Analysts around the world are probably busy writing obituaries for RIM, but the company is not ready to call it quits. According to the
latest rumors, the company is looking to enter the uncharted waters with the launch of a new media box. Positioned against Apple TV, the new device has been codenamed "BlackBerry Cyclone". The device is expected to hit the markets this fall.
This media contraption is modeled on Apple TV but reportedly has the Netflix power added to it. The device will also be able to able to stream content from YouTube. Further, you can add several media devices to the Wi-Fi network and then can stream content from the connected machines. But how useful this device would be in the absence of iTunes counterpart? The product is looking iffy on the paper itself, so we wonder how it is going to fare in reality. By the way, Cyclone will also have HDMI Out.
Will Cyclone be able to pull RIM out of the abyss it has fallen into? We highly doubt it. The company had been laying off its employees left, right and center. In such scenario, the company has decided to employ its limited resources on a product company has no expertise in, for the market which is already saturated. Even Apple TV, despite its strong features and cult follwing, is struggling. So, let's wait for the fall to see if Cyclone turns out to be RIM's last hurrah.