We've been hearing rumblings of what RIM has in store for its QNX/BBX-powered handsets for some time now, but today the first purported image of a dummy model of such a device has made its way online. Sent over to the folks at The Verge, the source of the image says that the handset is currently being referred to as the BlackBerry London and that it's packing a 1.5GHz TI OMAP dual-core processor, 8-megapixel camera, 2-megapixel shooter around front, 1GB RAM, and 16GB built-in storage. It's also described as being thinner than an iPhone 4 and around the same size as a Samsung Galaxy S II. The London is said to be currently slated for a June 2012 release.
As for the design of the London, it's definitely got a look that's reminiscent of the Porsche Design P'9981. The source also claims that the London can be stood straight up on one of its sides, meaning we may be looking at a more squared off design. Lastly we've got the OS, which reminds us a lot more of the software found on the PlayBook than what's currently running on BlackBerry 7 devices like the Bold 9900, which makes sense considering that BBX and the PlayBook's OS are both based off of QNX.
So what do you all think? I'd say that the London is a decent looking 'Berry (if it's the real deal), but its rumored June 2012 launch seems pretty far off. Of course, the rumor mill has claimed that the first BBX-powered phone is due sometime in Q1 2012, so we may still end up seeing a BBX device before June rolls around. Drop your thoughts about the London in the comments below!
UPDATE: According to a "trusted source" speaking with BGR, the London is indeed real. The tipster claims that the device is currently set to launch in Q3 2012, possibly later in the quarter, and that it'll likely be RIM's first BBX-powered handset when it does. What about the BlackBerry Colt and its rumored Q1 2012 launch? BGR's source alleges that RIM has decided to toss it and focus on the London.
