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BlackBerry App World 3.0 now available in BlackBerry Beta Zone

Monday, August 8th, 2011

BlackBerry smartphone users can more easily discover and download apps, games, and themes via the BlackBerry App World 3.0 storefront.

Users can personalize their BlackBerry smartphone, find the hottest games and entertainment and get apps to stay connected with the people who matter.

New features in BlackBerry App World 3.0 include:

Sleek New Design
New Channels
Introduction of My Account
New My World Features
App Social Sharing
Evolved App Details Screen
More Search Options

The App will likely come out of beta and be officially released about a month from now.

BlackBerry Beta Zone is the place where Research In Motion (RIM) communicates with and receives feedback from beta participants.

Members of BlackBerry Beta Zone, will have the opportunity to sign up for beta programs and be among the first to try out new BlackBerry software before it’s released to the general public.

Feedback from the beta trial helps future BlackBerry products better meet the needs of customers.

Tags:App World, Apps, BlackBerry, RIM, smartphone
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Phones, RIM, Software | 1 Comment »

Main features of BlackBerry 7 operating system

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

First announced in May, the BlackBerry 7 OS introduces a next generation BlackBerry browser with a significantly faster and more fluid web browsing experience. RIM reports that Internet browsing performance on BlackBerry 7 based smartphones are up to 40% faster than BlackBerry 6 based smartphones and up to 100% faster than BlackBerry 5 based smartphones.

BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphone from RIM

BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930

Research In Motion (RIM) is launching five new BlackBerry smartphones based on the BlackBerry 7 Operating System (OS) – two new BlackBerry Bold models (9900 and 9930) and three new BlackBerry Torch models (9810, 9850 and 9860).

The improved performance of the WebKit browser engine is combined with the hardware enhancements to enable users to browse the web faster and more smoothly.

BlackBerry Torch 9850/9860

Enhancements to the BlackBerry browser have also optimised zooming and panning for smoother web navigation and optimised HTML5 performance for better gaming and video experiences.

RIM’s new BlackBerry 7 based smartphones also feature Liquid Graphics technology, with each smartphone combining a dedicated high-performance graphics processor with a fast CPU and high resolution display to deliver a highly responsive touch interface with fast and smooth graphics.

BlackBerry Torch 9810

For communications, BlackBerry 7 based smartphones feature the regular integrated suite of phone, email, messaging and social apps to keep users connected and productive throughout the day.

Recent enhancements include the newest release of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) which now extends the real time BBM experience to a range of other “BBM connected” apps. The updated Social Feeds (2.0) app has been extended to capture updates from media, podcasts, and favourites all in one consolidated view. The new Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook chat and BBM integration that makes it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real time.

BlackBerry 7 OS also includes a number of other pre-loaded applications and integrated functionality for increased productivity and collaboration right out of the box.
Documents to Go Premium on BlackBerry App World
The Premium version of Documents To Go is now included free of charge, offering users powerful document editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer.
Free BlackBerry Protect in App World
BlackBerry Protect is also pre-loaded, offering customers the peace of mind that personal data can be backed up and secured in the cloud.

BlackBerry Balance is now integrated in BlackBerry 7, allowing users to enjoy the full BlackBerry smartphone experience for both work and personal purposes without compromising the IT department’s need for advanced security and IT controls.

The popular universal search capability has been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can now simply speak to begin searching their device and the web for information.

Tags:9810, 9850, 9860, 9900, 9930, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 7, Bold, RIM, Torch
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Gadgets, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, RIM, Software, Specifications, Torch | 7 Comments »

RIM introduces a slew of five new BlackBerry 7 smartphones

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

In its largest global launch of BlackBerry smartphones in its history, RIM announced the Bold 9900 and 9930, as well as the Torch 9810, 9850 and 9860.

Research In Motion (RIM) today announced plans to launch five new BlackBerry smartphones based on the BlackBerry 7 Operating System (OS). RIM is rolling out two new BlackBerry Bold models and three new BlackBerry Torch models, all running the powerful new BlackBerry 7 OS.

The launch of this family of handsets will be RIM’s largest global launch ever and more than 225 carriers and distribution partners around the world have already commenced or completed over 500 certification programmes for these 5 new handsets.

