Posts Tagged ‘BlackBerry’

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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 easeThe 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.

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Posted in App, BlackBerry, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Software | 3 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.

Facebook 2.0 for BlackBerry smartphones features a new navigation grid and a notifications bar, with Messages, Friend Requests and Chats all in one convenient location

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 smartphoneFacebook 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.

An enhanced News Feed enables easier browsing and interactionFurthermore, 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 Facebook app is deeply integrated with core BlackBerry functionalityThe 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.

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Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Software | 1 Comment »

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.

Research In Motion, maker of BlackBerry smartphones and the PlayBook tabletRIM 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.

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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

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.

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Posted in App, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Gadgets, Operating Systems, PlayBook, RIM, Software, Tablets | No Comments »

BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet available in Singapore from 23rd June

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Three versions of the BlackBerry PlayBook from Research In Motion (RIM) will be available this Thursday, June 23, 2011, from SingTel, M1 and Starhub, as well as a number of nation-wide retail stores.

The recommended retail prices for the three Wi-Fi only versions are as follows (GST of 7% included):

  • 16GB: $668SGD
  • 32GB: $798SGD
  • 64GB: $928SGD

Starting today, customers can place orders for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The full list of retailers offering customers the ability to preorder is available here.

Main BlackBerry PlayBook specifications are as follows:

  • 7″ 1024×600 WSVGA capacitive LCD touch screen
  • 0.9 lbs (425g) and 5.1” x 7.6” x 0.4” (130mm x 194mm x 10mm)
  • 1 GHz dual-core processor
  • BlackBerry® Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
  • MP3, AAC and WMA audio playback
  • Support for high resolution video playback (H.264, MPEG4, WMV)
  • 1080p HDMI output
  • Dual 1080p HD cameras for video conferencing and video capture (3MP front and 5MP rear)
  • 1 GB RAM memory
  • Up to 64 GB internal storage (16, 32 and 64 GB models)
  • GPS, Orientation Sensor (Accelerometer), 6-Axis Motion Sensor (Gyroscope), Digital Compass (Magnetometer)
  • Stereo speakers and stereo microphones
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) connectivity
  • Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR support

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Posted in BlackBerry, Gadgets, PlayBook, Prices, RIM, Tablets | No Comments »

BlackBerry PlayBook launched in Singapore

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Singapore is the first country in Asia where RIM has launched the 7″ tablet computer. Orders can be placed starting tomorrow with delivery by the end of June.

Official launch of the RIM BlackBerry PlayBook in Singapore

Official launch of the RIM BlackBerry PlayBook in Singapore. Hosted by Venetta Lopez and The Flying Dutchman.

Singapore is an important market for Research In Motion (RIM)  – one that demands high-quality and high-performance technology. The BlackBerry PlayBook is targeted to please both consumers and business customers.

Gary from RIM showing how compact the 7 inch PlayBook is in the hands

Gary from RIM showing how compact the 7 inch PlayBook is in the hands.

For the moment, RIM is working with carrier partners, distributers and retailers sell authentic cases and accessories throughout the island nation. A list of retailers from which to pre-register and pre-order the tablet can be found here.

Retail prices and promotions will be revealed during the PC Show tomorrow. 3G/4G is still being developed and will likely be launched in the US first.

Come July, the PlayBook will get its own native email, contacts and calendar apps instead of relying completely on a companion BlackBerry smartphone. However, to access enterprise email, coupling with a BlackBerry smartphone will still be necessary for security reasons.

The PlayBook was launched at the Red Dot Museum. That's Irene Ang and Patricia Mok planking on the reception desk.

The PlayBook was launched at the Red Dot Museum. That's Irene Ang and Patricia Mok planking on the reception desk.

The launch event was held at the Red Dot Museum at 7:30 pm today.

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Launch, PlayBook, RIM, Tablets | 2 Comments »

Singapore launch of the BlackBerry PlayBook

Monday, June 6th, 2011

The BlackBerry PlayBook from RIM is finally arriving in Singapore. First launched in the US on April 19 earlier this year, the 7-inch tablet computer will officially be launched in Singapore on Wednesday, Jun 8.

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook launches in Singapore this Wed, June 8, 2011

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook launches in Singapore this Wed, June 8, 2011.

The beta version of the BlackBerry Playbook was first unveiled during the Adobe Max 2010 developer conference in October last year. It was first seen in Singapore when two advanced beta prototypes were specially flown in and displayed as part of the Adobe Refresh Roadshow on March 10.

