Archive for the ‘RIM’ Category
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Ready for a white Christmas? Check out the white Bold 9900 when it becomes available this Saturday.
Pure white BlackBerry 9900 from Research In Motion
The Pure White BlackBerry Bold 9900 was launched today and will become available in Singapore on 17th of December, Saturday – from all RIM’s authorized partners.
Sporting a brushed stainless steel frame, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone yet at only 10.5mm, and the first to include built-in support for NFC (Near Field Communications).
It is powered by BlackBerry 7.
The white BlackBerry Bold 9900 joins a slew of smartphones introducing white versions for this Christmas. Many of these have a white backing with dark front face.
The pure white BlackBerry Bold 9900 will be white throughout.
Since the popularity of the white iPhone from Apple, white versions of other smartphones have become something of a special edition.
I remember when the black BlackBerry Bold 9900 was initially launched in 18 August 2011, one of the questions asked whether there would be a white version.
Francois Mahieu (left), Head of Product Management for RIM in Asia Pacific with the black Bold 9900.
Mr Francois Mahieu, head of product management for Research In Motion (RIM) in the Asia Pacific had mentioned during the launch party that there were no plans at that time to sell a white version, although it could be considered.
So RIM does respond to popular market demand – which is a good thing.
Tags:9900, BlackBerry, Bold, RIM, smartphone, white
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM | 1 Comment »
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
More breakout sessions for detailed presentations and discussions between BlackBerry developers and experts from RIM and partners.
Breakout sessions during DevCon Asia fostered interaction and engagement amongst the BlackBerry developer community.
The breakout sessions were organized along several parallel tracks and covered a wide spectrum of topics, from technical issues to commercial and monetizing topics.
The sessions are listed below for both days:
“Ask the Experts” track
- Ask the Experts: Developing Enterprise Applications
- BlackBerry WebKit and BlackBerry WebWorks Platform Development
- Go-to-Market Strategies
- BlackBerry Platform Services
- The BBM Social Platform
- Java Development for BlackBerry 7
- BlackBerry Tablet OS Development
(more…)
Tags:BlackBerry, DevCon, DevCon Asia (Singapore), RIM, smartphone, tablets
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Gadgets, Operating Systems, Phones, PlayBook, RIM, Seminars, Software, Tablets | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
The conference kicked off with a general session to update developers on the latest developments around the BlackBerry platforms, followed by multi-tracked technical, practical and insight sessions that zero into the details.
BlackBerry DevCon Asia in Singapore Suntec from 7-8 December, 2011.
The break-out sessions were helmed by specialists from Research In Motion (RIM) and its partners and delved into wide ranging topics from technical issues to commercial and monetizing approaches.
Gregory Wade, Regional Managing Director, East Asia, RIM
Delivering the keynote address was Gregory Wade, Regional Managing Director, East Asia, RIM.
He revealed there were more than 1,000 registrants for the DevCon Asia event in Singapore.
Wade quoted a GfK report that for the first half of 2011, BlackBerry was the number one smartphone in multiple countries in Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
He said that more than 3 million BlackBerry fans were engaged on social media channels in Asia.
Alec Saunders then updated developers of BlackBerry Jam – RIM’s initiative to provide a one-stop-shop for all BlackBerry developers to assess a wide array of developer resources.
Alec Saunders, VP, Developer Relations & Ecosystems Development, RIM
Saunders is the VP, Developer Relations & Ecosystems Development at RIM.
The initiative was announced at the BlackBerry DevCon Americas in October. Since then, a BlackBerry Jam communities have sprung up all over the world linking experts, partners and developers for all to be more successful on the BlackBerry platform.
George Staikos then delved into the new BlackBerry platform – previously named BBX but now renamed to BB10. Staikos is the VP, Web Technologies at RIM.
BlackBerry Jam Communities around the world
He also described the two choices of runtime environments available for developers. The Native runtime environment was for “spectacular” performance whereas HTML5 will enable the dream of “write once deploy everywhere”.
RIM will return DevCon Asia to Thailand in the future.
Whilst the native environment will serve as the bridge between POSIX based systems and BlackBerry 10 and allow rapid porting of native applications, HTML5 is the mass application platform for the future.
The cross-platform, cross-device HTML5 can serve as the bridge between BlackBerry 6, BlackBerry 7 and BlackBerry 10 and is the obvious choice for modern application development.
