BlackBerry’s CEO Thorsten Heins has confirmed that all existing BlackBerry PlayBook tablets will receive the BlackBerry 10 software update. The PlayBook is the only tablet released by the company but comes in various capacity and connectivity options.

The PlayBook features a 7 inch touch display with a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, up to 64GB of internal storage, a 5 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary HD camera for video calls which is also capable of 1080p HD video capture, optional 4G LTE connectivity and is powered by a 1GHz dual core processor with 1GB of RAM.

He unfortunately didn’t have any news about the company’s future plans for tablets, but considering that the new BB 10 devices have similar hardware to the current PlayBook it doesn’t make a lot of sense to upgrade something which is capable of handling the new software. He did however mention that the company was planning several value added services which would be made available for the tablet.



source – BlackBerry

The rebranded BlackBerry World web store is up and running ahead of the BlackBerry 10 launch later today. The BlackBerry World web store features apps, themes, games, music and videos. RIM is expected to officially unveil their first BlackBerry devices, which will be available later in February.

While Music and Movie offerings on the BlackBerry World store are somewhat identical to the competitor’s catalogues, which you can either buy or rent.

Apps on the other hand have a long road of catch up ahead of them, with many titles still not available. However some popular tiles like Angry Birds Star Wars are available.



source - RIM

A new report has confirmed that RIM will officially unveil the BlackBerry Z10 and the BlackBerry X10 on January 30th when they reveal their new BlackBerry 10 (BB10) mobile operating system. The Z10 will be a full touch device while the X10 will feature a traditional BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard. Both devices are expected to be priced at less than $199 on contract, which would be a great opportunity to win over some market share.

While the hardware on the new BlackBerry devices look to be more than capable of competing with modern smartphones, it’s the software which we find most impressive. If you watched the video comparison of the BlackBerry Z10 and Apple iPhone 5, you would have also noticed that BlackBerry 10 will also feature a digital voice assistant similar to Siri. There is also some speculation that the BlackBerry App World will features movies and television shows. Additionally the homescreen shows that Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Foursquare are pre-installed on the new BlackBerry devices. Evernote will be a part of Docs to Go and will allow users to open, edit and saved documents to the cloud.


What do you think of the screenshots of BB10? Leave us a comment below.


source – BGR | MobileSyrup

A new video has emerged which compares the near final BlackBerry Z10 with the Apple iPhone 5. It shows how competitive the new BlackBerry devices will be in 2013. The video compares the specifications of both devices along with the differences between both platforms. Check out the following video comparison and leave us your thoughts in the comments section which follows:


The first difference is the 4.2 inch display on the BlackBerry Z10 compared to the 4.0 inch Retina display on the iPhone 5. Another difference is the 1800 mAh removable battery on the Z10 compared to the 1440 mAh on the newest iPhone. It is important to remember that the BlackBerry platform much like iOS has been optimized with the device hardware and while we don’t know how well the new BlackBerry devices will perform we can be sure it will do pretty well.

Other features demonstrated in the video include the BlackBerry voice recognition, multi tasking, web browsing and BlackBerry Balance which allows you to have a different homepage and apps for your business.


source – CrackBerry

RIM is offering fans a chance to win one of 30 BlackBerry 10 devices in the BlackBerry 10TO contest. You will also win a case for the phone and two tickets to the BlackBerry 10TO party in Toronto on January 30th. If you do win one of these exclusive devices you will have to attend the 10TO party in order to collect your device. This seems like a clever way boost their attendants at the event. Unfortunately RIM will not be covering the cost of the transport to the party

In order to win one of the devices you will have to follow BlackBerry on Twitter and tweet the following message:

"what you are most excited about for BlackBerry 10, and include the hashtag #BlackBerry10TO".

You will have to be a resident of Canada (excluding Quebec) or the U.S. in order to be eligible to enter the contest. Winners will be notified  through a direct Twitter message between January 23, 2013 and January 28, 2013. If you understand the rules, you can take a chance at winning the device by following the source link for the complete rules and restrictions.


source – BlackBerry

As the official launch of the BlackBerry 10 platform continues to draw closer several leaks of the platform have been showing us what we can expect from RIM’s newest operating system. We already have news on the BlackBerry Z10 and the BlackBerry X10 which will be the first two BlackBerry 10 devices and we have seen the software features that the operating system has to offer through some leaked screenshots.

