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Daily Roundup: Sony's Cyber-shot QX100, Kindle Fire HDX 7 hands-on, Valve's Steam Machines, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
T-Mobile dropping BB10 devices from brick-and-mortar stores
The bad news for BlackBerry just keeps on coming; two days after the company entered a buyout agreement, it's confirmed that T-Mobile will no longer sell BlackBerry devices in its brick-and-mortar stores. We'd heard as much earlier this month when rumblings hit the Crackberry forums, but additional confirmation came today, with one T-Mobile employee reporting: "My manager told me...that all BlackBerry 10 devices will now only be available via direct ship." It's hardly a surprise that the carrier would be pulling the plug -- lackluster sales of BB10 devices contributed to an expected net operating loss of more than $950 million in Q2. Still, one additional nail in the coffin's gotta hurt for the (former) Canadian phone maker.
Bad news from BlackBerry: 4,500 jobs to be cut, expected Q2 net operating loss of over $950 million
Things haven't been going well at BlackBerry for awhile, what with lackluster adoption of BB10 and the hardware running it, and rumors that massive layoffs are coming before the end of the year. Today, the company confirmed the latter rumor, announcing that it will lay off around 4,500 employees as a part of a plan to reduce its operating expenditures by half over the next year. The plan's necessitated by an expected Q2 2014 net operating loss of almost one billion (955-995 million) dollars, driven primarily by the lackluster sale of its BB10 phones -- the company will take a pre-tax charge of $930-960 million which can be attributed mostly to the failure of the Z10 to sell. BlackBerry expects revenue for Q2 to be $1.6 billion, which is roughly half of the $3.1 billion it pulled in last quarter. Needless to say, the financial outlook for the company isn't good, and some changes are in order. In the near term, the Z10 will be priced " to make it available to a broader, entry-level audience," leaving the Z30 as BlackBerry's all-touch flagship. To try to turn things around in the long term, the company's going to refocus on its enterprise offerings and will reduce its device portfolio from six devices to four, with two high end and two entry level phones. And, don't get it twisted, the days of BlackBerry courting mainstream consumers is all but over -- its future phones will be aimed at the "enterprise and prosumers."
BlackBerry Z30 coming to Verizon, pricing and availability TBA
It's hardly the biggest BlackBerry shocker of the day, but at least a few BB 10 fans should be able to breathe a sign of relief at Verizon's Z30 announcement. That handset, in all its BB 10.2 glory, is indeed coming to Verizon's LTE network. Pricing and availability remain the key unknowns here, but the Z30, which ships with a 5-inch Super AMOLED display, 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro and a 2,880mAh battery, is indeed on its way, Verizon logo and all.
BlackBerry Z30 official: 5-inch Super AMOLED display, 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2,880mAh battery and BB 10.2
If you were paying attention to the late summer leaks, then the BlackBerry above won't strike you as a surprise. That's because it's the newly announced BlackBerry Z30, the official successor to the all-touch Z10, and it matches up quite closely to what we've already seen. The Z30 is the company's first smartphone to ship with version 10.2 of the BB 10 OS and arrives with a larger 5-inch, 1,280 x 720 Super AMOLED display. The device's pixel density of 295ppi may pale in comparison to the more diminutive Z10's 356ppi, but its internals are a different matter. The Z30 takes a modest spec step up with a dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro (paired with 2GB RAM) and Adreno 320 GPU, which should put it somewhat on par with the Nexus 4 and Moto X (sans the X8). There's also a beefier 2,880mAh battery inside, which the company claims is a first for its product line and, this time around, it's integrated (read: non-removable). In terms of dimensions, the Z30 comes in with nearly the same silhouette as its predecessor (9.4mm vs 9.3mm), but is substantially taller and wider at 140.7mm x 72mm owing to that 5-inch display. Internal storage remains at 16GB, but users will have the option of augmenting that via microSD. And, as for radios, the Z30 will support 4G LTE (exact bands haven't been specified), dual-band WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC. The Z30's camera setup appears mostly similar to the Z10's, with a 2-megapixel front facer capable of 720p video and an 8-megapixel rear module with an f2.2 lens that captures video in 1080p.
Evernote releases native app for BlackBerry 10
Evernote's had a presence on BlackBerry 10 since the early days of the OS, but today the cloud-based service is taking things a bit further. As of now, BB10 users can download a native version of Evernote, which offers a more streamlined, intuitive experience than what's currently available via the Evernote integration inside the built-in Remember app. Note-takers will still be able to save and sync stuff, naturally, but they'll be able to do so directly from an Evernote-made app and with a UI that makes it easier to take advantage of what the service has to offer. Better yet, Evernote for BlackBerry 10 won't cost you a nickel, so head to the source link below if this is one you've been waiting for.
