The recent leak of OS 6.1.0.44 seems to be full of goodies. First some extracted apps, then a peak at some new icons, and then earlier today the entire icon set. Now we get a couple of tutorial videos for the hardware, homescreen, placing a call, SIM insertion, and some basics. This is also gives us a nice 360 degree view of the device itself in (simulated) action. I don't know about you all but I'm pretty stoked for this device. Jump on past the break for all the videos.
Source: N4BB
Research In Motion has officially lifted the consumer curtain off of the BlackBerry PlayBook. BlackBerry PlayBook tablets will be on hand at the CES RIM booth for attendees to play with this week, but we were able to get our hands on it a day early. Prior to me holding the PlayBook for the first time, we first had Ryan Bidan, Sr. Product Manager for the BlackBerry PlayBook team at RIM walk us through the device and the BlackBerry Tablet OS experience. Be sure to check out the video above for all the details and action, and from there you'll definitely want to check out our more in-depth BlackBerry PlayBook Review.
If you're a gadget guy (or girl!), you know there is no experience more awesome than getting to play with that latest and greatest device you have been hearing about for so long for the first time. The months of rumors and build-up lead to high expectations, and there's that excited nervousness/awkwardness as you embrace the device for the first time. There are so many things you want to do that you just don't where to begin.... but you know where I'm going here... I FINALLY popped the PlayBook's cherry berry! (vulgar, I know, but I just had to go there).
The last time I was this nervous/anxious/excited going hands on with a new BlackBerry device for the first time was with the BlackBerry Storm (that was a big departure/risk for RIM - and we know how that one unfolded). I didn't get that encounter on video, which knowing that device's history was probably for the better, but with the PlayBook we hit the record button. Check out the video above to see me touch the PlayBook for the first time and give it a bit of a walk through. The verdict? For that you can check out our more in-depth BlackBerry PlayBook review, but I can honestly say I'm even more excited for the arrival of the PlayBook after having used it than I was before. It was love at first touch!
As promised, we're bringing you back some footage from today's Meet the BlackBerry PlayBook developer sessions in NYC. Here's video number one of the BlackBerry PlayBook. As we have seen in other videos, things are looking pretty smooth on the BlackBerry PlayBook. It's great to see RIM and Adobe out there working with the development community - let's hope there are a ton of apps for launch! We'll be replacing this with an HD version of the video shortly and should hopefully have another clip or two before the day is done. Big thx to our on-site correspondent!
We have seen BlackBerry concept designs before, but this concept may take away our need for BBM emoticons, forever. The Empathy pairs with a biometrics ring to send the user's emothional data to the crystal like device. The concept device was designed by Kiki Tang and Daniel Yoon for a RIM sponsored project at the Art Center College of Design. One of the designers describes the interface as follows:
"It is of course touch based and all the user’s connections are shown graphically so you can see who is connected to whom. Each contact has an avatar that is encompassed by two colored rings. The inner colored ring shows the contact’s previous emotional state, and the outer ring represents the contact’s current emotional state. It is important to show the shift in emotions in order to see how an event has affected that contact.
Another important feature that we felt was important was the “Emotional Health Chart”. This chart would monitor the user’s emotional health through an indefinite period of time. One would be able to see how a certain event, or phone call/ message has affected the user. Obviously, if the chart shows someone is always upset, there would be a problem… If permitted, a user would be able to view other user’s charts as well."
A very interesting concept. Though there is no technology that can accomplish this yet (there hasn't been any huge strides in mood ring technology), it doesn't mean there someday won't be. It we would be interesting to see my mood at the site of the dreaded hourglass, or my girlfriend's mood change the minute I bought my fourth BlackBerry of the year. Software aside, I actually like hardware concept (Gorilla Glass what?). It even sports a full qwerty keyboard on the reverse side! What do you all think? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Yanko Design via Engadget
Oh man, I love the new attitude we're seeing from RIM with the upcoming launch of the BlackBerry PlayBook. Check out the video above and you'll see what I mean. RIM posted a new video on the BlackBerry youtube channel that puts the pre-release PlayBook head to head against the Apple iPad in a comparison and test of web browser performance and fidelity. The PlayBook fairs pretty well in this one.
