TI Announces OMAP 4470 Processor at 1.8Ghz – Possibilities for the PlayBook?

TI announced a new top player in their OMAP 4 processor lineup. In case you missed it the BlackBerry PlayBook runs a TI OMAP 4 processor at 1Ghz called the 4430. There is a 4440 which runs at 1.5Ghz but RIM did not go for that one. On the other hand this new 1.8Ghz OMAP 4470 could almost double the processing power for the BlackBerry PlayBook in future larger 10 inch designs with larger batteries.

TI touts that this new 4470 processor offers:

Customers designing ultrathin laptops, tablets or smartphones around previously released OMAP 4 processors (OMAP4430 and OMAP4460 processors) gain the added benefit of pin-to-pin hardware and software compatibility for maximum re-use and faster time-to-market.

 

The new 4470 processor bumps up performance with:

• Two ARM Cortex-A9 MPCores running up to 1.8GHz per core for an 80% increase in Web browsing performance
• Two ARM Cortex-M3 cores – Smart multicore processing optimized for low-power and real-time responsiveness
• SGX544 graphics core – 2.5x overall graphics performance increase; support for DirectX, OpenGL ES 2.0, OpenVG 1.1, and OpenCL 1.1
• Hardware composition engine with dedicated 2D graphics core – Frees GPU to manage intensive tasks; maximizes power-efficiency
• Supports as many as three HD displays and up to QXGA (2048×1536) resolution; HDMI supporting stereoscopic 3D
• Dual-channel, 466 MHz LPDDR2 memory – Higher memory bandwidth enables rendering and compositing of multilayer content at high resolutions
• Complete pin-to-pin hardware and software compatibility – Rapid transition and maximum re-use of investment from OMAP4430 and OMAP4460 processors

Who knows if RIM will actually use the OMAP 4470 processor but its great to see that its there. One of RIM’s biggest problems in the past was using Marvel’s processor in their phones which did not have a good upgrade path without rewriting parts of the OS like they just had to for BlackBerry OS 7. That is why RIM decided to dump Marvel more or less in future phones except for the upcoming Curve Apollo. On the other hand there is still TI’s OMAP5 processors that will supposedly run at 2Ghz with dual cores.

The question truly is if the PlayBook really needs a faster processor now. What I really want to see is more RAM in the device since it seems to run out when you run too many apps concurrently.

via Reuters and IntoMobile

More Live Photos Of The BlackBerry Touch 9860!

It’s been a little while since we’ve seen some live photos of the rumored BlackBerry Touch 9860 smartphone, also known as the Monaco and Monza. A few weeks ago we saw two brief videos that showed a nice bit of the device. As a reminder, this device will supposedly have a 1.2GHz processor, OpenGL ES 2.0, 5-megapixel camera with 720p video recording, will run BlackBerry 7 (formerly BlackBerry 6.1) and more. This photo must be recent since the Touch 9860 in it is already running OS 7.0. Is anyone exciting for this device or are you more excited for the Bold 9900 like I am? Apparently the poster of these pics took them with the new Bold Touch.

Check out some bigger photos below!

BlackBerry Java SDK v7.0 to be made available soon

Now that the BlackBerry Bold 9900 series has been announced, along with BlackBerry 7 a whole subset of features are going to be rolled out. While the environment itself is not much of a stray from the current BlackBerry smartphone SDK it does offer a whole new set of API to make use of as well as, a whole new subset of features in which developers can leverage to make their applications better. Looking at the new features developers will have have access to:

• OpenGL ES 2.0, taking advantage of the new graphics chip, allows you to create games rich in compelling graphics.
• Window Manager API, also taking advantage of the new graphics chip and increased device horsepower, allows you to overlay OpenGL or any other UI component on top of anything you want, including camera and video.
• Compass APIs, taking advantage of the new magnetometer sensor, allows you to determine the device’s orientation and direction. When combined with Window Manager API, enables the creation of augmented reality applications.
• Near Field Communication (NFC) APIs, taking advantage of the new NFC radio, allows you to read and emulate virtual tags and create rich solutions for payment and m-commerce.
• Video capture APIs updated with support for HD video recording, taking advantage of the improved camera, allows your application to provide the user with the same high end media experience they get from the core apps.

Quite a wide array there but — that’s not all that is coming with the new SDK, make sure you jump on past the break for more items that are geared toward deeper integration with in apps.

• Send Menu API, allowing apps to share content with contacts the same way that core apps do, by adding a “Send…” menu to their apps.
• Unified Search API has been updated, making integration with this device feature easier than ever before and allowing more control of indexed keywords.
• BlackBerry® Maps API has also been updated, simplifying how data is overlaid on top of BlackBerry Maps. Couple that with support for geofencing and the ability to overlay complex shapes and polygons, and you’ve got the richest integration with BlackBerry Maps to date.
• Options API has evolved to match the new look and feel of the BlackBerry 6 options screens, allowing third party apps to add their own entries into the options screen including an icon and descriptive text.
• Multimedia API has added support for buffer control for playback and bitrate definition for video recording.
• Barcode API has been updated to support ZXing 1.6 and allow for the definition of custom decorders.

