“The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is already being widely recognized for its superior performance, rich web experience, enterprise readiness and deep support for web standards and open development tools,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “We are now building on the BlackBerry PlayBook’s many advantages with support for additional 4G networks that will allow enhanced business opportunities for carriers and developers and unparalleled mobile experiences for users.”

Among other capabilities, the tablet features Web-based media, gaming and applications, Wi-Fi connectivity, a seven-inch LCD display, video conferencing, and forward-facing and rear-facing cameras.

BlackBerry Playbook tablet specs include:

• 7″ 1024×600 WSVGA capacitive LCD touch screen
• Ultra-portable at less than a pound and less than one-half inch thick: 0.9 lbs (400g) and 5.1” x 7.6” x 0.4” (130mm x 194mm x 10mm)
• 1 GHz dual-core processor
• Support for 1080p HD video playback (H.264, MPEG4, WMV)
• HDMI out
• Dual HD cameras for video conferencing and video capture
• 1 GB RAM
• Up to 64 GB internal storage (16, 32 and 64 GB models)
• Wi-Fi

Verizon launched its 4G LTE network this past December in 39 markets and hopes to reach its existing 3G coverage area by 2013.

“We’re extremely pleased to work with Verizon Wireless to bring KAYAK for BlackBerry: Flight and Hotel Search to customers, giving them an easy-to-use interface to make travel arrangements,” said KAYAK Chief Architect, Bill O’Donnell. “The mobile version has already been installed on more than 2.5 million unique devices, and we look forward to expanding even more with Verizon Wireless customers.”

The free app provides customers the same service found at KAYAK.com, including the ability to find and book flights, hotels and rental cars by comparing hundreds of travel sites with just one search, helping users save money by finding travel deals. KAYAK for BlackBerry: Flight and Hotel Search also allows customers to track flights, manage trip itineraries and calculate baggage fees.

To get KAYAK for BlackBerry: Flight and Hotel Search, customers with select BlackBerry smartphones can download the app in V CAST Apps under the Travel & Navigation category. KAYAK Flight and Hotel Search is also available in Android Market™, and customers with Android smartphones can find the app by searching for “KAYAK.”

Key features and specss:

• 35-key full QWERTY backlit keyboard for fast, accurate typing and optical trackpad for easy and fluid navigation
• BlackBerry® Media Sync to easily sync music as well as photos with the smartphone*
• 512 MB Flash memory and microSD/SDHC slot that supports up to 32 GB memory cards for media storage
• Built-in GPS with support for geo-tagging and location-based applications, including VZ Navigator, which provides audible turn-by-turn directions to millions of points of interest and the option to share the directions with others
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Camera with video recording
• Easy mobile access to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Flickr as well as popular instant messaging services
• Support for BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones

The BlackBerry Curve will be cost $29.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.

“Consumers want to do more with their wireless phones, and V CAST Apps is another way Verizon Wireless is bringing the most desirable applications to the nation’s most reliable network,” said Ryan Hughes, vice president, business development and partner management for Verizon Wireless. “The rollout of V CAST Apps provides proof that the company is focused on delivering the most innovative services and applications that will entertain, educate and make their lives a little more fun.”

V CAST Apps is currently available on the BlackBerry Bold 9650, BlackBerry Storm29550, BlackBerry Curve 8530 and BlackBerry Tour 9630 and will be coming in the next couple weeks to the BlackBerry Storm 9530 and BlackBerry Curve 8330. Verizon Wireless will send all BlackBerry smartphone customers that use BlackBerry Internet Service an icon that links to V CAST Apps, giving customers access to hundreds of productivity, navigation and education apps as well as games and entertainment.