Ailing smartphone maker Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) previously pushed back the scheduled launch date of the new range of BlackBerry 10 devices from later this year to the first quarter of 2013. Now Forbes has reported that one analyst expects that date to fall in March rather than January.
RIM Managing Direct Richard Piasentin has said that the company will not release a subpar product. Hence the pushback of the release date to the first quarter to create a more polished product likely to win back former BlackBerry users.
But Jefferies analyst Peter Misek told investors: “We had hoped for a January launch but now see a March launch as more likely.” He added:
“Also, our checks point to a tough November quarter, with replenishment rates decreasing as channel partners are cautious on holding RIM inventory. We think the business uncertainty means parties are unlikely to acquire or license from RIM until BB10 launches.”
BlackBerry 10 is built on QNX, a software platform RIM acquired in 2010. The first product based on QNX was RIM’s Playbook tablet.
RIM shares are down less than 2% in premarket trading to $8.09, in a 52-week range of $6.22 to $24.74.
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