Although it’s still in beta form currently, Research In Motion has plans to roll the BlackBerry Java SDK v7.0 out to developers this month. Something you’ll want to be sure to grab of you’re looking to ensure your apps will work on the forthcoming BlackBerry Bold 9900 series devices.

via:cb

RIM Explains Android and Java on PlayBook Along with Native SDK

RIM has been kind of hush on the details about the upcoming Android and Java app players for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Developers have been clamoring for more details and RIM has just provided some more insight along with details on the native SDK. In a nice Q&A RIM has detailed things like saying that the Android Player will support Android 2.3 at launch and “we intend to update the player based on market needs.” They also confirmed for the Java player that the “application player for BlackBerry Java-based apps will allow developers to take their existing assets from BlackBerry 5.0 and BlackBerry 6 development and leverage them in the new player.”

Check out the full Q&A below and ask RIM your questions at this link: (Kudos to LaoWang for the tip!)

Press Release: RIM Announces Android Apps to Run on the PlayBook

More details to come.

RIM Expands Application Ecosystem for BlackBerry PlayBook

• BlackBerry PlayBook to support BlackBerry Java and Android apps
• Native C/C++ development support added, in addition to HTML5, Flash and AIR support
• Support from leading game engines: Ideaworks Labs (AirPlay) and Unity Technologies (Unity 3)
• BlackBerry PlayBook becomes a new market opportunity for all the developers who have already created over 25,000 BlackBerry Java apps and more than 200,000 Android apps.

 

Waterloo, ON – Developers wanting to bring their new and existing apps to the highly anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will soon have additional tools and options to enhance and expand their commercial opportunities. Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to greatly expand the application ecosystem for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The BlackBerry PlayBook is scheduled to launch in the U.S. and Canada on April 19.

RIM will launch two optional app players that provide an application run-time environment for BlackBerry Java apps and Android v2.3 apps. These new app players will allow users to download BlackBerry Java apps and Android apps from BlackBerry App World and run them on their BlackBerry PlayBook.

In addition, RIM will shortly release the native SDK for the BlackBerry PlayBook enabling C/C++ application development on the BlackBerry Tablet OS. For game-specific developers, RIM is also announcing that it has gained support from two leading game development tooling companies, allowing developers to use the cross-platform game engines from Ideaworks Labs and Unity Technologies to bring their games to the BlackBerry PlayBook.

BlackBerry Torch 2 9810 confirmed by RIM with VGA Screen and OS 6.1??

Could this be the Torch 2? The screen resolution is listed at 480×640, which is a rumored spec for the Torch 2. Here is what we know about the  BlackBerry Torch 2 9810 so far:

• 1.2GHz processor with a clock
• Quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE
• Tri-band HSPA 14.4Mbps
• Capacitive touch screen and 3.2-inch VGA 640 x 480
• 8GB onboard memory
• 512MB RAM
• Bluetooth 2.1
• GPS
• NFC
• Camera resolution with flash 5MPX
• Magnetometer
• Sensor position / rotation
• Proximity sensor
• Battery 1300 mAh
• BlackBerry OS 6.1
• OpenGL ES
• 14.6mm thin

• See the UAProf document here

via:bbnews

Video of the BlackBerry Storm3 Aka the BlackBerry Monaco

 

The BlackBerry Storm3 looks pretty awesome, in fact, it looks like what the first and second Storm devices should have been. It looks like RIM has canceled SurePress too, which is great because a touchscreen device doesn’t really need it.

The BlackBerry Monaco is going to be coming out on Verizon, and considering the iPhone 4 is now out on Verizon, RIM has some incredible competition for touchscreen customers. Many previous BlackBerry owners will move to the Storm3 because they may want to keep BBM or some of their favorite BlackBerry apps, but RIM needs to work on the value prop for the Storm3 versus the iPhone 4. Specs after the jump.

• Dimensions: Sleek, thin profile – 11.5mm thick (120 x 62 x 11.5 mm)
• Processor: Qualcomm 1.2GHz Processor
• Radio:Dual band CDMA, EV-DO Rev A, RX Diversity ; Quad band EDGE / Single Band UMTS
• Display: 3.7″ – 800×480 resolution, 15:9 aspect ration, 253 DPI
• Camera: 5 MP – Flash – Image Stabilization – HD Video Recording (720p)
• Navigation: Capacitive touch + BlackBerry navigation keys + optical navigation module. One convenience key
• Memory: 4GB storage + 768MB RAM + up to 32GB MicroSD
• WiFi/GPS: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n + GPS + Bluetooth 2.1 EDR + Mobile HotSpot
• Connectivity: Micro USB – Bluetooth – NFC
• Sensors: Magnetometer – Accelerometer – Proximity
• Software: Enhanced BlackBerry SW v.6.1, BlackBerry Evolution 6, Open GL ES 2.0, APIs for magnetometer and augmented reality apps

via: cb

2011 BlackBerry Smartphone Roadmap Explained in Detail

some of the old devices that paved the way to 2011… keep reading to see what’s coming this year!

