Published at: 11:12 am - Wednesday December 07 2011
Picked up an LG Optimus Quantum for quite cheap.
LG Optimus Quantum
LG Optimus Quantum keyboard
I was using it for a few days, it was a great tool as a “work” device; great for those who would only use it for email, SMS, phone calls, and to view and edit office documents. It just wasn’t for me, for an HSPA phone the internet speeds were equal to that of my 3G BlackBerry 9780! The phone was quite quick at opening and closing apps for the most part.
I did enjoy the UI quite a bit, but where it lost me was the apps and the keyboard (luckily the device I was using, the LG Optimus Quantum, had a slide out physical keyboard as well).
A video of the UI if you haven’t had the chance to play with this phone yet:
I really liked the way Outlook was set up on this device; having the ability to see my emails in a conversation view, as well as isolate and only see the flagged emails or unread emails was definitely cool!
Something that did get on my nerves was the fact that there wasn’t any lock screen notifications, no LED that flashed, nothing! This really bugged me!! If I wanted to see if I had any new emails, missed calls or text messaged after leaving my phone alone for a while I actually had unlock the device and check.
Overall I did like the phone, I think that Windows Phones have a long way to go before they can compete with BlackBerry, Android, and Apple. There is no way I would be able to use a Windows Phone as my primary device, it cannot replace the BlackBerry anytime soon, it is still a few updates, at the very least, before it would replace my Android “work” phone.
So are a lot of articles, rumours, and blogs saying that BlackBerry is falling and maybe following the path Nortel. After reading a lot of these articles, and letters from former RIM staff as well as countless other articles I agree this is a low for the company. Like many other CrackBerry addicts would agree RIM will not and cannot fail! There will be a lot of people who may disagree with me, and the insight they provide is appreciated; however, there are a lot of people who just say that RIM will fall because they are blinded fan boys of iOS and Android devices. A true smartphone aficionado appreciates the benefits and features of all operating systems and devices, if all you do is hate on every device/OS other than the one you have then you don’t really have an audience with me.
This morning I was looking at some of the videos from CES 2011 when I came across a few videos from QNX (Youtube Channel), which is owned by RIM, and the automotive applications of the software. While in dash computers are not something new, an in dash computer not running Windows CE or a custom installs of Netbooks are a rarity.
QNX based head unites and computers will change the way we interact with our vehicles. Currently we are able to stream music from our devices as well as use the vehicles speakers as a hand free kit using Bluetooth, but imagine being able to have your text messages, emails, and calendar events being read out to you as well as being able to access apps and functions on your devices through the head unit. QNX is working on providing just that!
QNX CAR Application Platform and Telenav Connected Navigation
Showing the ability to connect your device and use the data from your devices for map applications such as TeleNav as the navigation system in your vehicle.
QNX CAR Application Platform and RealVNC Mobile Connectivity
Displaying the future of your life connected. Connect your device via a USB wire and you can control your device from the head unit and access any and all applications on your device. With this technology safety is obviously a large concern; the ability to use your device while the car is in motion is disabled. Imagine being able to use Google maps, or check your email/calendar for an address while in your vehicle and get directions on the same screen.
2011 CES: BMW Z4 with QNX-powered ConnectedDrive System
QNX is shown off and how a BMW Z4 will be able to connect to your BlackBerry and have your emails, calendar, tasks, and other information available for you.
QNX has a lot of promise and the integration into vehicles is, if I may say so, pretty damn awesome! Since RIM owns QNX and QNX has a bright future, can RIM fail?
I’m not saying that RIM doesn’t need to change the way the operate or the culture, because that goes without saying, but RIM cannot and will not fail!
I am all for people ensuring they are fully informed when it comes to issues with their devices and such; however, what people need to realize is that a broadcasted message from someone on your contact list is not how Research In Motion would share information.
Another one of these Hoax’ is below.
