Just over a year ago RIM announced that they would be adding a LTE and HSPA+ version of the BlackBerry PlayBook into the mix along with the WiFi one. We saw Sprint decide to go against the Wi-Max version and many thought RIM would do the same with these. Earlier this year however the leaked roadmap revealed the HSPA+ version again, and now it has strolled its way right through the FCC. Unfortunately not much new information is carried along with it, but if rumors are true we could potentially see NFC and a 1.5GHz processor packed onto the HSPA+ version.
Is an HSPA+ PlayBook something you'd be interested in? Would you rather your PlayBook have its own data connection or is wifi working fine for you? Sound off in the comments!
Update: And with the blink of an eye the LTE model has hit the FCC as well. Judging by the bands this shows support for AT&T in the US or any of the big three Canadian carriers.
Source: FCC(1) (2); via: Engadet
Read more
RIM asks FCC to keep PlayBook details under wraps until launch
So it seems RIM really was trying hard to make that Calendar Q1 launch date for the BlackBerry PlayBook but just couldn't quite make it. Turns out RIM actually had to file an extension with the FCC to keep the details on the tablet private until launch day on April 19th. Apparently the original date was in fact March 31st - if RIM planned to launch later they would have done an April...
BlackBerry PlayBook hits the FCC showing 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions
Well, this a nice surprise that ultimately brings us one step closer to seeing an actual release date. The BlackBerry PlayBook has now appeared at the FCC in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions. Oddly enough, it appears to be the WiFi only version. Of course, not much else other then it having appeared there is revealed due to the confidentiality request filed but as history dictates that...
BlackBerry legacy services will reach End of Life on January 4, 2022
Although BlackBerry has extended the life span of BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10, and PlayBook a few times now, that time has seemingly finally run out.
A new BlackBerry tablet might kick off second phase of software licensing
BlackBerry CEO John Chen spoke with candor this morning on the earnings call about the next phase in BlackBerry's licensing strategy. In particular, he mentions one of the company's partners is very excited to build a tablet based on Android.