Blackberry getting ready to come into iPad territory
Blackberry is really transforming itself now with its new touch friendly, social media savvy OS and a new range of devices that’s targeted to the less business crowd and more social media types. Even their new promo videos are looking decidedly casual.
Now Blackberry will be going into iPad territory, sources saying that RIM – the makers of Blackberry – will be producing a tablet device.
Details include 8.9 in screen but apparently no built-in mobile network connectivity (read: NO 3G or EDGE or anything of that sort).
The device will be required to tether to a Blackberry mobile phone (connectivity to other mobile phone brands could be possible too) via bluetooth or WiFi. The Blackberry tablet is said to be a multimedia centric device in which you do most of your video and photo viewing on and perhaps some eBook and email reading as well.
It’ll be interesting to see how the lack of mobile network connectivity will pan out for the Blackberry tablet considering its biggest rival – the iPad has it. And we’re thinking the other upcoming tablets from Android and WebOS (rumoured) will have a high probability of having 3G built-in as well.
Target launch date is December 2010 but it has been said that RIM is looking to have the tablet in the market before that.
Let the table wars commence!
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Android 2.2 Froyo enables Portable WiFi Hotspot
Something else to look forward to in the next Android 2.2 update. TechCrunch has reported that the upcoming Android OS codename Froyo allows you to create your own WiFi hotspot on the device itself. This will come as standard without any rooting or “jailbreaking”.
The ability to create your own mobile WiFi hotspot comes pretty handy especially if you plan to share your current 3G/HSDPA connection with other WiFi devices. Definitely a better step forward than your usual USB Tethering.
Now that makes any Android 2.2 user a walking mobile hot spot as long as you’re within coverage and the area has sufficient bandwidth.
Related: Video of Flash running on Nexus One with Froyo
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Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G WiMAX speed test video
The main purpose of having a 4G Mobile device is all about high speed internet on the go. Engadget has some videos testing out the Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G‘s WiMAX capabilities and they managed to get impressive speedtest results of 4Mbps downlink and 1Mbps uplink.
Of course this may not represent actual situation as the test was conducted at Sprint’s own office, but it shows its true potential in optimum environment. We envy the results and if only we can get such speeds with our local WiMAX players.
Speed test videos of the HTC EVO 4G WiMAX after the jump.
Sprint offer WiMAX enabled HTC EVO 4G for $199
Sprint has announced that they will be releasing the anticipated HTC EVO 4G on June 4th. The device is going for US$199 for new contracts which originally priced at US$450 before discount.
The contract also includes a mandatory $10/month data subscription which is meant for 4G WiMAX for broadband use. Now Sprint also officially supports simultaneous talking & 4G WiMAX usage without any interference or disconnection. Now if only our local WiMAX players would do introduce this phone in Malaysia.
Now it seems that more telcos are showing some Android Loving in the US and also here in Malaysia. With more manufacturers offering Android models, Android will definitely gain more ground in the smart phone segment this year.
If you’re wondering how does it stack up against Nexus One, Droid Incredible and the upcoming iPhone HD/4G, check out the theoretical comparison here.
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HTC sues Apple for patent infringement
If you think Apple is the only one taking action on its rivals for patent infringement, think again. HTC has just filed legal action again Apple for violating five HTC patents and pushing for immediate ban on sales of iPods, iPhones and iPads.
The 5 patents alleged to be violated were not disclosed but HTC says they are doing this to protect its IP, partners and above all, its customers.
Update: Engadget has the list of the 5 patents affected. It covers power management and telephone dialer organisation. Read all about it here.
Full press release after the jump