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HSPA+ BlackBerry PlayBook hits the FCC (update: LTE too)
RIM has been promising an HSPA+ capable BlackBerry PlayBook for over a year, and it looks like it's now one step closer to actually being released. A tablet from Research in Motion recently made its way through the FCC's approval process and, if the test reports are any indication, it's a tablet with built-in HSPA+ connectivity. Unfortunately, the FCC hasn't revealed much else just yet, but earlier rumors have suggested that the new tablet will also see speed bump of another sort: an upgrade to a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, as well as the addition of NFC. A leaked RIM roadmap that surfaced earlier this year also suggested that the tablet would be released in mid-2012. Update: And just like that, an LTE version has now also turned up on the FCC's site, operating on frequencies that could indicate support for either AT&T in the US or any of the big three carriers in Canada. Update 2: Now a second LTE version has turned up at the FCC, this one with support for Verizon's network.
BlackBerry Mini Keyboard ships March 23rd for $120, a match made in Canada
Work it. Anywhere. Any time. Those were the fighting words behind the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard promo shots we showed you a few days back. Now, backing up what we'd heard, RIM's officially (and very quietly) taken the wraps off its new PlayBook add-on, with a shipping date of March 23rd and a $120 price tag. The Canadian outfit is pushing this peripheral on the business-oriented consumer, but there's nothing keeping the average Joe from dropping some hard-earned cash on it. Folks looking to pair up the physical keys and multitouch trackpad with BlackBerry's revised OS can do so by heading over to its online shop. In the meantime, you can get acquainted by checking out the video tour after the break.
How would you change Amazon's Kindle Fire?
The Kindle Fire is less a tablet and more a $200 window into Amazon's storefront. The 7-inch slate that shares its DNA with the BlackBerry PlayBook lacks any physical features bar a micro-USB port, headphone jack and speaker. Internally, that 1GHz CPU is paired up with 512MB of RAM and 8GB storage, with no option for increased size, Bluetooth, 5GHz WiFi or 3G. Performance was fine inside the company's carousel sandbox, but step outside and things became outrageously herky-jerky, especially in the Silk browser, which didn't live up to its name. We found that there was plenty we'd like to change to make it more of a useful tablet, but did we miss the point? You probably had one bought for you in the Holidays and it's had three or four months solid use since then, so what do you think? Is it a good companion on your daily commute, did it justify winning our E-Reader of the year prize and if Jeff Bezos was reading all of your comments in anticipation for version two, what would you demand he changes?
The Engadget Interview: RIM VP of Enterprise Alan Panezic at MWC 2012 (video)
This week at Mobile World Congress we had the opportunity to talk with Alan Panezic, VP of Enterprise at RIM about what the company is doing to keep existing business customers (and possibly even lure new CIOs) in the warm and secure embrace of its enterprise services while still giving users personal freedom to fully enjoy their devices. RIM's secret weapon? BlackBerry Balance on the PlayBook running OS 2.0 (of course) and BlackBerry Mobile Fusion on the server side. Take look at our video and remember -- that corporate PlayBook of yours may still lack BBM integration but IT professionals are people too, so be gentle with them!
Zinio caves to begging, says BlackBerry PlayBook app landing in March
Zinio's magazine app has certainly made the rounds -- Android slabs, the Kindle Fire, the iPad and even the ill-fated TouchPad have had their shining moment with the digital service -- but months of "consideration" for their platform have BlackBerry PlayBook owners feeling left out in the cold. Zinio, however, recently tweeted that a PlayBook app is coming "real soon," and one prospective customer decided to fish for more details by taking drastic measures: good, old, greasy bribery. The enterprising Twitter user promised to subscribe to more magazines if the company would tell him when the app is coming out and, well, it actually worked. PlayBook owners can apparently expect to read mags like Rolling Stone, Maxim and The Economist via the Zinio app by "mid March." Coupled with the release of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 on Feb. 21, it seems like RIM's faithful tablet owners are finally starting to get some much needed attention.
Pacemaker and RIM announce exclusive DJ app for PlayBook
We loved the original Pacemaker, and were sad to hear of its eventual discontinuation. News just in this morning, however, is that the DJ tool is back as a PlayBook app thanks to an exclusive collaboration with the tablet's maker. Details are sparse right now, as the information spilled at RIM's event this morning at MWC, but we do know that there will be auto beatmatching, vinyl mode with scratching, digital mode, looping, loop travel, pitch control, beat skip and "pro level" effects. All we have in terms of availability is that it will be out this spring, with no word on price. In the meantime we're going to start prepping up that music collection.
