RIM Supercharges BlackBerry Browser with WebKit

By Nick Mokey Published February 16, 2010

BlackBerry owners who have long envied the smooth Web browsing of peers with competing smartphones will finally get their time in the sun this year. On Tuesday, Research in Motion took the stage at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to announce a forthcoming new browser along with new server software for businesses.

The browser will use the same open-source WebKit browser engine employed by the likes of Safari on the iPhone, Palm’s WebOS browser, and the Google Android browser.

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“You’ll see how fast it downloads, how quickly it renders and how smooth it scrolls and zooms in,” RIM co-CEO Mike Lazaridis told BusinessWorld.

RIM also announced Enterprise Server Express, a free version of the Enterprise Server software used to by businesses to provide corporate e-mail, calendars and other productivity services to employees. Although it will lack some of the more advanced features, “free” should be a compelling point beside a traditional license, which typically costs upwards of $3,000. It will be available for download in March.

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As Digital Trends’ Editor in Chief, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team covering every gadget under the sun, along with…

Mobile

TCL won’t make BlackBerry phones anymore, sending the brand back into limbo

BlackBerry Key2 LE review

TCL Communication has announced it will no longer be making BlackBerry smartphones, after taking over the dormant brand at the end of 2016, and bringing it back to life with a series of ever-improving devices. In a statement tweeted out by the official BlackBerry Mobile account, TCL Communication does not have the rights to design, manufacture, or sell BlackBerry phones any longer.

This means the BlackBerry Key 2 LE will be the last BlackBerry-branded phone produced by TCL Communication to be released, and it follows the BlackBerry Key 2, and the BlackBerry KeyOne. TCL Communication’s BlackBerry phones took the features fans of the brand loved — the physical keyboard, long battery life, and extra levels of security — and put them inside modern hardware with Google Android software. While not for everyone, they were successful with those either familiar with the brand, or those looking for something a little different.
What does this mean for BlackBerry?
The future of BlackBerry phones is once again unknown. While TCL Communication will not make another BlackBerry phone, it does not necessarily mean we will never see another BlackBerry phone. It’s possible the global license could be snapped up by another company eager to capitalize on the brand’s highly recognizable name. HMD Global, for example, has seen considerable success with the Nokia name since acquiring the license, while British phone maker Bullitt owns the license to make phones from brands including Cat, JCB, and Land Rover.

Mobile

Google Messages is going to make backing up and restoring texts so much easier

Google messages versus samsung messages app icons side by side on Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Backing up and restoring Google Messages on Android is managed through Google One in the device’s Settings app. However, you can’t perform this action directly from the Google Messages app. This may change soon.

According to 9to5Google, a Google Messages app beta (version 20241118_02_RC00) includes references to a backup and restore option directly in the app.Android Authority has been able to view images of the new feature and offer early insight into how it works.

Mobile

Own the Galaxy Watch 6 for less than $200, but act fast!

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 on its charger.

Welcome to the world of wearables. From smartwatch deals to fitness deals, we always have our eyes peeled for the best discounts on top-rated tech from brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung. Speaking of the Big S, we came across this fantastic offer while vetting through Best Buy deals:

Right now, when you purchase the 44mm Graphite version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, you’ll only pay $190. At full price, this model sells for $330. We tested the Galaxy Watch 6 well over a year ago, and our reviewer had this to say: “The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the new go-to recommendation if you want an Android smartwatch. It's reliable, powerful, and still a great value.”