Those of you waiting for RIM’s next-generation touchscreen slate BlackBerry (better known by its code names, Monaco and Monza) have another glimmer of hope to cling to. Recently TrueSupplier started listing individual components of the device, which generally indicates a phone has gone into mass production.
We’ve seen the device live on video, in plenty of stills, and even enjoyed a detailed spec sheet. From all of that, we’ve pieced together that the Monaco/Monza will cover both CDMA and GSM carriers, run OS 7 (complete with new graphics rendering engine), and include near-field communications and a magnetic compass for augmented reality apps. The 5 megapixel camera on the back should be able to take 720p video recording, and the device will also be among the first BlackBerry smartphones to support mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The BlackBerry 9860 will have the biggest, highest-resolution screen from any BlackBerry to date (3.7 inches, 800 x 480), but we’re expecting a smaller brother, the Curve Touch, to tackle the mid-range tier.
The BlackBerry 9860 will either be going to market as the Touch or the Volt, but I’m leaning towards the prior. As for timeline, our best guess is June 29 on T-Mobile, followed by the Bold 9900 for back-to-school. Seeing as both had their ad spots leaked at the same time, it’s likely enough that they’ll be launching around the same time.
[via BerryReview]