Four days prior to its official launch in the US on April 19, a special preview was held in a BlackBerry PlayBook Bus in Singapore on April 15. Two days from now – and almost two months after the US launch – the PlayBook will hit the shelves in Singapore.

Prices for the 16, 32 and 64-gigabyte models in the US are $500, $600, and $700 respectively. We’ll see what these will translate to in Singapore.

The PlayBook has received a mixed reaction since its launch in the US. The most common complaint has been its lack of native email, messenger, contacts and calendar apps, relying on Bluetooth tethering to access these functionalities via a BlackBerry handset. Other grouses include the lack of 3G/4G, and the relatively small repository of PlayBook specific apps in BlackBerry App World.

On the other end of the scale, the PlayBook features a lightning fast processor, capable of true multi-tasking, has a fabulous display and user interface, and supports both Flash and HTML5. In fact, some analysts have observed that the first day sales of the PlayBook has beaten that for Motorola Xoom and Galaxy Tab.

It’ll be interesting to hear the latest progress for the PlayBook during the Singapore launch the day after tomorrow.

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Gadgets, Launch, PlayBook, Prices, RIM, Specifications, 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 2011The 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

New BlackBerry Bold 9900 from RIMThe 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

Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook appFollowing 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 WorldRIM 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.

New BlackBerry Bold 9900 from RIM

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.

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Tech news | 3 Comments »

BlackBerry PlayBook’s first day sales beats Motorola’s Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Friday, April 22nd, 2011
First day sales of the newly launched BlackBerry PlayBook from RIM was said to reach 50,000 on April 19. RIM is expected to sell 500,000 of the 7 inch tablets in its first quarter ending in May.

BlackBerry PlayBook from RIMThe first day sales number of 50,000 includes pre-sales and was estimated by an analyst at RBC Capital Markets. This appears to surpass the equivalent first day sales for Motorola’s Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Analyst Mike Abramsky’s staff checked 70 retails stores and found 11% of the locations that stocked the device had sold out, according to Matt Hamblen from Computerworld.

This may come as a surprise to many observers in view of the negative reviews that have bombarded Research In Motion (RIM) over the launch of the tablet computer.

Punters feel the software for the PlayBook was not ready yet because native support for email, contact and calendar apps were not available. Such support may only be provided as an over the air update in summer.

In the meantime, only those who own a BlackBerry smartphone can enable the PlayBook to access these basic apps via a Bluetooth connection. The tablet is only available in WiFi configuration with 3G available only in summer.

It is still too early to tell whether the PlayBook will be able to grab any market share from a tablet market seeing an influx of competitors to Apple’s iPad.

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Posted in Figures, iPad, PlayBook, RIM, Tablets | No Comments »

Innards of the BlackBerry PlayBook

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
Have you ever wondered what the insides of a tablet computer looks like? Teardown specialists iFixit has opened up the latest RIM BlackBerry PlayBook – launched only yesterday in the US.

Innards of the BlackBerry PlayBook

Innards of the BlackBerry PlayBook

The PlayBook was easier to tear down compared to an iPad, and has a smaller battery which is not straightforward to replace. The motherboard has to be removed in order to get to the battery, which is glued to the mid-plane assembly.

BlackBerry PlayBook from RIMMany of the chips are from Texas Industries. The main chips include:  1GHz TI OMAP 4430 dual core processor, SanDisk 1GB NAND Flash, Elpida B8064B2PB-8D-F 1GB DRAM, Bosch Sensortec BMA150 Digital 3-axis accelerometer, and an Invensense MPU-3050 3-axis gyroscope.

For those into chips, other components include: Texas Instruments TWL6030 Power Management, STMicroelectronics XTV0987 5 MP mobile imaging processor, Wolfson WM8994E audio codec, Texas Instruments WL1283 WLAN/Bluetooth/FM, TriQuint Semiconductor TQP6M9002 802.11a/b/g/n + BT front-end module.

Motherboard of the BlackBerry PlayBook

Motherboard of the BlackBerry PlayBook

Not detailed enough? There’s also the Texas Instruments LMV339 Quad General Purpose Low-Voltage Comparators, Texas Instruments SN74AVCH4T245 4-Bit Dual-Supply Bus Transceiver with Configurable Voltage Translation and 3-State Outputs, and a Texas Instruments PS63020 High Efficiency Single Inductor Buck-Boost Converter with 4A Switch 

For the gory details, visit iFixit’s report.

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Posted in BlackBerry, Gadgets, Howtos, PlayBook, Review, RIM, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »

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