RIM: Rumors that it is discontinuing PlayBook are “pure fiction”

RIM has replied to the rumors that it has discontinued production of its PlayBook tablet device by saying that they are “pure fiction”, reports Reuters. The company issued a statement after ana analyst said this morning that the company had ceased making the tablets and that it was considering exiting the tablet market entirely.

RIM spokeswoman Marisa Conway said that “rumors suggesting that the BlackBerry PlayBook is being discontinued are pure fiction. RIM remains highly committed to the tablet market and the future of QNX in its platform.”

John Vihn, a Collins Stewart analyst said earlier today that “We believe RIM has stopped production of its PlayBook and is actively considering exiting the tablet market.”

The PlayBook has not been a success by any measure. RIM has said that it has shipped 700,000 PlayBooks since its introduction, but has sold just around 495,000 of those.