Following up the whole Steve Jobs 7" ain't big enough comments of a few weeks back which was followed by an official response from RIM's Co-CEO Jim Balsillie, it's good to see RIM putting up a video like this. Fighting Fire with Fact. It's fun for the fan boys, good for the street (RIM stock has been moving up again) and good for building up some consumer demand. Of course the Rene Ritchie Apple response on this one will be let's see how the PlayBook compares to the iPad 2, which is valid, but I'm still thinking we won't see flash support from Apple on that one either. Sound off in the comments!
Officially announced by Research In Motion (see press release) on Oct. 27th that it would be rolling out worldwide in the month of November, the BlackBerry Bold 9780 is beginning to hit carriers around the world. My local Rogers store go them in stock today, so I rushed out to grab one and immediately put it down on the good 'ole green CrackBerry review table for a closer look. You can check out the video above for the ritual unboxing as well as some quick hardware comparisons to other BlackBerry device models and a look at BlackBerry 6.
As a one year refresh device compared to the BlackBerry Bold 9700, the BlackBerry 9780 isn't *that* much different. Visually, the black color version is more blacked-out around the edges. Inside, the memory is doubled up to 512MB of flash memory and the camera moves up from 3.2 to 5 megapixels. The chipset is updated to the same that is used in the Torch and Pearl 3G, which means it gets Wi-Fi N and has slightly better video recording resolution than the 9700. Last but not least, the Bold 9780 ships with BlackBerry 6 preloaded.
So while it may not be all that different from the BlackBerry Bold 9700, the 9700 was and still is a pretty awesome device and the 9780 simply improves upon. Some initial thoughts:
I think I called the BlackBerry Bold 9700 the "pinnacle of the traditional" BlackBerry experience, so really, I guess the BlackBerry Bold 9780 is the "NEW Pinnacle of the traditional BlackBerry experience." I'd really like to RIM add a touchscreen to this form factor and somehow make the screen just a little bit bigger, but all in all if you're a heavy communicator and get stuff done quick kind of person, the BlackBerry Bold 9780 is likely the BlackBerry for you. Stay tuned for the full the review!
The last time we saw a red BlackBerry Bold 9780 it was up on Craigslist for sale. At the time, questions were raised about wheter or not it was even really a red BlackBerry Bold 9780 but rather just some OEM parts attached to a original BlackBerry Bold 9780. This time around, we got a video of a red BlackBerry Bold 9780 being shown off for it's memory usage. And well, we're kind of up in the air about the device. It appears to be a pre release red version but, then again so did the other. You guys can decide if this one is legit or not. However, don't be surprised if a polished, sexy red BlackBerry Bold 9780 shows up available in stores soon.
Source: ZonaBlackBerry
It's a big week again for the BlackBerry PlayBook! If you were thinking the DevCon PlayBook announcement was smoke and mirrors due to the fact we didn't see a live demo, you can now rest easy knowing that the BlackBerry PlayBook is the real deal, and looks like it's going to kick some serious tablet ass.
RIM's Founder and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis was on hand today at the Adobe Air Max conference, where he showed off the BlackBerry PlayBook LIVE on stage. We caught some of the screen caps from the livestream (see below) and we've got a partial video of the demo above (thanks bizbuzz3). Hopefully we'll have even more video soon. All I can say is WOW. Based on the DevCon hype we've had high expectations for the PlayBook and what the new BlackBerry Tablet OS will be able to deliver, and based on this demo it's looking like the end product is going to be SWEET. The full flash support and REAL multi-tasking seriously makes the iPad/iOS operating system look more like a kid's toy. It was pretty awesome to see Lazaridis start playing a full screen video, then minimize it back to the homescreen and watch it still keep playing while moving around the homescreen.
BIG NEWS too... RIM is taking apps seriously here, with Lazaridis announcing that developers who submit PlayBook apps and get them approved into App World will get a FREE BlackBerry PlayBook. OHHH BABY!!! Heck, back stage, even Martha Stewart said she loved the PlayBook. Check out the photos below and stay tuned for more!
