Archive for the ‘BlackBerry Tablet OS’ Category

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RIM introduces Version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS

Friday, June 24th, 2011

This release from Research In Motion (RIM) adds new APIs and application functionality which developers can leverage to create WebWorks applications that deliver a richer, more interactive end-user experience.

The BlackBerry WebWorks SDK is the toolset that supports developers who wish to build applications using standard web technologies for the BlackBerry WebWorks Platform.

BlackBerry WebWorks is RIM’s open source, mobile web platform that enables developers to build standalone, integrated applications for BlackBerry devices.

 

RIM releases Version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS

RIM releases Version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS

The new APIs enables the following:

More Ways to Monetize

With support for the BlackBerry In App Payment API, developers can now include In App Payment Services as part of their applications. This enables them to sell digital goods directly from their BlackBerry PlayBook applications.

More Ways to Integrate

Developers can now further integrate their applications with the functionality of the Tablet OS for PlayBook and can create new BlackBerry experiences that leverage the PlayBook’s professional grade features. Among the new APIs that enable deeper integration are:

  • Camera API for taking pictures/video taping from within the WebWorks applications with the PlayBook’s powerful dual HD cameras
  • Microphone API which developers can use to activate the capability to record audiowith the PlayBook’s microphone
  • Identity API provides applications with the ability to retrieve information about the BlackBerry PlayBook PIN
  • File IO API which gives developers the possibility to read, copy and write files onto the Tablet OS file system.

More Development Choices

In addition to JavaScript many Tablet OS WebWorks APIs can now be called using AJAX which allows for increased development flexibility for developers who prefer a RESTful or URI implementation.

The new File Properties API, Home Screen Category and App Securities Permissions also enable deeper app integration with the BlackBerry PlayBook and expand development choices.

To help developers with a smooth transition to version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK, RIM has also updated the API Reference Guide and included an additional mechanism to call some of the WebWorks APIs.

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Posted in App, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Gadgets, Operating Systems, PlayBook, RIM, Software, Tablets | No Comments »

BlackBerry PlayBook launched in Singapore

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Singapore is the first country in Asia where RIM has launched the 7″ tablet computer. Orders can be placed starting tomorrow with delivery by the end of June.

Official launch of the RIM BlackBerry PlayBook in Singapore

Official launch of the RIM BlackBerry PlayBook in Singapore. Hosted by Venetta Lopez and The Flying Dutchman.

Singapore is an important market for Research In Motion (RIM)  – one that demands high-quality and high-performance technology. The BlackBerry PlayBook is targeted to please both consumers and business customers.

Gary from RIM showing how compact the 7 inch PlayBook is in the hands

Gary from RIM showing how compact the 7 inch PlayBook is in the hands.

For the moment, RIM is working with carrier partners, distributers and retailers sell authentic cases and accessories throughout the island nation. A list of retailers from which to pre-register and pre-order the tablet can be found here.

Retail prices and promotions will be revealed during the PC Show tomorrow. 3G/4G is still being developed and will likely be launched in the US first.

Come July, the PlayBook will get its own native email, contacts and calendar apps instead of relying completely on a companion BlackBerry smartphone. However, to access enterprise email, coupling with a BlackBerry smartphone will still be necessary for security reasons.

The PlayBook was launched at the Red Dot Museum. That's Irene Ang and Patricia Mok planking on the reception desk.

The PlayBook was launched at the Red Dot Museum. That's Irene Ang and Patricia Mok planking on the reception desk.

The launch event was held at the Red Dot Museum at 7:30 pm today.

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Launch, PlayBook, RIM, Tablets | 2 Comments »

Singapore launch of the BlackBerry PlayBook

Monday, June 6th, 2011

The BlackBerry PlayBook from RIM is finally arriving in Singapore. First launched in the US on April 19 earlier this year, the 7-inch tablet computer will officially be launched in Singapore on Wednesday, Jun 8.

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook launches in Singapore this Wed, June 8, 2011

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook launches in Singapore this Wed, June 8, 2011.

The beta version of the BlackBerry Playbook was first unveiled during the Adobe Max 2010 developer conference in October last year. It was first seen in Singapore when two advanced beta prototypes were specially flown in and displayed as part of the Adobe Refresh Roadshow on March 10.

Four days prior to its official launch in the US on April 19, a special preview was held in a BlackBerry PlayBook Bus in Singapore on April 15. Two days from now – and almost two months after the US launch – the PlayBook will hit the shelves in Singapore.

Prices for the 16, 32 and 64-gigabyte models in the US are $500, $600, and $700 respectively. We’ll see what these will translate to in Singapore.

The PlayBook has received a mixed reaction since its launch in the US. The most common complaint has been its lack of native email, messenger, contacts and calendar apps, relying on Bluetooth tethering to access these functionalities via a BlackBerry handset. Other grouses include the lack of 3G/4G, and the relatively small repository of PlayBook specific apps in BlackBerry App World.

