Skip to main content

Verizon may not sell RIM’s PlayBook

When is someone going to cut Research in Motion some slack? First it has to hit back at lackluster reviews of its new 7-inch PlayBook tablet, then its co-chief executive walks out of an interview with the BBC. Following that come reports of slow sales of the device upon its North American launch on Tuesday, and now, as if all that wasn’t enough, Verizon has entered the fray.

It appears that America’s largest wireless carrier is currently undecided as to whether to enter into a deal with RIM regarding distribution of the PlayBook. That would be a real blow to the Canadian company, a blow they’ll most certainly want to avoid. It’d leave the company looking something like a little child that’s been barred from the only candy store in town, able only to look solemnly in through the window as the likes of Apple, Samsung and Motorola help themselves to all the sweets. It’s hard not to feel a bit sorry for them, isn’t it?

Related Videos

Reuters has reported Verizon Wireless spokeswoman Brenda Raney as saying, “We’re still evaluating the BlackBerry PlayBook and have not made a determination as to whether we’re going to distribute it.” No date was given as to when a decision was likely.

Among its range of tablets, Verizon is currently offering Samsung’s Galaxy Tab for $499.99 ($199.99 with a two-year contract), Motorola’s 10.1-inch Xoom tablet for $799.99 ($599.99 with a two-year contract) and the iPad 2 for between $629.99 and $829, depending on the model and contract.

Editors' Recommendations

Free comics from Google to celebrate new comic mode in Play Books app
google play may be back in china soon

Google has gone comic crazy, updating the Play Books app with a new comic mode, adding a comics section to the Play Books store, and giving a wide selection of titles away for free. If you’re not reading comics on your phone or tablet yet, now is your chance to give it a try, and the experience will cost you absolutely nothing.

Announced on its official blog, Google says the updated app is specially designed for comic fans, primarily because it makes it easier to flick between panels. Instead of scrolling around and lining them up on the screen, the idea is to change your device into landscape mode, and vertically swipe a new panel into view. This’ll make the reading experience more fluid, and with fewer interruptions to the story.

Read more
The pressure’s on Priv: BlackBerry may quit handsets if new phone doesn’t sell
blackberry autonomous car priv official 01a

As far as BlackBerry's handset business goes, it looks like everything's hanging on the success of the Priv, the company's first ever Android phone that's set to hit stores before the end of the year.

Speaking at this week's Code/Mobile conference in Half Moon Bay, California, BlackBerry CEO John Chen said he'd have to "think twice" about remaining in the handset business if it didn't turn profitable for the company within a year.

Read more
BlackBerry Messenger plays an important part in uncovering Brazilian corruption scandal
bbm loyal user base instagram whatsapp message retraction

If you're planning some sort of scandal, you might want to avoid using messaging services. Case in point: BlackBerry Messenger played a vital role in uncovering a large corruption scandal in Brazil, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Up until now, Brazilian prosecutors relied on confessions from company insiders in order to expose a money skimming operation, conducted between money launderers and clients ranging from Brazilian lawmakers to construction contractors. However, law enforcement authorities were able to obtain thousands of BBM messages sent between those involved to further implicate those involved in the scheme.

Read more