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E Ink explains the new Pearl display used in the updated Kindle DX
Amazon has already boasted that the display in its updated Kindle DX has a 50% improved contrast, but E Ink has now thankfully come out and provided a few more details on the new display technology used. Dubbed Pearl, the new display builds upon E Ink's previous Vizplex displays, and not only promises enhanced readability and text that "pops from the page," but the lowest power consumption of any display used in e-readers today (something also claimed about E Ink's previous displays). Of course, the display technology isn't limited to just the Kindle DX -- E Ink currently has five different Pearl displays ranging from 5-inch to 9.7-inch, all of which boast 16 levels of gray, and resolutions ranging from 800 x 600 to 1,200 x 825 (and 200 to 150 DPI).
Novero's Bluetooth headset doubles as neckwear, savings destroyer
Can't say we've ever heard of Novero before today, but after watching the undoubtedly mesmerizing homescreen loop linked there in the source, we can safely say we'll never (ever) forget about 'em. From what we can gather, this company specializes in overpriced jewelry, and given that Bluetooth headset use is rising stratospherically, seeing a new necklace-slash-BT headset hit the market just makes perfect sense. All sarcasm aside, the new Victoria line actually is fairly edgy, and if the light hits you right, it's actually palatable. The collection consists of the Victoria Lapis, Pearl, Stripes, Wave and Victor, all of which purportedly boast the same innards but different exteriors. Specifications are unsurprisingly hard to come by, but considering some of the more blinged out models are priced at around $120,000, it's not likely to matter. Video's past the break, richy.
BlackBerry Pearl 3G scoops FCC approvals in two flavors
RIM thought it'd save everyone some time (us included) by bundling both the 14- and 20-key variants of its upcoming Pearl 3G in a single FCC filing, which is awfully nice of them. The phones you're looking at here are both operating on WCDMA Bands II and V, which means they'll work swimmingly on Bell, Telus, Rogers, and AT&T (though Telus and Rogers have both announced the 20-key version alone, and neither Bell nor AT&T have said a peep on the matter). At any rate -- considering that RIM has promised a May release window -- we can't imagine it'll be long before we get the rest of the details (read: your move, AT&T).
RIM converts BMW's iDrive into 'a remote control for your BlackBerry' (video)
If there's one thing business types love more than their BlackBerry, it's their BMW -- or so we're told. It makes all sorts of sense, therefore, that the two companies would partner up to help the things they sell communicate with each other more effortlessly. Using Bluetooth MAP (Message Access Profile), BlackBerry devices can now beam emails and contacts over to BMW's iDrive dash system, where the driver can listen to his messages via a text-to-speech option or make calls using the car's speakerphone. The first supported handset is the newly minted Pearl 3G, and we're told this functionality will come as an integrated part of BlackBerry 6. To see how it works on a 335is, click past the break for the video. [Thanks, Horatiu]
BlackBerry Pearl 3G video hands-on
Observe, the rare BlackBerry Pearl 3G feeding in its natural habitat. Just look at the majestic display of vibrant colors as it attempts to court the journalist in a mating dance never before captured on camera! All kidding aside though, here's a quick look at the user interface on the 20-key version of the Pearl 3G; it's stock OS 5.0, so you're not really going to notice anything fresh here, but what we did see worked smoothly and without delay -- the delightful result of pairing a responsive optical pad, 624MHz processor, and what we would assume is a pretty well-optimized build of the platform. As we mentioned earlier, we're pretty sure the keyboards on these things are going to be a polarizing experience for users -- some will love them, others will hate them, still others will tolerate them at first and grow used to them over time. To be fair, the peak-shaped keys are probably an improvement over flat keyboards of Pearls gone by; when you've got five keys per row on a fairly narrow body, you need all the tactile help you can get. For some reason, we weren't able to connect to RIM's open WiFi network with the particular unit we were given -- the Bold 9650 next to it fared just fine, so we're not sure if the 802.11n-capable radio in this bad boy is a little dodgier than its cousin, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on. Follow the break for the video.
BlackBerry Pearl 3G first hands-on!
