RIM acquires Paratek to boost BlackBerry

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion said on Thursday it has acquired Paratek Microwave Inc, a company whose adaptive radio-frequency technology improves mobile-handset call quality and battery life.

The Canadian smartphone maker did not disclose financial details of the purchase of privately held Paratek, which is based in New Hampshire and funded by a string of venture capital investors including Polaris Ventures and Europe’s biggest chip maker, STMicroelectronics.

Paratek has developed a thin-film material to produce integrated circuits and other components that improve the performance of mobile phones, while cutting down on the number and size of components such as antennas.

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Netflix tweets "No" to Blackberry - including Playbook

In response to a user who asked about a possible Netflix app for the BlackBerry Playbook tablet, Netflix's Twitter support account replied that the company has no current plans to support BlackBerry devices, including the Playbook. Crackberry.com spotted the tweet, and is encouraging BlackBerry loyalists to voice their outrage.

A lack of apps continues to be RIM's biggest problem, especially now that Playbook OS 2.0 has filled in many of the tablet's missing features, such as a native e-mail, calendar, and contacts apps. Without apps for popular services such as Yelp, Spotify, Kindle, Hulu, and Netflix, RIM will have a tough time convincing consumers that its app store is thriving.

Although Playbook OS 2.0 supports Android apps through an emulator, developers must still submit their apps to RIM for approval. It's not yet clear whether Netflix or other streaming video services will go that route.

Of course, things can change, and sometimes “we don't have any current plans” is just PR speak for “we have plans that we're not announcing yet.” But as it stands, Netflix's disinterest in BlackBerry isn't a good sign.

Netflix has more than 24 million U.S. subscribers, where it offers both a mail-in service and streaming movies and TV shows. It also has also expanded its streaming-only service to Canada and parts of Latin America.

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RIM releases OS 2.0 update for Blackberry Playbook

Research In Motion released a free upgraded operating system for its struggling PlayBook computer tablet yesterday, almost a year later than it first said it would. The BlackBerry maker said the software allows for built-in email, calendar and contacts on the tablet.

When RIM launched the PlayBook last April it said would add the critical features within 60 days, but later pushed that back to the summer and then to October and finally to February. The PlayBook received negative reviews because it launched without an email programme.

The PlayBook OS 2.0 software update is available as a free download. It also allows users to use their BlackBerry's as a keyboard and mouse for the Playbook.

The Playbook is RIM's first effort to branch out from its smartphone base and capture a portion of the tablet computer market. The tablets however haven't been selling well, forcing the company to sell them at a deep discount.

In December, the tablets that originally cost USD 500 were selling for USD 200, below the cost of making them. RIM wrote off USD 485 million worth of inventory. The Waterloo, Ontario-based company said they sold 150,000 Playbook tablets last quarter. That number pales in comparison to the top-selling iPad, of which Apple shipped 15.4 million units during its most recent quarter.

Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis stepped aside as RIM's co-CEOs last month. Thorsten Heins became the new chief as the once-iconic maker of the BlackBerry smartphone confronts the most difficult period in its history.

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RIM slashes over 50% Price on Blackberry Playbook Tablets in India till December 31, 2011 - Playbook 2012 Newyear Offer

Canadian BlackBerry maker Research in Motion ( RIM), battling tough competition from Apple's iPad, is offering over 50 percent discount on its PlayBook tablets under a limited festive season offer till Dec 31.

A company spokesperson Wednesday said the 16 GB model of the PlayBook can be bought for Rs 13,490 in the Indian market instead of its regular price of Rs 27,990.

While the 32 GB model is available for Rs 15,990, the 64 GB model is being offered for Rs 24,490 against their regular prices of Rs 32,990 and Rs 37,990 respectively.

The smartphone maker has been struggling to gain significant market share since April when it launched the tablets. It has been able to sell 800,000 units of the device globally in the first nine months of financial year 2011-12.
So if you are planning to buy one, then go for it before December 31 because the prices will go back to their original form starting Jan 1, 2012.

As per the new offer, the 16 GB version of PlayBook will now cost around Rs 13,490, instead of the earlier price of Rs 27,990. While the 32 GB model is available for Rs 15,990, the 64 GB model is being offered for Rs 24,490 against their regular prices of Rs 32,990 and Rs 37,990 respectively.

The 16 GB version of the tablet was earlier being offered by some online retailers at Rs 26,000 with free BlackBerry Curve smart phone.

The Playbook tablet has a 7-inch LCD multi-touch screen with 1024 x 600 resolution. Powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor, the device sports a 3 megapixel front-facing and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera.

Buy Now: Blackberry Playbook online @ more than 50% offer - Only in India

* Letsbuy.com Blackberry Playbook 16 GB @ Rs. 13,249 - Order Now

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* Infibeam.com Blackberry Playbook 16GB with FREE Home Delivery @ Rs. 18,790 Ships in 3-4 business days. - Order Now

* Infibeam.com  Blackberry Playbook 32GB with FREE Home Delivery @ Rs. 22,990 Ships in 3-4 business days. - Order Now

* Infibeam.com  Blackberry Playbook 64GB with FREE Home Delivery @ Rs. 28,590 Ships in 3-4 business days. - Order Now


Tags: Blackberry Playbook Tablet price in India.

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