New Gadget 2011

The BlackBerry PlayBook keeps us interested for one reason and one reason alone: its promised ability to run Android applications through the use of emulation software. The RIM tablet shipped without the functionality out of the box, but an update including the Android App Player was said to be coming this summer. We have seen a leaked version of the App Player in that time, but still no official update. It doesn�t look like it�s coming any time soon, after all. According to sources speaking with Engadget, the PlayBook won�t be officially running Android applications until late into the fall. With the tablet off to a rocky start and the appeal of the feature being quite the selling point, having the feature deployed by the start of the holiday season smells a bit like �do or die� at this point.
source: Android Phone

It has been reported by Strategy Analytics that in Q2 2011, Microsoft has seen more tablets shipped with its operating systems than RIM did with its own tablet. Now this wouldn't have been surprising if it was comparing Apple's iPad against the BlackBerry PlayBook but in this case we're talking about tablets running Microsoft's operating system: Windows 7, which wasn't even designed for tablets in the first place.

Microsoft took 4.6% of the tablet share in that quarter, while RIM only took 3.3%. As for the top two - Apple was in the lead with 61.3% and Google had 30.1% in second place. To be fair, there are many more manufacturers making Windows-based tablets than there are making the PlayBook - but so does Android and it has yet to beat the iPad in the market share department.

Windows 7 has also been around longer, which could possibly explain why people are choosing it over the PlayBook: it's a more familiar operating system vs. the relatively new and unknown QNX operating system on the PlayBook. Whatever the reason is, the findings show that people just aren't buying the PlayBook. Hopefully RIM pulls better results for the remainder of the year.
source: Ubergizmo

The Android App Player for the BlackBerry PlayBook was promised as part of a future update to RIM's tablet, but thanks to some snooping by N4BB, a pre-release build of the apps emulator has been unearthed. What's more? The Android App Player is based around Android 2.3.3, meaning PlayBook users will have access to a version of Android (albeit a very limited one) that most even Android users have yet to receive. That is assuming that the final build of the App Player is launched anytime soon. As it stands, the App Play could use a bit more polishing around the edges. It is apparently running a bit on the slow side and is missing some interface elements. We'll be intrigued to see the final product.
source: Android Phone

N4BB recently spotted a link to RIM's Android App Player for the BlackBerry PlayBook in the change log of a software update, and the website has posted access to the early build of the software that should allow Android applications to run within the PlayBook's QNX environment. This version of the App Player is not intended for public release, so you're installing a version of the app that is likely still in an early development stage. N4BB gave it an early whirl and said the software lacks a back button, though users can swipe from right to left in order to go back, and the site said it �lags a bit.� Even though we enjoyed RIM's initial taste of what the App Player will be capable of, BlackBerry PlayBook owners will probably want to wait until RIM releases a final build before jumping the gun. Hit the jump for a second image of the player and, if you're so inclined, a link to download the software.
source: Boy Genius Report

The first thing a gadget lover usually does after purchasing a new tablet is to protect it from scratches and bumps. Recently I purchased the Blackberry Playbook. It's a sturdy 7 inch tablet that came with a neoprene sleeve in the box. But I was looking for something a bit more heavy duty. I needed a case that could protect it while I used it and be able to survive a drop. That's where OtterBox comes in with their Blackberry Playbook Defender Series Case.

The case comes in 3 pieces:

1) Front piece that has an integrated clear protective membrane that works well with Playbook's touch screen.

2) Back piece that has a clear protective membrane over the back camera.

3) A cover piece that can be snapped on the front or back of the case.

The cover piece is made up of hard plastic and can be placed in front or back of the case. It has 4 strips of grip on the bottom to prevent it from sliding on the table. The 2 pictures above show the cover piece on the back of the case. It has a sliding door to expose the back camera of the Playbook.

The above picture shows the cover snapped onto the front of the case. The cover is actually slimmer than the case itself which allows for the Playbook's speakers to be exposed while still having the cover on. That's great if you want to leave music playing while fully protecting the Playbook.

Another great feature of the cover piece is that it can be used as a stand as well. OtterBox has added in a X shaped hinge mechanism that allows the Playbook to be propped up on 2 different angles.

These 2 angles are great for viewing on the desk. Only thing is that it's not angled low enough for comfortable typing.