Now we are seeing some native applications which will run on BlackBerry 10 – namely Twitter and Google Talk.

The apps seem to be in an early stage of development and we expect it will be polished in time for the global launch of BlackBerry 10 and the first BlackBerry 10 devices.

We do notice that some of the images seem to have been edited and there is a chance that these are fake and do not represent actual apps. Are you looking forward to the BB10 launch on January 30? Which device are you most looking forward to own.



source – BB10Beleive

The BlackBerry 10 platform is expected to be released in just a few weeks , but meanwhile RIM has brought their new platform to the CES 2013 giving potential users and enthusiasts a chance to experience the operating system. The operating system was demonstrated on RIM’s Dev Alpha Unit and not on any of the new devices which are expected to arrive after the launch of the platform.

BlackBerry 10 offers an interesting approach to the post PC era with  a solid set of features and functionality. You can check out BB10 in action in the following video demonstration



What do you think of BB10? You can learn more about the platform, and take a look at some screenshots over at PhoneArena.

We are just three weeks away from RIM revealing their first two BlackBerry 10 smartphones and we have been getting a lot of information regarding what we can expect once the operating system arrives. Today a set of promotional images have been leaked which highlight the various features offered by the platform.

Recent leaks of devices like the BlackBerry Z10 and the BlackBerry X10 have shown what kind of hardware we can expect from the upcoming BlackBerry 10 devices. The leaked images show how the new software will interact with the powerful BlackBerry hardware. For example the upcoming BBM service is expected to support video conversations, additionally users will be able to share their screen with other parties.

Another feature which is shown is BlackBerry Balance which allows one to organize the apps and content on your BlackBerry smartphones into groups. This will allow users to sort their personal apps and work-related apps separately.
What do you think of the BlackBerry 10 screenshots? Will you be purchasing a BlackBerry 10 device when they launch? Leave us your thoughts below.



source – RapidBerry

Today T-Mobile announced the upcoming availability of the BlackBerry Curve 9315, the most affordable device in their BlackBerry lineup. The device features a 2.44 inch QVGA display, QWERTY keyboard, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity, a microSD storage and a 3.2 megapixel extended depth of field camera with LED flash.

The device is expected to be available on pre-order starting January 16 and will go on sale a week later, on January 23. The Curve 9315 will cost $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate card if you sign a two-year contract with the Carrier.

The Curve 9315 is  the T-Mobile variant of the BlackBerry Curve 9310 on Verizon and the BlackBerry Curve 9320 on AT&T which have been available through their carriers for quite some time now. It’s a little strange that the device is being released now, so close to the launch of BlackBerry 10, but we assume that RIM would like to keep the interest in its brand alive until they are ready to launch their new platform. At least among those looking for an affordable device packing the much sort after BlackBerry keyboard.

You can read the official press release from T-Mobile below

BlackBerry Curve 9315 Smartphone Introduced By T-Mobile and RIM

T-Mobile’s most affordable BlackBerry smartphone provides productivity tools and features to keep customers connected

BELLEVUE, Wash. and WATERLOO, ON – Jan. 3, 2013 – T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the most affordable BlackBerry® smartphone on T-Mobile’s nationwide network – the BlackBerry^® Curve^™ 9315. Powered by the BlackBerry® 7.1 operating system with 3G connectivity, the sleek new smartphone is easy-to-use and provides tools that enable customers to stay connected to the people and information that matter most.

“At T-Mobile, our goal is to delight customers. The new BlackBerry Curve 9315 will delight customers with unprecedented value while also allowing them to combine their mobile business and personal use in one great device,” said Brad Duea, senior vice president of product management at T-Mobile. “The Curve 9315 is the most affordable BlackBerry smartphone on our nationwide network and provides our customers with a wide variety of productivity and social features to keep them connected and make their mobile lives easier.”

“We’re pleased to work with T-Mobile to bring the BlackBerry Curve 9315 to customers,” said Richard Piasentin, managing director for the U.S. at Research In Motion. “The Curve 9315 is designed to make it incredibly easy to stay connected with friends, family and coworkers and will be popular with customers upgrading to a smartphone for the first time, as well as existing Curve customers looking for a step up in speed and functionality.”

