based smartphones.

Heins excitedly talked about a significant feature which will cater to a new trend called ‘The Bring Your Own Device Movement’. This new feature will facilitate people in managing their personal plus official mail contacts, including other data.

He also gave a logical clarification regarding the decision that led to BB 10′s delay. He said that it was not RIM’s incapability, but it was an additional concern regarding end-users feedback, which forced the company to postpone the release.

Heins also had a sound explanation for those who are stressing on the point that RIM will miss the most lucrative business season which falls around Christmas. He said that BB 10 devices would stand out in the first quarter of 2013 instead of getting lost amidst the crowd of new handsets on the Christmas season. He also said that all leading carriers have assured to lend their support to RIM.

RIM has been the most preferred choice of leading corporate houses and Government. Another strong point of RIM lies in its installation base.

Regarding another major concern of end-users switching over from BB to more user-friendly OS like Android and iOS, Heins said that RIM has worked on this particular aspect, and the new touch-screen based smartphone is a strategic answer to that particular concern.

It appears that RIM has understood that ‘actions speaks louder than words’. That’s why it is not spilling the beans regarding the features of new BB 10 smartphones. If reports are to be believed, RIM may bring out some cutting-edge technology, which originally hails from Paratek. RIM acquired Paratek in May, and this technology basically lets a phone transmit and receive data on bands featuring multiple frequencies using a single antenna. This technology will enhance the quality of call and data and will help RIM in curtailing cost involved in manufacturing of different phones.

Heins refused to comment on a report suggesting that IBM made an informal approach regarding buying RIM’s enterprise server, but he made his point clear that since BB Enterprise Server is among RIM’s key strategic asset, RIM won’t be interested in selling that.