There is still no firm release date attached to the BlackBerry Q10, but the official splash page on the Fido website has it listed as “available soon.” As a quick refresher, this phone will come with a 3.1-inch 720x720px OLED display, the full QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry OS 10, a 1.5GHz dual core processor, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, LTE compatibility, 16GB storage, 2GB RAM and a microSD expansion slot good for up to 32GB more storage.

The Fido website has the BlackBerry Q10 listed at $350 on select 2-year Tab24 agreements (presumably on the “Smart” plans) or $650 outright without a Fido agreement. If you click through to the product page, you’ll find that there is an additional offer for existing Fido customers where they can reserve a BlackBerry Q10 for $200 when they renew on a 3-year Fido agreement (presumably they mean the Tab36 with a Max plan). The $25 hardware upgrade fee still applies.

Giving this “available soon” wording, we can probably safely assume that the other Canadian carriers will also be launching the BlackBerry Q10 pretty soon too.

The post BlackBerry Q10 Shows Up on Fido Website, Launch Imminent appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

Feature Overview and Unboxing

I already posted a BlackBerry Z10 unboxing video a couple of weeks ago, so this is just going to be a quick recap. The BlackBerry Z10 is, of course, powered by the new BlackBerry 10 operating system. It gets a 4.2-inch 335ppi touchscreen, dual core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB storage, 8MP camera, 2MP front camera, and microSD expansion. It also gets both LTE and NFC, as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

On paper, the BlackBerry Z10 is quite competitive with the iPhone 5 and most higher end Android devices, except that its 4.2-inch screen is noticeably smaller than the much larger Android phones with their 4.7+ inch displays these days. BlackBerry World boasts about 70,000 apps for the Z10, many of which are ported over from their Android counterparts.

Hardware Impressions

The BlackBerry Z10 definitely feels very solid in the hands. I particularly like the rubbery back that provides a great grip. The profile is remarkably thin and I like how the front face is completely lacking in buttons, leaving a much sleeker overall appearance.

The volume controls are along the right side, which is fine, but the power button is in the middle of the top. What I found is that when I wanted to put the phone to sleep (by pressing the power button on top with my index finger), my thumb oftentimes pressed one of the volume buttons by accident. I’m wondering if this could be rectified by either shifting the power button to either side on top, or by placing it on the right side of the phone instead, relocating the volume buttons to the left side.

As I have grown accustomed to Android displays of 4.7-inches or bigger, getting back to the 4.2-inch display felt comparatively small. The overall form factor, in this way, is closer to the iPhone 5. The difference is that the word “BlackBerry” on the bottom is not a home button; it really doesn’t serve any real purpose.

BlackBerry 10 Gestures and UI

People who are coming from legacy BlackBerry products may face some confusion with BlackBerry 10. There is no BlackBerry button, for example, nor is there is a hardware back button. Just about everything is done via gestures and many of these originate from off the screen, not unlike webOS. You get back to the home screen, for instance, by swiping up from off the bottom of the display (where the BlackBerry name is). You swipe in from the right side to access functions and swipe in from the top for certain contextual settings.

The UI isn’t terrible, but there is a bit of a learning curve. One thing that BlackBerry 10 is still lacking, though, are home screen widgets. You only get a page where it displays your last eight apps in a widgetized kind of form, but you can’t “pin” any of these to stay there forever. You can rearrange the apps in the app drawer, but that’s not really the same thing.

And speaking of apps, there just aren’t enough at the moment. The pre-installed YouTube “app” is simply a browser shortcut, for example. The native Twitter app, while functional, isn’t nearly robust enough for power users. It doesn’t support lists and your DMs are bundled together with your mentions in a single column. That’s not good enough. The hope is that third-party developers will continue to adopt this platform and, in time, the app selection will improve.

