RIM Won't Have BB10 Available Until March 2013?

Research In Motion may not have its BlackBerry 10 operating system ready until March 2013, reports Jefferies analyst Peter Misek.

"We had hoped for a January launch but now see a March launch as more likely," he writes. That would mean no sales of the next generation phones in the February quarter. "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."

RIM is hoping that BB10 will be able to compete against iOS and Android; however, Microsoft is also fighting for the success of its Windows Phone 8 platform.


"We still believe a third ecosystem [in addition to iOS and Android] will emerge, but the probability of BB10 filling the role is wholly dependent on whether RIM can convince Samsung, Huawei, and ZTE to license," he writes. "Baidu, Huawei, and others are pursuing their own operating systems. We also see Win 8 as somewhat of a threat but conflicting reviews, less-than-stellar developer feedback, and a desire by Microsoft to make hardware directly make Win 8."

Recently, RIM urged developers to stick with the company by posting a 'love song' to YouTube.

[via Forbes]