Featuring RIM’s next generation of hardware and software platforms, these five new BlackBerry 7 based smartphones offer users a variety of designs to choose from.

The new BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 are RIM’s thinnest smartphones ever, each offering a large keyboard and brilliant touch display.

The new BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone builds on the popularity of the BlackBerry Torch 9800 and combines a large touch display with a convenient slide-out keyboard. The BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 introduce an all-new, all-touch design featuring the largest display on a BlackBerry smartphone to date.

“We think users will be thrilled by the faster performance, enhanced browsing and richer multimedia delivered by these powerful new BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Torch smartphones,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO of Research In Motion.

The BlackBerry 7 OS introduces a next generation BlackBerry browser with a significantly faster and more fluid web browsing experience. The improved performance of the WebKit browser engine is combined with the hardware enhancements found in the BlackBerry 7 based smartphones.

The new smartphones feature a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video recording, 24-bit high resolution graphics, and sensors enabling new augmented reality applications such as Wikitude that can be seamlessly integrated with BBM 6.

Display and keyboards

BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 Smartphones with Touch Display and Keyboard

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 series is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone yet (at only 10.5mm) and was the first to offer the union of a high performance keyboard and touch display. The brushed stainless steel frame adds a nice finishing touch to the design.

The new BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 are also the first BlackBerry smartphones to include built-in support for Near Field Communications (NFC ), a new technology that is enabling many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to pair accessories or read SmartPostertags with a simple tap of the smartphone.

BlackBerry Torch 9810 Smartphone with Touch Display and Slide-Out Keyboard

Building on the popular design of the BlackBerry Torch 9800, the new BlackBerry Torch 9810 is faster and more fluid with high performance hardware features and the new BlackBerry 7 OS delivering an enhanced multimedia experience. Featuring a large 3.2”, high resolution touch display and the distinctive BlackBerry keyboard that easily slides out to allow faster typing, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 offers users the best of both worlds.

All-Touch BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 Smartphones

The BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones offer the fast, fluid BlackBerry 7 experience in a new all-touch design. With a spectacular new 3.7” display, the largest ever on a BlackBerry smartphone, the new all-touch BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones are optimised for displaying web pages, photos, videos, and powerful gaming experiences and still deliver quality real-time communication and collaboration experience.

Availability

The next generation of BlackBerry smartphones will begin to be available from carriers around the world starting later this month. Availability dates for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s partners.

New Facebook app for BlackBerry smartphones

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Research In Motion has announced the availability of Facebook 2.0 for BlackBerry smartphones. The free app is now available in the BlackBerry App World storefront.

The Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones v2.0 app sports a complete makeover in the user interface and is compatible with BlackBerry smartphones running Device Software v5.0 and above. To check the version of your smartphone’s software, here are the instructions.

The Facebook app features a revamped user interface which includes a new navigation grid and a notifications bar, with Messages, Friend Requests and Chats all in one convenient location.

Facebook Chat is now fully integrated with the smartphone, so you can start a conversation within the Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones app or from the Messages app on the smartphone. You’ll be notified of new chat messages even when you’re not using the Facebook app.

An enhanced News Feed allows easier scrolling and easier interaction with your friend’s posts. Simply click the ‘More’ button (+) to ‘Like’ or add a comment to a post. The enhanced publisher functionality allows you to post photos to your Wall, add an update, or check in to a Facebook Place right from the News Feed.

Furthermore, there’s Redefined Notifications updates you of polled items – those notifications that aren’t delivered through BlackBerry push technology – such as ‘Likes’ and Event Wall posts.

The new Profile interface now provides Wall, Info, and Photos tabs for an even better browsing experience. New to v2.0 is the ability to view key information on Profiles and Pages, such as contact info, basic info like birthdays, hometown and relationship status, and likes and interests. Mutual Friends lets you discover which friends you have in common with another user.

The app is also integrated with core BlackBerry functionality, such as your BlackBerry Message list, BlackBerry Contacts, BlackBerry Calendar, BlackBerry Browser and now even BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM). You can share Facebook posts with BBM contacts and invite friends to BBM when you come across a PIN posted on Facebook.

