16GB Blackberry Playbook appears to have been discontinued

 
If you were hoping to get your hands on the 16GB version of the Blackberry Playbook, you might be out of luck. According to an email sent from RIM to a consumer, it seems that the company will be discontinuing the 16GB Blackberry Playbook model. This means that if you wanted to get the Playbook, you will have to go for the more expensive 32GB and 64GB versions. Some have speculated that the reason behind the discontinuation is due to the recent price cuts, and this caused the 16GB Playbook to barely return any profits for RIM who were just breaking even. Then again with all the media-heavy applications and files we store on our smartphones and tablets these days, 16GB is admittedly not enough. According to the email, 16GB models will still be offered while they are still in stock so assuming this email is to be believed (RIM has yet to step forward and announce this themselves), you might want to move fast if the 16GB model Blackberry Playbook tablet is really what you're after.

Has RIM canceled the 16GB PlayBook?

 If you're an indecisive fan of the BlackBerry PlayBook, your purchasing decision might just have been made a little easier. We're hearing reports that customers have been advised only existing stocks of the 16GB variant remain, and the firm will be offering just the 32- and 64GB models going forward. The speculation is that this is down to the lower profit margins on the smallest memory version, however this is not confirmed. We've contacted RIM for the official word in the meantime, and will update accordingly.

RIM axes 16GB PlayBook

We hardly knew ye, 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook. The demise of the 16GB PlayBook, first reported by N4BB and later confirmed by Engadget, means that RIM is only offering the more expensive 32GB and 64GB versions of its tablet. A RIM spokesperson told Engadget that the company is still “committed to the tablet space” but simply feels that “there is more value for our customers in the higher capacity models (32 GB, 64 GB).” N4BB, however, speculates that the real reason for dumping the 16GB tablet boils down to value for RIM, since “there is barely any profit on every 16GB PlayBook sold,” especially “given the price cuts putting the PlayBook to its relative production cost.”

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BlackBerry PlayBook with '4G' out and about, wants to know where you put its SIM

Jim Balsillie might be on the outs, but it looks like his once boastful pet-project - a BlackBerry PlayBook with integrated cellular wireless - is finally coming to fruition. Per CrackBerry's forums comes the above snap of the Canadian slate donning a SIM card slot, nary a month after we first spotted the company's HSPA+ and LTE tablets pass through the FCC. That also lines up nicely with a previously leaked roadmap, promising a summer arrival. Will the mythical 4G-wielding PlayBook ever make it to market? Or like it's WiMax brother, will it never be given the chance?

BlackBerry Tablet OS 2.0 Makes The PlayBook Even More Awesome [Video]!

The updated version of the OS brings the much-awaited native email, calendar and contacts applications besides rolling in with a plethora of enhancements, updates and bug fixes. BlackBerry Playbook has been, since it release, criticized for the lack of these features. However, all that should now come to an end. Graually. There update doesn't just push the version to 2.0 but transforms the overall BlackBerry Table UI into an adorable and even more utile real estate. Now, there's more meaning to the UI, snappier user interface and yes, peppier performance. For instance, the new Unified Inbox, support for multitasking inside email, better social networking connectivity, and such plenteous enhancements tend to assuage the pain that's been breaking hearts since the launch of the tablet. Other enhancements include deeper social networking integration with a 'people-centric calendar', 'relationship-centric' contacts application, extended support for document editing and BlackBerry Bridge and much more. There are a whole lot of such features (click here to read the full description). Besides that, RIM has promised to launch a BlackBerry Video store, and release even more apps in the BlackBerry App World for its first and unfortunately not-well received but awesome tablet PC. In conclusion, there's finally some rising hope that BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 update will help PlayBook find more takers, particularly so considering that it now has almost all of those features whose absence left us whining since long. Watch the following video to see BlackBerry Tablet Os 2.0 in action! Click here for more information on BlackBerry PlayBook. Join us on our Facebook fanpage, add us to your circle on Google+ or follow us on Twitter to stay updated.

PlayBook OS 2.0 released on February 17?