Combining an intuitive interface with a QWERTY keyboard, the BlackBerry Curve 9315 features built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity for voice and data, enabling customers to access the information they need when and where they need it, and Wi-Fi calling, allowing calls and messages over an available Wi-Fi network. With a dedicated BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™) key, preloaded apps for Facebook® and Twitter® and the Social Feeds 2.0 app, customers can easily interact with their friends, coworkers and social networks whether it’s instant messaging, posting or tweeting.

The new BlackBerry Curve 9315 offers a 3.2-megapixel camera with LED flash and digital zoom as well as video recording capabilities. Customers also have the ability to geo-tag the location of their pictures by utilizing the smartphone’s built-in GPS. In addition, the smartphone features a microSD card slot for up to 32GB of additional media storage and a built-in FM radio letting customers tune in to local FM stations. With the BlackBerry App World™ storefront, customers have exclusive access to a wide range of apps, allowing them to enhance their smartphone experience with entertainment, personalization and productivity apps of their choosing.

The BlackBerry Curve 9315 will be available in an exclusive pre-sale for T-Mobile business customers beginning January 16 and is expected to be available in T-Mobile retail stores, via www.T-Mobile.com, and with select dealers and national retailers beginning January 23, 2013. For well-qualified customers, the Curve 9315 will require a $49.99 out-of-pocket down payment and 20 equal monthly payments of $10 per month via T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP)¹, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying T-Mobile Value voice and data plan. Customers may also purchase the Curve 9315 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate card, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying T-Mobile Classic voice and data plan.<sup>2

1</sup>EIP: On approved credit and 0% APR. Qualifying plan required for duration of EIP agreement; account must be in good standing. Available only in participating locations; not available in Wash., D.C.

²All prices, taxes and fees additional.

For more information on T-Mobile products and services, visit http://www.T-Mobile.com.

For more information about the BlackBerry Curve 9315 smartphone, please visit http://us.blackberry.com/smartphones/blackberry-curve-9310-9315.html.

About T-Mobile USA

Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG (OTCQX: DTEGY). By the end of the third quarter of 2012, approximately 131 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group — 33.3 million by T-Mobile USA — all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS and additionally HSPA+ 21/HSPA+ 42. T-Mobile USA’s innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visit http://www.telekom.de/investor-relations.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionized the mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry® solution in 1999. Today, BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit http://www.rim.com or http://www.blackberry.com.

source: T-Mobile

RIM has revealed that they will launch BlackBerry 10 OS and the first two devices running the new platform on January 30, 2013. One of the new handsets will be a full-touch device, while the other will feature a traditional BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard.

It has now also been revealed that the new smartphones will be available for purchase within 30 days of the unveiling.

This was revealed by RIM’s COO Kristian Tear, who said that the devices will be released across multiple continents. The devices will initially be made available in select markets, with more countries to follow suit. RIM didn't unveil the pricing or the list of countries which will be first in line for the new handsets.

These handsets are reportedly being tested by carriers already, but RIM will have to continue focusing on building developer interest in order for their platform to be taken seriously. With several institutions replacing their BlackBerry devices for iPhones and Android devices, its great that the BlackBerry 10 platform has been awarded the FIPS certification for use by government agencies.

Do you think BlackBerry 10 will succeed or do you think the platform will be “dead on arrival”? Share your thoughts below.


source – BerryReview

RIM announced that they will be launching BlackBerry OS 10 in January 2013 at a special event. Today they have also confirmed that they will be rolling out an update to their popular BlackBerry Messenger service.

BlackBerry Messenger 7 will be a free update to existing compatible devices and will include a new Wi-Fi voice calling feature which the company is calling  BBM  Voice.

BBM Voice will allow users to make Wi-Fi based voiced calls to other BBM users across the world. It’s a great addition to the current text based chat and lets users switch between the two communication methods. Users can even talk and text at the same time.

If you want to try the app out right now, you can download the beta from the BlackBerry BetaZone using the link which follows. You will require a BlackBerry ID in order to download the file.



