Research In Motion (RIM) has announced today that they will release LTE and HSPA+ models of the upcoming PlayBook tablet, joining the WiFi and WiMax 4G models that will go on sale in March.
Each of the models will have Bluetooth tethering, mobile hotspots and BlackBerry Bridge, says PCW, a piece of software that lets BlackBerry owners use BBM (Messenger) on the tablet.
It is unclear what carriers will support the tablet, but it’s speculated that it will be available through Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
Price has not been confirmed but has been “leaked” as $500 for a base model, in line with the first generation Apple iPad.
RIM’s PlayBook will have a 7-inch LCD screen with 1024×600 resolution, a dual-core 1GHz processor, a 5MP standard camera and a 3MP front-facing camera.
Finally, the company is expanding its BlackBerry World app store to Azerbaijan, Botswana Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, French Guyana, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland, Kenya, La Réunion, Latvia, Macedonia, Malta, Martinique, Nigeria, Norway, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Tanzania.
Result for: czech republic
AOL has sold one of the pioneers of instant messaging, ICQ, to Digital Sky Technologies Limited (DST) for $187.5 million USD.
Despite losing popularity in the United States to other services such as MSN Messenger and AIM, ICQ remains the most popular IM service in Russia and other smaller international markets.
“The acquisition of ICQ is a strategic enhancement of our business in Russia and Eastern Europe. ICQ’s long-standing brand name and its sizeable loyal customer base together represent a very attractive opportunity to further strengthen our position in the region,” says Yuri Milner, Chief Executive Officer of DST.
ICQ was created in 1996 by Mirabilis of Israel, and AOL purchased the parent company in 1998.
Besides Russia, ICQ is a leader in Israel and the Czech Republic, where users spend over 5 hours a day on the service.
Adds Tim Armstrong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AOL: “As AOL continues its turnaround effort, we’re fortunate to find a great home for ICQ with DST. DST is a leading innovator in the Internet investment space and has a significant presence in the markets where ICQ is strong. Founded and run in Israel, ICQ has been a revolutionary company on the Internet. We wish them great success as a part of DST and will be rooting for them going forward.”
Result for: czech republic
Microsoft has confirmed a new Xbox 360 Pro bundle for Europe today that will play to one of the system’s biggest strengths, its blockbuster Halo franchise.
Beginning on February 29th the new “Best of Halo” Xbox 360 Pro Bundle will go on sale around Europe with “Halo Wars”, “Halo 3″, and an Xbox 360 Pro video game system plus a wireless controller. The suggested retail price is €269.
The “Halo” franchise, now in its fourth installment, is a billion dollar franchise and is an Xbox exclusive. Halo 3, released last year, made over $300 million USD in sales in its first week of release and was even blamed for Hollywood’s poor showing in October.
The bundle will be available in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Slovakia, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Hungary, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