BlackBerry Beta Zone app released for early adopters on BB10
Well, it looks as if Twitter isn't the only one announcing something beta-related today. BlackBerry has (quietly) released Beta Zone for BlackBerry 10, an application geared toward folks who are game to try stuff before it's ready for prime time. The firm's newly outed app gives members an easy-to-access hub where they can download the latest software arriving on the platform in beta. As you'd expect, Beta Zone for BB10 won't cost a dime to download, though you will need to have an account before being able to access any of those rough-hewn apps.
Facebook app update brings Chat, quicker scrolling and more to BlackBerry 10
Heads up, BB10 users: your Facebook app is in need of an update. As in, there's one waiting for you. Facebook v10.2.1 for BlackBerry 10 adds Facebook Chat, enhanced message details, quicker scrolling while in Newsfeed and an "enhanced photo experience." Moreover, you'll find added Page Admin functions as well as a "refreshed look and feel to your Pages." Naturally, the update is being provided for free, and can be picked up in the Appworld right here. Of course, it's also sporting a sterling 2 out of 5 rating, so hopefully the new features will go a ways toward improving the aforesaid mark.
Switched On: Played out
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. At the launch of the BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 -- the first hardware devices to run on the long-awaited BlackBerry 10 operating system -- there seemed to be a silver lining for the renamed company's struggling PlayBook tablet. Confirming speculation, CEO Thorsten Heins promised a cheering crowd that the PlayBook would receive an update to a new OS. This would open the door to signature features, a more polished user interface and a vastly expanded app library. But something was amiss. The company had also announced that, to simplify app development, BlackBerry 10 would support two screen resolutions: the Z10's 1,280 x 768 and the Q10's 720 x 720. In contrast, the PlayBook resolution is 1,024 x 600. Late last month, the other shoe dropped as BlackBerry confirmed that the PlayBook would not receive the promised update, leaving it with an abandoned OS and marking the effective exit of BlackBerry from the tablet market.
Unity 4.2 adds support for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and BB10
One of game development's most used engines is adding support for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and Blackberry 10 today in its latest version, 4.2. Some support was already offered in the latest version's beta run, but today Unity 4.2 drops out of beta and into primetime. That brings Unity's mobile platform support up to four: Android, iOS, Windows Phone 8 and BB10 (for both free and paid version of the engine). Of course, the implications here are what matters -- Unity powers major mobile titles like Temple Run 2 and Republique, not to mention the new Deus Ex mobile game. As for Windows 8, games like Surgeon Simulator 2013 (trust us -- look into that one) and Interstellar Marines are powered by Unity. There are also a smattering of previously paid functions going free -- head past the break for the full list.
Twitter for BlackBerry 10 updated: revamped UI, multiple account access and more
Suffice it to say, the BB10 crowd hasn't exactly been pleased with the current Twitter app on the platform -- a quick look at the BlackBerry World reviews pretty much sums up the frustration. Now, hoping to alleviate some of those troubles, Twitter's releasing version 10.2 of its application, which brings a hefty amount of improvements to folks with a Z10 or Q10. The app now displays a redesigned UI that makes it easier to browse, as well as other new features including access to DMs and multiple accounts, the ability to save photos being shared, an overhauled Discover tab and more enhancements to search. We have a feeling BlackBerry 10 users will certainly appreciate today's beefy update, so do let us know in the comments below if you're enjoying it thus far.
Purported BlackBerry A10 'Aristo' briefly flaunted in video leak
Hot on the heels of the BlackBerry Z10 getting an update to BB 10.1 and price cuts at various retailers, a future model to come out of Waterloo has apparently been leaked. In a video posted to YouTube, accessory maker Vivix gives a brief look at what's purported to be the A10 "Aristo." According to N4BB, the device sports a five-inch touchscreen, dual-core processor with a quad-core GPU and an eight-megapixel camera -- not to mention it matches up with a previously leaked image. Details are sparse beyond all that, but you can at least grab look for yourself in the video after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
BlackBerry Z10 prices slashed across the board: $99 at Verizon and AT&T, $49 on Amazon
Looking for an excuse to try out BlackBerry's latest flagship? Here's one: now it's cheap. Folks willing to sign up for a usual two year agreement can score the BlackBerry Z10 for $99 at both AT&T and Verizon or a mere $49 at Amazon. The price drop is most likely designed to spur sales in the wake of the Canadian company's $84 million loss last quarter. "Now is the right time to adjust the price," a BlackBerry spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal. "It's part of life cycle management to tier the pricing for current devices to make room for the next ones." In other words, BlackBerry needs to move its existing stock before it can sell the public on a second-generation device. Either way, the Z10 is a steal at $49 -- unless you're in one of the regions that's simply giving them away.
