RIM PlayBook in 20,000 retail stores next month (US,Canada)
Research In Motion (RIM) has announced that it will start selling its BlackBerry PlayBook in more than 20,000 retail outlets in the USA and Canada.
According to Mike Lazaridis, President & Co-CEO, Research In Motion, the Blackberry Playbook is an amazing tablet that is already being widely praised as a multi-tasking powerhouse with an uncompromised web experience and an ultra-portable design. Given the high level of customer interest in the BlackBerry PlayBook, they are particularly pleased to be working with such an amazing lineup of retail partners.
The BlackBerry PlayBook with Wi-Fi will be available in three models and will feature a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $499 in the United States and Canada.
It is scheduled to go on sale on the 19th April, and retailers are starting to take pre-orders from today.
Apple blocking holiday requests in preparation for product launch
Apple is reportedly blocking holiday requests filed by its retail staff for a three week period starting later this month – in a move which is bound to add fuel to the endless speculation about the launch of an iPhone 5, or the iPad 2 – or both.
Apple is also reported to have retained its temporary holiday personnel at many retail stores, even though product sales at this time of year would not normally justify the additional staff.
According to sources, its own contacts at the company suggested that the developments indicates that Apple expects a popular product — or perhaps even multiple products — to be introduced in later this month or early next month.
Apple is widely anticipated to announce up to three new products at its upcoming trade show – a CDMA variant of the current iPhone, a possible upgraded iPhone 5, with a fix for the ongoing antenna problems, and a second generation iPad 2.
Nigeria: A3&O Wireless Introduces Imate Phones
Provider of mobile and wireless technologies, A3&O Wireless has comfirmed its introduction of the distribution of iMate mobile products and accessories into the Nigeria market.
The iMate models to be introduced are Jamin, KJam, and Jasjar and Smartflip with more to be introduced subsequently.
The Business Development Executive of the company, Adewonuola Ademulegun, who disclosed to THISDAY said that they are the authorised distributor of the iMate phones in Nigeria, said “The iMate brands are Personal Digital (PDA) phones or pocket personal computer. What makes the phones different from others is that they run on Microsoft windows mobile. The Microsoft Windows Mobile technology combines the technical elements of cellular technology with the basic business requirements of mobile PC platforms into a single device. It narrows the barrier between the phone and the PDA as it allows the user a single point of contact back into their standalone PC or notebook”
She explained that the phones could be used to check Contacts Calendar, Book meetings, use of SMS Messenger, Tasks & Voice Notes, MS word, MS power point and Excel.
According to Ademulegun, another special feature called ActiveSync which enables one to synchronize your global contact, calendar, task etc. from the PC or laptop to the phone and vice versa. It helps you to save your data and provides a back up in your computer in case of theft.
Ademulegun also explained “You can access your mails anywhere, anytime and keep your office on the run. the technology allows one to send and receive message. One does not have to go on-line. Whenever new mail is received in your inbox, the message is automatically available to read on your iMate phones.
GPRS and EDGE support make for speedy data connections, and the phone can act as a GSM data modem, with both Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The device has everything a computer has, she added.
Having tested the phones, she comfirmed that they are standard phones with a lot of memories, features and the battery live is fantastic, continuing, she said they do the same thing regardless of the service.
iMate has added chic, sleek and sexy to the already astounding range of features in its Smartphone range with the new iMate Smartflip. The Smartflip is the perfect balance between business functionality and lifestyle applications – a feature-rich Smartphone with a unique combination of striking good looks and remarkable functionality.
Incorporating the latest mobile design and cutting edge features, the K-JAM model should consign many business devices into the dustbin as it provides wide range business solution.
The I-mate JASJAR, a stunning device with a feature set that is world class. Propel to new heights with fast data speeds using the 3G capability and dazzling screen you can pivot into space.
I-mate JAMIN is built from the ground up to serve the complex needs of busy individuals.
Whatever model one chooses, the iMate series offers end-to-end mobile solutions that are quite unique in the telecommunications industry.
She disclosed that the A3&O as a Wireless technology and experts are looking for ways to build the applications to utilise the technology that the phones has in order to make it useful and make life easier every sector.
Ademulegun stated that devices like the iMate are now moving out of the era of being the technologically advanced toys for senior managers and engineers, and entering the mainstream of business applications, a trend evidenced by strong and steady growth in demand in other parts of Africa. A3&O Wireless, with an experienced team of application developers and several successful ventures, is positioned to support businesses entering into mobile applications.
She said she has no doubt in Nigeria that the phones is going to pick up as the technology gets more and more advanced.
As long as the business people have access to the product, the sky is the limit for the product. It is not just about the looks but it is what the phone can offer and that is our selling point, she concluded.
I-mate smart phones are available at retail stores of PC outlet and Daxtech Nigeria Ltd.
Source- http://allafrica.com
