Skip to main content

US government gives BlackBerry’s PlayBook the okay

BlackBerry Playbook AppThe BlackBerry PlayBook, despite all the powerful technology packed into the tablet, has had its fair share of struggles. After delays and rumors of poor sales, we recently found out that it’s even losing out to Windows tablets. But one fan BlackBerry has always had in its corner is the corporate and professional world, and now that favor is extending to the somewhat beleaguered PlayBook.

Today RIM announced that the PlayBook as become the first tablet certified for US government use. It’s the first and only tablet to receive the distinction, which allows it to break through the stereotype that the devices are not productivity-friendly. “This certification demonstrates our continued commitment to meeting the needs of security-conscious organizations and enables the US federal government to buy with confidence knowing that the PlayBook meets their computing policy requirements for protecting sensitive information,” RIM senior VP of BlackBerry Security Scott Totzke said in a statement.

Federal-approval gives the PlayBook a competitive edge over other tablets, but its long-term success still hangs in the air. RIM has yet to announce how many devices have actually been purchased by consumers and has only given numbers on how many units it has shipped. RIM has promoted the multitasking and speedy capabilities of the PlayBook, but recalls and carrier woes have plagued the tablet. But if it can find a home with government workers, the PlayBook might be able to capitalize on the market.

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
TCL won’t make BlackBerry phones anymore, sending the brand back into limbo
BlackBerry Key2 LE review

TCL Communication has announced it will no longer be making BlackBerry smartphones, after taking over the dormant brand at the end of 2016, and bringing it back to life with a series of ever-improving devices. In a statement tweeted out by the official BlackBerry Mobile account, TCL Communication does not have the rights to design, manufacture, or sell BlackBerry phones any longer.

This means the BlackBerry Key 2 LE will be the last BlackBerry-branded phone produced by TCL Communication to be released, and it follows the BlackBerry Key 2, and the BlackBerry KeyOne. TCL Communication’s BlackBerry phones took the features fans of the brand loved — the physical keyboard, long battery life, and extra levels of security — and put them inside modern hardware with Google Android software. While not for everyone, they were successful with those either familiar with the brand, or those looking for something a little different.
What does this mean for BlackBerry?
The future of BlackBerry phones is once again unknown. While TCL Communication will not make another BlackBerry phone, it does not necessarily mean we will never see another BlackBerry phone. It’s possible the global license could be snapped up by another company eager to capitalize on the brand’s highly recognizable name. HMD Global, for example, has seen considerable success with the Nokia name since acquiring the license, while British phone maker Bullitt owns the license to make phones from brands including Cat, JCB, and Land Rover.

Read more
BlackBerry Key2 LE: Everything you need to know
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is back home at Verizon, but only for business types
BlackBerry Key2 LE Hands On

The BlackBerry Key LE is a lower-cost version of the Key2, doing away with some of the more high-tech features seen on the expensive sister phone, and cutting costs by using different materials for the body, to create a more affordable but still distinctly BlackBerry smartphone.

You can check out our Key2 LE review to learn more about what it's like to live with the phone, but in the meantime, here are all the technical specs, details, and availability options.
Updates
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is available to buy at Verizon, but only to business and enterprise customers, according to reports. Verizon's selling the Key2 LE for $450 without a contract, or for $100 if you sign up for a two-year plan. The phone does not show up on Verizon's non-business store, so there does not seem to be the option to buy the phone for this price without a business plan.

Read more
We finally know when Apple will announce its 2024 iPads
Official artwork for Apple event in May 2024.

(more…)

Read more