It appears that Waterloo, Ontario-based Research In Motion intends to equip its upcoming BlackBerry Tablet — also known as BlackPad — with an operating system other than its BlackBerry OS. The highly anticipated and intriguing device will reportedly run on software developed by QNX Software Systems, which RIM acquired from Harman International back in April of this year for $200 million.
Already, several companies such as Cisco, General Electric, and Caterpillar are said to use software created by QNX. More importantly, there are various independent developers already creating applications for the platform, which is probably why RIM has chosen to go with QNX instead of its newly-introduced BlackBerry OS 6.
QNX software is also used to control systems inside popular vehicles from companies such as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and Porsche SE. Additionally, the computer used to navigate a six-wheel unmanned U.S. army vehicle called The Crusher uses QNX’s Neutrino software.
However, the BlackPad will also feature some of the features that make BlackBerry smartphones great such as push email and data encryption. The device will also work over Wi-Fi. Though users will be able to access the Internet on the go by tethering the BlackPad to their BlackBerry smartphones using Bluetooth.
RIM has, of course, declined to comment on the matter. The BlackPad is expected to be introduced and may released in November of this year.
Via : erictric.com
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