Tags:BlackBerry, Facebook, RIM, smartphones
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Software | 1 Comment »

Company byte: Porsche Design

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Porsche Design is a luxury brand with a special focus on products that are technically inspired. The brand Porsche Design was founded in 1972 in Stuttgart-Germany by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, designer of the Porsche 911 sports car.

The product portfolio includes watches, sunglasses, luggage, electronic products, a line of fragrances for men as well as a sport and fashion collection.

Product portfolio includes the P'9981 smartphone, watches, sunglasses, luggage, electronic products, a line of fragrances for men as well as a sport and fashion collection (Update: Porsche Design has launched the P’9981 smartphone from BlackBerry.)

Porsche Design products try to embody functionality, timelessness and purist design. They impress by the technical innovations they incorporate.

All products of the brand are designed at the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria, and are sold worldwide in the brand’s own stores, in franchise stores, shop-in-shops, quality department stores and exclusive retailers.

Tags:Porsche, Porsche Design
Posted in Accessories, Appliances, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Company byte, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Phones | 2 Comments »

Company byte: Research In Motion

Monday, July 11th, 2011

Research In Motion Limited (RIM) is a Canadian multinational telecommunications company that makes the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet computer, as well as BlackBerry smartphones.

Update (30 January, 2013):

Along with the launch of the new BlackBerry 10 platform, President & CEO Thorsten Heins has announced that the company will change its name from Research In Motion to BlackBerry.

RIM was founded in 1984 by Mike Lazaridis, who currently serves as its co-CEO along with Jim Balsillie.

The company designs, manufactures and markets wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. The introduction of the BlackBerry solution in 1999 provides platforms and solutions for access to information, including e-mail, voice, instant messaging, short message service (SMS), Internet and intranet-based applications and browsing.

Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario in Canada, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM).

Click here to follow articles related to RIM and BlackBerry news and products on tech4tea.com.

Tags:BlackBerry, Playbook, RIM, smartphone, tablets
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Bold, Company byte, Curve, Enterprise IT, Gadgets, Phones, PlayBook, RIM, Security, Tablets, Torch | 24 Comments »

RIM introduces Version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS

Friday, June 24th, 2011

This release from Research In Motion (RIM) adds new APIs and application functionality which developers can leverage to create WebWorks applications that deliver a richer, more interactive end-user experience.

The BlackBerry WebWorks SDK is the toolset that supports developers who wish to build applications using standard web technologies for the BlackBerry WebWorks Platform.

BlackBerry WebWorks is RIM’s open source, mobile web platform that enables developers to build standalone, integrated applications for BlackBerry devices.

RIM releases Version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS

The new APIs enables the following:

More Ways to Monetize

With support for the BlackBerry In App Payment API, developers can now include In App Payment Services as part of their applications. This enables them to sell digital goods directly from their BlackBerry PlayBook applications.

More Ways to Integrate

Developers can now further integrate their applications with the functionality of the Tablet OS for PlayBook and can create new BlackBerry experiences that leverage the PlayBook’s professional grade features. Among the new APIs that enable deeper integration are:

Camera API for taking pictures/video taping from within the WebWorks applications with the PlayBook’s powerful dual HD cameras
Microphone API which developers can use to activate the capability to record audiowith the PlayBook’s microphone
Identity API provides applications with the ability to retrieve information about the BlackBerry PlayBook PIN
File IO API which gives developers the possibility to read, copy and write files onto the Tablet OS file system.

More Development Choices

In addition to JavaScript many Tablet OS WebWorks APIs can now be called using AJAX which allows for increased development flexibility for developers who prefer a RESTful or URI implementation.

The new File Properties API, Home Screen Category and App Securities Permissions also enable deeper app integration with the BlackBerry PlayBook and expand development choices.

To help developers with a smooth transition to version 2.1 of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK, RIM has also updated the API Reference Guide and included an additional mechanism to call some of the WebWorks APIs.

