RIM unconvinced quad-core CPUs the right fit for BlackBerry 10

RIM has questioned the need for quad-core CPUs in current generation smartphones, claiming the industry is over-fixated with specs.

Speaking to Techradar, SVP of software product management Andrew Bocking suggested the Canadian manufacturer was in no rush to equip its forthcoming BlackBerry 10 handsets with quad-core CPUs.

Nice quads

"It's interesting to see the dynamics between quad-core CPUS and dual-core CPUS and really where the big value is beyond the spec itself in the overall user experience," he told the site.

"What we're seeing is that unless you're going to have a lot of applications running that require the four core environment, it's just a great spec to write on the spec sheet.

"It's like saying I've got a V8."

Bocking's views mirror that of Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, who has also cast doubt on the need for quad-core CPUs in current-gen handsets.

A matter of marketing

According to Bocking, however, the drive for multi-core CPUs isn't solely based on a desire to deliver faster handsets.

Rather, with so many manufacturers competing for consumers' cash, offering a quad-core CPU is one of the few ways they can differentiate from the competition.

For now, at least.

"Certain vendors can only compete on spec, so quad-core makes a ton of sense for them, but we want to make sure the performance of our device is the best and we will make sure we do the right thing for our users," he concluded.

[source: Techradar]