While BlackBerry has turned over development and management of its entry-level BlackBerry smartphone business to Foxconn, it is still developing new high-end models in-house. At least two new devices, the all-touch Ontario and the QWERTY keyboard Windermere, are reportedly in the works. The Ontario has already been the topic of a few rumours (including benchmarks) but the Windermere has proven more elusive until now. But “multiple trusted sources” have now revealed some details of this device to BGR.
BlackBerry looks to be trying something quite different with the Windermere. It is reportedly much wider than any other BlackBerry smartphone because of a new physical keyboard design. Gone are the four traditional rows in favour of only three. Not only that but the keys will also be touch-sensitive, allowing them to be used like we use software gesture keyboards on other devices – Think Swype or even the new Swiftkey gesture mode. The gesture mode would give users access to numbers, symbols and other special characters.
The broader design also means that the Windermere would have a wider display. BlackBerry is reportedly looking at using this to let users run two apps simultaneously next to each other.
Does all this sound familiar? Just yesterday we caught a glimpse at an odd looking prototype device. It would appear that BlackBerry is indeed seriously considering such a form factor. In fact, the report adds that BlackBerry is working with an unnamed “large partner” on this device. Whether this device makes it out of the prototype stage will depend in large part on the partner who would be responsible for manufacturing it.
If nothing else, the news does suggest that while BlackBerry is still struggling to turn its fortunes around, it has not given up on innovation as a way to help it right the ship.
Source : BGR