Since RIM acquired The Astonishing Tribe (TAT) back in December we haven’t heard much about them but it looks like they’ve produced in preparation for MWC 2011. Over at the Inside BlackBerry blogs, Douglas posted a pair if videos where TAT demonstrates two BlackBerry PlayBook tablet apps: Scrapbook and Aura. Here’s a bit about each app:

In the short amount of time since joining RIM, they’ve already built a variety of fun apps demonstrating the performance of the BlackBerry PlayBook platform. One application that caught our eye was the “scrapbook” app, which demonstrates advanced four-finger multi-touch controls and rich graphics in the above video.

The “aura” application shown in the video above demonstrates rich graphics and physics engine similar to TAT’s “scrapbook” demo, but was built entirely with web technologies like HTML5 and CSS. Built in a week, “aura” demonstrates how web developers can leverage the professional grade performance of the BlackBerry PlayBook platform just like Adobe AIR and native application developers.

Definitely some nice apps from TAT and it looks like they worked in some of their 3D talent. Seeing what TAT can do with the PlayBook is exciting because I can’t wait to see what other apps get published for the PlayBook and future BlackBerry smartphones. Check out the videos below and let me know what you think in the comments!

WATCH THE VIDEOS!

It was only a matter of time before some fresh rumors popped up about RIM and the future of BlackBerry smartphones, especially after their recent acquisition of The Astonishing Tribe. If you took a look at the videos I included in the post about their purchase of TAT, you will have seen some pretty awesome video demos. A few in particular showcased TAT’s concepts for 3D applications and displays using maps and lists.

According to a few websites, RIM is considering getting into the 3D smartphone race like Apple and Google. Whether this is the reason for purchasing TAT still isn’t clear but it would make sense to incorporate their 3D concepts in future BlackBerry smartphones. One site argued that this might affect RIM’s point on functionality over appearance, but I disagree. I think the two can co-exist on the same platform as long as it’s done well.

I’ve included the two video demos where TAT shows off their 3D concepts below so check them out and let me know what you think in the comments!

WATCH THE VIDEOS!

RIM today announced on their Inside BlackBerry blogs that they’ve acquired The Astonishing Tribe (TAT). The acquisition was announced by RIM’s Chief Technology Officer, David Yach:

For those who don’t know, TAT is renowned for their innovative mobile user interface (UI) designs and has a long history of working with mobile and embedded technology. TAT focuses on delivering great user experiences, from a design, technology, and usability perspective. Their design technology is used today in a variety of industries including the consumer electronics and automotive sectors.

TAT will be used to enhance the BlackBerry PlayBook along with QNX Software Systems and possibly help bring a new look to the smartphone OS. After going through their site and watching some videos, I couldn’t be more excited about this acquisition. They have some really great concepts and designs that will definitely help RIM get some “defectors” back and may even surprise competitors like Apple and Google.

For more on TAT visit tat.se. I’ve included some videos of their work below so be sure to check them out and let me know what you think in the comments!

WATCH THE VIDEOS!