BlackBerry PlayBook 4G

BlackBerry PlayBook 4G

BlackBerry PlayBook 4G is RIM’s first tablet with LTE (4G) support. After a very disappointing 2011 from canadian manufacturer, things are looking bright for near time future. At CES 2012, PlayBook OS 2.0 was shown off and critics were impressed with new features like native email, calendar & contacts app. PlayBook 4G was first rumored to release in summer 2011 but was scrapped to focus on BlackBerry 7 devices. According to 2012 roadmap RIM will be releasing two PlayBook 4G during Q4 of 2012. PlayBook 4G will feature 7-inch touchscreen display with the resolution of 1280×720 pixels. Highest resolution ever on any BlackBerry device. The powerhouse of device is 1.6GHz Dual core processor and 1.5 GB RAM. Other main features to look forward in PlayBook 4G is BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 (upgrade from PlayBook OS 2), LTE (4G) support, Wifi 802.11 b/g/n, 5 Mega Pixel rear camera capable of recording 1080p video, 3MP front facing camera for video conferencing, Native email, NFC technology, 4800mAh and Android app player will be available on release. For must have apps for your BlackBerry PlayBook check Must have Apps for PlayBook. For entertainment on BlackBerry PlayBook, click Must have Games for PlayBook.

Overall, hardware is really impressive. But all eyes are on app ecosystem on BlackBerry 10. This can make or break RIM. PlayBook 4G will go on sale during Q3 of 2012. For European and rest of world there will be PlayBook 3G edition which will support 3G mobile connections. There is no official announcement from RIM on price but PlayBook 4G is expected to cost $299 for 16GB, $349 for 32GB edition. PlayBook 4G will directly compete against the likes of Google Nexus 7, Apple iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and Amazon Kindle Fire 2. Stay tune or follow @harrym20 for more updates.

Update : BlackBerry PlayBook 4G will run BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1– Next major update to OS 2.0. PlayBook 4G will support (only for PlayBook 4G) LTE connections and many more new features in addition like native BBM app. RIM is in final stage of integrating BBM code with PlayBook OS. PlayBook OS 2.1 will be available by Q4 of 2012 to all BlackBerry devices running QNX OS.

Update : BlackBerry PlayBook 4G has been spotted with OS 10.0.4.197 (BlackBerry Fr). RIM might feature a preview of BlackBerry 10 in PlayBook 4G. This looks interesting and will no doubt boost sales for the PlayBook tablets.

Update : As reported earlier BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 will be rolled out for BlackBerry PlayBook next week. The above image with OS 10.0.4.197 was just a developer loading a BlackBerry 10 dev alpha OS on the PlayBook.

Update : BlackBerry PlayBook 4G image leaked with rumored 10-inch PlayBook tablet. 10-inch PlayBook was initially scheduled for release this year but was scrapped in 2011 to focus on BlackBerry 10.

Update : RIM finally confirmed that PlayBook 4G will be launched on August 9 in Canada. Mobile operators Bell, Rogers & Telus are the first to get this latest launch. PlayBook 4G will only come in 32GB storage and will have OS 2.0.1.668 pre loaded on it instead of PlayBook OS 2.1. 32GB version will cost $549.99 without contract. There is no official announcement regarding european release but it is expected to be available within next few weeks.

Update : BlackBerry PlayBook 4G is now officially available in canada from leading mobile operators like Bell, Telus & Rogers. European launch coming soon this october.

Update : BlackBerry PlayBook 4G launch is on schedule for UK in Q4 of this year. October launch very likely if 4G is rolled out in UK by the end of Q3. After Ofcom approves Everything Everywhere’s early 4G plans for the network, there is very likely that 4G smartphones are coming soon later this year.