BlackBerry looks to focus on Android handsets for 2016

Updated on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 10:41AM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

After BlackBerry CEO John Chen confirmed that the company would only release two Android powered devices in 2016 behind the perceived success of the BlackBerry PRIV, Damian Tay, BlackBerry’s senior director of product management in Asia Pacific all but confirmed that BB10-powered BlackBerry devices are no longer a priority and are seen as transitory devices. “The future is really Android,” Tay said in an interview with Economic Time India.

“The PRIV device is essentially our transition to Android ecosystem. As we secure Android, over a period of time, we would not have two platforms, and may have only Android as a platform [for smartphones],” Damian Tay said. “But for now, we have BB10 and Android platforms for our smartphones.”

Click to read more ...

March 15 being eyed for next Apple Launch Event

Tuesday March 15 is likely the date for this year's first Apple Launch Event that will likely focus on three product releases. A new 4-inch iPhone, the iPad Air 3 and more Apple Watch accessory bands are expected to be among the products that will be unveiled by Apple.

Apple is expected to diversify its iPhone portfolio with an updated 4-inch model that could be considered an entry-level or more affordable option for users coming from iPhone 4S or iPhone 5/5S/5C models. While the 4.7-inch iPhone 6S and 5.5-inch iPhone 6S Plus are widely popular, there are still over 60 per cent of iOS users who have not updated to the newer form factors and the larger size may be what is holding them back.

A new iPad Air is definitely in the books and expected to possibly bring some, if not most of the iPad Pro's marquee features. Having a smaller tablet that can take accessory keyboards via a Smart Connector plus Apple Pencil input, will certainly push various iPad and iPad Air users to consider upgrading, specially if a new iPad will feature the latest A9X processor. Apple Watch isn't expected to see a refresh until maybe later this year, but this doesn't mean that Apple won't release more accessory bands or introduce new collaborations with other fashion houses like it did with the Hermes Edition Watch. 

Source: 9to5Mac

Dyson's Small Ball vacuum has the most powerful suction of any lightweight vacuum

Dyson's just launched its Small Ball Vacuum which has the most powerful suction of any lightweight device in its category and is ideal for smaller spaces such as offices or apartments. Dyson understands that for many Canadians, space is at a premium.  In fact, did you know that one in eight Canadian households lives in a condo or apartment? Or that, according to CBRE Group Inc., there were nearly 24,000 rental units under construction across Canada in the second half of 2015 – up 52 per cent from just the year before.

Click to read more ...

Star Wars: The Force Awakens to get Lego game treatment

Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be getting its own Lego game that's coming on June 28th to PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii, 3DS and PC. Players of Sony systems get an exclusive Droid Character Pack and Phantom Limb Level Pack. We can expect a breakneck platformer with lots of humour and surprises. There will be many opportunities to build, and destroy environments plus the chance to play as many of the major characters which should have fans of all ages riveted.