The BlackBerry Messenger 7 is compatible with devices running BlackBerry OS 6 or higher with a version for BlackBerry OS 5 devices expected to be released at a later date.

BBM Now Lets You Have Voice Chats for Free Over Wi-Fi

WATERLOO, ON – For the times when you want to hear a friend’s laughter instead of reading LOL, BlackBerry® Messenger (BBMTM) is taking the social networking experience to a whole new level with an exciting new feature called BBM Voice. Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced BBM version 7, a free update for the globally popular mobile social network, which will allow customers to make free voice calls to other BBM customers in the world over a Wi-Fi® connection*.

BBM is a fast, convenient and inexpensive service for BlackBerry® customers that gives them the ability to instantly chat with a friend, family member or colleague, and know when their message has been delivered, and read. With the new version of BBM, customers have a new option – they can talk with their BBM contact across the globe for free over a Wi-Fi connection. In an instant, customers can switch between texting and talking, or talk and text at the same time. For consumers, especially in developing markets, the BBM Voice feature offers an attractive way to talk with friends and family near and far, and staying in contact will be easier than ever as the holiday season approaches. For business customers, BBM Voice allows for enriched collaboration.

“BBM is the quick, easy way to stay connected to the people that matter to you, and with today’s announcement we’re expanding the capabilities of the service for deeper social engagement and even greater collaboration, beginning with voice functionality,” said T.A. McCann, Vice President of BBM and Social Communities at RIM. “The new BBM Voice feature is for when you’re travelling and you want to call home without worrying about phone charges. It’s for when you have news you can’t wait to share, for quickly explaining complicated details, and collaborating with colleagues. Whenever your ideas are too big for text, there’s BBM Voice.”

BBM Voice includes a number of convenient features.

Customers can initiate a BBM Voice call directly, or instantly switch from a BBM text chat to talk, and back again.

The split-screen feature allows customers to talk and text at the same time, so for example, they can send a picture to their contact while talking with them. They can also check other BBM text chats, check email, or navigate to other apps while engaged on a BBM Voice call.

BBM provides a visual indicator that shows when contacts are available for a voice call.

BBM Voice is compatible with any accessories a customer has now for making voice calls on their BlackBerry smartphone, such as a Bluetooth® or wired headset. Customers can also use BBM Voice over their BlackBerry smartphone’s speakerphone.

If it’s not an ideal time to talk, customers can simply choose to respond by texting back.

Another important feature of BBM version 7 is its integration with a customer’s BlackBerry ID, which is designed to back up their BBM profile, groups and contacts so they can automatically be restored in the event they switch to a new BlackBerry smartphone, including to a BlackBerry® 10 device.

BBM version 7 with the new BBM Voice feature is currently available in Beta for BlackBerry smartphones running the BlackBerry® 6 OS or higher with support planned for smartphones running the BlackBerry 5 OS at a future date. The Beta can be downloaded for free from BlackBerry Beta Zone**. Customers can sign up to BlackBerry Beta Zone for free at www.BlackBerry.com/betazone

For more information about BBM version 7 and BBM Voice, please visit www.BlackBerry.com/betazone.

* BBM requires a BlackBerry service plan. The BBM Voice feature requires a Wi-Fi connection with access to the Internet and may not be available in all markets.

** BlackBerry Beta Zone is not available in all markets.

source – RIM

Research In  Motion (RIM) has announced that their upcoming BlackBerry 10 (BB10) mobile operating system will launch on January 30, 2013. RIM will also unveil the first two devices running BB10 on this date during a special event which be held to mark the release of the platform.

The platform has even received its FIPS 140-2 certification which will allow Government agencies to use the new devices from day one. Since Government agencies are RIM’s biggest clients, it is important that the platform have this certification.

The BlackBerry 10 platform will BlackBerry Flow the new user interface and BlackBerry Hub which aggregates all the texts, emails, social messages IMs etc.

One of the two devices unveiled at the event will an all-touch device, while the other will feature the traditional BlackBerry keyboard.

BlackBerry 10 Launch Event to be Held on January 30th, 2013

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 12, 2012) - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) announced today that it will hold its BlackBerry® 10 launch event on January 30th, 2013. The event will happen simultaneously in multiple countries around the world. This day will mark the official launch of its new platform - BlackBerry 10, as well as the unveiling of the first two BlackBerry 10 smartphones. Details on the smartphones and their availability will be announced at the event.