BlackBerry is therefore fully committed to HTML5.
Tags:BlackBerry, DevCon, DevCon Asia (Singapore), Playbook, RIM, smartphone, tablets
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Figures, Operating Systems, Phones, PlayBook, RIM, Seminars, Tablets | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
RIM has rebranded the next generation platform for its smartphones and PlayBook tablet to BlackBerry 10.
RIM's new platform for BlackBerry smartphones, tablets and embedded systems.
Research In Motion (RIM) has been barred from using BBX as the name of its new mobile platform during DevCon Asia in Singapore from 7-8 December, 2011.
RIM has rebranded BBX as BB10
A US District Judge ruled in favour of software company Basis International Ltd who filed for a temporary restraining order. It holds the “BBx” trademark for its own software.
District Judge William P. Johnson wrote in his ruling that consumers are “likely to be confused by RIM’s use of BBX in connection with RIM’s goods and services”. – Albuquerque, New Mexico.
George Staikos, VP, Web Technologies at RIM announced the rebranding during DevCon Asia.
Basis of Albuquerque had threatened legal action in October after RIM initially unveiled BBX as its new platform for smartphones, tablets and embedded systems.
According to itworldcanada.com, RIM had said at that time that it did not believe the marks are confusing since the two companies were in different lines of businesses.
Let’s just hope that CBS television network does not take issue with RIM over any confusion between the mobile platform and its own version of BB10 – the tenth season of the American reality television series Big Brother 10, which ran in the summer of 2008.
Tags:BB10, BlackBerry, DevCon, DevCon Asia (Singapore), RIM, smartphone, tablets
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Phones, PlayBook, RIM, Seminars, Software, Tablets, Tech news | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Originally to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, the second Asian conference for BlackBerry developers has been moved to Singapore instead.
BlackBerry fans will be congregated at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre over the original next two days from 7-8 December.
BlackBerry DevCon Asia in Singapore from 7-8 December 2011 at Suntec
Due to the flooding and rain in Bangkok, Research In Motion (RIM) has relocated the event to Singapore. The dates remain the same. RIM will be reimbursing fully those registrants who cannot attend the event in Singapore.
A packed and multi-tracked programme awaits BlackBerry developers at DevCon Asia.
RIM says that plans to return the DevCon Asia conference to Bangkok in the future.
Participants will get apprised of the future of the BlackBerry platform, such as plans for the BBX unified operating system for both BlackBerry smartphones and tablets; and hands-on advice from experts on development issues – both technical and commercial.
I will be attending this event, which is much anticipated by BlackBerry developers, to tap the pulse of the BlackBerry community in Asia. Attendees will get a free 16GB PlayBook tablet, as well as a free copy of Adobe’s FlashBuilder 4.6 (while stocks last).
Tags:BlackBerry, DevCon, DevCon Asia (Singapore), RIM
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Events, Gadgets, Operating Systems, Phones, PlayBook, RIM, Seminars, Software, Tablets | 2 Comments »
Monday, December 5th, 2011
Are you one of 30,000 heading out to ZoukOut at Siloso Beach this Saturday night? You may find some of these BlackBerry apps handy to survive the 14-hour party.
Check the weather with BeWeather Free in order to know when to start dancing towards the shelter.
Then, Let There Be Light will turn your BlackBerry smartphone into a multicolored glowstick that you can use to signal your friends or groove to the music.
Hear a familiar track that you must get your hands on? Shazam Encore will help you identify and buy the track online.
Done with the party and looking for food? ShowNearby will tell you what’s yummy in the vicinity!
All of these apps are free and for BlackBerry smartphones. Shazam Encore is one of those free apps courtesy of RIM.
Tags:Apps, BlackBerry, RIM, smartphone, Zouk, ZoukOut
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Events, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Party, Phones, RIM, Software | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
RIM and Porsche have joined hands to produce a smartphone that marries engineered luxury and powered performance.
The P'9981 smartphone from Porsche Design and BlackBerry.
Porsche fans can soon own a Porsche-designed product in their pockets when the P’9981 smartphone hits Porsche Design stores later this year. In Singapore, the two stores are at the Ion Orchard and Marina Bay Sands. You could also try Cortina Watch shops, which are Porsche Design dealers.
The design of the P’9981 is distinct from the usual smartphone designs from Research In Motion (RIM) – but features the popular QWERTY keypad that makes typing on the device such a breeze.