Mobile Miscellany: week of February 20th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This week, we greet a new version of BlackBerry Bridge, and we've also come across an interesting new launcher for users of Ice Cream Sandwich. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride. Let's explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 20th, 2012.
The Engadget Interview: BlackBerry PlayBook product manager Michael Clewley
There's no getting around it: it's been a rough couple of years for Research in Motion. This week's on-time release of its PlayBook 2.0 software marked a rare bright spot in an otherwise grim era, bringing much needed features for the QNX platform such as a unified inbox, deeper social integration and updates to the company's BlackBerry Bridge app.At the same time, the release of the 2.0 software has brought many of our outstanding questions to the fore: why weren't these features present in the first go-round? Why did the company take so long to flesh out its software? And lastly, when will we see some proper second-gen hardware? We sat down with PlayBook product manager Michael Clewley to discuss the slate's ups and downs, and how the revamped tablet stacks up in an increasingly crowded field.
BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 now ready for download
After touring the exhibition circuit for what seems like an eternity, PlayBook OS 2.0 is finally ready to settle down and make itself available for download. Check for updates via Settings on your tablet and you should see it sitting there, wearing last season's fashions but nevertheless looking every inch the major OTA update that it is. Expect improvements like native email, calendar and contacts, integration with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, some newfangled Bridge functions, and access to the first crop of Android apps in BB App World. You'll find more details in the PR after the break and how-to demos at the More Coverage link. Enjoy!
Android apps on the PlayBook can keep their built-in ads, won't support RIM ads
Let's face it: a free PlayBook is nice, but it's not enough. If Android developers are to be persuaded to give up soccer practice and hot dates to stay home and re-package their apps for PlayBook OS 2.0, then they're going to need some advertising income too. Which is why a report over the weekend, claiming that ported apps would not support mobile ads, caused no end of fuss. Fortunately, it was the result of some kind of miscommunication and RIM quickly clarified that the updated PlayBook OS would support the ad services that come built into Android apps, but wouldn't support RIM's own BlackBerry ad services in that context. So what's it to be, the shin guards, the cologne, or the keyboard?
BlackBerry Playbook OS 2.0 release confirmed for February 21st
There's been plenty of back and forth between the web and RIM lately regarding the debut date of the next OS release for the PlayBook, and now we've got some hard evidence showing that the software is set to be let loose on February 21st . As you can see in the picture above, PlayBook users will be able to download version 2.0 in the early hours of an unknown time zone next Tuesday. The much anticipated update will finally give the tablet a native email client, improved BlackBerry Bridge functionality and plenty of other goodies. Not only that, BlackBerry Mobile Fusion will be rolling out that same day, giving IT professionals the ability to manage all BlackBerry devices from a single interface -- with Android and iOS controls coming in March. The picture to prove it is after the break, and now that we got that settled, we can go back to speculating about BlackBerry 10, right?[Thanks, Anonymous]
BlackBerry PlayBook Dock revealed in back room of DevCon
Somewhere, in a dark room at the back of DevCon, someone was showing off a bundle of PlayBook gear marked "Top Secret." BlackBerry Czech was able to grab some pics (more at the source link) of a keyboard case that handles multi-touch and the long-desired docking station for the currently moribund slate. According to the site, the dock offers HDMI-out, three USB ports and even an ethernet jack to let you surf without WiFi. Apparently it's got a hefty wireless receiver / speakerphone that would allow you to make VoIP calls from your PlayBook. What's not mentioned is if we can expect to see this available for some cold, hard currency any time soon (hint: get it on shelves). On the same post, there's also a mention of the mythical 10-inch second generation edition of RIM's device, but no photos were allowed -- so we'll just have to file that under "Hmmm" until we get closer to MWC, shall we?
RIM shows off new features for PlayBook 2.0 at DevCon
All eyes are on Amsterdam this morning, as RIM hosts DevCon Europe. Among all the usual avowals about how well things are going are a few nuggets of the new and the noteworthy. One such morsel was a demonstration of new BlackBerry Bridge features. Now, swipes and touches from your BlackBerry handset get translated over to the Playbook, as well as keyboard input. This means you can use your phone much more like a controller, while taking advantage of the PlayBook's generous display. The calendar also gets a healthy dose of social lubricant, showing you info about the people you'll be meeting, and stressing how busy you are by visually emphasising dates when you are busier. Fortunately, PlayBook 2.0 is slated for release this month, so the more eager amongst you shouldn't have to wait long to give it a spin.