The front piece with the clear protective membrane does attract fingerprints and oils from the fingers. This photo is taken with a month's usage of average 2 hours a day.

OtterBox was nice enough to provide flaps to cover the 3 ports on the bottom and also the audio jack on the top right edge.

The buttons on the top are completely covered. The cover actually makes the buttons easier to push since one of the complaints about the Playbook is that the buttons are extremely flush and hard to press.

The audio jack has a cover as well, which takes some digging to pop out. I actually won't mind if they left the audio jack exposed since it would make it much easier access instead of always digging for the flap. The microphone hole is exposed next to the audio jack and also on the left side of the case.

Both speakers are exposed too. The OtterBox case curves up a bit on the edge and channels the audio pretty well.

The front and back pieces are made up of high quality polycarbonate shell and covered with silicone skin. And silicone loves dust! What surprised me is the little amount of dust I had on the case. I was expecting more after a month's usage but it seems to be pretty clean with only minor traces of dust. This OtterBox case is not waterproof because of the exposed parts of the case.

One thing about the OtterBox case is that it makes the Playbook look and feel huge. But I like it that way. The OtterBox case actually made it easier to hold the tablet and the extreme protection makes it feel sturdy. The case is priced at $69.95 direct from OtterBox. It's totally worth it for complete protection of the Playbook.
source: The Gadgeteer

RIM sure is working very hard lately. Their tablet's been on the market for three short months and is already set to receive its fourth software update. This go 'round, RIM added the ability to save attachments to a removable SD card or your phone's internal storage, extract zip files from email (although you'll have to use Bridge and port from your BlackBerry smartphone), a pinch-to-zoom feature for video viewing and � winner of the duh award � portrait viewing for photos. Also, the software now supports 15 additional languages � great news if you speak Galician. If you're planning on picking up this QNX tab, you'll receive the v1.0.7 update as part of the setup process. Current owners can wait for an update notification, or just pull it manually. The update is not exactly available yet, as some folks who downloaded the update were having connectivity issues using BlackBerry Bridge. RIM posted on Twitter saying users should expect a fix later this week.
source: 2DayBlog.com

In a note to investors Monday afternoon, RBC Capital Markets Managing Director Mike Abramsky reiterated an OTR Global report that Research In Motion is possibly planning to stop production of the BlackBerry PlayBook's Wi-Fi model. The Wi-Fi version of RIM's tablet is the only version Research In Motion currently manufacturers. The reasons for the discontinuation of the Wi-Fi edition, Abramsky states, could be related to a pullback in production, a move that would align channel inventory with slower than expected sell-through, in addition to RIM focusing on upcoming cellularly-connected PlayBook versions.
source: Boy Genius Report

In response to a report published by BGR earlier today, Research In Motion confirmed that it has no plans to discontinue its Wi-Fi BlackBerry PlayBook tablet in favor of newer models expected to launch this fall. RBC Capital Markets Managing Director Mike Abramsky cited an OTR Global report in a note to investors on Monday that said RIM may be canceling the QNX-based tablet based partially on weak sales. Abramsky speculated that such a move might also allow RIM to focus on the 4G PlayBook and its upcoming next-generation QNX smartphones. �Pure fiction. No plan to discontinue,� RIM said to BGR from its official BlackBerry Twitter account. �In fact, WiFi PlayBook is launching in new countries practically every week.� RIM stated on its earnings call in mid-June that 500,ooo BlackBerry PlayBook tablets had been shipped in the fiscal first quarter.
source: Boy Genius Report

D&R Electronics has apparently thrown a BlackBerry PlayBook into a Canadian Dodge Charger, signified by a red maple leaf. Put simply, the 7-inch slate has been coded up to flip on the overhead / side lights, search police databases for names and faces, accept commands wirelessly from an in-car keyboard, and even fully detachable for those times with mobility is of the utmost importance.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Bear in mind that good functional hardware is handicapped without proper software, and unfortunately, the BlackBerry PlayBook falls under this category. For those of you who decided to be an early adopter and are disappointed with your purchase, perhaps you might want to consider fitting it out with the $69.99 Ballistic Tough Jacket Case? Why so, you ask? Surely after making such a decision, you can at least express your dissatisfaction with the device by dropping it �accidentally� or knocking it against the wall, but without breaking it since you can't afford to get a different tablet.