The P’9981 features a forged stainless steel frame, hand-wrapped leather back cover, sculpted QWERTY keyboard, and a touch display. This customized Porsche Design P’9981 comes with an exclusive Porsche Design UI and a bespoke Wikitude World Browser augmented reality app experience.
P’9981 smartphones will come with exclusive PINs that help owners easily identify another P’9981 user.
Technical specifications
The P’9981 features a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video recording, 24-bit high resolution graphics, and advanced sensors enabling new augmented reality applications. It comes with 8GB of on-board memory, expandable up to 40GB with a micro SD card.
The smartphone will run on BlackBerry 7 operating system, which includes its fastest BlackBerry browser to date; and a highly responsive touch experience based on Liquid Graphics technology for fast and smooth graphics.
The P’9981 includes built-in support for NFC (Near Field Communication), even as two of its BlackBerry cousins (Bold 9900 and Curve 9360) achieves the MasterCard PayPass certification.
Tags:BlackBerry, P'9981, Porsche Design, RIM, smartphone
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Phones, RIM, Specifications | 2 Comments »
Monday, October 31st, 2011
It’s Halloween today. Here’s a selection of ghouly apps for the occasion.
There are apps for both BlackBerry smartphones and the PlayBook. All the apps can be downloaded from BlackBerry App World. Click on the screenshots to get to the app on BlackBerry App World.
| Apps |
Brief Description |
Count Munchula (Free)
smartphones only
|
The world-famous Screen Muncher just couldn’t resist getting dressed up for Halloween as a blood-sucking vampire named Count Munchula! “Munch” your BlackBerry screen and capture it as an image to post directly to Twitter, share through email, or save for later!
Screen Muncher lets you capture anything you see on your BlackBerry screen just like a desktop “print screen” on a PC. This funny, cute and useful app includes a very special “Count Munchula” sound effect, animation and vibrates every time you Munch a screen! |
Pumpkin Slider (US$0.99)
smartphones only
|
Pumpkin Slider is designed to lock your BlackBerry and prevent any unwanted key press. Even if your BlackBerry is unlocked by accident, Pumpkin Slider still locks your phone and you do not need to worry about the Send key or any unwanted key pressed. Pumpkin Slider automatically locks your BlackBerry when the screen dims.
Pumpkin Slider is fast to setup, easy to use and works with the Lock button on your BlackBerry. |
Jack-O-Lantern (Free)
smartphones only
|
Ever wanted your own Jack-O-Lantern but didn’t know how to carve one? This app is a virtual Jack-O-Lantern for your BlackBerry to help you celebrate the Halloween season. You can change the Jack-O-Lantern’s face by swiping from the left or right on the eyes, nose, or mouth. You can also change the colour by clicking on the screen. Happy Halloween! |
Halloween Photo Editor (US$1.99)
smartphones only
|
Halloween Photo Editor is a powerful image processing app that turns your photos into unique Halloween themed art. Very intuitive and easy to use. even beginners will quickly learn how to create impressive Halloweenish effects! Gear up for your Halloween celebration with this amazing photo app!
The app features 4 awesome Halloween filters, 16 unique Halloween themed photo frames and 11 cute clip art images. |
Ghosty Party (US$1.99)
smartphone/PlayBook
|
Vaporize as many ghosts of the same color as you can to get a high score, with cute halloween theme animations, bonuses, and sound effects. The more ghosts you tap at once, the more scores you will get. The more same color ghosts combo, the more scoresmultiply.
