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Celio have finally released their software driver for BlackBerry owners wishing to use the company's REDFLY "Mobile Companion" device. Announced back in September, the new software means the BlackBerry's display can be replicated on the netbook-sized REDFLY C8N and C7 terminals, with users able to take advantage of a larger keyboard and a trackpad for navigation.
Celio are still attempting to carve out a niche for themselves in the “smartphone companion” segment, and to do that they’ve expanded support from Windows Mobile to BlackBerry handsets. Select RIM smartphones can now link up to Celio’s REDFLY netbook-style terminals, giving users a bigger display and larger keyboard for easier messaging, working and internet browsing.
Video demo after the cut
Celio are looking to broaden support for their REDFLY smartphone companion device, tipping compatibility with RIM’s handsets and potentially Google’s smartphone platform. The company is apparently looking into developing BlackBerry support for the REDFLY devices by the end of 2009, with Android likely to be the next candidate after that.
Celio, best known for their controversial REDFLY smartphone companion devices, have released the first beta of their REDFLY Mobile Viewer. The app, currently for Windows XP or Vista systems only, allows Windows Mobile smartphones to be connected to a standard PC and their software used at up to 1024 x 768 resolution.
Celio’s REDFLY smartphone companion device seems destined to polarize opinion. The first reviews of the newly announced C8N are popping up, and while many are still having trouble seeing how this brainless (in the nicest possible way) netbook-style terminal brings anything desirable to the table, those who actually spend some time using it do seem to warm to the concept.
It probably wouldn’t be unfair to say that Celio’s REDFLY hasn’t exactly been the outlandish sales success the company was hoping for. Intended as a companion device for your Windows Mobile smartphone, it has the form factor of a netbook but none of the independence: without the cellphone, the REDFLY does nothing. Rather than roll over and quietly expire, however, Celio are back with two new products, the REDFLY C7 and C8N.
JP
