All New PlayBook Tablets Running BB10 Likely to Be Launched by End of Q2

March 17, 2013 By Sovan Mandal 9 Comments

An all new PlayBook tablet running the company’s latest BB10 operating system is in development. The revelation was made by Mike Al Mefleh, director of product management at BlackBerry, while speaking to Emirates 24|7 at the BlackBerry User’s Forum held recently in Dubai. Mike could not assign any specific launch dates, but has stated the new PlayBook could become a reality around the end of the second quarter. Also, while the specifics were clearly missing, chances are that this time we could be treated to a 10 inch PlayBook version that has been optimized to run the BB10 OS.

Meanwhile, an update to the current 7 inch PlayBook devices that will make them run BB10 is also on its way, and chances are that it could be released earlier than the new PlayBook. Interestingly, this comes on the back of the company denying any effort was spent on an all new PlayBook version. There is no denying a strong user base of the PlayBook exists, while the tablet is also reported to have registered some strong sales in the UK during the holiday season. This makes it quite clear that a new PlayBook will have a lot of takers, more so when the new BB10 platform seems to have clicked with users, something exemplified by strong sales of its new Z10 smartphone. Under the circumstances, a new PlayBook does look to be a distinct possibility.

Sovan Mandal (2780 Posts)

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email

News Items of Interest

Claude Balloune

Get me one of them BB10 devices, and I’ll check it out! From the perspective of us geriatrics and geezers.
Maybe even write a positive report, like I did with Win-8 devices!
MKET

I’ve had the Z10 for about three weeks now. It is fantastic—LTE is blazing fast. Lots of APPS but still some missing–like Netflix–but that should change I hope. My work phone is an iphone 4S but I’m going to change it in the next cycle with Blackberry.
Ed

I love the playbook over all my other devices, the only reason it failed in the US was because of all the negative propaganda, if anyone bothered to pick one up they would notice its almost essentially BB10, The only reason The Z10 made it over the playbook was that this time around blackberry got the marketing right.

People are like sheep, they pretty much believe what they told hence ipads success even when its junk and a hole in your wallet with chains…
z10 netflix user

You can sideload a Netflix app on the z10. Not really “missing” anymore.
cellular3

I’m sorry, but I’m bursting to tell someone.
I just finished watching “The Life of Pi” on my 42″ HDTV via HDMI link to my Z10 BlackBerry. I’d downloaded it as a 48hr rental from BlackBerry World store.
I’d heard it was possible to do this and suspected it would be an Okay experience if somewhat pixelated, but it was fantastic. First because it’s a very good, no it’s great movie. Second it was easy to download over WIFI, 48hours viewing within 30 days, and very easy to hook-up and play. And finally because the picture was perfect,full HD quality not like Netflix;!! And so was the Audio. I suspect watching off BluRay dvd might be sharper but couldn’t be much better. I’m really impressed!!
dan_amd

Enjoy your slow junk PB, I’ll enjoy my incredibly fast iPad.
Papa Deano

It’s funny that you say it’s a piece of junk when you probably haven’t even tried it. The playbook is one of the best tablets around. You only think the iPad is better because you don’t want to admit that you could have received just as good or even better experience using the playbook and even saving $200 to $300. What a shame!!
Shafiq Abbas

Kindly let me the date when the BB10 OS will be released for 7 inch Playbook..?…

Another query is, if BB10 is released for 7 inch Playbook, will many of the apps be free for it..?..or it costs the same?…
chris

not true. Fair enough the ipad is overpriced, but so is the playbook! I have one and for $200 I got ripped off. The app support is shocking, the browser is horribly slow and the overall experience isn’t a good one.