Of course, on the other hand, there will be a smattering of folks who love the BlackBerry PlayBook to bits, touting it to be the next best thing since sliced bread. Well, the Ballistic Tough Jacket Case offers the same level of protection for the PlayBook, never mind your intentions or feelings toward it.

Offering three layer protection that includes an inner silicone layer, impact resistant hard plastic, and a shock absorbent polymer layer, they have all been specially constructed to deliver advanced protection against the worst of drops. Anyone wants to vent their frustrations on the PlayBook?
source: Ubergizmo

Before the BlackBerry PlayBook was released, it was mentioned that the tablet will need to pair up with another BlackBerry device in order to make use of certain functions such as checking emails and accessing the calendar on the tablet. While every other carrier had no problems with letting its subscribers make use of the app that provided the functionality (BlackBerry Bridge), AT&T didn't. This meant that AT&T BlackBerry users who bought a PlayBook weren't able to make full use of the tablet out of the box - it was as good as not having a BlackBerry in the first place.

Well, it looks like AT&T is finally satisfied with the app and as of today, two months after the PlayBook's launch, the carrier has approved the app for its subscribers to download and use. The BlackBerry Bridge app will be available via the BlackBerry App World at noon today. Anybody excited?
source: Ubergizmo

Finally, after waiting for what seems like ages, the BlackBerry PlayBook will be arriving to Malaysia very soon thanks to Maxis. You can now pre-book your PlayBook from Maxis and be one of the first to get your hand on this much anticipated tablet device from BlackBerry when it's launched on 16 July 2011 at KL Convention Centre.

But of course, before you dedicate yourself into booking one unit for yourself, you're going to need to know one thing, the price. Maxis also announced its PlayBook packages with a starting price of RM990 (24months package with 3GB data plan) for existing Maxis Blackberry Internet Service (BIS) users.

Visit Maxis for a more detailed pricing and other offers that come with the BlackBerry Playbook, and don't forget to mark your calendar for the launch happening on:

Date: 16 July 2011

Time: 10am - 6pm

Venue: Exhibition Hall 4, KL Convention Centre
source: 2DayBlog.com

Is it possible that the lack of an email client on BlackBerry's PlayBook is due to the fact that it is impossible to do? A rumor reported by Business Insider says that RIM has to rewrite its entire messaging architecture to get email and messaging onto the flailing tablet.

The problem, according to a source who spoke to a director of BlackBerry product management, is that BlackBerry accounts cannot support more than one device. When the back-end software was written, the designers never foresaw that a person would want to access their email from anything other than their single BlackBerry phone. Thus, it will require �significant work to make the BES [BlackBerry Email System] support multiple devices.�

This could be made even trickier by RIMs current transition to the new QNX software platform.

Bear in mind that this is a single-source rumor. It is, however, both plausible and interesting enough to pass on. Why else would RIM have shipped a business-targeted tablet without the company's flagship feature?

The Real Reason There Was No Email On The BlackBerry PlayBook [Business Insider]

Although the Wi-Fi only version of the Blackberry Playbook has been out for a few months now, we have yet to see a 4G version hit the market. The 4G Blackberry Playbook was expected to be released at some point this summer, but that is not the case according to RIM CEO Mike Lazaridis.

Lazaridis revealed today that the 4G version of the Blackberry Playbook will not be available until this fall despite previous statements made by the company. We found out when Lazaridis mentioned how excited he was that the 4G Playbooks would be arriving this fall.

RIM had initially planned on released releasing three 4G versions this summer: a LTE version for Verizon, a WiMax version for Sprint, and an HSPA+ model for AT&T. RIM also mentioned that the BlackBerry Bold 9900x9930 would be delayed until the fall as well. We will keep you updated on the status of the 4G Playbook.
source: Unwired View

Are you excited about the BlackBerry Playbook or are you more than excited? Maxis just announced that they will be introducing the much anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet from RIM in the coming weeks. No exact dates have been given yet, but register yourself at their website at www.maxis.com.my anytime from today and keep yourself up to date and be the first to have the latest launch details. The PlayBook will be available exclusively to Maxis customers. Pricing and rate plans will be announced closer to the launch date.

