Remember those rumours that RIM was working on a 10-inch version of the PlayBook? While it appears that the rumours were in fact true, it also now looks like RIM has put those plans on hold. N4BB.com is reporting that “the entire 10-inch PlayBook development has been canceled” in favour of its first QNX-powered BlackBerry ‘Superphone.’
Contrary to earlier statements, RIM is apparently considering a 1.2GHz single-core processor (the same as for the BlackBerry Bold 9900) for the the QNX smartphone. A dual-core processor has not been completely ruled out but battery life is a concern. RIM is also looking at a 4.3-inch display running a resolution of 900+ pixels.
The decision to halt development of the 10-inch PlayBook will also allow RIM to focus more on the LTE 4G PlayBook. N4BB.com sources suggest that it will be released in October 2011, echoing statements made by Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis a couple of weeks ago.
There is no word yet on when RIM will launch its first QNX-powered smartphone but it is unlikely to be in 2011.