We just wrapped up a quick play with RIM's just-announced BlackBerry Pearl 3G, and our initial impression is a positive one -- if you've currently got a Pearl 8100 series (or even an 8200 series flip, for that matter), this looks like a must-have upgrade. The phone's UI is lightning fast, the optical pad is plenty responsive (as RIM's optical pads tend to be), and 802.11n and HSDPA are obviously both welcome additions. The keyboards are a little funny, but that's nothing new -- Pearls have always had polarizing keyboards, dating back to the early days -- but we think we prefer the 14-key just a smidge over the traditional 20-key. For whatever reason, RIM has chosen to give the 14-key version more rounded, curved keys, whereas the buttons on the 20-key version have angled tops that put a little more pressure on the fingertips (we're sure you could handily get used to either version, of course). The company is quick to note that the numeric keypad is not using T9 -- it's using a flavor of SurePress -- so... you know, don't get it twisted. Hit up the gallery below! %Gallery-91806% %Gallery-91812%
BlackBerry Pearl 3G revealed: two keypad styles and 802.11n WiFi
As smartphones go, the original BlackBerry Pearl 8100 series' longevity is nothing short of astounding -- with some minor tweaks, the phone has lasted essentially unchanged for well over three years. Needless to say, it's time for the granddaddy of consumer-grade BlackBerrys to start collecting pension, so it's an awfully good thing that RIM has chosen its WES conference this week to announce the all-new Pearl 3G. Rumored as the Pearl 9100, the phone becomes RIM's very first with 802.11n WiFi support (in addition to 802.11b and g, naturally) and features a 3.2 megapixel camera, 256MB of internal storage with microSD expansion up to 32GB, GPS, triband HSDPA with quadband GSM / EDGE, and a 360 x 400 display. RIM is making the Pearl 3G available in "several lustrous colors" and two different keypad configurations -- numeric 14-key and the more traditional SurePress 20-key -- though there's no indication that the rumored QWERTY version will make it to retail (at least, not yet) or that the company intends for users to be able to swap modules themselves. Expect the phone to launch with "various carriers" in May -- and considering that they've got both AWS and 850 / 1900MHz 3G versions in the mix, we'd expect to see it launch on AT&T and T-Mobile alike. Follow the break for RIM's full press release. Update: RIM CEO Mike Lazaridis just showed off a white version of the Pearl 3G during his WES talk. We haven't seen one floating around, but it looks pretty hot -- and considering the number of colors the original Pearl came in during its lifetime, we'd expect it to be just the start. Pic after the break.
BlackBerry Bold 9650 and Pearl 3G outed
Oops, looks like The Street leaked RIM's big unveil for later this morning at its WES show: the BlackBerry Bold 9650 (pictured left looking very Tour like) and BlackBerry Pearl 3G. The Bold 9650 boasts 802.11b/g WiFi, a 3.2 megapixel cam, GPS, and support for US EV-DO Rev A networks or UMTS/HSPDA when abroad -- look for it to launch next month on Sprint. The Pearl 3G is headed to Bell, Telus, and Rogers in Canada with a 3.2 megapixel camera, 802.11n WiFi, GPS, and triband HSDPA data with quadband GSM / EDGE. Both feature RIM's new optical trackpad. Hold tight while we wait for more detail from RIM. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
BlackBerry Pearl 9100 dummies showing up in Rogers stores
It's basically open knowledge at this point that RIM finally has a new candybar Pearl just around the corner -- the Pearl 9100, to be exact -- and we've been sent a new shot of a dummy gussied up in Rogers branding. Rogers has been one of RIM's most loyal partners over the years, often being among the first carriers around the world to launch new BlackBerry models, so it'd certainly make sense that Canada's old GSM giant would be gearing up to offer this bad boy on the double -- and the fact that dummies exist suggests that the phone should be launching any week now. What do you want to bet we see it at WES next week? [Thanks, John]
BlackBerry Pearl 9100 to come in SureType and QWERTY flavors?