On the other end of the scale, the PlayBook features a lightning fast processor, capable of true multi-tasking, has a fabulous display and user interface, and supports both Flash and HTML5. In fact, some analysts have observed that the first day sales of the PlayBook has beaten that for Motorola Xoom and Galaxy Tab.

It’ll be interesting to hear the latest progress for the PlayBook during the Singapore launch the day after tomorrow.

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Gadgets, Launch, PlayBook, Prices, RIM, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »

BlackBerry PlayBook Launch

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

The 7-inch tablet from Research In Motion (RIM) hits the shelves in the US today. Here’s a quick roundup of the likes and dislikes from those who have tried out the shipping version of the BlackBerry PlayBook.

RIM PlayBookThere’s a lot to like about the PlayBook, but there’re also plenty of frustrations out there from those who’ve had the privilege of playing with the PlayBook. The general feel seems to be that the PlayBook has the potential to be something great – just that it’s not quite complete at the moment.

Already behind the iPad 2 and other Android tablets in terms of launch date, my feel is that RIM wants to get the hardware out as soon as possible before the specs get old – even though the software isn’t quite as ready yet.

RIM PlayBookDare I compare that with an evolutionary release of the iPad 2 with bigger steps only to be expected for the upcoming iPad 3?

With such stiff competition in the tablet market, it is no wonder these slate-makers are rolling off their products as soon as possible. In all honesty, I do believe RIM will sort out the grouses that reviewers have complained about, but the question is whether consumers are willing to fork out the dough to buy what’s beginning to be perceived as an unfinished product, that is only going to be made complete after a few more months – if ever.

RIM PlayBookPerhaps, RIM should have launched it at a discounted price – you know, an early bird discount – to entice consumers and grab market share. Given that the hardware is fabulous, the discount may have worked to convince consumers to buy first and wait out for the software to catch up.

At any rate, below is a quick round-up of the likes and dislikes from people who has played with the PlayBook so far. Prices for the 16, 32 and 64-gigabyte models in the US are $500, $600, and $700 respectively.

Likes Dislikes Mitigation
Fabulous display, and user interface Tiny recessed power button difficult to find and press Nothin’ much can be done about this – but do I care?
Sleek:
10mm / 0.4 inch thick 

Light:
0.9 lbs / 425 g

 No native email, messenger, contacts and calendar Need to be Bluetooth tethered via a BlackBerry smartphone to access these. 

Native support could be added later on
Lightning fast processor No 3G connection 3G version in summer 

4G version end 2011
Impressive multi-tasking Small repository of Apps (~3,000) Compatibility with selected Android apps to be introduced later, plus build-up of PlayBook specific apps.
Supports Flash and HTML5 No video chat Video chat app to be released later.

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Gadgets, Opinion, PlayBook, Review, RIM, Tablets, Tech news | 2 Comments »

BlackBerry PlayBook preview in Singapore

Friday, April 15th, 2011
The BlackBerry PlayBook Bus will tour Singapore tonight, showing off a preview of RIM’s 7-inch tablet computer, that is due to be launched in the US on 19 April next Tuesday.
Preview of the BlackBerry PlayBook in Singapore

Preview of the tablet on the BlackBerry PlayBook Bus in Singapore

Keep a lookout for the limo bus driving around town tonight. Sources tell me it will launch from the Tanjong Pagar area. The first time that the BlackBerry PlayBook debuted in Singapore was back in March. But the two devices I played with were still beta release versions.

Tonight, the preview will provide some hands-on for the real McCoy. Perhaps RIM (Research In Motion) will also provide some hints as to when the aspiring challenger to the iPad will be launched in Singapore and at what pricing.

For now, here’re some of the main specs of the BlackBerry PlayBook:

Looks
7″ LCD display, 1024 x 600 WSVGA Multi-touch capacitive screen

Physical feel
0.9 lbs (425g) and 5.1″ x 7.6″ x 0.4″ (130mm x 194mm x 10mm)

Performance
1 GHz dual-core processor
1 GB RAM
Symmetric multi-processing
Full Adobe Flash 10.1 enabled
Built-in support for HTML 5

Configuration
Internal storage of 16, 32 or 64 GB
GPS, Orientation Sensor (Accelerometer), 6-Axis Motion Sensor (Gyroscope), Digital Compass (Magnetometer)
Stereo speakers and stereo microphones
Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) connectivity, Wirelessly connect to your BlackBerry smartphone for real time access to: Email, calendar, address book, task list and BBM

Cameras
3 MP high-definition forward-facing camera
5 MP high-definition rear-facing camera
Codec support for superior media playback, creation and video calling
1080p HD video; H.264, MPEG4, WMV HDMI video output
Micro USB and Micro HDMI ports
Video calling with dual video cameras

BlackBerry Tablet OS
Powered by QNX technology, supports POSIX OS, SMP, Open GL, BlackBerry 6, WebKit, Adobe Flash, Java and Adobe Mobile AIR

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Gadgets, PlayBook, RIM, Specifications, Tablets, Tech news | No Comments »

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