The game features an autosave function on exit or phone call, and the PlayBook version also has global online support to post your scores on Facebook. |
Halloween Haunt (S$1.99)
PlayBook only
|
Zombies, Ghosts, Mummies; oh my! Halloween Haunt is a 5 Reel Slot Machine that features up to 15 credits per line (up to 9 lines) – Changeable credit values ranging from 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, and 25¢. Once the ‘High Roller Gauge’ is completely filled, you will gain access to even higher credit values; 50¢, $1, and $5. Slot machine symbols include ‘WILD’ and ‘SPIN & WIN’ symbols, which trigger the FREE SPIN feature. Earn your way to 50 trophies, purchase the 10 items in the gift shop, and work your way up to piles of cash like candy on Halloween! |
Halloween Sounds (US$0.99)
PlayBook only
|
Wanna scare theguy in the next cube out of his wits? Look no further! With Halloween Sounds you can play endless pranks on friends and enemies alike. 15 spooky sounds and Spooky Soundtrack which plays a creepy soundtrack and adds scary sounds on top of it. The perfect soundtrack for handing out treats, or great mood music for a costume party. |
Tags:Apps, BlackBerry, Halloween, Playbook, RIM, smartphone, tablets
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Bold, Curve, Gadgets, Gaming, Humour, Lifestyle, Operating Systems, Phones, Photography, PlayBook, Prices, RIM, Software, Specifications, Tablets, Torch | No Comments »
Saturday, October 29th, 2011
Research In Motion (RIM) and Microsoft have announced BlackBerry Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365. An open beta for the service has been launched in more than 30 countries.
“BlackBerry Business Cloud Services is an easy and cost-effective way for businesses and government agencies to extend Microsoft Office 365 to BlackBerry smartphones and manage the deployment in the cloud,” said Alan Panezic, Vice President at Research In Motion.The new RIM-hosted online service is targeted at midsized businesses and enterprises – extending Microsoft Exchange Online to BlackBerry smartphones, and allowing organizations to self-manage their BlackBerry deployments in the cloud.
The service mobilizes Microsoft Office 365 Exchange Online via RIM-hosted BlackBerry Management Service. It features advanced Web-based IT and employee self-service smartphone management and security functions
Key features include:
- Access to Microsoft Exchange Online email, calendar and organizer data from a BlackBerry smartphone.
- BlackBerry Balance technology, which presents a unified view of work and personal content on a BlackBerry smartphone while keeping the content separate and secure.
- A web-based console for IT administrators to provision, manage and secure BlackBerry smartphones from anywhere.
- Online access to employee self-service smartphone security functions, allowing users to reset a device password or remotely lock or wipe a device in the event of loss or theft.
Managed service providers, systems integrators, carriers, resellers and other partners can also use the cloud service to manage BlackBerry deployments on behalf of their customers.
BlackBerry Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365
A number of Fortune 500 customers and several government agencies in the US participated in an early access program and are among the many organizations that already plan to use the service.
Microsoft Office 365 customers can sign up for the BlackBerry Business Cloud Services beta here. The cloud-based service is available for no additional charge to Microsoft Office 365 Midsized Businesses and Enterprises plan subscribers and works with BlackBerry smartphones on business or consumer data plans.
Tags:BlackBerry, Exchange, Microsoft, Office 365, RIM, smartphone
Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Enterprise IT, Microsoft, Phones, RIM, Security, Software, Utility | 1 Comment »
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Curve 9360 are the world’s first SIM-based smartphones to receive the MasterCard PayPass Handset Certification.
The two smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM) are the first SIM-based NFC (Near Field Communication) smartphones to be certified by MasterCard Worldwide as PayPass-approved devices.
The certification was granted on the basis of the BlackBerry smartphones meeting the functionality, interoperability 
and security requirements of MasterCard. With this certification, any MasterCard PayPass-issuing bank globally will be able to deploy MasterCard PayPass-enabled accounts to the SIM card of these smartphones.
“MasterCard is proud to be the first to certify these popular BlackBerry smartphones for mobile payments, and offer consumers another simple, easy, safe and convenient way to pay,” said Mung Ki Woo, Group Executive, Mobile at MasterCard Worldwide. “The availability of NFC on popular BlackBerry smartphones is an important milestone for the mobile contactless payments business.”The ecosystem to allow customers to take advantage of the certified BlackBerry smartphones for NFC payments is already growing. France Telecom – Orange is the first operator worldwide to have commercial NFC launches in two countries, UK and France, with trials in several European markets.
France Telecom – Orange believes that mobile NFC has the potential to enable a new revolution in mobile by further connecting people’s mobile digital world with the physical world around them.
In Singapore, I don’t think citizens probably will see NFC payments in place until at least middle of 2012 and beyond.
Tags:BlackBerry, Bold, Curve, MasterCard, NFC, PayPass, RIM, SIM
Posted in BlackBerry, Bold, Curve, Gadgets, Phones, RIM, Security, Tech news, Utility | 1 Comment »
Sporting a brushed stainless steel frame, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone yet at only 10.5mm, and the first to include built-in support for NFC (Near Field Communications).
