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Leaked BB 10 sales training manual reveals a few more specs, promises 70K apps at launch
Crackberry claims to have gotten hold of an official Rogers BB 10 training manual that may or may not add to your anticipation of January 30th. The leak is a Powerpoint slideshow that apparently contains screenshots from an online course for sales people -- so there's been at least one twist in its journey before it reached us, and that's reason in itself to be a bit cautious. Nevertheless, the document repeats familiar claims from RIM about its new flagship smartphone having "best in class" HTML5 browser compatibility and performance. It also highlights the promise of 70,000 QNX apps in the re-named BlackBerry World, although we don't know how many of those are totally new, ported or perhaps cross-compatible with older QNX devices. Finally, a few more specs are detailed in the hope of enticing tech-minded shoppers, with reference to a Snapdragon S4 processor, a 1,800mAh battery and a 356 pixel density that tallies with what we've already seen of the 4.2-inch 720p screen. Check out the full pitch at the source links below.
Sprint joins BB10 bandwagon, plans to offer devices later this year
Ah, there you are, Sprint -- didn't speak up at first. Following confirmations by US carriers, Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T that they'd be carrying BlackBerry 10 devices this year, the Now Network has joined the fray. While we'll surely find out the full details from RIM come the OS's official kick-off on January 30th, details are currently slim. A rep for the company confirmed the news to BGR (and Engadget, for that matter) stating, "Sprint plans to bring BlackBerry 10 to our customers later this year. We will share more details soon." Notably, Sprint is the only carrier that hasn't committed to having devices upon the launch of the OS -- of course, being the Now Network doesn't always mean being first.
Leaked images may show black & white Blackberry Z10s, BBM Video and more (updated)
As Sony, Apple and others well know, it's hard to slip a phone into the marketplace without leaks, considering the many, many points on the supply chain where Mr. Blurrycam can spot it. This time, Rapid Berry allegedly espied promotional photos that look like they came directly from the source, hitting all the Blackberry 10 marketing points like the upcoming Z10 handset in black and white, BBM Video with Screenshare, the new BB keyboard and the so-called Time Shift Camera. While we've seen much of this before, these are among the first press-type pics we've seen straight from RIM -- and tie up the imminent Blackberry 10 future with a pretty bow, if real. Go to the source to see the entire series. Update: Rapid Berry's also found a short video showing BBM Video in action at the coverage link below.
Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile to offer BlackBerry 10 devices at launch
Can't wait for RIM's big mobile refresh? Neither can major US carriers, apparently. Just like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have confirmed that they'll be carrying BlackBerry 10 devices at launch, too. Hardly a surprise, considering all three carriers have stocked RIM hardware in the past -- but still an important win for customers betting on BlackBerry. UK carriers announced something similar recently as well. As VP Alec Saunders tells us, BB10's designed to be different and to move you forward -- and going by what we've experienced so far, the upcoming six pack just might help the folks at Waterloo move forward, too.
RIM CMO says 'at least' six BlackBerry 10 devices will arrive in 2013
RIM first talked about plans for a batch of six different BlackBerry 10 devices -- split evenly between QWERTY and all-touch models -- last summer, but it's been relatively mum on the matter since then, focusing more on the sole device that will launch on January 30th. It looks like that is indeed still the number the company is looking at beyond that first device (and a QWERTY model to follow), though, with CMO Frank Boulben confirming in an interview with FierceWireless that RIM is looking to release "at least" six BlackBerry 10 devices before year's end. Those are said to cover a range of price points on the low, medium and high-end, but Boulben didn't get much more specific than that, nor did he offer any indication as to when we can expect those other models during the year.
BlackBerry Z10 parts reportedly surface, include a 4.3-inch display
The pieces of the BlackBerry Z10 puzzle are slowly coming together -- and today, that's almost literally true. ETrade Supply has obtained what's claimed to be the LCD, touchscreen digitizer and housings for RIM's future flagship device. The more production-worthy components appear to fit together properly, and they hint at a mid-size smartphone with a 4.3-inch screen and a microSD card slot. The biggest surprise may be the SIM slot, whose position varies depending on the parts at hand: the incongruity could either reflect late-stage design tweaks or else variants for different networks. We'll have to sit tight until January 30th to know what the individual elements represent when they're part of a working device, but those who don't mind seeing an upcoming phone in its rawest form can catch a video after the break.
Mystery BlackBerry 10 device hits the FCC with AT&T-capable LTE
RIM's January unveiling isn't going anywhere without federal approval, and it seems the FCC is happy to oblige. Regulators put an unnamed BlackBerry device with a RFF91LW model number through the standard tests, giving it the green light for AT&T's LTE and GSM bands, as well as a few international frequencies. The handset's label sample is conveniently censored, of course, but FCC reports indicate that at least three of the devices RIM provided were running OS 10.0.9. Could we be seeing the "L-series" BlackBerry Z10? Or is this simply one of the Dev Alpha devices RIM has been handing out to developers? Either way, we'll get verification next month.