Remember Nokia's E52 and E55? Espoo took an interesting tactic with these two: start with the same basic phone and operating system, but offer it with two different keypad layouts (in fact, HTC did the same with its Touch Dual). It's not a bad idea -- different strokes for different folks, right? Indeed, not everyone can really get into RIM's SureType layout, but the Pearls that usually underpin it have a distinct opportunity to appeal to a wider audience. To that end, an OEM full QWERTY module for the unannounced Pearl 9100 has made an appearance on Chinese accessory reseller TrueSupplier's site that suggests RIM's learned this lesson and might be prepping to offer the newest model in two different versions. What'd be tragic here is if only one flavor was offered on each carrier that picked it up -- and given RIM's history, that wouldn't surprise us -- but for now, we sticking with the "choice is a good thing" line.
BlackBerry OS seemingly ported to Nokia 5700 for some strange reason
First, a disclaimer: we don't really know what's going on here. That said, there's a video accompanying the images posted on the forum Maxpda that have us believing some really, really smart dude with considerably too much time on his hands has managed to shove the BlackBerry Pearl 8220's build of OS 4.6 onto a Nokia XpressMusic 5700. Why you'd want to do that is anyone's guess -- we're assuming "because it was there" is a possible answer -- but as far as we can tell, the result is at least semi-functional. So if you've always dreamed of a BlackBerry / Nokia Frankenstein, hey, at least you know who to ring now. Follow the break for some quick video "proof."
T-Mobile USA offers free BlackBerry Pearl trackball replacement
If you're Pearl's pearl has lost some of its luster -- and indeed some of its control -- we've heard that T-Mobile USA is stepping in to help sort that out. As of the 15th February, BlackBerry Pearl 8100, 8120, and 8320 owners can apparently pop into a T-Mo shop and have it replaced for $free. The only catch is your device has to have been purchased from T-Mobile -- and, we assume, have troubles. Sadly other BB owners with problems can't get this in-store service -- as they require more than a simple pin for the same service -- but we'd imagine enough noise to customer support could help your cause if you're having trouble. We're liking the trend we've seen of late with carriers offering up these random acts of kindness and do hope we'll continue to see more.
BlackBerry 8130 vs. BlackBerry 9100... fight!
Some of us at Engadget HQ won't ever be sold on the merits of SureType over good, old-fashioned QWERTY, but there's clearly a market for it -- RIM's BlackBerry Pearl series almost singlehandedly catapulted Waterloo into the consumer market, after all, and the upcoming 9100 looks to refine the formula to a crisp, golden brown perfection. Here, we've got one of the originals -- the 8130 -- beaming proudly next to its offspring, and RIM seems to have done a commendable job updating the package in all the right ways (optical trackpad, Bold 9700-esque design elements) while carrying over most of what the old model great. And knowing these guys, you'll be able to get it in a billion colors and special edition designs -- but for now, you can have these comparo shots in any color you want, as long as it's black.
BlackBerry Pearl 9100 revealed, has lost its gemstone but not its luster
The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 was, and still is, a lovely little phone, QWERTYfied, pocketable, and rocking that little milky trackball that gave it its name. There's finally a true successor coming down the pipeline (the flippy 8230 not really counting) though it ditches the iconic pearl for a now-standard (and hopefully more reliable) touchpad. There's a similarly swoopy SureType keyboard and the overall dimensions look very much the same, meaning this should fill the tiny BlackBerry void once again -- whenever it ships. Update: But of course the original 8100 also had SureType, not QWERTY. [Thanks, Alex T]
FPS hopelessly leaps into pocket projector game with Pearl M3
The world needs another VGA pico projector about like it needs another ton of plastic goop swirling in the Pacific, but thanks to FPS, that's exactly what we're getting. (The former, just so we're clear.) The LCoS-based beamer puts out an image between 5- and 66-inches and packs a native resolution of 640 x 360; there's a composite input, stereo output, USB socket and a microSD expansion slot. You'll also find a one-watt internal speaker and a 2,500mAh battery for projecting on the go, while most every file format you can think of is supported. If, for whatever reason, you've found yourself overcome with want (and you can't hold off for Microvision's laser-based SHOW WX), it's available to purchase right now for $219.[Via PicoProjector-Info]
BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 now available through Verizon
Seemingly as though it wasn't just totally pulling the claim of June 19 availability out of thin air back at the announcement, Verizon has gone ahead and started offering the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 online today. It's no Tour by any stretch, but the consumer-friendly phone comes in at a palatable $79.99 after discounts on contract and offers a 2 megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, EV-DO Rev. 0, and the 20-key layout made famous by the original Pearl -- if you're into that sort of thing. And hey, it looks pretty good in silver, doesn't it?[Via Boy Genius Report]
Verizon Pearl Flip dummy in the wild, release this month?
