The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Research In Motion is expected to unveil its new tablet computer, previously dubbed the "Blackpad," at a conference in San Francisco next week. Previously unreported, though, is the fact that the tablet will come equipped with a brand new operating system built by QNX Software Systems instead of BlackBerry 6 OS.

QNX was bought by RIM earlier this year in what analysts called a step to revamp its proprietary OS, which is struggling against competitors like Android and iOS. The BlackBerry maker has struggled to convince developers to create applications for its devices, while Google and Apple have made apps the cornerstone of their respective platforms. According to WSJ, QNX will eventually implement its software in the BlackBerry line as well.

"People who've worked with QNX's operating system say it's a worthy competitor to Apple's and Google's platforms, and could go a long way toward addressing complaints that RIM's devices are slow, unstable and hard to program for," WSJ writes.

RIM did not reveal many details about the BlackPad. We know that it will boast a 7-inch touchscreen and at least one, possibly two, cameras. It will be Bluetooth and broadband compatible, but will require a tethered BlackBerry to connect to cellular networks, WSJ said. Carrier possibilities or restrictions have not been announced.

We previously noted that RIM's tablet could hit stores before year's end. According to the new WSJ report, the BlackPad is on schedule to see a Q4 release.

RIM is just one of a number of manufacturers jumping into the tablet market -- all aiming to capture some of the impressive sales of Apple's iPad. The competition is quickly getting stiffer, with Samsung echoing its strategy for the Galaxy S line, by announcing that its Samsung Tab will be available on all four major U.S. carriers.

In brief Android news, Droid-Life is reporting that the Droid X official update to 2.2 "Froyo" will be available today at 12 p.m. EST. The update will begin rolling out intermittently, but if you can't wait to receive it, you can simply pull the update to the device. Simply visit "Settings>About>System Updates" and check for available updates. 

By: DocMemory
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