BBX smartphones to get high-res screens, include enterprise server, abandon iconic BlackBerry keyboard

Some new details of RIM's next-gen smartphones, or "superphones" rather, have been unveiled by PC Mag.

The BBX-powered devices, expected to launch in "early 2012," will feature high-resolution screens—the same resolution as the PlayBook tablet, making it easier on app developers. This 1024x600-pixel resolution has a 16:9 ratio never seen before on a smartphone, landing somewhere in the middle of 960x540 and 1280x720 standards. But this way, RIM says, any app made for the PlayBook will work on the superphones and vice-versa.

How many inches large the screen is was not explained, but it's safe to guess 3.7 to 4 inches. Anything over 4 would be awkwardly close in size to the PlayBook, a 7-inch device. This also means the iconic BlackBerry keyboard is likely to be abandoned, perhaps retained by only a single model as full-size touchscreens take over the mobile market. But it is not yet clear whether any BBX superphones will retain the original BlackBerry design.

In February 2010, RIM will launch BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 which will finally feature native email—nearly a full year late—and Android compatibility.