Black Monoliths In AT&T Stores Cause Intrigue

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These black monolithic pillars have started showing up all over AT&T retail stores across the country. Right out of the 2001: A Space Odyssey, and they’re causing quite a bit of speculation and intrigue as to what could be under them. According to internal AT&T sources to some websites, AT&T staff is calling them “Hero” displays.

One of the more obvious guesses would that it could be the HTC Hero – but it seems doubtful that AT&T would go to such lengths to promote a year old entry-level Android device, especially since the HTC Aria and Samsung Vibrant were given practically no special displays or treatment.

According to Gizmodo’s tipsters, one side of the display reads “innovation comes to life” while another reads AT&T’s regular slogan “Rethink Possible”. Some are suggesting it could be another Android phone – as AT&T promise five this year and only four have been unveiled. The super-sized Dell Streak would be quite the feat, as well, and it would be AT&T’s entry into the supersized Android market (joining the Droid X and EVO 4G). The Dell Aero, the poorly-reviewed entry-level Android phone from Dell is also a possibility.

What it probably is though, is the BlackBerry 9800. The anticipated new slider from RIM is all but confirmed for coming to AT&T. It’s really unprecedented as far as BlackBerry phones go. We know that next week in New York City, AT&T and RIM are holding a joint press event, probably to announce the BlackBerry 9800.

Will these black boxes be unveiled next week to show the BlackBerry 9800? Or do they contain the Dell Streak or some other new Android device? Time will tell, surely.