Archive for the ‘BlackBerry News’ Category

This week the BlackBerry Torch launched and we have a lot of great content. Make sure to bookmark this page and watch all of the BlackBerry launch event videos we have on the site (more on the way). The BlackBerry Torch launch has been generally a nightmare for RIM from a mainstream media perspective. Several newspapers have negative stories about the Torch on their front page which is really surprising. It seems everyone is forgetting what makes BlackBerry great and why it’s the number 1 smartphone. We’ll have a review up soon so stay tuned.

BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry 6 News

RIM Officially Announces the BlackBerry Torch 9800
BlackBerry App World Warns Developers to Change Device Support Details
Bell Officially Announces the BlackBerry Torch Slider
Leaked BlackBerry 6 Developer Briefing Shows Upcoming APIs
Rogers Announces the BlackBerry Torch Coming Soon
BlackBerry Torch Slider Launch Event Pictures
RIM and AT&T BlackBerry Torch Launch Event Impressions
RIM Announces Java SDK to Support BlackBerry 6 with Torch Simulators
AT&T and RIM Discuss the BlackBerry Torch Collaboration
BlackBerry Torch vs BlackBerry Storm2 Acid3 Test
BlackBerry Torch Coming to Wal-Mart
Mike Lazaridis Introduces BlackBerry 6 on the BlackBerry Torch
AT&T Wireless Marketing Chief Debuts AT&T BlackBerry Torch TV Spot
BlackBerry Torch Launch Event: User Interface and OS 6 Details
Best Buy Announces Pre-Sale of BlackBerry Torch Today

Apps

Free IM+ Lite App Updated with Completely Revamped User Interface
Rdio Launches Subscription Based Social Music Service with App

Games

Spot the Differences with Photo Quest by BBerryGo
Wrath Retro Shooter Available as Deal of the Day (50% Off)

Themes

Catalyst Multimedia Launch Tropical Theme With Shortcuts and Transitions

News

BlackBerry Services Disconnected in UAE as of October
Live From the BlackBerry Torch Slider Launch Event
RIM Says It’s Unable to Accommodate Government Requests for Data Access
BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 Available from Rogers for $79.99 on 3 yr Plan
The Official Word from RIM About BlackBerry Security and Data Access

Other

Why RIM Should Cut Its Losses in the United Arab Emirates Market
Why Do You Use a BlackBerry? CNN Talks to BlackBerryCool
Cortado Announce Corporate Server 5.0 with Active Directory Search

Cortado has recently announced Cortado Corporate Server 5.0 which now allows cross-platform integration of BlackBerry including BIS devices, and other smartphones into corporate IT. CCS 5.0 also includes a new Active Directory search feature which allows users to find network printers more easily. Cortado also allows BIS users to access IT resources as well as access shared corporate drives, view and manage files and send files via e-mail, as well as print, fax, scan, copy or create a PDF.

Cortado Corporate Server 5.0 is available for five users for US $995, including Update Service. A free demo version can be downloaded by visiting cortado.com/corporate.

Cortado has recently announced Cortado Corporate Server 5.0 which now allows cross-platform integration of BlackBerry including BIS devices, and other smartphones into corporate IT. CCS 5.0 also includes a new Active Directory search feature which allows users to find network printers more easily. Cortado also allows BIS users to access IT resources as well as access shared corporate drives, view and manage files and send files via e-mail, as well as print, fax, scan, copy or create a PDF.

Cortado Corporate Server 5.0 is available for five users for US $995, including Update Service. A free demo version can be downloaded by visiting cortado.com/corporate.

It was a big week for RIM, as they finally announced the BlackBerry 9800, to be released next Thursday, August 12, on AT&T. We’ve known most of the details for a while, so there’s no use running them down. It’s all about the impressions right now, and from my few minutes with the device I’d say it’s a positive.

So click on over here to hear the BBGeekcast (10 min, 47 sec)

And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss future episodes!

You can also subscribe to the BBGeekcast in iTunes.

Highlights include:
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Best Buy let us know that they’re now accepting pre-orders for the BlackBerry Torch 9800 from AT&T. The device doesn’t seem to be showing up on their site, but hopefully it will go live any minute now. The BlackBerry Torch from Best Buy Mobile will cost $199.99 with a new 2-year contract or upgrade purchase.

