RIM's QNX platform to compete with FaceTime and Skype via BBM Video Chat

Even though RIM's OS 7 is brand-new, what everyone is really waiting for is a QNX-based platform and truly turbocharged BlackBerrys, both of which are due to start rolling out in early 2012.

While lacking apps and native email, the BlackBerry PlayBook's QNX OS has given us a glimpse of what RIM's future superphones may work like. But there appear to be new features in the works well beyond what the Waterloo company's tablet offers today.

One of them is BBM Video Chat. While RIM hasn't spoken out about it, the feature sounds like RIM's version of Apple's FaceTime and Microsoft's Skype. It make sense, given Apple recently gave its iOS iMessages, a carbon copy of RIM's famous BBM. This means the next-gen BlackBerrys will boast front-facing cameras, which is becoming a new standard for top-end mobile devices.

With Android apps running on BlackBerrys, plus RIM's best QNX OS, and finally all the goodies like email and BBM that we love about these Canadian devices… this smartphone pioneer may finally become a legitimate contender in the mobile market again in 2012.