Many rumors that make their rounds on the Internet these days tend to have grounds for confirmation, simply because technology has enabled one working from within a company to be able to grab a snapshot here, or an image there, before releasing such information to the masses in a ninja-like manner. The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 release date has certainly made its rounds on the rumor mill for some time, with many of them touting a February 2012 release date, but out of the 29 days of the month for this year, just which will be the correct one? It seems that February 17th is the most likely candidate at the moment, but there is still no concrete evidence of that. CES 2012 saw PlayBooks at RIM's booth running on OS 2.0.0.7116, and there were whispers on the ground that RIM was testing later versions in house as well. All in all, we will just sit down and patiently wait for February 17 to roll by – good things, after all, come to those who wait.

RIM reportedly prepping two new PlayBook tablets for 2012

Research In Motion is reportedly working on two new BlackBerry PlayBook tablets that are currently scheduled for release in 2012. BlackBerry watcher N4BB claims that while RIM had initially scrapped plans to produce a larger PlayBook tablet, the vendor now plans to release both a 10-inch and a new 7-inch tablet this year. RIM's new 7-inch model will feature embedded 3G connectivity when it launches in April according to the report, and the 10-inch BlackBerry tablet will reportedly include support for 4G LTE networks when it launches in December. The site also reiterates that RIM currently only has one BlackBerry 10 smartphone slated for 2012, which BGR exclusively reported earlier this month, and it states that at least two more low-end BlackBerry Curve models will launch this year as well.

All BlackBerry PlayBook tablets going for $299

Looks like the BlackBerry PlayBook is now going up for sale with yet another massive discount. While it's no HP TouchPad firesale, you can now purchase any BlackBerry PlayBook for $299. Yes that's right - regardless of whether your choose the 16GB, 32GB or 64GB model, the PlayBook will cost the same price - which basically means: don't expect the 64GB model to stay in stock for long (assuming the tablets sell well). We're talking about savings of up to $400 here! The BlackBerry PlayBook sale promotion will end on February 4th, so head over to RIM's online store now if you'd like to pick one up. Be sure to read our review of the BlackBerry PlayBook if you're on the fence about making a purchase.

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 to come in February 2012

While readying the introduction of BlackBerry Colt - which should become the first BBX smartphone - RIM has announced that it would delay the roll-out of the next version of its QNX-based PlayBook OS, namely PlayBook OS 2.0.

According to the Canadian company, OS 2.0 will become available to PlayBook tablet users in February 2012.

The "difficult decision" to postpone the software update has been made because RIM is not yet sure if the fresh version of the OS "fully meets the expectations of our developers, enterprise customers and end-users." RIM also noted that PlayBook OS 2.0 will sadly not include a BBM application (as many have requested).

The BlackBerry PlayBook was launched back in April as RIM's first (and only - for now) tablet, but it didn't manage to achieve the success the company had hoped for.

BlackBerry PlayBook shown running Android apps

One of the selling points that were announced for the BlackBerry PlayBook was its ability to run Android apps - which meant that there would be no shortage of apps at launch despite the fact that it was running a brand new operating system. Well, the BlackBerry PlayBook launched, and Android app support was nowhere to be found. It's been many months since then, and Android app support wasn't anywhere to be seen - until now.

A video of the PlayBook running a beta version of PlayBook OS 2.0 was recently posted online and the video showed the tablet running a couple of Android apps. What's impressive about the demonstration is that the apps ran smoothly without any hitches at all. This definitely bodes well for PlayBook users who have been complaining about the lack of apps available for the tablet. Now all we need is for RIM to push the OS update as soon as possible.

BlackBerry PlayBook Android App Support Delayed Until Late Fall

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

More Windows tablets sold than PlayBooks in Q2 2011

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

Android App Player Leaks for BlackBerry PlayBook, Based on Android 2.3.3

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

Early build of RIM's Android App Player for the PlayBook now available thanks to leak

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

OtterBox Blackberry Playbook Defender Series Case Review

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

BlackBerry PlayBook update brings zip extraction, more storage options for attachments

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

RIM to discontinue Wi-Fi BlackBerry PlayBook?

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

RIM: ‘No plan to discontinue' BlackBerry PlayBook

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

BlackBerry PlayBook now part of Justice League, is a sidekick in the police car

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

Ballistic Tough Jacket Case arrives for BlackBerry PlayBook

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