Pre-orders can be made by visiting any local Best Buy or Best Buy mobile standalone store, or by going online at www.bestbuy.com/mobile.

Recently we quoted a story from stating that RIM wasn’t about to acquiesce to demands about security. We were recently sent an official document sent to government and enterprise customers regarding the situation and it has provided much of the commentary you’ve seen in the mainstream media. Click through after the jump to read:

August 2, 2010

Dear Valued BlackBerry Customer:

Due to recent media reports, Research In Motion (RIM) recognizes that some customers are curious about the discussions that occur between RIM and certain governments regarding the use of encryption in BlackBerry products. RIM also understands that the confidential nature of these discussions has consequently given rise to speculation and misinterpretation. RIM respects both the regulatory requirements of government and the security and privacy needs of corporations and consumers. While RIM does not disclose confidential regulatory discussions that take place with any government, RIM assures its customers that it is committed to continue delivering highly secure and innovative products that satisfy the needs of both customers and governments.

Many public facts about the BlackBerry Enterprise Server security architecture have been well established over the years and remain unchanged. A recap of these facts, along with other general industry facts, should help our customers maintain confidence about the security of their information.

• RIM operates in over 175 countries today and provides a security architecture that is widely accepted by security conscious customers and governments around the world.
• Governments have a wide range of resources and methodologies to satisfy national security and law enforcement needs without compromising commercial security requirements.
• The use of strong encryption in wireless technology is not unique to the BlackBerry platform. Strong encryption is a mandatory requirement for all enterprise-class wireless email services.
• The use of strong encryption in information technology is not limited to the wireless industry. Strong encryption is used pervasively on the Internet to protect the confidentiality of personal and corporate information.
• Strong encryption is a fundamental requirement for a wide variety of technology products that enable businesses to operate and compete, both domestically and internationally.
• The BlackBerry security architecture was specifically designed to provide corporate customers with the ability to transmit information wirelessly while also providing them with the necessary confidence that no one, including RIM, could access their data.
• The BlackBerry security architecture for enterprise customers is based on a symmetric key system whereby the customer creates their own key and only the customer ever possesses a copy of their encryption key. RIM does not possess a “master key”, nor does any “back door” exist in the system that would allow RIM or any third party to gain unauthorized access to the key or corporate data.
• The BlackBerry security architecture for enterprise customers is purposefully designed to exclude the capability for RIM or any third party to read encrypted information under any circumstances. RIM would simply be unable to accommodate any request for a copy of a customer’s encryption key since at no time does RIM, or any wireless network operator, ever possess a copy of the key.
• The BlackBerry security architecture was also purposefully designed to perform as a global system independent of geography. The location of data centers and the customer’s choice of wireless network are irrelevant factors from a security perspective since end-to-end encryption is utilized and transmissions are no more decipherable or less secure based on the selection of a wireless network or the location of a data center. All data remains encrypted through all points of transfer between the customer’s BlackBerry Enterprise Server and the customer’s device (at no point in the transfer is data decrypted and re-encrypted).

RIM assures customers that it will not compromise the integrity and security of the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution.

There are all different ways you can use your BlackBerry to kill idle time. You can load up a memory card with music and jam out to your favorite tunes. You can read RSS feeds or even ebooks. You can play one of hundreds of games, including a couple of neat pre-loaded ones. But sometimes that gets old and you’ll want new entertainment. Lately in the Store I’ve noticed a series of trivia apps going up. A company called FanWide has released a series of 23 (so far) trivia games, which are great ways to kill time.

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Here is a video recap of the AT&T BlackBerry Torch press event in New York. There were a lot of major news outlets there for their smartphone sound byte. Almost every East Coast tech blogger that I had ever seen at a BlackBerry event were in attendance. The clickity-clack of 50 Macintosh-armed bloggers hummed through the tight set list of speakers who spoke with pride about what their teams had envisioned and accomplished in order to make this happen.

The tech demo booths where full of (physically) tethered BlackBerry Torch devices for people to try. In the displays there was a very limited selection of accessory and hardened case offerings. The devices were filled with a bare bones amount of fake information so you could see some notifications and calendar events. All the 1st party software was loaded along with an uninspired media collection. People swiped around the new BlackBerry 6 UI while chatting about the new stuff, mostly the surprisingly enjoyable mobile web browsing.

Stay tuned for our BlackBerry Torch Review.