This thing's been all over Canada for a while now, but the CDMA version of the BlackBerry 8230 hasn't managed to find its way out of Alltel's clutches in the States. Of course, we've been waiting on Verizon to do its thing for a while -- and it looks like we might finally see a release in the next few weeks A poster over on CrackBerry's forums notes that dummy units are now arriving in stores, and goes on to say that the arrival of dummies usually means that the real things can be expected within three weeks, give or take. We know that most Verizon customers waiting for a new BlackBerry probably have their eyes focused solely on the Tour, but hey, it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
Blackberry Magnum, Onyx, Pearl 3G, and Gemini to harmonize on AT&T
BlackBerry lovers, AT&T beckons. Looks like the just-reviewed Onyx is heading to AT&T and, as rumored before, so is the Magnum. We've got no pics of the latter device, but it's being touted here as the "BlackBerry Bold portfolio evolution" and uses the same processor as the Bold. It's also got a HVGA touchscreen, QWERTY pad, quad-band GSM / GRS / EDGE, GPS, and WiFi. Want more? How about an apparently non-flip Pearl 3G with 3.6 Mbps of HSDPA goodness, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headset jack, trackball, SureType, and aGPS. Rounding out this quartet is the Gemini, with a 512MHz processor, 256MB flash memory, 128MB RAM, Bluetooth, QVGA LCD, 2 megapixel sans flash, trackball, QWERTY keyboard, 3.5mm headset jack, a microSD slot, possibly GPS, and sadly, no 3G. There's no release date in sight, but hey, knowing they're on the way is half the battle, right?
Marantz KI Pearl SACD player and integrated amp -- audiophile tested, Ken Ishiwata-approved
One reason we keep a place in our hearts for high-end audio is that there is still room for a single designer's vision, and this is no more apparent than in components with designer initials etched right into the faceplate. Right in line with NAD's stereo components wearing Bjorn Erik Edvardsen's initials, Marantz has issued the KI (Ken Ishiwata) Pearl stereo SACD player (model SA-KI) and matching integrated amplifier (model PM-KI). As with any signature gear, top-notch build is expected, and the Marantz KI Pearls don't disappoint; toroidal transformers, copper plated chassis and hand-picked components make the grade. Of course, you also expect high prices, and the KI Pearl pieces also deliver on that front -- the limited run of 500 pieces (each) of the SACD player and integrated amp will go for £2,499 ($3,769) each, and no US availability or pricing has been released yet. Painful, yes, but you might take some small comfort in knowing this is exactly the kind of gear that will appreciate in value. Audio geeks can go past the break for more glamor shots.
BlackBerry Curve 83XX overtakes iPhone 3G in US smartphone rankings
The handset might've been surpassed in functionality and looks by its Curve 8900 successor, but nothing's got an edge on the BlackBerry Curve 83XX series in smartphone sales. According to NPD, the handset overtook the erstwhile champ iPhone 3G in the category for the first quarter of 2009, while BlackBerry's own Storm and Pearl handsets took the third and fourth slots, with the T-Mobile G1 rounding out the ranks in fifth place. Overall the smartphone market has grown from 17 percent of handset sales in Q1 2008 to 23 percent in Q1 2009. Compared to the previous quarter, RIM's gained a whopping 15 percent share of the US market -- owning nearly half of the entire scene -- while Apple and Palm both dropped 10 percent as they prep for their heroic mid-year launches.