RBC: Research In Motion plans to discontinue its wifi BlackBerry PlayBook [Updated]
UPDATE: RIM responded to this report publicly, saying that it is “pure fiction" and that the company has "no plan to discontinue” the PlayBook. RIM pointed out that the "wifi PlayBook is launching in new countries practically every week.”
The latest rumour surrounding Waterloo's RIM is that it is scaling back or discontinuing entirely the wifi-only BlackBerry PlayBook.
RIM hasn't confirmed this, but an RBC analyst believes the company has indeed lowered its expectations for the device. According to mike Abramsky, RIM is either adjusting its inventory to the lower sales forecasts or completely phasing out the device in favour of a 3G or 4G PlayBook. RBC also states that RIM has shifted its R&D focus to its forthcoming "superphone" roster.
RIM has yet to announce a launch date for another PlayBook—in fact, it hasn't even released a native email app for the tablet, which has been a major drawback for users without BlackBerrys. It also has been vague about when its next-gen phones will be coming out.
The company's shares were down about a percent today, but most of the market was in the red, so that doesn't tell much.