Tags:BlackBerry, OS, Playbook, RIM, SDK, tablets
Posted in App, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Gadgets, Operating Systems, PlayBook, RIM, Software, Tablets | No Comments »

Roundup of RIM releases for BlackBerry World 2011

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones on BlackBerry 7 operating system, new Facebook and Video Chat apps for the PlayBook tablet — these are some of the initiatives unveiled by RIM just prior to the BlackBerry World 2011 conference.

A range of enterprise solutions for unified communications, device management and mobile security for smartphones and tablets were also announced.

Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry World 2011 The annual BlackBerry World is now ongoing at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Florida from 3 – 5 May. Typically, new devices, solutions and initiatives are announced during this period. This year, there is much anticipation on what devices will be unveiled, given the large number of leaks about Research In Motion’s (RIM) lineup of smartphones for 2011.

Here is a roundup of releases just prior to BlackBerry World. Some are for RIM’s consumer devices while others are from their traditional stronghold of mobile IT solutions.

New BlackBerry Bold Smartphones on BlackBerry 7 OS

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones will be the thinnest and most powerful BlackBerry devices yet. The easy-to-use BlackBerry keyboard is integrated with a brilliant, high resolution, capacitive touch screen. These smartphones are built on a new platform powered by the BlackBerry 7 operating system and designed to deliver high performance in communications, multimedia and productivity for users around the world.

Sporting a 1.2 GHz CPU, a 2.8 inch 640×480 pixels VGA display at 287 dpi resolution, the smartphones support 4G and NFC (Near Field Communications).

The two Bold models are expected to be available from carriers around the world beginning this summer.

New Facebook and Video Chat apps for BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Following the release of the Facebook for BlackBerry® smartphones app, RIM has announced the Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook app. This new app delivers popular features of Facebook, optimized for the 7″ high resolution, multi-touch LCD display of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook offers users a highly engaging experience by integrating popular features such as viewing and adding friends, seamless photo and video viewing, connecting with friends by using Facebook chat, and viewing and interacting with the News Feed.

The app be available on BlackBerry App World later this month.

BlackBerry App World RIM has also announced the availability of the BlackBerry PlayBook Video Chat app – an easy and fun way for friends and family to place and receive video calls between BlackBerry PlayBook tablets over an internet connected Wi-Fi network. Key features of the PlayBook Video Chat application include: one-click video and voice over Wi-Fi calls, incoming call notifications, powerful in-call functions and a friends list.

The app will be distributed to existing BlackBerry PlayBook customers through an over-the-air software update and is available on BlackBerry App World.

BlackBerry Balance for Work-Life Balance on BlackBerry

RIM is advancing work-life balance on BlackBerry smartphones with BlackBerry Balance. This new technology allows the convenience of using a single BlackBerry smartphone for both work and personal purposes without compromising company security or personal privacy. RIM is introducing this technology in response to the growing trend by businesses to allow employees to use personal BlackBerry smartphones for work, or company-owned smartphones for personal, and the need for businesses to secure, manage and control confidential company or client information.

Multi-Platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution for Smartphones and Tablets

RIM has announced plans for a multi-platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution for managing and securing mobile devices for enterprises and government organizations.

The solution will make available the market-leading management, security and controls of BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express for BlackBerry devices. In addition, through RIM’s pending acquisition of ubitexx (creator of the ubi-Suite device management solution), the solution is expected to incorporate secure device management for Android and iOS based devices and tablets, all managed from a single web-based console.

The multi-platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution is planned for general availability later this year.

BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 with Voice Over Wi-Fi Calling for Avaya and Legacy Nortel Communications Systems

To help more businesses bring together the desk phone and smartphone. RIM announced plans to make BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 (BlackBerry MVS 5) available to more corporate phone systems and unified communications applications. BlackBerry MVS 5 with voice over Wi-Fi calling will soon be available for Avaya Aura 6.1, Avaya CS1000 Communication Server, as well as legacy phone systems such as Avaya Communications Manager and Nortel Communication Server. BlackBerry MVS 5 has also been re-architected to be more extensible with third party applications and phone systems.

