In According to sources, RIM is developing a BlackBerry OS-based media box, which has been dubbed BlackBerry Cyclone and provides functions that are similar to Apples set-top box. The Cyclone is expected to have HDMI, WiFi connectivity, and access to Netflix, YouTube and many other unspecified channels.
Many users have started preferring Media boxes as they allow viewing of online content on the TV. The Media boxes can have a wired or wireless connection and an HDMI cable. In most cases, they dont offer internal storage. BlackBerry Cyclone will be capable of accessing the devices that are part of the users WiFi network.
Although the PlayBook has not been received well in the market, BlackBerry is hoping that the tide will turn in its favour with a range of new devices targeted at the end user, instead of the corporate consumers. However, it is not clear what kind of media file manager RIM will give to its BlackBerry Cyclone. It will be difficult for RIM to come up with something as enticing as iTunes.
RIM has tried to compete with Apple before, the BlackBerry Storm was pitted against the iPhone and the PlayBook against the iPad. But in both cases, RIM was unable to make a dent in Apples market share. The company will be hoping for a different kind of response from the consumers when the BlackBerry Cyclone hits the market.
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