Gillis says that puts it too close to a May event from Google during which it may announce new Nexus phones.

NPR: RIM Changes Name To BlackBerry, Unveils 2 Phones

The May event reportedly will be more of a teaser than a full product unveiling, which could be saved for the large E3 gaming conference in June, with a holiday shipping date not far behind.

CNN: Event for new Xbox could happen in May

But this year's event may also show whether some innovative management thinking holds water.

ECONOMIST: Can voguish management theory help to win a venerable race?