RIM denies plan to scrap BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

RIM has dismissed an analyst report claiming that the company is about to scrap its BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

John Vinh, a semiconductor analyst at Collins Stewart, said that Quanta Computer, the Taiwan-based company that manufactures the PlayBook, has stopped making the tablet and that RIM has halted production.

However, a RIM spokesperson issued a statement denying the report when contacted by V3.

"RIM does not typically comment on rumours, but any suggestion that the BlackBerry PlayBook is being discontinued is pure fiction. RIM remains highly committed to the tablet market," the spokesperson said.

Nevertheless, sales of the PlayBook have been disappointing for RIM. The tablet fell short of sales expectations soon after launch, and US retailers began discounting the PlayBook earlier this month by as much as $200.

In related news, RIM has announced the resignation of Tyler Lessard, vice president for global alliances and developer relations, who will be replaced by Alec Saunders.

"Alec has joined RIM as vice president of developer relations and ecosystem development, and is responsible for overseeing RIM's developer programmes and developer relations," said the spokesperson.

"Tyler Lessard is moving on to pursue other interests, so Tyler's team will now report to Alec as they focus on expanding and supporting RIM's developer community."