Hello, greetings from RIM (Research In Motion) proprietors of BlackBerry. This message is to inform all of our users, that our servers have recently been really full, so we are asking for your help to fix this problem. We need our active users to re-send this message to everyone on your contact list inorder to confirm our active users that use BlackBerry Messenger, if you do not send this message to all your BlackBerry Messenger contacts then your account will remain inactive with the consequence of losing all your contacts. Symbol will automatic update in your ? ,when you broadcast this message.
RIM has said a few different things regarding these messages, on the Facebook page they have said the below.
We are seeing reports that people have received an email claiming to be from RIM and encouraging them to broadcast a message over BBM (BlackBerry Messenger). This message isn’t from RIM. Please don’t broadcast the message to your BBM contacts. We are on the case. Sorry for the inconvenience.
RIM has also posted the below in their Technical Support Forums:
A hoax message circulating on BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) asks users to forward on the BBM message to their contacts in order to maintain BBM service, and claims to have been originally sent by Research In Motion (RIM).
Rest assured that this BBM message did not originate from RIM and that it does not impact the security of BlackBerry smartphones. It is simply a hoax chain message. Unfortunately, many social networking applications face this scenario, whereby any message, including a hoax message, can be forwarded to a user from one of their contacts. We recommend that users simply ignore the message and do not forward it.
These hoax messages aren’t only false messages regarding servers and pictures but they are also Amber Alert messages, lost people messages. The ability to broadcast messages over BBM is a great tool, it is a quick and efficient way to share a message with a large group of people. This would be very useful in the event a real Amber Alert is issued or someone is actually missing. For now, what I suggest, if you do receive one of these messages is not to forward them, especially the Amber Alert or missing person messages; look into this before you forward a message.
I hope to see a drastic decrease in these messages going forward!
Published at: 04:12 pm - Wednesday December 08 2010
This video shows a bit more of the gestures and the keyboard.
Julian Dolce talks about third party apps and developers and some of the capabilities that will be available to developers.
Published at: 09:12 am - Wednesday December 08 2010
RIM’s Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis was interviewed at Dive Into Mobile. He was somewhat put on the hot seat by the interviewees as well as a member of the media.
Mike talks about QNX on the PlayBook and the future of Blackberry and explains why the Torch was given a sub par processor according to todays standards.
In the clip below Mike speaks about the PlayBook some more. Although the points he mentioned were just reiterated previous clips posted on the web when talking about the PlayBook.
In this particular clip he does demonstrate the multitasking capabilities of QNX. I have noticed that I really like the UI and how you move through the OS. The gestures required to move through the system seem very natural and intuitive.
BIS 3.2 has just recently launched in North America enabling two-way synchronization of Gmail contacts and calendar. Requirements are to have a Blackberry data service plan as well as Blackberry device software 5.0.0.176.
You will need log into your BIS account and once there go to your Gmail account:
Scroll down to Synchronization Options and highlight the options you want:
After this is done you will need to start the activation process by following the instructions below.
1. On the Home screen, click the Setup icon and click Email Accounts or Email Settings.
2. After you open the application, the security activation starts. When security activation is complete, calendar and contact synchronization automatically begins.
Open, flexible application platform with support for WebKit/HTML-5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Reader, POSIX, OpenGL, Java
Ultra thin and portable:
Measures 5.1″x7.6″x0.4″ (130mm x 193mm x 10mm)
Weighs less than a pound (approximately 0.9 lb or 400g)
Additional features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook will be shared on or before the date this product is launched in retail outlets.
* RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.
The Blackberry promo video, pictures, and the official press release are below.
RIM Unveils The BlackBerry PlayBook
New Professional-Grade Tablet Delivers Unmatched Power and Web Performance
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA–(Marketwire – Sept. 27, 2010) – BlackBerry DEVCON 2010 – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today redefined the possibilities for mobile computing with the unveiling of its new professional-grade BlackBerry® PlayBook tablet and BlackBerry® Tablet OS.
Perfect for either large organizations or an “army of one”, the BlackBerry PlayBook is designed to give users what they want, including uncompromised web browsing, true multitasking and high performance multimedia, while also providing advanced security features, out-of-the-box enterprise support and a breakthrough development platform for IT departments and developers. The incredibly powerful and innovative BlackBerry PlayBook is truly a game-changing product in the growing tablet marketplace.
