Hasta La Gadget!

If you want to get your hands on RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook, you might be running out of time. It seems that the QNX-based device is no longer available in the US from retailers like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, RadioShack and Staples, with Amazon and RIM’s own online store being the exceptions. We’re wondering if this means newer PlayBooks are in the works — we’ve already seen updated 4G LTE models out in the open and recent OS updates indicate the company hasn’t given up on the much-maligned PlayBook. Potential upgrades include the upcoming BlackBerry 10 OS, and hardware improvements wouldn’t be a bad idea (Perhaps a flip-out keyboard addition a la Microsoft Surface?). In any case, RIM might want to move fast if it wants any chance of competing in the increasingly crowded tablet space.

Filed under: Tablets, Mobile, RIM

RIM’s PlayBook disappearing from online retailers in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 04:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today RIM has released an update to its WiFi-only BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. The update brings the PlayBook OS to version 2.1, and now includes a slew of new capabilities and security features. Users can now encrypt all of their data on the PlayBook, as well as send SMS messages from their PlayBook via their BlackBerry smartphone.

The new SMS feature uses a new version of BlackBerry Bridge that can be downloaded and installed from the BlackBerry App World store now. Additional features on the new OS update include the ability to use the Messages, Contacts, and Calendar apps in portrait mode, and you can now print documents from a BlackBerry PlayBook using their Print To Go app. This feature works even if the printer and tablet are connected to different networks.

PlayBook OS 2.1 also offers new features that make the tablet easier to use in enterprise settings thanks to BlackBerry Mobile Fusion. You’ll be able to connect to the BlackBerry Mobile Fusion server over-the-air, get support for ActiveSync authentication, as well as have access to other IT Policy controls.

The 2.1 update is now available as a free download and it will arrive to your PlayBook tablet over-the-air. Users should automatically receive a notification of the update, but if not, you can tap the settings icon in the top-right corner and check for a new update under “Software Updates”.

RIM releases BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 update is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

RIM is not done with the PlayBook. The company just announced a major update for its tablet. The software update will be available later today for the WiFi PlayBook and brings a host of significant improvements. With this update the tablet now sports SMS capabilities through BlackBerry Bridge, data encryption on personal accounts, and improved Android application support.

This update brings an updated BlackBerry Bridge. It now allows the PlayBook to send, view and receive text messages when connected to a BlackBerry smartphone over Bluetooth. Along with this enhanced communication comes portrait support for email, calendar and contacts.

Personal data can now be encrypted. This was previously only available for data on a corporate BES account.

RIM also added significant enhanced Android application support. With 2.1 Android apps now support multi-window applications, camera support and in-app payments. If nothing else, these functions bring the PlayBook up to par with competitive Android tablets.

Look for this update later today but only WiFi models need to apply.

The BlackBerry PlayBook is currently available in WiFi and 4G options. The WiFi model comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB flavors start at $199 for the 16GB. The tablet launched with much fanfare in 2011, but it lacked key features until early this year. As it sits right now, the PlayBook is a capable tablet for the price, but it is aging very quickly thanks to the Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD and, soon, the iPad mini.

RIM just can’t quit keyboards, and neither can many of its fans: even the BlackBerry PlayBook has an official Mini Keyboard case. It almost shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that the company is applying for a patent on a tablet design with a stealthy keyboard built-in. The layout hides a full, hinge-attached QWERTY keyboard from critics (and accidental key presses) underneath a back-mounted cover. When an owner’s urge to use physical buttons becomes overwhelming, the keyboard swings into action and relies on the cover as a kickstand. It’s a clever solution to lugging around a separate keyboard or specialized case, but it’s hard to say if RIM will implement what it’s learning into a finished product — the firm isn’t in the best position to experiment with new tablet concepts, and we’ve already seen a few imminent solutions to the concealed keyboard problem from other vendors. That said, the patent does show that the folks in Waterloo would like to keep a love of keyboards alive in the tablet era, even if it requires some subterfuge.

Filed under: Tablets

RIM applies for patent on tablet with concealable keyboard, keeps your QWERTY love a secret originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 20:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM’s attempts to get a cellular-equipped version of the BlackBerry PlayBook have been troubled, to say the least. The company signalled its intentions around Mobile World Congress last February, only to watch as carriers backed off — partly as RIM focused its attention on LTE, and partly after carriers grew skittish over sales of the WiFi version. A year and a half later, we finally have an LTE version, and with a faster 1.5GHz processor to boot. But do 4G data and a processor bump make all the difference? And does the upgrade stand a realistic shot in a competitive field that has moved on since the original PlayBook? We’ll find out in our hands-on.

Continue reading BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE hands-on

Filed under: Tablet PCs, Wireless

BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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