BlackBerry MWC announcements focus on platforms over devices

It's really no surprise that BlackBerry made a number of platform announcements with no handset news at the Mobile World Congress. BlackBerry has been moving to its Internet of Things as well as providing industry-wide security solutions and partnering with Samsung on enterprise-grade security offerings.

Announcements at Mobile World Congress include how the BlackBerry Experience is being made cross-platform, updates to their KNOX partnership with frenemy Samsung, and a suite of new BBM customization options. 

“Flexibility without compromise is what current and former BlackBerry users tell us time and again they want from their mobile device. They want BlackBerry’s legendary security and core productivity and collaboration capabilities while still being able to choose a device that matches their lifestyle and personality," said BlackBerry CEO and Executive Chairman John Chen. Hit jump for specifics.

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Samsung launches Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones aimed at consumer and enterprise

Samsung revealed its dual flagship phones, the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge. Featuring an all-Gorilla Glass case that covers the front and the back the new S6 devices no longer offer removable batteries or expandable microSD card slots. They do come in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities when they come to 30 countries. 

Featuring 5.1" quad HD Super AMOLED displays, the S6 and S6 Edge both run on a Quad 2.1GHz +Quad 1.5Ghz Octacore applications processor and 3GB of RAM. Samsung is focusing on design and materials this time around and the new Galaxy S6s are expected to be the most durable and well-constructed devices we've seen from Samsung. Pricing is similarly expected to be premium. Remember, the Note Edge costs $900 off contract.

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More midrange devices leaked by Microsoft for MWC 2015

It seems Microsoft is content in continuing to push out midrange Lumia devices. Two more handsets, the Lumia 640 and the 640 XL are slated for release during the company's keynote tomorrow.  Microsoft inadvertently leaked the information in their own Microsoft News Centre.

The Lumia 640 is supposedly a 5-inch device fitted with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage and will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 400 processor. It should be running Windows 10 for smartphone.

We should expect an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1-megapixel Skype camera. The Lumia 640 XL is likely a larger variant. Earlier rumours suggested that Microsoft was going to launch around five new handsets as well as outline their plans for Windows 10 on smartphones. This may still happen as Nokia has always had a starring role at Mobile World Congress, so I'm hoping we'll get more exciting product announcements.

Source: Pocket-Lint.com, Microsoft

HTC One (M9) arriving in Canada on Bell, Rogers, SaskTel, TELUS, and Videotron early spring

The HTC One (M9) flagship smartphone is coming to Canada early Spring and is a lock for carriers like  Bell, Rogers, SaskTel, TELUS, and Videotron. Pricing hasn't been revealed but it should be along the lines of most flagship devices available on two-year contracts.

he HTC One M9 will be available with a range of unique and customizable accessories including the second generation HTC Dot View case, which adds more retro personalization thanks to a host of new features and colour options.

Am updated version of the HTC Dot View can handle alerts from Instagram, Snapchat and Badoo with through-the-case notifications.

A new IP68 water resistant Active Case and Active Headset is also coming for the new HTC One. 

Source: HTC