“RIM set out to engineer the best professional-grade tablet in the industry with cutting-edge hardware features and one of the world’s most robust and flexible operating systems,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “The BlackBerry PlayBook solidly hits the mark with industry leading power, true multitasking, uncompromised web browsing and high performance multimedia.”
The Tablet You’ll Want to Take Everywhere
This beautifully designed and incredibly powerful tablet is ultra portable, ultra thin and super convenient for both work and play. Measuring less than half an inch thick and weighing less than a pound, the BlackBerry PlayBook features a vivid 7″ high resolution display that looks and feels great in your hand. With such a unique mix of utility, performance and portability, you’ll want to take it everywhere.
The New Benchmark in Tablet Performance
At its heart, the BlackBerry PlayBook is a multitasking powerhouse. Its groundbreaking performance is jointly fueled by a 1 GHz dual-core processor and the new BlackBerry Tablet OS which supports true symmetric multiprocessing. Together, the abundant processing power and highly sophisticated OS enable the BlackBerry PlayBook to provide users with true multitasking and a highly-responsive and fluid touch screen experience for apps and content services.
Uncompromised Web Browsing
With support for Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, Adobe® Mobile AIR® and HTML-5, the BlackBerry PlayBook provides customers with an uncompromised, high-fidelity web experience and offers them the ability to enjoy all of the sites, games and media on the web. For more than a decade, the mobile industry has worked to bridge the gap between the “real web” and mobile devices through various apps and technologies and, in fact, a significant number of mobile apps today still simply serve as a proxy for web content that already exists on the web. The BlackBerry PlayBook closes that gap and brings the real, full web experience to mobile users while also opening new and more exciting opportunities for developers and content publishers.
High Performance Multimedia
The BlackBerry PlayBook features premium multimedia features to support high-quality mobile experiences. It includes dual HD cameras for video capture and video conferencing that can both record HD video at the same time, and an HDMI-out port for presenting one’s creations on external displays. The BlackBerry PlayBook also offers rich stereo sound and a media player that rivals the best in the industry.
BlackBerry Integration
For those BlackBerry PlayBook users who carry a BlackBerry smartphone*, it will also be possible to pair their tablet and smartphone using a secure Bluetooth® connection. This means they can opt to use the larger tablet display to seamlessly and securely view any of the email, BBMTM, calendar, tasks, documents and other content that resides on (or is accessible through) their smartphone. They can also use their tablet and smartphone interchangeably without worrying about syncing or duplicating data. This secure integration of BlackBerry tablets and smartphones is a particularly useful feature for those business users who want to leave their laptop behind.
Enterprise Ready
Thanks to the seamless and secure Bluetooth pairing experience and the highly secure underlying OS architecture, the BlackBerry PlayBook is enterprise ready and compatible (out-of-the-box) with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server. When connected over Bluetooth, the smartphone content is viewable on the tablet, but the content actually remains stored on the BlackBerry smartphone and is only temporarily cached on the tablet (and subject to IT policy controls). With this approach to information security, IT departments can deploy the BlackBerry PlayBook to employees out-of-the-box without worrying about all the security and manageability issues that arise when corporate data is stored on yet another device.
QNX Neutrino Reliability
The BlackBerry Tablet OS is built upon the QNX® Neutrino® microkernel architecture, one of the most reliable, secure and robust operating system architectures in the world. Neutrino has been field hardened for years and is being used to support mission-critical applications in everything from planes, trains and automobiles to medical equipment and the largest core routers that run the Internet. The new BlackBerry Tablet OS leverages and builds upon the many proven strengths of this QNX Neutrino architecture to support a professional grade tablet experience and to redefine the possibilities for mobile computing.
