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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.

RIM marries apps with social networking by launching BBM6

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

Just as Facebook has apps and games on its social networking platform, Research In Motion (RIM) is allowing BlackBerry apps to leverage the extensive BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) network and its social networking features – in its newly released BBM6.

BBM allows BlackBerry users to communicate and interact with each other with ease The BBM platform hosts one of the largest mobile social networks in the world. BBM version 6 (BBM 6) provides support for “BBM connected” apps, allowing users to easily interact with each other from within the BBM connected app.

With a BBM connected game app, users can invite their BBM friends to join them in a game and then chat with one another in real time while the game is being played – without having to leave the game app.

New functionality

Some of the additional functionality users can expect to see with BBM connected applications include the ability to:

Share app experiences with friends – When users discover a new BBM connected app they likes, they can instantly let their friends know about it. Users can simply select a BBM contact directly within the BBM connected app they are using.

Have a BBM chat within apps – Users can simply pull up their BBM contact list directly from within the BBM connected app and start chatting. The functionality can enable everything from enhanced social game play to collaboration through productivity apps.

Discover apps through friends – Users can also discover new apps by viewing the list of apps that are posted to a BBM friend’s profile. They can also click on an app within the list, and instantly download it from BlackBerry App World.

The BBM 6 software is available for free download. A selection of BBM connected apps are already available on BlackBerry App World. Some Asia-based developers who have integrated BBM6 into their apps include:

“BBM6 represents an incredible opportunity for developers to leverage the viral nature of the BBM service,” said Alistair Mitchell, VP, BBM Platform & Integrated Services at RIM.

Koprol – A location based social networking app now integrates with BBM6 to enable users to chat with people nearby.

Elasitas – The creator of several gaming apps has integrated BBM6 chat functionality into its Menoo, Gamemachi and MiMoMachi apps.

Bouncity – The location based gaming company has integrated BBM6 into its app to enable users to simply share what they are doing with their social network.

Tags:Apps, BBM, BBM6, BlackBerry, RIM
Posted in App, BlackBerry, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Software | 3 Comments »

New Facebook app for BlackBerry PlayBook

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Version 2 of the Facebook for BlackBerry Playbook app is now available in the BlackBerry App World storefront. The free app, produced by Research In Motion, include new features such as Facebook Places, viewing of Facebook Events, the ability to view “Likes”, and privacy control on status updates.

Facebook Places lets you share where you are, what you’re doing, and the people you’re with. If you grant permission, Facebook Places uses location-based technology on your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to inform you about nearby Places.

Whenever you check in to a Place, you can tag a friend and post a comment. If your friends have also activated this feature, you can see where they’re are checking into. For nearby places, you can check out the Place’s page to see the people you know who has been there and the comments that they’ve posted.

Facebook Places is also integrated with Bing Maps so that you can view the location of a Facebook Place on a map and get directions by clicking on the map image.

Facebook Events allows you to view upcoming events and birthdays, and receive notifications of new invitations that have been generated through Facebook. You can view event details like time, place, guest list and RSVP or write on the event Wall, if those features have been enabled by the event organizer.

With the Facebook app, you can now see the names of friends that liked your post and tap those names to launch their profiles.

The app allows you to specify that people who can see each update you share. Simply click the lock icon in the lower-right corner of the status publisher to select who you want to make the status update visible to before posting it.

Tags:app, Facebook, Playbook, RIM, tablets
Posted in BlackBerry Tablet OS, Gadgets, Launch, PlayBook, RIM, Tablets | No Comments »

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 »

Apple updates Mac mini

Monday, July 18th, 2011

The Mac mini will be updated with next generation Intel core processors, new discrete graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and Lion, the Mac’s newly released operating system.

Starting at a suggested retail price of S$788 (inc GST), the new Mac mini will be available from July 20, 2011.

The new Mac mini delivers up to twice the processor and graphics performance of its predecessor, while maintaining its compact form factor of just 19.7 cm² and 3.6 cm thin.

Available in three different configurations, customers can choose a Mac mini with the latest dual-core Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6630M discrete graphics, or a quad-core Intel Core i7 powered server configuration.

Suggested retail price of the new Mac mini starts at S$788 (incl GST).

Designed without an optical disc drive, Mac mini can access the optical drives on other PCs and Macs, and works with the MacBook Air SuperDrive. Configure-to-order options include up to 8GBs of memory, a faster 7200 RPM hard drive and a 256GB solid state drive.