This year at DevCon we got to see President and Co-Chief Executive Officer Research In Motion, Mike Lazaridis speak about the BlackBerry PlayBook. Now, come time for GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) we get to hear Co-Chief Executive Officer Research In Motion, Jim Balsillie drop his thoughts on the upcoming tablet. In addition to introducing the BlackBerry PlayBook to the Middle East, Jim Balsillie also announced BlackBerry App World 2.0 and the BlackBerry Torch. While not much new was noted, any PlayBook news is great news to us. You all still excited?
Source: TBreak
We've seen BlackBerry 6 leak already for the Bold 9650 and Curve 9330 onto the interwebs. We're still waiting to see it leak (or get officially announced) for the Bold 9700, Pearl 3G and Curve 9300. Hopefully it won't be long now, as RIM was showing BB6 off on these devices at the Opening Reception at the BlackBerry Developer Conference 2010. Note - free booze was served at this event so it's not quite as solid of a BlackBerry 6 first look as we did at the Torch launch, but if you own one of these devices and are waiting on BlackBerry 6 for it you'll want to watch!
Well, it's not quite our typical hands-on video, but I do put my hands on the device through a piece of glass. It'll have to do for now. Leaving the keynote session at BlackBerry DevCon, RIM had the BlackBerry PlayBook out on display for onlookers to drool over. Check out the video above for a quick look at the first BlackBerry tablet.
I also compare the the BlackBerry PlayBook to the Apple iPad and my BlackBerry Bold 9700 in the video to give you an impression of where it fits into the size equation. The form factor is pretty cool. It's a lot smaller than an iPad, but a lot bigger then your typical BlackBerry. Overall, I'm liking the form factor. It definitely fits with the "first professional tablet" branding as well. Going sorta hands-on we could see that they had on display both 16GB and 32GB versions of the PlayBook. No removable battery either - that's a new one for us BlackBerry users to have to deal with. It's hawt though. LOVING it. We give a run down of the specs in the video and you can check out the BlackBerry PlayBook announcement for more information. I can't wait to do a REAL hands-on video of this one. It's the BlackBerry PlayBook... and really is a whole new ball game for RIM. Gonna be fun!
Following up with our DevCon Keynote Live Blog and BlackBerry PlayBook announcement teaser video, here is the full BlackBerry PlayBook announcement. This is the magic folks... the 15 minutes where RIM gets their mojo back. I AM EXCITED.
The BlackBerry PlayBook with new BlackBerry Tablet OS ushers in a whack load of new stuff to the world of BlackBerry. Awesome new hardware and an operating system that has legs for the future. Being christened as the first professional tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook looks like it has what it takes to be awesome for consumers as well and will offer an awesome gaming and video experience. Watch the full unveiling of the BlackBerry PlayBook by RIM's Founder and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis above!!
Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow. This is purely awesome. Seriously, we've been talking about the QNX OS and BlackBerry tablet rumors for months now, yet somehow I wasn't convinced we'd actually get to see the tablet get announced at BlackBerry DevCon this year. But wow, did it get announced, and WOW.. is it frack'n awesome. The BlackBerry PlayBook is the OS and the type of product we've been wanting to see from Research In Motion for a long time now. And it looks like it's going to deliver. An operating system that delivers EVERYTHING... awesome web, gaming, video experience. Awesome hardware specs. It doesn't sacrifice the BlackBerry enterprise heritage. The future of BlackBerry looks promising once again!
Key features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook include:
* RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.
Watch the video preview above and check out the full press release below. You can also visit blackberry.com/playbook for more info. Excited yet? How about that name PlayBook? I'm LOVING it. Drop us a comment with your thoughts or talk about in our BlackBerry PlayBook forum.
*UPDATE* Social feeds is available, you just have to check it in apploader to ensure installation.
Here is a super quick look at OS 6.0.0.222 running on a Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9650. I just pulled it off of my PC and haven't even played around with it yet. My initial thoughts are that it runs pretty well overall, but its a bit sluggish at times. It has all of the revamped OS 6 goodies in there like the new UI, WebKit browser and Universal Search, but sadly no sign of Social Feeds (unless I'm missing it). So check out the video and if you decide you want to give it a go head over to the original post.
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