Struggling RIM launches mobile version of tablet

Research in Motion unveiled a mobile version of its PlayBook tablet in Canada as the struggling BlackBerry maker looked to gain footing in the fast-growing market. The company, whose sales of 260,000 tablets in the past quarter left it far behind the leaders, said the new 4G version would be available in Canada on August 9 and in other markets in the coming months. "We're excited to bring customers the first BlackBerry PlayBook tablet with support for 4G LTE networks," said David Smith, executive vice president for mobile computing. "The new 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook offers a broad range of premium features, including a stunning seven-inch display, front and rear facing HD video cameras... it also offers premium performance on high speed cellular networks, helping customers to be more productive than ever and to make the most of their time on the go." RIM in June offered up a grim quarterly report showing deepening losses and worsening sales, as it announced 5,000 job cuts and a delay in its new smartphone platform. The company, which has been hammered in the rapidly changing market now dominated by makers of devices using Google's Android software and Apple's iPhone, said it would cut jobs to boost efficiency and save $1 billion in operating costs. The company delayed its new BlackBerry 10 platform, which had been expected later this year in an effort to drive sales in the key holiday season. The new platform is widely seen as the last chance for BlackBerry to regain traction in the marketplace.