some of the old devices that paved the way to 2011... keep reading to see what's coming this year! 

The first few weeks of January 2011 brought forth a number of device leaks to the internet, which when combined provide relatively comprehensive insight into what we'll see from Research In Motion this year both in terms of major product launches and device software updates. As you read through this roundup keep in mind that unofficial information can always change by the time it does get officially announced. To make sure you're always up to date, you'll want to keep it locked to CrackBerry.com (follow us via RSS or Twitter) or signup for our CrackBerry newsletter and we'll keep you up to date by email. Keep reading for RIM's 2011 BlackBerry Roadmap!

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The last couple of weeks have been full of leaks regarding the 2011 BlackBerry Smartphone roadmap, so we had a LOT to talk about on this CrackBerry Podcast. But before we get to the phones, we first spend a bunch of time talking BlackBerry PlayBook, going through many of the frequently asked questions that have been popping up in the forums. 

This was a fun episode and definitely one you'll want to listen to (aka, if you've never listened before, this is a good one to start off on!). The PlayBook conversation dominates the first half of the show, so for all the phone talk you'll want to jump to 44m15s into the show. On the phone front, we're talking BlackBerry Bold Touch, BlackBerry Curve Touch, monaco (full touchscreen), Torch 2, next generation Curve and more. It's a whack load of phones.

Last but not least, we're happy to have Craig back on this episode, joining Adam, Bla1ze, Joseph and myself. We had fun recording this one, so hope you enjoy the show!

Keep in mind - this is CDMA (hence why you're not seeing Torch2 or apollo listed). Also means
we could see GSM releases sooner than the CDMA timeline above... plus things often change from plan.

In the last couple of weeks we've learned a lot about RIM's 2011 BlackBerry pipeline thanks to a handful of device leaks. After months (and in some cases over a year) of speculation, we saw specs and renderings show up for the dakota (touchscreen GSM Bold), monaco (aka Storm 3, though possibly will not fall under Storm branding at launch), Torch 2 and apollo (new curve). All that was followed by rumors of another Curve, sedona. Despite the windfall, what we've been looking at only told about 65% of the story. Today, thanks to a whack load of CDMA carrier roadmap slides, we can further fill in the gaps and clarify the codenames and even product names of what's coming up in 2011, including an entirely new device that really hasn't been touched on yet (Curve Touch!).

Further BlackBerry Smartphone Roadmap Highlights and Clarifications

• new BlackBerry Bold Touch: dakota is the GSM version, while montana is the CDMA version
• next gen Curve: apollo is the GSM version, while sedona is the CDMA version
• new Curve Touch: not previously mentioned, malibu is a new CDMA touchscreen Curve (likely to be a GSM one in the works too of course)

On the BlackBerry 6.1 front, beyond what we learned at DevCon Asia, we can see some of the other goodies coming our way. Included in the update is a faster user experience via "liquid graphics", a faster web browser experience (thanks to hardware acceleration and more mhz in the new devices), more homescreen customization options and even voice-activated universal search. 

All in all, things are really starting to make sense and look good! There's plenty to look at below, so keep reading and be sure to sound off in the comments with your thoughts!

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While the BlackBerry apollo and sedona are looking to be the next update to the entry level BlackBerry Curve line in a non-touchscreen format, following those devices a touchscreen variant is on the way. Pictured above is the BlackBerry codenamed malibu, the CDMA flavor of what will likely go to market as the BlackBerry Curve Touch, which is slated to be released in late 2011/early 2012 as the first Curve to lack a keyboard. Proposed Specs include:

• Processor: Qualcomm MSM 8655 800MHz CPU
• Radio: CDMA - EvDo Rev A
• Display: 3.25" 480x360 HVGA
• Navigation: Trackpad & Nav Keys
• Keypad: Virtual QWERTY
• Camera: 5 MP (with HD Video recording)
• Memory: 1GB Flash + 512MB RAM, Hot Swap MicroSD slot
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• GPS: Autonomous & A-GPS
• Connectivity: NFC, Micro USB, Bluetooth 2.1
• Sensors: Ambient Light Sensor, accelerometer

While the malibu is the CDMA Curve Touch, it only makes sense that a GSM version is in the works too. Looking like a sweet entry level BlackBerry!