Research In Motion (RIM) is working hard on its upcoming BlackBerry 10 platform, which of course means there are leaks to prove it. The latest images, courtesy of BlackBerry Italia, show the first BlackBerry 10 smartphone, codenamed BlackBerry London, in all its touchscreen glory.
It’s unclear right now whether the hardware has been finalized and if RIM is solely focusing on the software, but given that these are expected next year, both might still be in flux. Nevertheless, these are definitely test units, as CrackBerry points out the devices are still carrying their serial numbers.
The battery door is shown, meaning we can expect a removal battery, and the NFC contacts appear to be present like on current BlackBerry smartphones. While I’m usually more interested in the hardware, since it’s static, than the software, which can be updated, the second image caught my attention more:
As you can see, the usual apps are present: Contacts, Browser, Calendar, BBM, Text Messaging, App World, Pictures, Music, Videos, Facebook, and Maps. I do see, however, two new apps that aren’t on my BlackBerry: FocalPoint and Story Maker.
I have no idea what the first one could be, and it’s definitely not the Focal Point app I found on BlackBerry World (notice that one has a space in its name). The second new app is likely a rebranding of the video editing service JayCut, which acquired by RIM in July 2011.
Personally I don’t care too much about this particular BlackBerry 10 device because it lacks the only thing I still like about BlackBerry: the physical keyboard. In other words, I don’t care about BlackBerry London (L-Series), which you can see above, but I want to BlackBerry Nevada (N-Series), which will feature a QWERTY keyboard. That being said, I’ll be keeping you updated on both.
See also: RIM announces free BlackBerry 10 app submissions, guarantees you’ll earn $10k if you make $1k
Image credit: stock.xchng
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.