It feels as though the PlayBook should have been already released. We’ve known about the device for months now, and every week we get more and more information. But February is close, so the wait is almost over. Until then, we’ll have to munch on these morsels of PlayBook goodness.
PlayBook: Battery, apps, Android
That’s the PlayBook in portrait mode, courtesy of BerryReview. We haven’t really seen RIM demo the unit upright before, and since that’s a major portion of how people will use the device — you ever try to read in landscape mode? — it’s nice to see it in the open. But that’s far, far from the most interesting PlayBook tidbits this week.
Yesterday Boy Genius Report dropped the bomb: “we have been told by multiple trusted sources that RIM is seriously considering a feature that will allow BlackBerry devices to run Android apps.” That is insane, to say the least. Android is growing rapidly, thanks to an open platform that allows multiple manufacturers to create multiple devices. It also allows for developers to freely submit apps. To allow those apps on the BlackBerry platform would, to say the least, alleviate some of the concerns about a lack of apps on the PlayBook.
There are various approaches to this situation — one where RIM uses the open source Dalvik VM and does not involve Google, and another (incredible) scenario where RIM and Google might reach an agreement (basically “certify” the device/platform) that would provide official support to Android apps on RIM’s QNX-based OS, and would feature the Android Market, Google’s Gmail, Maps, and other apps
That development would likely come later, after the PlayBook has been public for a bit. For the time being, though, RIM is busy assuring people that it will be just fine upon release. They’ve said that the PlayBook will have 4,000 apps at launch, and that its battery life is, “equal or greater than the iPad with smaller battery size.” That would be greater than the 10 hours that the iPad can sustain while browsing on Wi-Fi.
Tip of the Week: BlackBerry 6 homescreen tips. Mauricio shares some tips that RIM sent him.
New features of OS 6.1 and BBM 6.0
We’ve learned a lot about the hardware RIM plans to release in 2011, but not much about the software. Surely they plan some sort of update, right? That’s what we got this week. The above screenshot comes from CrackBerry, and it comes from OS 6.1. Yes, you’ll be able to choose which application panes show up on your home screen. I was not a fan of the frequent one, for example, and once we get 6.1 I can simply remove that.
Then, via PocketBerry comes news about BBM 6. We should see a ton of new features, including:
• The ability to play games and use your BBM user name as your gamer name
• Cross chats between users over BBM (and it looks like you and the other parties playing don’t have to be on each other friends list)
• Also, when we complete tasks on these new games our status will change to show what task we completed (sounds like its similar to the “show what i am listening to tab” and will probably have an option to share with your BBM contacts or hide it from your contacts)
• It also seems like on BBM6, BBM groups will be able to handle more members
• The new BBM6 will be supported on all devices running OS 5+ (at least for now)
• Looks like a mobile game developer company by the name of “Gamemachi” is working on game(s) for this new BBM6 platform. I wonder who else will be joining them?
I’m starting to get excited already. Are you?
BlackBerry Balance in the wild
The above two images come from BerryReview, and they’re of the upcoming BlackBerry Balance. We’ve heard a bit about this in the past few weeks. It’s basically a BES feature that allows users to separate corporate and personal data. In other words, it’s a tool that helps avoid the necessity of owning two phones. It also makes transitioning easier, since BES administrators can wipe only corporate data and leave personal stuff in tact.
As Reuters reports, we should see this within two months.
Roundup
- It looks as though AT&T might skip the Bold 9780 and go right to the Dakota. At this point it makes sense, especially if we’re looking at a Q2 or even Q3 release.
- If you want to access your BlackBerry from your PC, XTop Mobile might be of assistance.
- Sounds like Verizon is having some trouble with its BlackBerrys. They say it’s resolved. Mine is still acting a little funny, but that might be a local problem.
- Sorry, India: RIM can’t give you access to BES data. Could a ban be in the offing? Meanwhile, amid social and political turmoil, it appears that BlackBerry service has been banned in Egypt.
This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.
BlackBerry News From The Wire for the week of 1/24/2011
This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.
BlackBerry News From The Wire for the week of 1/24/2011
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