RIM now working on only one BlackBerry 10 smartphone; Colt, Milan cancelled -BGR

[emirozmen]

We heard this from other sources. This is from BGR

We already reported that the BlackBerry Colt — the handset that was originally intended to be the Research In Motion’s first BlackBerry 10 smartphone — had been cancelled. Now, we have heard from multiple sources that the BlackBerry Milan that leaked last month was in fact was never a QNX smartphone, but a BlackBerry 7 device with a slightly different design identity. Regardless, the Milan has been cancelled as well. We’re told carriers balked at the idea of carrying a BlackBerry 7 phone so similar to the BlackBerry Torch at this point in time. The only phone RIM is working on bringing to market right now is the BlackBerry London. We have been told that RIM is currently shopping the London with carriers, and while it still looks very much like the image published by The Verge in November, there have been some slight design changes made. Lastly, we got word that when representatives from Porsche Design showed up to RIM’s headquarters to check out the progress the company was making on the designed by Porsche BlackBerry 9900 for the first time, “it was a complete disaster.”



As seen on: RIM now working on only one BlackBerry 10 smartphone; Colt, Milan cancelled

[Fubaz]

reading BGR is like reading the enquirer.

[Lead_Express]

This can't possibly be true. Maybe RIM has only one BB10 phone near completion, but to say that they are only working on a single model is ridiculous. Does anybody really think that RIM will phase out their QWERTY keypad? It's the best in the business! Stupid, stupid, stupid article!

[JD914]

Originally Posted by Fubaz

reading BGR is like reading the enquirer.

not really, they have been spot on correct in the past. Not only that when BGR talks RIM takes serious what they have to say.

[berklon]

Originally Posted by Lead_Express

This can't possibly be true. Maybe RIM has only one BB10 phone near completion, but to say that they are only working on a single model is ridiculous. Does anybody really think that RIM will phase out their QWERTY keypad? It's the best in the business! Stupid, stupid, stupid article!

I don't find it hard to believe at all. They could be working on only one model... for now. There's nothing that says down the road they won't start working on another model with a QERTY keyboard.

[ColdSunshine]

Originally Posted by Lead_Express

This can't possibly be true. Maybe RIM has only one BB10 phone near completion, but to say that they are only working on a single model is ridiculous. Does anybody really think that RIM will phase out their QWERTY keypad? It's the best in the business! Stupid, stupid, stupid article!

I don't think they'll entirely get rid of the QWERTY kb, but I do think that from now on out, they'll concentrate on touchscreens as that's what sells. At least according to Apple...

As for the one phone in production...wow. What a way to shoot yourself in the foot.

[crack_me_silly]

The thing I dislike the most about BGR articles is their extreme negativity toward blackberry. Its just a little off putting...

like the last sentence with "it was a complete disaster." Non biased reporting would have said something along the lines of "from reports the meeting didnt go well."

and again here...We’re told carriers balked at the idea of carrying a BlackBerry 7 so similar to the torch...just very biased.

Also...isnt the 9981 already out and "selling well"?

[mikos]

I like the strategy to work on one phone, seemed to work well for Apple. RIM should be building two though, one touchscreen and one Bold. They don't need all the variations, just build two quality smartphones and get the OS right.

[howarmat]

BGR didnt break this story, N4BB did a couple days ago. They are just "confirming" it.

[Economist101]

Originally Posted by crack_me_silly

and again here...We’re told carriers balked at the idea of carrying a BlackBerry 7 so similar to the torch...just very biased.

How is that line biased?

[missing_K-W]

“Sprint exclusive on iPhone 5" -BGR.......

[lnichols]

Originally Posted by ColdSunshine

As for the one phone in production...wow. What a way to shoot yourself in the foot.

Works for Apple. They focus on one phone per year and come out with a solid product. RIM needs to desperately reduce the amount of product offerings and go to a yearly release schedule and discount last years model like apple does. Android manufacturers just keep throwing higher spec'd phones over the fence every few months. The first QNX phone should be all touch and see how well it is received by people who traditionally go for the keyboard. I'm sure they will come out with a keyboard version at some point but the point of the first QNX phone is to try to lure back people that left BB for Apple and Android all touch offerings.

[Economist101]

Originally Posted by lnichols

Works for Apple. They focus on one phone per year and come out with a solid product. RIM needs to desperately reduce the amount of product offerings and go to a yearly release schedule and discount last years model like apple does. Android manufacturers just keep throwing higher spec'd phones over the fence every few months. The first QNX phone should be all touch and see how well it is received by people who traditionally go for the keyboard. I'm sure they will come out with a keyboard version at some point but the point of the first QNX phone is to try to lure back people that left BB for Apple and Android all touch offerings.

It does work for Apple, and it could work for RIM as well. The problem I have is that though Apple only makes one phone, if they were to announce the next iPhone would only e available with a physical keyboard we'd all think that was crazy. Similarly, if RIM is going to offer just one device, it seems bizarre that it might be an all-touch device.

[sleepngbear]

Originally Posted by Economist101

It does work for Apple, and it could work for RIM as well. The problem I have is that though Apple only makes one phone, if they were to announce the next iPhone would only e available with a physical keyboard we'd all think that was crazy. Similarly, if RIM is going to offer just one device, it seems bizarre that it might be an all-touch device.

Agreed. Apple is the only smart phone manufacturer that is successful with one form factor and essentially one model. It would not work for RIM, and I honestly don't see any other manufacturer getting away with it, either.

[trsbbs]

While I do agree that RIM needs to cut down on the number of models they must support and have Devs program for, cutting it down to one is a little odd.

Reduction in R&D funds? (things getting tight around Waterloo cash wise)
Problems with BB10?
Problems with back end of things working with BB10?
Looking at a buy out or change in leadership so they are not "going out on a limb".

Any or all.

Could it be the production of one model with two variants? One with the physical keyboard and one without? Sort of like what the Torch line is now?