BlackBerry Hub

Your real home is the BlackBerry Hub, which can be accessed by swiping up from the bottom and then toward the right. Alternatively, it is effectively the leftmost home screen. Here, all of your notifications are amalgamated into a single interface, including texts, emails, Facebook updates, Twitter, Foursquare and so on. There are several “tricks” and UI quirks here that you can use, but I feel there is still a lot that can be improved.

For instance, when you are within one of the notifications, there is no option to easily move to the next one. Instead, you have to hit back to get back to the list of notifications and then choose the next notification. It should be simpler and faster than that.

Camera and Video

The 8MP camera on the BlackBerry Z10 is decent, but it won’t win any awards either. It seems to have a habit of overexposing, leaving some washed out elements, but this really depends on your lighting conditions. Here is a macro-esque shot that I took indoors under soft incandescent lighting.

Clarity and detail are good enough to get the job done most of the time. Much like the rest of BB10, the camera app has a bit of a learning curve. For instance, it’s not tap-to-focus, as it is continually hunting for autofocus. It’s tap for shutter, so you have to make sure the square is green before tapping the display. I uploaded a full 1080p HD video to YouTube, as well as more photo samples to Flickr if you want to see some more. They’re all untouched and unedited, taken straight out of the phone.

Conclusion

I tried to be optimistic about the BlackBerry Z10. This was supposed to represent the rebirth of the company and a real push to, at the very least, be seen as a legitimate number three in the world of smartphones behind Android and iOS. The device has been able to attract some new users, to be sure, but we can already see that they’re starting to run low on momentum.

BlackBerry 10, as a platform, is an overall improvement over previous versions and it’s good to see that BlackBerry is prioritizing the development of third party apps. The phone itself is solid and it performs well, but it still feels incomplete compared to the more mature Android and iPhone offerings already on the market. It lacks a unique selling proposition that would make me want this instead of what Google, Samsung, HTC, Apple and others are giving us.

If BlackBerry manages to survive and if the Q10 gives them a little boost later this year, then I’m hoping that the BlackBerry Z11 and Q11 will be the real stars that the Z10 and Q10 should have been.

Mobilemag Score: 7/10

The post BlackBerry Z10 Smartphone Review appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

This ruling came by way of Judge H.A. Lamoureux from the Provincial Court of Alberta. Christopher McKay was arrested for impaired driving, but when he was brought back to the station, he was told that he could contact an attorney. He didn’t really know what to do, but he made a phone call. The call was unsuccessful and thinking that he was only allowed one call (as is depicted on TV), he sat back down.

During the hearing, this information came up and McKay said that he didn’t consider 411 to be a “viable search engine.” He’d much prefer to go online and use Google to learn what he could, do the necessary research, and hopefully contact an appropriate attorney. He was never afforded this opportunity at the police station at the time.

Judge Lamoureux recognizes that times are changing. In his official statement, he said that the “vast majority of individuals born after the year 1980 first look to the virtual world for information.” Since McKay didn’t have said Internet access, Lamoureux ruled that the accused “was not given a reasonable opportunity to exercise his right to access a lawyer.”

That sets a precedent and I think it’s one that makes sense, so long as the proper precautions and restrictions are put into place. Given this, though, it’s only a matter of time before your “one phone call” turns into a Facebook status asking, “Can anyone recommend me a lawyer? Kinda need one right now.”

[Source]

The post Canadian Judge Rules Access to Google Is a Right for the Arrested appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

While Blackberry 10′s launch is just around the corner, there are still those that say RIM has little chance of recovery if they keep down the same path. This is why many of those naysayers believe that RIM should consider selling its hardware business.

While I personally think RIM is a good company and Blackberry 10 could have a chance at revitalizing the Blackberry world, RIM’s CEO Thorsten Heins has now admitted that they are considering multiple paths for the future– including the posibility of selling its hardware division after the launch of Blackberry 10.

