Hasta La Gadget!

Whoa there, RIM — not so fast. Despite an earlier commitment from Sprint, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Now Network has cancelled its plans to bring WiMAX to the BlackBerry PlayBook, leaving Research in Motion to continue selling WiFi-only models of the half-baked tablet. Sprint representatives cited poor adoption rates among business customers as one reason for the move to cancel PlayBook sales, along with an already crowded tablet market, also adding that the decision will have “no impact” on the carrier’s relationship with RIM. We can’t say that a WiMAX-capable PlayBook would have topped our back to school wish list, but this latest move is somewhat shocking nonetheless.

Update: RIM wrote in to share the following statement:

RIM has decided to prioritize and focus its 4G development resources on LTE. We remain excited and committed to delivering innovative and powerful 4G tablets to the US market together with our carrier partners. Testing of BlackBerry 4G PlayBook models is already underway and we plan to enter labs for network certifications in the US and other international markets this fall.

Will RIM’s PlayBook get WiMAX? The Now Network says no (update: RIM focusing on LTE) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink @Phonescooper  |  Wall Street Journal  | Email this | Comments

Just two short years after announcing its plans for in-car music streaming, Pandora has finally begun to trickle its way into in-dash receivers. The digital music service can now be accessed through four of Sony’s latest connected car stereos — the DSX-S210X, DSX-S310BTX, and the SiriusXM-compatible CDX-GT660UP and CDX-GT565UP. The DSX units connect to Pandora’s smartphone app via “an integrated Tune Tray,” while the CDX models employ a no-frills USB solution, making your suite of personalized music stations an on-road reality. Although all of the receivers offer integration with the iPhone, only the Bluetooth-enabled DSX-S310BTX links Android and BlackBerry users to Pandora’s streaming cloud. Of course, if you’re looking for an additional means of accessing music on-the-go, you can always opt for FM radio. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Pandora connects to Sony’s in-dash receivers, adds iOS, Android and BlackBerry support

Pandora connects to Sony’s in-dash receivers, adds iOS, Android and BlackBerry support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Colt may be RIM’s first QNX smartphone, will lack BES support out-of-box? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  BGR  | Email this | Comments

RIM was tight-lipped about pricing and availability when we went hands-on at the official launch of their OS 7-equipped Bold 9900, Torch 9810 and Torch 9860 handsets. We still can’t be sure exactly when the Torches will hit British shelves, but the Bold 9900 is already standing proudly up for pre-order at Vodafone UK, along with a commitment to arrive at your doorstep in roughly a week’s time if you take the plunge. However, just like the leaked T-Mobile USA pricing, it won’t come cheap in the UK either: you’ll need to swallow a £41 ($67) monthly price plan on a two-year contract before they’ll give you the handset for free. Alternatively, you can opt for a monthly contract at half that price and pay a daunting £399 ($650) upfront for the phone. Nevertheless, if you’re a BB fan and you’re convinced of this form factor, then we predict you’ll get on well with 9900’s particularly chunky keyboard, high-res screen and top-notch build quality — or you could just wait for our full review.

Update: It’s just been spotted going cheaper at Carphone Warehouse — free from £31 per month on Vodafone or £500 off-contract, also with an August 12th delivery date. Let the market forces ensue.

[Thanks, Roberto and Anthony]

Blackberry Bold 9900 up for pre-order at Vodafone UK, first official price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 05:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Vodafone UK, Carphone Warehouse  | Email this | Comments

Jumptap illustrated the breakdown of iOS, Android, and Blackberry use across the United States

Do you live in an iOS, Android, or Blackberry state — or neither?

From mobile ad network Jumptap comes this colorful infographic showing us which states lean more towards Android, iOS, or Blackberry dominance, or if they’re primarily neutral. Pleasant change from those political right-leaning or left-leaning US maps.

From the map, it looks like Android tends to lead the way in the western United States, while the southeast is pretty smartphone neutral. The midwest and northeast seemingly prefer phones of the Apple variety, except for New York, which is all-business according to its Blackberry dominance.

Statistics over the past few months continue to show that Android is leading in smartphone marketshares in the US, but it’s interesting to see that information broken down individually by state.

Jumptap’s report on state-by-state mobile phone usage also revealed that in their network, Android dominates with a 38 percent market share, trailed closely by iOS with 33 percent and Blackberry with 22 percent. Their statistics also show that iOS users tend to have higher ad click-through rates than users of other smartphones (.78 percent for iOS, as opposed to .47 or .36 percent for Android or Blackberry).

I’d be interested to see how this information broke down within some of the more populous, technophilic states like California and New York. Does it vary region by region? Do LA residents tend toward iOS, while San Franciscans prefer Android? I’d also like to see this overlaid with information about the dominant carrier in that area. Does Android do best in areas with strong Verizon coverage, for instance.

via TechCrunch