It was a big week, of course, with RIM and AT&T announcing the BlackBerry Torch 9800. We’ve been getting excited about this one for months now, so it was nice to finally have an official announcement that included release date, August 12, and price, $199 with a two-year contract. That means we’re just a week away, so you might want to start lining up outside your local AT&T dealer soon.

(Yeah, just kidding.)

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This week at the BlackBerry Torch press launch, AT&T’s chief marketing officer for wireless spoke about how they are planning to execute the BlackBerry Torch launch. He explains AT&T’s work with and support for developers, and the advantages of pre-installed App World with carrier billing. He spoke about AT&T’s close ties and collaborations with RIM and also debuted the AT&T BlackBerry Torch TV spot.

RIM President and Co-CEO debuts the BlackBerry Torch and explains how the next generation BlackBerry OS will feel to a seasoned BlackBerry user, calling it “fresh but familiar”. He says naming of this device is giving credit to Torch Mobile, which was acquired by RIM just under a year ago. The BlackBerry Torch is the first BlackBerry with a WebKit browser and subsystem, whose technology Torch Mobile specializes in and helped integrate WebKit features into BlackBerry 6.

Most of the things that annoy me about the BlackBerry only annoy me for my own laziness. For instance, I used to shout at my computer every time I connected my BlackBerry, because it would automatically boot up Desktop Manager. This can get irritating if you’re just connecting to dump a few pictures onto the hard drive. Yet I could have avoided this (and I do now) by going into preferences and unchecking the very top option on the screen. Similarly, when I connect my BlackBerry ti asks if I want to enable Mass Storage Mode. Every time. I could tell the Berry not to ask me every time, but for some reason I don’t do it. Thankfully, we can nip this one in the bud.

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There are no details on pricing or an exact launch date but the Wal-Mart website lists the device as “Coming Soon!” with an August 2010 date. We know the device launches on AT&T on August 12th so Wal-Mart will surely have it available right around then. Wal-Mart has been known to offer some really sweet deals on BlackBerrys so hopefully this will be the place to get it cheap. Stay tuned and register for updates so you know as soon as it’s launched.

CNN recently put up a story addressing the issue “Why do people still use BlackBerrys” with the subtitle “It’s the smartphone everyone owns – and no one seems to like.” The article points to three anecdotal reasons that BlackBerry users have for liking the device including: the keyboard, red notification light and the fact that most are given one by their work.

The article starts off on a negative note, saying that “BlackBerry isn’t hip, high-tech or cheaper than its main competitors” which is all very questionable. Not only does the article not bother to justify this statement, but it also is making a common mistake that all mainstream media seem to be making these days. Somehow the media has it in their head that people don’t like BlackBerrys and they aren’t up to par with the competition.

BlackBerry isn’t hip? What could possibly be more hip than almost every single celebrity in Hollywood owning a BlackBerry? BlackBerry isn’t high-tech? Sure, the browser on the BlackBerry has been pretty awful but Triple DES encryption and the ability to talk between apps is pretty awesome. BlackBerry isn’t cheaper than the competition? There are 4 BlackBerry models that are free from Wal-Mart and the 8520/8530 models come in a variety of colors, also for free.

BBCool’s Nan Palmero chimed in on the article and agreed the BlackBerry keyboard is a huge selling feature. “They really go to great lengths to raise plastic in certain ways on the keys,” he said of the tactile keyboard’s design. “They kind of describe it as guitar frets: Your hand naturally knows where to go and where to be.”

What are the some of the reasons you use a BlackBerry? Personally, one of the main reasons I use it is because I get things done faster. I’ve used an iPhone and it’s a terrible waste of time and productivity. Have you ever used the keyboard on the DROID? It’s awful and feels very unnatural. None of these smartphones can compete in raising the quality of life by allowing you to take care of business faster.

This isn’t anything we didn’t already know but it’s fun to see the Torch destroy the Storm2 on an Acid3 test. As we’ve already seen, the Torch comes in at 100/100 and the Storm2 comes in with a measly 26/100. The time it takes to render the tests is also a pretty staggering difference.

Rogers is doing a great job of adding the latest BlackBerrys to their product lines. The BlackBerry Curve 3G, a device that isn’t really stellar in specs, is now available from Rogers for $79.99 on select three year plans. This device features:

• 3G and HSDPA
• GPS
• OS 5.0
• QVGA screen (320 x 240)
• 256 MB RAM
• WiFi with UMA
• 256 MB Flash
• Processor 624 MHz
• Multimedia keys
• 2 megapixel camera without flash
• MHA 1150 Battery

At the BlackBerry Torch launch, there was no mention of whether the BlackBerry Curve 3G will be OS 6 compatible but considering it’s so new, we can only hope.