Sony's Crackle arrives on BlackBerry 10, reminds us to not watch Bad Boys II
Slowly, but steadily, BlackBerry's building its BB10 app catalog with some major gets. Today, that burgeoning list grows by a very important one with the addition of Sony's Crackle. The free, ad-based streaming video service, which culls together content from Sony's various TV and film studios, is available to download now from BlackBerry World. It's also compatible with the Q10's teeny, 3.1-inch screen, so if you hate your good eyesight, you can devote an hour or two to reliving the opus that is Bad Boys II. Sure, popular apps like Instagram, Hulu Plus and Netflix have yet to make their way over to BB10, but you can't fault the Waterloo-based outfit for getting users what it can. Even if that means bringing them Bad Boys II.
BlackBerry OS 10.2 leak reveals actionable notifications, WiFi Direct and more
BlackBerry 10 users rejoice! The awesome folks over at the CrackBerry forums have leaked a few screenshots of BlackBerry's upcoming OS 10.2 (build 10.2.0.483, to be exact) which reveal a bunch of new features, including actionable notifications and WiFi Direct. With the former, you'll be able to pull down on notifications and respond to them (as shown above). This OS version will also provide a way to mute notifications or view them on the lock screen. WiFi Direct, which was hinted at during BlackBerry Live, is now confirmed with this build. It enables simple peer-to-peer wireless connectivity between various devices like phones, tablets, printers and TVs. This update also include a new native Evernote app, settings app and app manager. Find out more at the source link below.
BlackBerry shipped just 2.7 million BB 10 handsets last quarter (updated)
BlackBerry got off to a roaring start with with the Z10, which shipped a million devices in its first three weeks on the market and led many to predict there'd be at least 3 million shipped this quarter (the first full quarter of Z10 availability). That turned out not to be the case, as the company said during an earnings call for Q1 2014 that it managed to get just 2.7 million BlackBerry 10 OS handsets out the door, despite the Q10 having joined the Z10 on shelves for a good part of that period. Those figures make up just 40 percent of its handset numbers, meaning most of the 6.8 million phones it shipped consisted of cheaper last-gen products. They refused to break those numbers down between the Q10 and Z10, so that's all we have to go on at this point -- but taken with its announcement of an $84 million loss, it's far from encouraging. Update: Apologies, folks. Our original headline said 2.7 million were sold, whereas in fact the figure indicates shipping numbers. The post itself is unchanged and accurate. For reference, BlackBerry's actual sales to end users lagged behind shipments by around 30 percent when they revealed the previous set of figures back in March.
BlackBerry Q5 to make early debut in the UAE tomorrow
Earlier than expected (and a little pricier than we'd hoped), the BlackBerry Q5 will go on sale tomorrow in the UAE. We know that its radios are primed for AT&T 3G and while the build might not rival the flagship BB10 device, it's another option for those who can't relinquish the tactile joys of a physical keyboard. It will launch priced at 1,499 AED (just above $400), which nets you BlackBerry's latest OS spread across a 3.1-inch touchscreen with the aforementioned keyboard nestled below. Interested in hopping on a red-eye flight for the third device since the company's name change? Then we'd recommend reacquainting yourself with our first impressions.
BlackBerry Q10 officially available at AT&T on June 21st
The pre-order process for the BlackBerry Q10 is already well underway, but AT&T has kept quiet on its official retail and online availability until now. The company has now confirmed to us that the QWERTY-laden device will be ready for public consumption -- both online and in corporate locations -- starting June 21st for $200. If you didn't get your pre-order in but still want to get it hot off the shelves, keep an eye out for it this weekend. Official statement below.
BlackBerry Q5 stops by the FCC with AT&T-friendly 3G
When we were introduced to BlackBerry's Q5, a lower-end QWERTY handset running BB10 OS, we were told it was aimed at emerging markets and heard of no plans to bring it to the US. While that still could be the case, a device with the identifier RFS121LW and an appearance matching that of the Q5 has been given the all-clear by the FCC. Now, this might be just a roaming application (when devices not sold in the US get approved for use there), but it's important to note that the 3G radio inside this phone is compatible with AT&T's network (850 / 1900MHz). We can't guarantee the image above isn't a generic outline BlackBerry's used to show the position of the label, nor can we totally be certain you'll ever be able to purchase a Q5 from the US carrier. Well, at least not until the Q10 launch buzz dies down, anyway.
BlackBerry Q10 available for pre-order on AT&T tomorrow, $200 on contract
Got a taste for a physical keyboard, but you're currently on AT&T without any QWERTY-laden LTE options? That's about to change. The BlackBerry Q10 has already been announced for the GSM network, but now we've been informed that pre-orders will officially begin tomorrow and you can get one of your own for $200 with a two-year commitment. Not exactly the price we were hoping for, but it appears that you're paying a little extra for the nostalgia of tactile keyboards. We also don't have any word on exactly when we can expect to see the device hit retail or virtual shelves. Official statement from AT&T below.