Heins mentions the possibility of selling their hardware through German newspaper Die Welt (translation):

This strategic review is still running, even if the pressure… has decreased. We do not want to limit our options… There are several options, including the sale of the hardware production… But there is no reason for us to decide in hectic. It is important first of all, BlackBerry 10 successfully putting them on the market. Then we shall see.

Keep in mind that Thorsten Heins is NOT confirming plans to sell RIM’s Blackberry line, he is simply stating that they understand various options and keep them in mind as they look to the future. What do you think, does BB10 have what it takes to make a big difference for RIM or are they better off moving out of the hardware business and focusing on other possible avenues?

[ source ]

The post RIM CEO Admits They May Consider Selling Their Hardware Division in the Future appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

You have to remember that only that gold-plated portion in the middle of your SIM card is actually serving any kind of real purpose. That’s the only part that gets you connected to your carrier, identifying your device to the network. It only makes sense that we should get rid of as much of the surrounding fodder as possible.

What we see here are the nanoSIMs that will be sold by Canadian carriers Rogers Wireless and Fido. They’ll both support the fast 4G LTE network, giving iPhone 5 users the ability to best utilize the “ultrafast wireless” in their new handset. The nanoSIM itself measures a measly 8.8 x 12.3mm, making it that much easier to drop and lose. Thankfully, it’ll stay safely stowed away inside your phone most of the time anyway. The other good news is that your new nanoSIM will be included with your iPhone 5 contract price. Interestingly, someone has commented that Telus is charging ten bucks for their nanoSIM.

The expectation is that future smartphones will likely adopt the nanoSIM standard too. That little bit of extra space can accommodate other more useful bits, like wireless radios, memory and bigger batteries.

[Source]

The post First Look at iPhone 5 nanoSIM Cards appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

With its delay of its new B10 OS, tons of rumors about possible acquisitions and other drama falling down on RIM at a regular basis, they just can’t seem to catch a break. Luckily, a California Judge has finally given them that big break, overturning a recent ruling on a patent infringement case against RIM.

Last month a jury determined that Research In Motion had infringed on patents owned by Mformation, a company based in Edison, New Jersey, rewarding Mformation with $147.2 million. RIM had adamantly stuck behind the claim that no wrongdoing happened on their part, and upon further reviewing the case, a Judge determined that RIM had never truly infringed after all. While Mformation is likely to appeal this newest development, the good news for RIM is that even if an appeal goes through, a new trial would occur and the existing jury verdict would not be reinstated.

The future of RIM is still one riddled with questions and challenges, but avoiding the massive $147.2 million suite is a major victory for the company. Stockholders clearly recognize this win as well, with stock at RIM gaining 2.12% at close on Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Research in Motion might not be the smartphone champion it was in earlier days, but the game isn’t over yet.

[ source ]

The post Judge Saves The Day for RIM, Overturns Patent Verdict appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

The company reported an adjusted operating profit of $1.27 billion in the second quarter of this year from the $3.1 billion in revenues that it received. Both of those figures are up from the same quarter last year and that growth is fueled heavily by a 13% increase in data revenue. Cable TV revenues are dropping, possibly due to alternative sources like Crackle and Netflix. Home phone revenues remained flat. But data, it grew from 35% of revenue last year to 39% of revenue for this year.

This growth is “highlighted by strong postpaid wireless smartphone sales and customer retention metrics,” said Rogers president and chief executive Nadir Mohamed. He also cites the “exceptionally strong margins in both our wireless and cable businesses.” You know that $25-$30 data option you have on your phone? That’s probably pretty profitable for the boys and girls at Rogers.

[Source]

The post Rogers Rakes in 39% of All Revenues from Mobile Data Fees appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

Spec for the spec, the Ascend P1 looks like it can hold its own against most higher-end Android smartphones. There’s a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display, a 1.5GHz dual core processor, and a full 1GB of RAM. As an added differentiator, it also boasts a unique 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound System. Rounding out the specs are its 8MP camera with 1080p support and a thin 7.69mm profile, which is a hair thicker than the 6.68mm Ascend P1 S. I guess the S stands for super-slim.