More details are available from Rogers.com.

It feels like it’s been a while since we ran a theme review. I’ve had these in the queue for a bit, so don’t feel neglected if we didn’t feature your theme. Make sure to keep those emails coming. If you email me (jpawlikowski at bbgeeks) chances are I’ll eventually review it. I also promise to be honest. This week we’ll review two user-submitted themes, plus the latest from one of our faves.

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On AT&T’s YouTube channel, Chris Hall, Senior Director of Product Management at AT&T and Carlo Chiarello Vice President GSM/UMTS Business Unit RIM talk about the experience of taking the BlackBerry Torch to market. The video doesn’t provide much and is a really “corporate” look at what goes on between the two companies when working on a product launch. Basically, it’s a lot of meetings. If you’re going to watch the video, skip to a quarter of the way through and watch the BlackBerry Torch features in action.

Some developers have already let us know that their apps are available for BlackBerry 6 including S4BB. It’s good to know that when you get your first BlackBerry Torch, there are developers out there who want to be catering to the early adopters. To help push more development for the device, RIM has made the BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 available along with device simulators.

The BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 takes advantage of new UI features, offers deeper integration with BlackBerrys, access to new and enhanced services and support for rendering and porting content to the new WebKit-based browser. BlackBerry 6 offers more than 40 new APIs that allow developers to build even better apps for the Torch. The press release outlines some new BlackBerry 6 features and details about how the SDK supports them:

Richer User Interfaces

The BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 supports the fresh new look in the BlackBerry 6 user interface (UI) with new pre-built UI elements including contextual menus, tables, lists, inertial scrolling, activity progress indicators, pane managers, tool bars, title bars and sub menus.

BlackBerry Browser with WebKit

The new browser in BlackBerry 6 leverages a WebKit rendering engine and developers will be able to build dynamic web sites and rich mobile applications as well as advanced widgets that can be seamlessly integrated with the browser and core native applications. BlackBerry Widgets and web applications designed for the BlackBerry Browser v 5.0 will be forward compatible to the new browser.

HTML5 Support

With the added support of HTML5 in the new BlackBerry 6 Browser, web developers will be able to create content for BlackBerry smartphones that is run through the web, including compelling games and interactive media with 3D graphics in real time and more.

Native Feature Integration

Developers can use new APIs to more deeply integrate their applications with various aspects of a BlackBerry smartphone’s core functionality. The Unified Search Framework API will allow developers to register their application and their content partners to be searchable, as well as provide a mechanism for in-app search. The Mapfield API has been redesigned to provide enhanced features including panning, zooming, my location and convenience toolbars. Developers can call the Mapfield API to customize the look of location data and can use multiple mapfields simultaneously on the same screen for added user benefits.

Location Service Enhancements

The Location Service has been enhanced with a WiFi Geolocation API, allowing developers to build applications that leverage a handset’s location based on its proximity to WiFi networks. The API builds on the LBS features already available to developers through cell tower location and GPS. Reverse Geocoding now allows applications to leverage zip/postal codes to obtain local information. The Travel Time API brings estimated time of arrival (ETA) information into applications. The ETA is based on anonymous real-time crowd sourced data combined with historical traffic information.

BlackBerry Java SDK v6.0 is available for download at www.blackberry.com/developers/java. More information about BlackBerry 6 can be found at www.blackberry.com/developers/blackberry6.

Also, be sure to download the BlackBerry Torch simulators from BlackBerry.com.

The fast action shooter Wrath is today’s deal of the day which makes it 50% off. The game was made specifically for the BlackBerry Storm and uses the accelerometer to guide your ship. Wrath has a lot of gameplay available and you can use the BlackBerry Media player to listen to your own tunes while you play. This game features:

• 6 Different enemy drones.
• 3 Boss fights.
• 7 Power-ups.
• Ship control uses accelerometer or touch screen.
• BlackBerry Media player playlists for sound track.
• High score.
• Submit high score to internet.
• Music & sound effects at the same time.
• Save and resume between shut down and reboots.

Check out Wrath in the store and take advantage of this great deal.