What are you waiting for? Register now and be the first to receive news from Maxis. More information about the PlayBook right here.

Today the BlackBerry PlayBook, RIM's first tablet, has become widely available in the UK, from retailers and mobile network operators alike. One company, however, chose not to take part in the launch.

O2 UK decided not to sell the PlayBook, at least not for the foreseeable future. The reason it cites has to do with �some issues with the end to end customer experience�. These words have been used in a note from the operator to those subscribers that expressed their interest in the PlayBook in the past. Apparently, O2 continues to work with RIM on fixing those issues, and the operator may release other tablets to come out of the Canadian manufacturer in the future. In fact, it may even launch the PlayBook itself at some (probably distant) point in the future.

This isn't the first time when O2 decided not to take part in a nationwide launch of a new shiny gadget, of course. As recently as two months ago, the operator didn't launch the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Android smartphone at the same time as everyone else, and the reasoning back then was very similar to what we're hearing now regarding the PlayBook � it had to do with subpar user experience and last minute bugs.

So either O2 is the only major UK operator that actually cares about its users' experiences with the devices it sells, or it's perhaps become a little bit too strict for its own good. Time will tell.
source: Unwired View

If you're looking for the BlackBerry PlayBook, RIM's first attempt to take a piece of the tablet market pie, then hop along to posh old Selfridges down in London's Oxford Street.

The tablet is now available at the department store ahead of a nationwide launch tomorrow, at �399 for a 16GB model, �479 for a 32GB version and �559 for a stonking 64GB of storage. It'll be available at most popular retailers.

Previously RIM announced that the PlayBook will be available in the UK and 15 other international markets around the world, with the tablet already available for some time in the US. It is handily specced, with a 1GHz dual-core processor and 1080p HD video recording capabilities, together with an all-new QNX operating system.

But it has fallen victim to some fairly middling reviews, with big competition in the Android Samsung Galaxy Tab and the iPad 2. Apple still exerts dominance over the burgeoning tablet market, although rivals like the PlayBook have some additional features, like the ability to run Adobe Flash.

What could be important for the future success of the PlayBook is an announcement by RIM that Android apps will soon be compatible with the tablet and available in the BlackBerry App world.

Although BlackBerry is still a really big name in the business world, firms realise that mobile devices can often live and die by the quality of their apps.
source: Unwired View

RIM has announced that the company's first BlackBerry tablet will go on sale in sixteen new countries over the next month, including Australia, France, Germany, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Its unclear if RIM has any carrier partners lined up or how much the device will retail for abroad. In the United States, Sprint most recently announced that it will begin selling the Wi-Fi PlayBook, and it also has plans to sell a 4G WiMAX version of the tablet this summer.
source: Boy Genius Report

Research in Motion has announced plans to debut its in the next 30 days.

RIM is launching the tablet in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Spain, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Mexico, France, Italy, India, Indonesia and Colombia.

Australia had already announced its PlayBook launch a few days earlier, with wireless carriers Vodafone, Optus and Telstra set to carry the device. Pricing and availability in the additional markets are expected to be announced closer to their launch dates.

The device come with front and rear facing cameras and a 1 GHz dual-core processor along with 1080p HD video recording capabilities. Consumers who have already purchased the PlayBook in the United States have moaned about the tablet's lack of a native email application and inability to play popular movie-streaming subscription service Hulu.

The PlayBook launched in the United States in April with an estimated 500,000 units sold, despite less than stellar reviews.
source: Unwired View

It looks like RIM really is serious about getting apps out for their recently released tablet. The company has just announced the release of a new app for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Called BlackBerry News, it functions as its namesake - letting people access all their favorite news sites, blogs and popular sites that use syndicated content so that all subscribed content can be accessed in one place. As long as a site has an RSS feed - you can sync it with the BlackBerry News app.

For folks who are already BlackBerry News users - the app takes advantage of your BlackBerry ID, so you don't have to re-add subscriptions again, just log in with the same ID and all your subscriptions will be automatically brought over and synced. First time users who have no idea what to subscribe to can check out some curated news feeds that are sorted in categories like: Arts & Entertainment, Business, Health & Lifestyle, News Headlines, Science & the Environment, Technology, and Travel.

Head over to the BlackBerry App World to download the app for your tablet now (free).
source: Ubergizmo