"In building BlackBerry 10, we set out to create a truly unique mobile computing experience that constantly adapts to your needs. Our team has been working tirelessly to bring our customers innovative features combined with a best in class browser, a rich application ecosystem, and cutting-edge multimedia capabilities. All of this will be integrated into a user experience - the BlackBerry Flow - that is unlike any smartphone on the market today," said Thorsten Heins, President and CEO of Research In Motion. "Thanks to our strong partnerships with global carriers and a growing ecosystem of developers, we believe our customers will have the best experience possible with BlackBerry 10. We are looking forward to getting BlackBerry 10 in the hands of our customers around the world."

BlackBerry 10 will offer a large catalog of the leading applications from across the globe and across all categories, including Games, Productivity, Social, Lifestyle and Leisure, Multimedia and Published Content, as well as applications designed for business and enterprise use.

The BlackBerry® 10 platform has recently achieved FIPS 140-2 certification, which means that government agencies will be able to deploy BlackBerry 10 smartphones and BlackBerry® Enterprise Service 10 as soon as it is available. This marks the first time BlackBerry products have been certified ahead of their launch. In addition, RIM recently announced that BlackBerry 10 smartphones have now entered more than 50 carrier labs with many more entries expected in the coming weeks.

Some key features of the new BlackBerry 10 devices already unveiled recently include:

BlackBerry Flow and BlackBerry Hub
BlackBerry® Flow is a new user experience that allows seamless navigation across open applications and the BlackBerry® Hub. All messages, notifications, feeds, and calendar events come into the BlackBerry Hub and no matter what the user is doing with the device, with a simple gesture, they can peek into the Hub at any time.

BlackBerry Keyboard
The BlackBerry Keyboard learns how you write and adapts to how you type so you can write faster and more accurately, giving you the kind of legendary typing experience that only BlackBerry can deliver.

BlackBerry Balance
BlackBerry® Balance™ offers the most elegant way to satisfy both customer and corporate needs without compromising on either. With BlackBerry Balance, personal apps and information are kept separate from work data, and the customer can switch from their personal to work profile with a simple gesture. The work profile is fully encrypted and secure, enabling organizations to protect their content and applications, while at the same time letting customers get the most out of their smartphone for their personal use.

Details about BlackBerry 10 can be found at: www.blackberry.com/blackberry10

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionized the mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry® solution in 1999. Today, BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding: the Company's current expectations regarding the timing and scope of the BlackBerry 10 launch; the unveiling of the first two BlackBerry 10 devices; the timing for further details about, and the availability of, BlackBerry 10 devices; the anticipated benefits of the BlackBerry 10 browser, application ecosystem and catalogue, multimedia capabilities and user experience; industry partnerships; additional details regarding the Company's next-generation BlackBerry 10 platform and smartphones, including key BlackBerry 10 features such as BlackBerry Flow, BlackBerry Hub, BlackBerry Balance and the BlackBerry keyboard; and expectations regarding additional carrier lab entries. The terms and phrases "to be", "will", "growing", "believe", "looking forward", "expected" and, and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by RIM in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that RIM believes are appropriate in the circumstances, including but not limited to general economic conditions, product pricing levels and competitive intensity, supply constraints, the timing and success of new product introductions, RIM's expectations regarding its business, strategy, opportunities and prospects, including its ability to implement meaningful changes to address its business challenges, and RIM's expectations regarding the cash flow generation of its business.

