Research In Motion confirmed as far back as December 2010 that it would eventually port its QNX operating system to BlackBerry smartphones. BGR has learned that the first such device, codenamed the BlackBerry Colt, could launch as early as Q1 2012.
Little is known so far about the BlackBerry Colt. Details so far suggest that it will be powered by a single-core processor (based on current prototypes) although a multi-core processor is not completely ruled out. This aligns with an earlier rumour that suggested that a 1.2GHz single-core processor would be used. That same rumour also suggested it would come with a 4.3-inch display suggesting a slab design like that of the BlackBerry Torch 9860 rather than the more traditional QWERTY-keyboard design.
To go along with the device, RIM is developing a QNX-specific BlackBerry Enterprise Server version, something that is proving to be extremely difficult according to BGR’s source. As a result, the BlackBerry Colt could launch without BES support (Microsoft Activesync would be used to provide Microsoft Exchange support initially)!
RIM is apparently well into internal testing and is targeting Q1 2012 for the BlackBerry Colt’s launch. RIM may also have halted development of a 10-inch PlayBook tablet to focus on the Colt in a bid to meet its timeline.
I’ve had two BlackBerry devices in the past and I really like it. Ever since I switched to Android but I’d love to give the QNX a go. I think that, in the abscence of BES, RIM should market the Colt as a consumer device, investing on entertainment. Maybe would be a good idea to have different lines of products for both enterprise and consumers, like Nokia does.