Plenty of expansion possibilities for the Mac mini.

Mac mini now comes with Thunderbolt I/O technology for greater expansion possibilities. With a Thunderbolt port, Mac mini can connect to peripherals such as high-performance storage devices, RAID arrays and the new Apple Thunderbolt Display.

The new Mac mini is up to twice as fast in terms of processor and graphics performance The Thunderbolt display is a 27-inch IPS widescreen display that will enhance the experience for making FaceTime HD video calls, surfing the Web and viewing movies and photos.

Ultra-fast Wi-Fi, enables wireless download of apps from the Mac App Store, data back-up to Time Capsule and quick and easy file sharing using AirDrop. Mac mini includes Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and four USB ports for easy connectivity for wired and wireless devices.

Every new Mac mini comes with Mac OS X Lion, the latest major release of the Mac’s operating system, and iLife apps for creating and sharing photos, movies and music.

Pricing & Availability

The new Mac mini will be available through the Apple Store and Apple Authorised Resellers.

SRP in SGD (incl GST)	Mac mini Configuration	Optional upgrades
S$788	2.3 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5 2 GB memory 500 GB hard drive	8 GB memory 750 GB hard drive
S$1,088	2.5 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5 4 GB memory 500 GB hard drive	2.7 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7 8 GB memory 750 GB hard drive 256 GB solid state drive
S$1,348	2.0 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7 Lion Server 4 GB memory dual 500 GB hard drive	8 GB memory 2 x 750 GB hard drives 2 x 256 GB solid state drives

Tags:Apple, Mac, mini, Thunderbolt
Posted in Apple, Desktops, Gadgets, Launch, Mac OS, Operating Systems, Prices, Software, Specifications | 1 Comment »

MacBook Air updated with Next Generation Processors, Thunderbolt I/O, Backlit Keyboard and Mac OS X Lion

Saturday, July 16th, 2011

With up to twice the performance of its predecessor, flash storage for instant-on responsiveness and a compact design, the MacBook Air starts at a suggested retail price of S$1,288 (incl GST) and is available from July 20, 2011.

Apple MacBook Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models MacBook Air is available in compact 11-inch and 13-inch models that feature a durable aluminium unibody enclosure measuring only 0.3 cm at its thinnest point and 1.7 cm at its thickest. Flash storage allows MacBook Air to turn on instantly and deliver fast data access, improved reliability and energy efficiency.

The 11-inch model weighs 1.08 kilograms and provides up to 5 hours of battery life, while the 13-inch weighs 1.35 kilograms and provides up to 7 hours of battery life.
The MacBook Air line of notebooks are slim and sleek in design
With the latest Intel Core i5 and Core i7 dual-core processors, the new MacBook Air is up to twice as fast as its predecessor. MacBook Air also features Intel HD Graphics 3000 and offers up to 4GB of 1333 MHz memory.

The left side of the MacBook Air houses the plugs for the MagSafe charger, USB, headphone and microphone.

Thunderbolt I/O technology provides additional expansion possibilities to MacBook Air users. Through a single cable, users can connect to high performance peripherals and the new Apple Thunderbolt Display, a docking station for Mac notebooks. Thunderbolt can easily be adapted to support legacy connections such as FireWire and Gigabit Ethernet.

The right side of the MacBook Air houses the USB and Thunderbolt plugs.

MacBook Air comes with a full size backlit keyboard and an glass Multi-Touch trackpad. The backlit keyboard uses a sensor to automatically detect a change in ambient lighting and adjusts the keyboard brightness according to the environment.

New Multi-Touch gestures are available as part of Mac OS X Lion The Multi-Touch trackpad supports Lion’s new Multi-Touch gestures such as momentum scrolling, tapping or pinching your fingers to zoom in on a web page or image, and swiping left or right to turn a page or switch between full screen apps.

MacBook Air features 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 technology MacBook Air also features a thin but brilliant, high resolution LED backlit display. Ultra-fast Wi-Fi, enables wireless download of apps from the Mac App Store, data back-up to Time Capsule and quick and easy file sharing using AirDrop. MacBook Air includes Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and two USB ports for easy connectivity for wired and wireless devices.

Every new MacBook Air comes with Mac OS X Lion, the latest Mac operating system, and iLife apps for creating and sharing photos, movies and music.

