Blackberry 10 Undergoes Lab Testing With Carriers
redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports – Your Universe Online
Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM) said on Wednesday that it was on track to launch its new BlackBerry 10 smartphone early next year, and that more than 50 carriers are currently lab testing the new platform.
“I’m very pleased to confirm that we have passed a critical milestone in the development of our brand new mobile computing platform, BlackBerry 10,” said RIM’s chief executive Thorsten Heins.
“In the last week, BlackBerry 10 achieved Lab Entry with more than 50 carriers – a key step in our preparedness for the launch of BlackBerry 10 in the first quarter of 2013.”
Carriers typically lab test new mobile operating systems, smartphones and other wireless equipment before certifying them for use on their networks. The process can take up to several weeks to complete, depending on the carrier.
“We made this commitment during our recent results conference call and we have delivered. This process will continue in the coming months as more carriers around the world formally evaluate the devices and our brand new software,” Heins said.
Heins has spent the last couple of months on a worldwide road trip visiting carriers to generate interest and excitement for the next-generation BlackBerry10.
“Their response has been tremendous,” he said.
“They are excited about the prospect of launching BlackBerry 10 in their markets. Our respective teams are now engaged on the technical and commercial preparation of the launch of BlackBerry 10 and the lab entry is an important milestone in that context.”
Considering the dominance of Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platforms, wireless carriers may be seeking additional options to help lessen their dependence on the two tech heavyweights. While they appear to be embracing phones using Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system, RIM could be in good position if Microsoft stumbles.
RIM could be cutting it close with its first quarter 2013 BlackBerry 10 launch target, considering that lab trials can take as long as four months to complete.
The company has not said whether it will wait to launch the BB10 until most major carriers formally approve the device. It is also not clear whether each carrier will offer slight variations of the same phone, or if the differences will be significant.
Shares of RIM’s stock rose 4.69 percent on Wednesday, closing at $7.93.
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2012-11-01 18:18:26
Source: http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1112723722/blackberry-rim-testing-110112/
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