The Daily Roundup for 12.28.2012
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.
'Leaked' BlackBerry 10 info shows video chat and screen sharing in BBM, new task manager
Top dog at RIM Thorsten Heins heavily implied that video chat would be added to BBM when BlackBerry 10 showed up, and now possible confirmation of the feature has come from what are thought to be leaked presentation slides. Originating on CrackBerry's forums, the images have been taken down on various sites, leading us to believe they're legit and that strongly worded requests have led to their removal. Not only do they suggest BBM video chat is coming to BB10, but also the ability to screen share during these video calls. Another slide details a new task manager for the OS called "BlackBerry Remember," which can sync with Outlook and -- based on its description and what was uncovered in the gold SDK -- may include Evernote integration. We've contacted RIM for comment and will update you with any response, but until then, take a look at the slide above and the pair hidden after the break to assess for yourself whether they're the real deal. Update: Here's RIM's statement, which doesn't really come as much of a surprise: "We understand that there is a lot of excitement for BlackBerry 10. We will launch the platform on January 30th and until then we won't comment on speculation."
Purported screenshot reveals listing for black and white BlackBerry Z10
While BlackBerry 10's final build has yet to be seen by the masses, its hardware has arguably received more views than PSY's Gangnam Style. After sporting the codenames London and L-Series, RIM's upcoming full-screen handset appears to have settled on the recently leaked "Z10" branding. Spicing things up is an alleged inventory screenshot from Carphone Warehouse obtained by N4BB displaying a product listing for a BlackBerry Z10. Sure, this could be nothing more than a placeholder for things to come, but at least now we have a new frontrunner in the Name RIM's next smartphone game. One thing's for sure, BB10 will officially be revealed to the world on January 30th and of course we'll be there to bring you the play-by-play.
Major UK networks confirm they'll carry BlackBerry 10 wares in early 2013
While our immediate attention is focused on the fast approaching tech-fest that is CES, let us not forget another important event taking place in January -- the eagerly awaited launch of BlackBerry 10. We don't know if its success will equal RIM's expectations, but just this morning all major UK carriers emailed us confirmation they'll be stocking BB10 handsets. Three and EE (Orange and T-Mobile included) announced availability next year, but nothing more specific; O2 told us BB10 gear will land on its network "in early 2013"; and retailer Phones4u, which covers all the carriers, specified a Q1 2013 window. Vodafone implied that it'll be offering handsets immediately after launch, but we've been in contact the network's PR folks just to confirm that's true and not confused wording. We'll update you with their response as soon as we hear back.
Leaked BlackBerry 10 screenshots reveal new UI, Siri-like voice interface
It's a little over a month until BlackBerry 10's official introduction, but that hasn't stopped leaked screenshots of the OS from circulating on the web. Some folks on the Tinhte Vietnamese forums, which also revealed hands-on video and gallery of the BlackBerry 10 L-Series, have just released pictures of RIM's revamped phone UI. Most notably, the images provide a sneak peek at a new "BlackBerry Hub" all-in-one message center along with an intriguing voice interface that reminds us a lot of Siri. We also get a preview of how apps like Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare will look; unsurprisingly, they seem pretty similar to their Android and iOS cousins. It certainly looks as if the redesign is a complete overhaul rather than just a quick paint job, but we won't know the full details until we see it for ourselves early next year. Until then, head on over to the source to get an early look at what could be RIM's savior.
RIM will unveil BlackBerry 10 on January 30th in New York
Just a few weeks until CES, and just under a month and half until we see BlackBerry 10 in its final, finished form. Invites to the US event have now been sent out, with calendars being circled for January 30th at a location somewhere in New York. Not only will we get the full details of RIM's new software, but those first devices that the new OS will arrive on. We'll be on hand ready to see exactly how the phone-maker plans to reverse its fortunes.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency planning to test BB10
Thorsten Heins' tearful late-night calls to the head of the US Customs and Enforcement Agency (ICE) seems to have done the trick. While the well-named bureau won't confirm if BlackBerry 10 has convinced it to abandon its well-publicized switch to the iPhone, it has admitted that it'll test RIM's new offering when it launches next year. Perhaps those forgetful G-Persons had their heads turned when they saw how deeply Evernote was baked into the new operating system.
Blackberry 10 SDK reveals tight Evernote integration
The Blackberry 10 gold SDK release has revealed an interesting tidbit for Evernote partakers: the memory-prodding app seems to be tightly enmeshed with RIM's upcoming OS. It's one of the so-called Notebook options listed under the "App Integration" heading, which let you organize "actionable and non-actionable items into separate folders or topics." Evernote is listed as one of those options, and will let you sync up and access your account with Blackberry 10 devices, according to the documentation. That app is already available across all other major platforms, letting you organize documents with audio, video, photos, websites and, um, text -- then sync everything up in the cloud. Considering Evernote's recent foray into the business side of things, having the app built-in might be a nice pitch to RIM's core userbase when the new OS is finally launched.