The first few weeks of January 2011 brought forth a number of device leaks to the internet, which when combined provide relatively comprehensive insight into what we’ll see from Research In Motion this year both in terms of major product launches and device software updates. As you read through this roundup keep in mind that unofficial information can always change by the time it does get officially announced. To make sure you’re always up to date, you’ll want to keep it locked to NHCBBA.com (follow us via  Twitter).

Keep reading for RIM’s 2011 BlackBerry Roadmap!

BlackBerry 6.1 Application Platform Announced at DevCon Asia!

At the General Session Keynote on the opening day of BlackBerry DevCon Asia, Tyler Lessard, VP of Global Alliances and Developer Relations for RIM, announced the coming of the new BlackBerry 6.1 Application Platform for BlackBerry Smartphones. 6.1 will build upon BlackBerry 6 and for developers will introduce some new features they can take advantage of. The image above tells the story. New tools/APIs include:

• Magnetometer / Digital compass APIs
• Open GL-ES 2.0
• Window API (overlay native app surfaces)
• Event-based geo-fencing location APIs
• Enhancement to barcode API’s for additional formats and custom decoding
• and MUCH MORE

Tyler went on to say that BlackBerry Developer Tools 6.1 will be available soon for download as they want developers working with the new tools leading up to the release of BlackBerry 6.1 in the next quarter or two. Reading between the lines, I think this announcement really says a lot. It shows us that despite a ton of effort going into the BlackBerry Tablet OS used on the PlayBook, RIM is continuing to develop the traditional BlackBerry OS. I think it’s also safe to assume that we’ll be seeing a BlackBerry 6.1 update coming to current in-market BlackBerry 6 Smartphones. Finally, it gives us a clue as to what OS is going to ship on the next generation of BlackBerry Smartphone hardware. RIM’s Founder and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis has already gone on record saying that we will see BlackBerry Smartphones (aka super phones) that will make use of the QNX-based operating system found in the PlayBook, but that it might not be tomorrow as the hardware needs to get there (need a phone battery than can last a day powering dual core processors). Now officially knowing that BlackBerry 6.1 is on the way, to me it’s looking like we can expect the next wave of new BlackBerry Smartphones to rock 6.1 (maybe a generation after that will hit the phones). It’s clear that the BlackBerry Tablet OS is still very young and will take some time for RIM to evolve it to be ready for the phones, so in the meantime BB6.1 will get the job done. That’s not official of course, but logically it’s making sense. I’m sure we’ll learn more in the weeks and months ahead!

QNX BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet OS and TRON…

I headed over to QNX’s website today to see what they had to say about the new BlackBerry PlayBook tablet OS. After running into a few errors on their site I spotted their announcement to:

Meet the Power Behind the BlackBerry Tablet OS

What I love the most about QNX is that they are bold and cocky and it looks like they will be able to follow through on their claims. They are bringing their experience with millions of mission critical systems for which the QNX Neutrino RTOS (Real Time OS) is known for. You can read the rest of their comments on the BlackBerry Tablet OS below but what I found the most interesting was that both RIM and QNX seem to be showing off the BlackBerry PlayBook with TRON on screen. Could it be that RIM will be doing a promotional piece with TRON for the PlayBook launch?

Here is the official wording QNX has put on their site summarizing what they are bringing to the BlackBerry Tablet OS.

The QNX Neutrino RTOS is known the world over for the ultimate in performance and reliability. Proven in everything from the space station and the world’s highest capacity router to millions of in-car systems, it brings capabilities to the mobile market that are absolutely unique.

Space-grade reliability

From day one, the QNX Neutrino RTOS was designed for bullet-proof operation. Its microkernel architecture protects every application, driver, file system, and protocol stack in the safety of memory-protected user space. As a result, multiple third-party applications can run simultaneously on the RTOS without corrupting one another or the RTOS itself. Better yet, applications and services can be updated dynamically for nonstop service.

True multi-tasking for multi-core

QNX Neutrino is a multi-threaded RTOS optimized for the latest multi-core processors. Its field-proven implementation of symmetric multi-processing (SMP) allows multiple applications to run in parallel while extracting the maximum performance from every processing core.

Standards-based for portability

QNX Software Systems is a champion of industry standards, including Flash, POSIX and OpenGL ES. In fact, the QNX Neutrino RTOS is POSIX-certified, not just POSIX-like, allowing application developers to leverage an immense pool of open source applications and code.

Via: BR