BlackBerry® PlayBook™

[SGoodman]

I saw that the BlackBerry 10 operating system is in alpha. Did I miss version 8 and 9? I thought version 7 was the current version.

Thanks,

Shane.

[Esperoni]

7.X is the current version. BB10 will be the new qnx-based OS for the PlayBook and new devices which should be out by the end of the year.

[SGoodman]

So they're skipping over versions 8 and 9?

What is the current version based on? Java? What is qnx?

Shane.

[Esperoni]

QNX is an RTOS (Real Time Operating System) and is currently in use all over the world (Integrated Car Systems, Home Monitoring, Nuclear Plants, etc...)

More information can be found here www.qnx.com

I don't think RIM will be introducing OS 8 and 9 on the BlackBerry lineup. BB10 was originally going to be called BBX. BB10 will be RIM's new OS that will begin on their first handset (Later on this year), and continue on to the tablet (PlayBook).

As always, they will continue to support all their devices. You can also check out some of the videos on http://crackberry.com/ which shows some of the teasers from BBWorld.

[cas118]

Just a little snippit to add to that post.

Because the new OS isn't Java-based an is essentially brand-new, BlackBerry apps on existing BlackBerry handsets will not be compatible. At all.

Also, it wouldn't surprise me if BlackBerry 10 lasts longer than usual, much like Apple's OS X (which is essential 10 as well).

Everything changes with BlackBerry 10 - this isn't your grandpa's BlackBerry - this is all new baby

[aandras]

We are actually previewing bb10 with the pb.

[JSanders Resident Expert]

There will very likely never me any OS 8 & 9. BlackBerry10 will be the light speed jump ahead of those java based operating systems.

[Zildjian71]

When Microsoft abandoned MS-DOS and the FAT file system they left a ton of devs and apps behind as well. If you wanted to keep up with MS you had to adopt the new platform (actually NT on steriods)

When Apple went to OS X the same thing...new platform and new file system...essentially UNIX with a sexy UI.

RIM is taking a very risky yet potentially massively profitable change with a lot more in the way of momentum by choosing QNX.

This change has the potential to redefine computing, desktop and mobile, as we know it.

Of everything that is happening in the tech world today IMO I think this is the most forward thinking with the most long term consequences.

This is beyond IP v6 this is potentially the most massivelly connected platform to ever reach our hands.