BlackBerry 10 L-Series resurfaces, this time in Vietnam
Keep in mind that nothing is set in stone until the official unveiling of BlackBerry 10 on January 30th, but it seems that a lucky soul in Vietnam has captured the clearest look yet of the device that'll "reinstall faith in RIM." These seemingly legitimate snapshots of the L-Series reveal an attractive touchscreen slab that features a removable back cover -- complete with an NFC antenna -- which also provides access to the phone's micro-SIM and microSD slots, along with a removable 1,800mAh battery. Fans of the unique play / pause toggle will find it happily sitting within the metallic volume rocker, and you'll also notice micro-USB and micro-HDMI ports occupying the left-hand side. With such a clean design, we can only hope that RIM can keep the carrier's requests for customization at bay -- some of 'em straight up don't have a knack for aesthetics. Be sure to follow the break for a couple extra peeks of this oft-leaked device, or hit up the source link for the full gallery. [Thanks, Me]
RIM releases 'gold' build of its BB 10 SDK toolkit
RIM's reached yet another milestone in the slow-going march to its big January 30th BB 10 reveal: its SDK toolkit has gone 'gold'. Now, developers that've been courted by the Waterloo-based company at one of many BB Jam conferences around the globe can start building apps for the next-gen BlackBerry platform using final versions of APIs. As we learned back in May, devs interested in BB 10 will have the option to code natively for the unreleased OS using the Cascades framework, create HTML5-based "rich web applications" with WebWorks, or use the included toolset for Adobe AIR apps or Android ports. And just in case you were questioning industry support, RIM's also included stats in its associated PR (furnished by Five Points Research) that paint a positive picture, claiming 58-percent of those surveyed would "recommend BlackBerry 10 as a development platform." While it's nice to have those numbers as backup for its bravado, the company still has a ways to go turning the tide of consumer perception and elbowing past that other third place platform. Windows Phone 8, we're looking at you.
RIM renames App World to BlackBerry World, opens reg for $10k guarantee and offers a QWERTY dev unit
There's no question that RIM knows how key attracting as much developer support as possible will be to its upcoming BlackBerry 10 platform, and that's where its focus seems to be at the BlackBerry Jam Asia event in Bangkok. CrackBerry's live blog notes that RIM has announced a new name for its store, going from BlackBerry App World to just BlackBerry World (likely due to its dedicated sections for music, movies and TV shows) as well as a number of regional partners pledging support for the platform like Baidu, Kantana and Fox Sports. Another feature shown off at the event was the ability of its keyboard handle multiple languages and prediction within a single conversation. It also celebrated the success of a recent port-a-thon event, continuing to tout the ease with which devs can bring their projects from iOS and Android to BlackBerry 10. The SDK gold release is scheduled for December 11th with all the APIs necessary, and developers can register for that $10,000 Built For BlackBerry incentive guarantee starting today ahead of the January 21st deadline. While you're signing up for that, BlackBerry app makers who want to try out the new hotness on a device with a physical keyboard should sign up for a Dev Alpha C unit. After passing out 7,500 Dev Alpha units since May, its promising these to the top 1,500 people who sign up, have submitted two apps or more and are ranked by score based on certain other developer activities. Also, those original 7,500 can sign up to swap their Dev Alpha for Limited Edition BlackBerry 10 hardware after launch. Counting 60 million active BBM customers in Asia and claiming it's both the largest and fastest growing segment there we expect to see continued focus from RIM there, as of now we're only a couple months away from finding out how the world reacts to BlackBerry 10.
BlackBerry 10 L-Series phone surfaces in yet more leaked images
We may still be a couple of months away from its long-awaited release, but RIM's first BlackBerry 10 smartphone certainly doesn't seem to be shy of the cameras in the interim. Just last week, some photos turned up on the CrackBerry forums that offered a clear look at the new L Series model next to a BlackBerry Bold, and now another batch of images have made a brief appearance on Twitter before being promptly removed. Those latest, first spotted by TechSuplex, are unfortunately of the BlurryCam variety, but they do show the phone from a variety of angles, and the device in question was said to boot up in a snappy eight seconds. As CrackBerry notes, they also appear to be relatively recent, with the device sporting the new style icons that were just revealed this month. Hit the links below for a closer look.
The Engadget Interview: RIM CEO Thorsten Heins on BlackBerry 10, QWERTY keyboards and changing cultures (video)
January 30th, 2013 marks the beginning of a new era for RIM. It will put to rest those doubters who questioned whether the company could survive long enough to complete its painful transition away from BlackBerries past and onto BlackBerry 10. The question then becomes what the market will do with this wholly new OS -- whether RIM can be more successful at regaining its former smartphone stature than Microsoft has thus far proven to be with its own mobile OS reboot. If there's one person who has put more thought into that situation than any other its RIM President and CEO Thorsten Heins, a man who will be celebrating something else in January: his first anniversary at the top. How has culture changed at RIM over that year and what can we expect from the company in the weeks and months to come? Answers to those questions and more in our full interview below.