In keeping with the budget-friendly nature of Wind, the Huawei Ascend P1 has also been priced accordingly. If you take on a $40 monthly plan, the Ascend P1 can be yours for $49 on WINDtab. If you go for the cheaper $25 plan, then the price is $199. In both cases, you can get a free pair of tickets to see The Expendables 2 in theatres when you buy this phone. I’m not sure what Huawei has to do with Sylvester Stallone, but there you go. The full press release is below.

Highly Anticipated Huawei Ascend P1 smartphone now available in Canada at WIND Mobile

MARKHAM, ON, July 19, 2012 /CNW/ – Huawei Canada announced today that the Huawei Ascend P1, with its 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and Android 4.0 ICS OS, is now available to Canadians through WIND Mobile. The Ascend P1 is the latest offering from Huawei’s expanding suite of high-end smartphone devices.

“The Ascend P1 is a welcome addition to Huawei Canada’s device lineup and we’re very happy to be able to offer it to Canadians,” said Alane Zhang, General Manager of Huawei Device Canada. “Its exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled performance create a truly unique mobile experience for the user.” The Huawei Ascend P1 combines good looks with a fantastic audiovisual experience. Powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and running on Android 4.0 ICS, the Ascend P1 offers users a movie theatre-quality cinematic experience with its super AMOLED, 4.3 inch screen and 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound System.

At only 7.69 mm thick, the Huawei Ascend P1 is one of the thinnest smartphones available in Canada. The 64.8 mm frame allows the Ascend P1 to sit comfortably in the user’s palm, giving them the ability to navigate all the phone’s features with a single hand.

“The Huawei Ascend P1 is the perfect device for smartphone enthusiasts,” said Anthony Lacavera, CEO and Chairman of WIND Mobile. “And when combined with our contract-free, truly unlimited plans users can get the most out of their Ascend P1.”

WIND Mobile will launch the Ascend P1 at for $49 on WINDtab and will be available at WIND Mobile locations nationwide. For a chance to win a Huawei Ascend P1 smartphone, and a trip to Los Angeles for the Hollywood premiere of The Expendables 2, please visit http://www.facebook.com/WINDmobile.

The post Wind Mobile Launches Huawei Ascend P1 Android ICS Smartphone appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

This is great for the coffee-drinking public, to be sure, but it’s also pretty great for Bell Canada. Remember that Bell is already serving up the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks, McDonald’s, Indigo and Chapters locations. Adding Tim Hortons to the mix with its over 2,000 locations has got to be a pretty fantastic contract. Tim Hortons underwent a “rigorous six-month testing process with multiple service providers,” finding that Bell “delivered a fast and reliable service.”

The high-speed Wi-Fi rollout at Timmy’s has already started and they expect to cover more than 90 percent of Tim Hortons locations by September. That’s just in time for all the college kids going back to school, returning to the routine of constant caffeination and studying.

[Source]

The post Free WiFi Coming to 2000+ Tim Hortons Restaurants in Canada appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

There’s no official model name or number for this device just yet, but we’re hearing that the first BlackBerry 10 device (formerly BBX) will be touch-only, falling in line with Windows Phone, Android, and iOS. It’s not the first tiime that RIM has released a touch-only smartphone, but it did establish itself in the market with one of the best thumb-friendly hardware keyboards out there.

It sounds like RIM isn’t going to focus solely on doing the touchscreen-only thing moving forward. As not to alienate its (shrinking) user base, a BlackBerry 10 device with a physical QWERTY keyboard is being projected for a Q1 2013 launch. It could be a slider, like the Storm, or it could have a smaller display and conventional keyboard, like the Bold.

Now if only RIM can convince more app developers to start working with the platform…

[Source]

The post RIM BlackBerry 10 Device Unveiling This August appeared first on Mobile Magazine.