We’ve known for some time that RIM is working on a touchscreen BlackBerry. We didn’t know that the device would be code named the BlackBerry Thunder and that it could be a lifetime exclusive to Verizon and Vodafone.
Lets let that sink in for a minute. Not only could the touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder be coming to Verizon first in the U.S., it may only ever be offered by Verizon.
The BlackBerry Thunder will have a touch screen only. According to BGR, the first touchscreen BlackBerry will not have a slide out keyboard and only have 4 physical keys. Rumor also has it that the BlackBerry Thunder will by a hybrid device with CDMA EV-DO Rev. C and GSM HSPA for when you traveling internationally.
For clarification, Rev C., known as UMB is practically dead. If the device will indeed launch with a 4G solution, our bet is on LTE
I’ve been debating or not if I want to buy the new Verizon BlackBerry Curve. I don’t really need it, as my 8130 is working just fine. I believe that I will wait to here bit more about the BlackBerry Thunder. If this is really coming out next quarter, I think that I just might have to wait for it and forego the Curve.
[Source]
We all know that just because RIM patents technology doesn’t mean that said technology will appear in an upcoming BlackBerry. When it comes, however, to the BlackBerry Touchscreen patent that was just published last week, Research in Motion co-CEO, Jim Balsillie, kind of hints that a BlackBerry Touchscreen is in the works…
Balsillie, at the Mobile World Conference, said that it was important to be flexible to customer demands when asked if RIM had plans to bring out a touchscreen BlackBerry.
“For sure we’re looking at all kinds of different device packaging and presentation,” Balsillie said in an interview with Reuters at the Mobile World Congress.
“I think getting religious on packaging is not the way to go,” he said. “It’s really user preference-oriented.”
This isn’t exactly a confirmation that a touchscreen BlackBerry is coming out, but, it sure isn’t a denial either. A lot of BlackBerry users want a touchscreen. I imagine that before too long, they will get their wish.
[Reuters]
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INTEGRATING A TOUCHSCREEN WITHIN AN LCD
This the name of a patent published yesterday morning that strongly suggests that an iPhone like, touchscreen bearing BlackBerry is on the way.
Russell Shaw points out that “most BlackBerry Patent applications are only published 18 months after they are filed, this one has only a four-month gap. These shorter gaps often occur when adaptation of proposed technology the patent describes is imminent.”
You can read the full abstract for the System and Method for Integrating A Touchscreen Within an LCD here…
