New rumours have detailed some alleged new features that will turn up on QNX-powered BlackBerry smartphones next year.
N4BB has learned that RIM has separated the network software stack from the rest of the QNX operating system. The move will make it easier for RIM to swap out network stacks for different carriers with little effect on the rest of the OS. Not only would this reduce the amount of testing required by a carrier but it would also allow RIM to push out other OS updates without requiring carrier validation. BlackBerry Desktop Manager may also disappear as QNX-powered BlackBerry smartphones are expected to support OTA updates (much like the BlackBerry PlayBook already does).
GizmoFusion is reporting that front-facing cameras will also be a new feature for QNX-powered smartphones. With the new camera, RIM will also add video chat capabilities to BBM (BlackBerry Messenger). The site adds that the feature may skip the first QNX BlackBerry device (the rumoured Colt) if it’s not ready on schedule.
Past rumours suggested that QNX-powered BlackBerry smartphones will also be able to run Google Android applications.
It is starting to look like RIM will be able to close the gap on its competition with its QNX smartphones.
Source: N4BB and GizmoFusion