RIM launched its first tablet last year, the BlackBerry PlayBook, which hasn’t had the best response and has been met with disappointing sales for RIM, which has led the company to recently drop the price of the tablet.
According to a recent report from N4BB, RIM isn’t giving up on its PlayBook tablet. Instead, the company will introduce two new PlayBook tablets before the end of 2012.
The two new PlayBook tablets are reported to be a new 7-inch tablet and a new 10-inch tablet. The 7-inch tablet will be released first, around April of this year, and will come with 3G connectivity. This smaller tablet aims to capture the market segment that prefers a more portable device, ideal for on-the-go use. The inclusion of 3G is a significant upgrade, allowing users to stay connected without relying solely on Wi-Fi.
Upcoming 10-Inch PlayBook Tablet
The next one will be the 10-inch PlayBook tablet, which is reported to be an LTE-enabled device. This larger tablet is expected to launch nearer to the end of 2012, possibly in December. The 10-inch model aims to compete with other large tablets in the market, such as the iPad and various Android tablets. The LTE capability will provide faster internet speeds, making it more appealing for users who need robust connectivity for streaming, video conferencing, and other data-intensive tasks.
The introduction of these new models indicates RIM’s commitment to staying relevant in the competitive tablet market. The company seems to be learning from its past mistakes and is making strategic improvements to its product line. For instance, the original PlayBook was criticized for lacking essential apps and features, such as native email and calendar applications. RIM has since addressed these issues with software updates and is likely to include these improvements in the new models.
Market Reception and Future Prospects
It will be interesting to see what these new PlayBook tablets are like and whether they will be met with the same reception as the original PlayBook tablet remains to be seen. The market has evolved significantly since the launch of the first PlayBook, with consumers now expecting more from their devices in terms of performance, app availability, and overall user experience.
RIM’s decision to release two different sizes shows an understanding of the diverse needs of tablet users. The 7-inch model caters to those who prioritize portability, while the 10-inch model is aimed at users who prefer a larger screen for media consumption and productivity tasks. This dual-approach strategy could help RIM capture a broader audience.
Moreover, the inclusion of 3G and LTE capabilities is a step in the right direction, as connectivity is a crucial factor for many users. With the increasing reliance on cloud services and online applications, having a reliable internet connection is more important than ever.
However, RIM will need to ensure that these new tablets are competitively priced and offer unique features that set them apart from the competition. The tablet market is dominated by giants like Apple and Samsung, and breaking through will require more than just incremental upgrades.
In conclusion, RIM’s upcoming PlayBook tablets have the potential to revitalize the company’s presence in the tablet market. By addressing past shortcomings and introducing new features, RIM is positioning itself for a comeback. Whether these efforts will translate into commercial success remains to be seen, but the company’s determination to innovate is a positive sign.
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