Codenamed “AK” (for Apple Killer), the BlackBerry maker from Canada is reported to be developing a super-secret competitor to the iPhone. While the BlackBerry 9000 made waves recently with a launch delay, certain speculation hinting that the BlackBerry 9000 would be equipped with a touchscreen has fallen through.
But, that doesn’t mean that RIM isn’t working on their own touchscreen handset to compete in the newly touchscreen-crazed smartphone market. Independent software developers say that the “AK” is under development at RIM.
Could the rumored BlackBerry 9100 turn out to be the BlackBerry “AK?” Time will tell, but it’s almost a lock for RIM to launch some sort of touchscreen device in the near future. After all, touchscreens are the new hotness. But, let’s hope that RIM doesn’t forget what LG already knows – the UI (User Interface) is the overwhelming deal-maker/deal-breaker.
Apple’s got the industry-leading iPhone UI, but RIM could come to market with better enterprise integration and higher-spec hardware. If so, the 3G iPhone could have a serious competitor to deal with.
[Via: NYT]