An OS Built for Developers
The Neutrino based microkernel architecture in the BlackBerry Tablet OS delivers exceptional performance, high scalability, Common Criteria EAL 4+ security, and support for industry standard tools that are already familiar to hundreds of thousands of developers. The OS is fully POSIX compliant enabling easy portability of C-based code, supports Open GL for 2D and 3D graphics intensive applications like gaming, and will run applications built in Adobe Mobile AIR as well as the new BlackBerry® WebWorksTM app platform announced today (which will allow apps to be written to run on BlackBerry PlayBook tablets as well as BlackBerry smartphones with BlackBerry® 6). The BlackBerry Tablet OS will also support Java enabling developers to easily bring their existing BlackBerry 6 Java applications to the BlackBerry Tablet OS environment.
Key features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook include:
7″ LCD, 1024 x 600, WSVGA, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch and gesture support
BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
1 GHz dual-core processor
1 GB RAM
Dual HD cameras (3 MP front facing, 5 MP rear facing), supports 1080p HD video recording
Video playback: 1080p HD Video, H.264, MPEG, DivX, WMV
Open, flexible application platform with support for WebKit/HTML-5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Reader, POSIX, OpenGL, Java
Ultra thin and portable:
Measures 5.1″x7.6″x0.4″ (130mm x 193mm x 10mm)
Weighs less than a pound (approximately 0.9 lb or 400g)
Additional features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook will be shared on or before the date this product is launched in retail outlets.
* RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.
Availability
The BlackBerry PlayBook is expected to be available in retail outlets and other channels in the United States in early 2011 with rollouts in other international markets beginning in (calendar) Q2.
RIM will begin working with developers and select corporate customers next month to begin development and early testing efforts.
The BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK is planned for release in the coming weeks and developers can register for early access at www.blackberry.com/developers/tabletos.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab, a smaller tablet with more features and running an open source OS. This device has potential, but will it compete with the iPad, I think so! Since the HTC Dream and Magic there has been a major growth in the cell phone industries Android based phones.
With Android with a growing following I think the Galaxy Tab will really help with the sales as well as quality and quantity of Apps in the Android Market.
The Tab definitely comes with some great features, some of the highlighted features are the 1.3 MP front facing camera for video conferencing, a 3.0 MP camera with LED flash, 16GB or 32GB and expandable memory with a Micro SD Card (expandable up to 32GB), WiFi A/B/G/N, and the capability 1080p HD Video player and recorder (full specifications shown below). More information regarding the Tab can be found on the official press release or on the Samsung Galaxy Tab official website.
Check out the video below from Samsung Mobile’s Youtube Channel.
It will be very interesting to see how becomes of the Galaxy Tab and how it will due up against the mighty APPLE iPad… Yes, I said mighty!
The Galaxy Tab is expected to launch this holiday season with Bell and Rogers, so keep your eyes and ears open.
Published at: 09:09 am - Wednesday September 22 2010
Watch an unlimited amount of movies and TV shows for $7.99 a month. Currently you can get one month free by going to http://www.netflix.ca/
Netflix works on your Mac or PC, as well as gaming consoles like the Wii, PS3, and the Xbox 360 this fall, and Netflix is available on your iPod, iPhone, and iPad. There are also some Blu-Ray players and HDTV’s which have Netflix. Apple TV is set to ship shortly and will be another nice piece of technology which you can use to watch all your Netflix!
Bandwidth may be an issue depending on your ISP as 1 hour of standard definition streaming will use about 1 GB of bandwidth and approximately 2 GB for an hour if you’re watching in HD. In order to watch in standard definition you will need to set your account to “no HD” if you rather watch in SD.
In the event you do not have a gaming console and would like to watch Netflix you can use the same set up I use. A quick trip to your local electronics store and pick up either a VGA cable or S-Video cable for video output (if you don’t have an HDMI output), and for audio you will need a good 3.5mm to RCA Audio Adapter Cable. I would recommend not being cheap on the wires as the audio will have feedback which you can hear due to the cables not being shielded correctly; if you choose to get less expensive wires then you will also notice feedback on the TV.
Hope you all take advantage of the free month of Netflix.