Many factors could cause RIM's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: RIM's ability to enhance current products and develop new products and services in a timely manner or at competitive prices, including risks related to further delays in new product introductions, including the Company's BlackBerry 10 smartphones; risks related to intense competition, including RIM's ability to compete in the tablet market, strategic alliances or transactions within the wireless communications industry, and risks relating to RIM's ability to maintain or grow its services revenues; RIM's reliance on carrier partners and distributors; risks relating to network disruptions and other business interruptions, including costs, potential liabilities, lost revenue and reputational damage associated with service interruptions; RIM's ability to manage inventory and asset risk; RIM's ability to implement and realize the anticipated benefits of its CORE program; RIM's ability to maintain or increase its cash balance; security risks and risks related to the collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of confidential and personal information; RIM's ability to attract and retain key personnel; RIM's ability to adapt to recent management changes; RIM's reliance on suppliers of functional components for its products and risks relating to its supply chain; RIM's ability to maintain and enhance the BlackBerry brand; risks related to RIM's international operations; risks related to government regulations, including regulations relating to encryption technology; RIM's reliance on third-party network infrastructure developers, software platform vendors and service platform vendors; RIM's ability to expand and manage its BlackBerry App World applications catalogue; RIM's reliance on third-party manufacturers; potential defects and vulnerabilities in RIM's products; risks relating to litigation, including litigation claims arising from the Company's past practice of providing forward-looking guidance; RIM's ability to manage its past growth and its ongoing development of service and support operations; potential additional charges relating to the impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets recorded on RIM's balance sheet; disruptions to RIM's business as a result of shareholder activism; risks related to intellectual property; and difficulties in forecasting RIM's financial results given the rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards, intense competition and short product life cycles that characterize the wireless communications industry.

These risk factors and others relating to RIM are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F and the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" section of RIM's MD&A (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM's forward-looking statements. RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.

source – BlackBerry | MarketWire

RIM has earned the FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) certification for their upcoming BlackBerry 10 operating system. This means that government agencies in the US will be able to use BlackBerry 10 hardware as soon as it becomes available early next year.

The FIPS 140-2 publication is a security standard used to certify cryptographic modules used in computer equipment. It is administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the US and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) in Canada. With this accreditation, these devices will not be used by US, Canada or other government agencies who may rely on this standard.

The standard undergoes a certain level of testing to ensure the cryptographic models, and the underlying algorithms are validated against attempts to exploit weaknesses in the design or in the coding.

This certification also ensures that the data stored on these devices will be secure and encrypted. With several agencies choosing alternate platforms over RIM’s BlackBerry offering, the company needs to show that its devices and platform can offer modern usability while retaining the level of security people have come to expect from BlackBerry devices.

The BlackBerry 10 platform has proven that it can be take on modern smartphone platforms and now it has the added benefit of the FIPS certification. Now it is up to RIM to work closely with developers to ensure that the latest applications are ported over to BB10 to push the platform as a serious contender against iOS and Android.


source – Research in Motion

The U.K. may have a speedy new LTE network but RIM has decided to stick to 3G, by releasing their BlackBerry PlayBook 3G+ in the region. The device features a 7 inch touch display, 32GB of internal storage, 3G HSPA+ data connectivity, a 5 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary camera for video calls, and is powered by  a 1.5 dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM.

The device has been priced at 420 which is surprisingly 30 more than its equivalent Apple iPad mini, which has already been criticized for its high pricing.

RIM has included a more powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor compared to the 1GHz processor on the Wi-Fi model. Now users have a selection of 7 inch tablets to choose from in the U.K. which include the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and the Google Nexus 7. But we don’t think RIM will stand a chance competing with these newer offerings.

With the holiday season approaching and RIM’s continuous work on BlackBerry 10 we can expect some price reductions on the PlayBook and other BlackBerry devices. Stay tuned for updates.


source – Electronista

Do you remember the BlackBerry Porches Design P’9981, which debuted last December in the U.K priced at £1275 ($ 2048 USD). Anyone who got their hands on the device will be happy from Indosat will be happy to know it is now receiving a software update to BlackBerry OS version 7.1.0.746. If you own the device you can grab the latest software update by following the source link at the bottom of the page.

The Porche Design P’9981 features a 2.8 inch touchscreen, a QWERTY keyboard, 8GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, a 5 megapixel camera capable of 720p HD video capture, a secondary camera for video calls and will be powered by a 1.2GHz processor.

If you would like to own one of these premium handsets, you can get your hands on one in the U.K. through online retailer Expansys by following the source link. Its now being offered at £1209.99 as an exclusive to Porsche owners with only 11 units in stock.

If you are not one of the eleven people around the world willing to spend nearly $2000 on a BlackBerry smartphone, you may have your eyes firmly fixed on the upcoming BlackBerry 10 devices which are expected to arrive in the market in early 2013.


source – BlackBerry | CrackBerry | Expansys