Develop an Android app, get a free Blackberry PlayBook
Still wary of dropping $200 on a BlackBerry Playbook? How does "free" sound? That's what RIM is offering to Android developers today, as part of an overt attempt to spur interest in its App World platform. RIM VP of developer relations Alec Saunders announced the offer yesterday via Twitter, reminding devs to submit their apps by February 13th in order to qualify. On the one hand, it seems like a great way to push the PlayBook out on the market. On the other, it's sort of sad. Interested parties can find all the tools they need at the coverage link below.
2012 BlackBerry roadmap leaks, reveals pile of Curves and 3G PlayBook
We've heard some rumors about what RIM had in store for its beleaguered BlackBerry brand, but we're just now seeing some evidence to support those claims. The fine folks over at BGR have gotten their hands on what appears to be a copy of the company's 2012 roadmap, as well as a handful of slides detailing some upcoming products. It looks like an HSPA+ equipped PlayBook is in the works, packing both NFC and a 1.5GHz CPU for good measure, as well as a pile of Curves aimed at the entry-level market. Something new those cheapo handsets will be bringing to the table is a dedicated BBM button, which should make addicts of the messaging service quite happy. Sadly, it also looks like the first BlackBerry 10 (formerly BBX) device may have suffered a slight delay and may not land till October or November. Hit up the source link for all the nitty gritty details.
Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with RIM (update: video embedded)
We've got lots of questions for RIM's Alec Saunders -- thankfully, he'll be joining us at 3:30PM ET on our Engadget stage. Join along after the break. Update: Vegas traffic has Alec running a few minutes late; we'll get started soon! Update: Interview video now embedded.
BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 hands-on (video)
Highlighting RIM's presence at CES 2012 is the official unveiling of PlayBook OS 2.0. On track for a February arrival, this release will deliver many features that productivity-minded users have pined for since the tablet's arrival. First and foremost, we were given a demo of the PlayBook's new email client and address book. The new software is functional and intuitive, which offers a unified inbox, application integration and ties to social networks such as Twitter and LinkedIn. Also quite nice, the calendar displays both day and agenda views, along with the individuals you'll meet during the day. We also saw a quick demo of the BlackBerry Bridge functionality, which offers integration between the smartphone and tablet. While the PlayBook fell on its face a few times during this bit, we ultimately saw the smartphone successfully push web links and pictures to the tablet for easier viewing. Due to the Bridge hiccups, we noticed the PlayBook took especially long to boot, which RIM states is due to the support for Android apps. We were given a quick demo of this feature as well, and much to the company's relief, this segment went quite flawlessly and without fanfare. Be sure to check the full demonstration just after the break.
RIM puts BlackBerry Playbook on massive sale; Android Market shoehorned onto rooted units
Research in Motion may not have found itself in a coveted spot as 2011 ended, but if it's learned anything from HP, there's a surefire way to rid itself of remaining BlackBerry PlayBook inventory: sell 'em for a loss. After the unloved slate went on sale in its native land, Americans can now save up to $400 on a PlayBook through February 4th. RIM's official webstore is offering the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB model for $299, leaving us to wonder who would ever choose the smaller two if all three remain in stock. In related news, those who take the company up on the offer can now gain access to the Android Market with a few choice moves. The fine folks over at CrackBerry have detailed the process, which requires a rooted PlayBook, WinSCP, the latest version of Cyanogen Google apps and a fair amount of patience. Naturally, not all Android apps will actually work on the device, but it's a lovely hack for a sure-to-be-sluggish week in your workshop. Hit the links below to learn more.
Tech's biggest misfires of 2011
The past 12 months have been a boon of technological innovation, particularly in the world of mobile devices, where top companies have been waging an arms race for the top of the smartphone and tablet hills. Not everything has been smooth sailing, however -- 2011 has also been dotted by delays, false starts, security breeches and straight up technological turf outs. Check out some of the lowlights from the year that was after the break.
Spotify hits some BlackBerry smartphones, Angry Birds finally reaches the PlayBook
It may not exactly be the good news RIM fans have been hoping for, but those committed to the company's products do now at least have two more big-name apps at their disposal. First up is Spotify, which is now out of beta and available for GSM-based BlackBerry smartphones including the Bold 9780, Bold 9700, Curve 9300, Bold 9000, and Curve 8520. The app itself is free but, as with the company's other mobile apps, you'll need a $10/month Spotify Premium subscription to take advantage of mobile streaming. While there's no word on it hitting the PlayBook any time soon, users of RIM's tablet can now finally get a taste of that little Angry Birds game that's apparently available for a few other platforms. That includes the original game, plus Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio, each of which will set you back $5 apiece. [Thanks, Jason]