Tags:Apps, BlackBerry, Bold, enterprise IT, Facebook, Playbook, RIM, smartphone, Video chat
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Tech news | 3 Comments »

BlackBerry Torch 9800 Review

Monday, April 18th, 2011

RIM touts the Torch as the best BlackBerry ever. I’ve been using one over the last two weeks. Indeed, it’s the best BlackBerry smartphone I’ve played with so far and I certainly prefer it over my wife’s BlackBerry Bold.

The BlackBerry Torch was the first smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) that shipped with the new BlackBerry OS 6. It has a completely new keyboard implementation – instead of having the physical keyboard and the screen share the face of the device, the Torch allowed the 3.2 inch screen to hog the entire front.

BlackBerry Torch 9800 with 6.0 Operating System.

An on-screen keyboard – which I found rather responsive – can be easily called up in case you need to type something. Need the traditional QWERTY keyboard to do some intensive typing? Slide it out from below the screen and you’re good to go.

It’s a trade-off, whether you have the hard keyboard readily available all the time or hide-in below the screen to make for a bigger screen.

For my usage profile, at least, I liked the balance – I do a fair bit of messaging and typing but I don’t mind having to slide out the keyboard when I need it – since I get a bigger screen real estate – 480×360 pixels on a 3.2 inch capacitive touch screen.

I did find the Bold keyboard slightly easier to type than on the Torch, but both are far more tactile and better than typing on a touch screen.

I suppose those who really have a lot of typing to do would rather have the keyboard available at all times – it depends on your usage profile. The Torch tries to give you both the large screen of the Storm and the popular hard keyboard in a compact body.

The hardware

The form factor is almost identical to many other BlackBerry devices like the Bold. The usual five buttons line the bottom of the screen: BlackBerry call, menu, back, and end buttons and optical trackpad.

The Marvell CPU runs at 624MHz (though the company claims this is a newer generation chip), with 512 MB RAM and 4 GB of storage. You can add up to 32 GB though the microSD slot. The device also comes with 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 and an AGPS chip.

Photos were rather impressive for a phone camera

The Torch has a 5 megapixel camera, with an LED flash. Photo quality was rather remarkable for a smartphone camera. I like the preset scene modes – Party mode for lowlight indoor shooting and Sports mode both yielded impressive results. Video wise, you can shoot clips at 640×480 resolution.

New OS and interface

With the new OS 6, web browsing on the Torch is now quite a pleasant experience using the new Webkit-based browser. Unfortunately, neither Flash nor HTML5 video are supported.

I really love the persistent notification alert bar at the top of the home screen: the small row of icons allows you to see social networking, email, SMS, call, and calendar alerts all in one place. The bar drops down a separate window to show the list of notifications, each of which can be clicked on to bring you to the app.

11 scene modes are available for taking photos under different situations

Another new feature I like is the universal search. Ever wanted to look for something you know is on your phone but can’t recall exactly where it is located and how to get at it? Simply begin typing the relevant search term into the search box and the Torch throws the icon for it right at you – almost instantaneously. It really beats having to wade through the menus and interface looking for contacts, messages, calendar, music or pictures.

has included a powerful universal search alongside a social networking tool which allows you to aggregate RSS feeds and services like Twitter or Facebook into a single view. There are a lot of changes, so we’re going to go step-by-step through what we consider the biggest changes for the BlackBerry platform.

Battery life

As with other BlackBerry devices I’ve tested before, battery seems to last forever. Alright, that’s exaggerating. There were days when I ran Youtube videos and videos from the media folder for extended periods of time and the battery held out. Under normal usage, I only had to recharge the battery every few days.

BlackBerry Torch 2

There’s been numerous leaks about what the upcoming BlackBerry smartphones lined up for 2011. One of them is the Torch 2. Expected to be announced during the BlackBerry World in May and released in the US in July, it looks physically like the Torch, but features a 1.2 GHz processor and a 640×480 resolution on a similarly-sized 3.2 inch screen.

Going by previous BlackBerry release schedules, we’ll probably only see the Torch 2 in Singapore towards the end of the year.

In the meantime, if you’re looking at replacing your current BlackBerry phone, do give the Torch a spin and see if it impresses you enough for you to pick one up as replacement.

Tags:BlackBerry, RIM, smartphone, Torch
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Gadgets, Phones, Review, RIM, Specifications, Torch | 2 Comments »

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