Pricing & Availability

The 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air are available for order on the Apple Store and Apple Authorised Resellers.

11-inch, 1.6 GHz MacBook Air
S$1,288	2 GB memory, 64 GB flash storage
S$1,588	4 GB memory, 128 GB flash storage
13-inch, 1.7 GHz MacBook Air
S$1,688	4 GB memory, 128 GB flash storage
S$2,088	4 GB memory, 256 GB flash storage

All the prices above include GST. Configure-to-order options and accessories include a 1.8 GHz Core i7 processor, additional flash storage, MacBook Air SuperDrive and a USB Ethernet Adapter.

Tags:Apple, Lion, Mac OS X, MacBook Pro, Thunderbolt
Posted in Apple, Gadgets, Launch, Mac OS, Notebooks, Prices, Specifications | 1 Comment »

Apple to release Mac OS X Lion on the Mac App Store

Friday, July 15th, 2011

The eighth major release of the Mac’s operating system will be available as a $29.99 download from the Mac App Store from July 20, 2011.

Mac OS X Lion - the latest operating system for Apple Macs

Some of the 250 new features include: new Multi-Touch gestures; system-wide support for full screen apps; Mission Control, an overview of everything running on your Mac; the Mac App Store that’s built right into the OS; Launchpad, a new home for all your apps; and a completely redesigned Mail app.

Additional new features in Lion include:

Resume, which conveniently brings your apps back exactly how you left them when you restart your Mac or quit and relaunch an app;
Auto Save, which automatically and continuously saves your documents as you work;
Versions, which automatically records the history of your document as you create it, and gives you an easy way to browse, revert and even copy and paste from previous versions; and
AirDrop, which finds nearby Macs and automatically sets up a peer-to-peer wireless connection to make transferring files quick and easy.

“Lion makes upgrading a Mac easier than ever before; just launch the Mac App Store, buy Lion with your iTunes account, and the download and install process will begin automatically,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

Mac OS X Lion is available as an upgrade to Mac OS X version 10.6.6 Snow Leopard from the Mac App Store for $29.99. At around 4GB, Lion is about the size of an HD movie from the iTunes Store. Users who do not have broadband access at home, work or school can download Lion at Apple retail stores and later this August, Lion will be made available on a USB thumb drive through the Apple Store for S$88 (incl GST). Mac OS X Lion Server requires Lion and is available from the Mac App Store for $49.99 (US).

Lion requires an Intel-based Mac with a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor and 2GB of RAM. Lion is an upgrade and can be installed on all authorized personal Macs. Details regarding Business and Education licensing can be found at apple.com/macosx.

Mac OS X Lion, latest operating system for Apple Macs The OS X Lion Up-to-Date upgrade will be available through the Mac App Store at no additional charge to all customers who purchased a qualifying new Mac system from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller on or after June 6, 2011. Users must request their Up-to-Date upgrade within 30 days of purchase of their Mac computer. Customers who purchased a qualifying Mac between June 6, 2011 and July 20, 2011 will have until August 19, 2011 to make a request.

Tags:Apple, Lion, Mac OS X
Posted in Apple, Desktops, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Mac OS, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Software | 2 Comments »

Company byte: Kroll Ontrack

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Kroll Ontrack provides technology-driven services and software to help legal, corporate and government entities as well as consumers manage, recover, search, analyze, produce and present data efficiently and cost-effectively.

“Kroll Ontrack has become a leading provider of legal technologies, with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. It has patented technologies and capabilities in recovering seemingly deleted files, including internet-based information cleared from the cache.” – WikipediaIn addition to its suite of software, Kroll Ontrack provides data recovery, data destruction, paper and electronic discovery, document review, computer forensics and ESI consulting.

Kroll Ontrack is the technology services division of Kroll Inc., the global risk consulting company. Kroll is a subsidiary of Altegrity, an industry-leading provider of information solutions.

Companies or individuals can contact Kroll Ontrack for free consultation on the best way to erase data from all types of media. Those in Singapore can call (+65) 6296 5131 or visit their website here. Kroll Ontrack provides several options for data erasure such as Ontrack Eraser Software and Ontrack Eraser Degausser. Both solutions set out to data in a fast, secure and user-friendly way.

Tags:HDD, Kroll Ontrack, security, storage
Posted in Accessories, Company byte, Enterprise IT, Security, Software, storage drive, Utility | 2 Comments »

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