RIM finally unveils 4G LTE tablet, with Aug. 9 launch
The BlackBerry PlayBook will be available to Canadian customers first, the company says. It will be available in the U.S. and other territories "in the coming months."
After a long wait, Research In Motion has unveiled its 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook.
The device will be available to Canadian customers first and come with 32GB of storage. If LTE is not available, the tablet will "automatically adjust to connect on HSPA+," RIM says. The tablet will be available to Bell, Rogers, and TELUS customers in Canada.
The 4G LTE-equipped PlayBook comes with the same 7-inch display as its predecessor, and includes both front- and rear-facing HD video cameras. HDMI out and stereo speakers are also included. On the software side, users can expect the same operating system experience they're getting now from the PlayBook, including support for RIM's unified inbox and built-in calendar and contacts apps.
Rumors have been swirling for months that RIM would launch a 4G LTE PlayBook. But with each passing month, the company was mum on its eventual launch. Last month, mobile blog MobileSyrup reported that RIM was close to launching the 4G LTE PlayBook, but said that its release would come on July 31.
Canadian customers will be able to get their hands on the device on August 9. For customers elsewhere around the world, the wait is still on. RIM said today that it will deliver the 4G LTE PlayBook to the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world "in the coming months."
RIM did not say how much the 4G LTE PlayBook will cost. CNET has contacted RIM for pricing. We will update this story when we have more information.