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Roundup of BlackBerry updates from RIM during CES

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Upgrades to BlackBerry 7.1 (dates TBC) and BBM6.1 (available now), and Visa certification for BlackBerry smartphones.

The BBM6.1 upgrade is available now in BlackBerry App World.

The updates were released by Research In Motion (RIM) during CES 2012.

BlackBerry 7.1 upgrade – dates TBC in Asia

For users of the latest BlackBerry 7 smartphones, some of the features of the BlackBerry 7.1 OS upgrade are described below.

Keep smiling with the free BBM6.1 upgrade.

With the addition of BlackBerry Tag, users of NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones (incl. Bold 9900, Curve 9360 and Curve 9380) can instantly invite a friend to BBM, exchange contact information, documents, URLs, photos and other multimedia content, as well as pair their BlackBerry smartphone with an NFC enabled Bluetooth device.

Turn your BlackBerry smartphone into a mobile hotspot that can be shared by up to 5x Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptops and tablets.

Free upgrade to BlackBerry Messenger 6.1

Universal Search has been further improved to help users find what they are looking for. The enhancement includes an auto-suggest feature that intelligently filters Bing search results to offer users a variety of relevant Web sites based on their search terms.

Customers with a BlackBerry Curve 9360 or 9380 smartphones will find a nice surprise with the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update in the form of an FM radio.

BBM6.1 upgrade – available now in BlackBerry App World

This upgrade offers support for animated avatars (animated GIFs), a dozen new and fun emoticons to spice up conversations, and the ability to customize chat bubbles with different colors.

BBM6.1 is available now on BlackBerry App World.

In addition, the new BBM app allows users to add customized personal messages of up to 160 characters in their online Profile, more than double the length supported in previous versions.

Users can now set the picture for their BBM avatar directly from the camera app – simply snap a picture and select “Set as BBM Display Picture” from the menu.

Read the full press release here.

Visa certifies BlackBerry smartphones for use as Visa Mobile Payment Devices

Following the approval of BlackBerry devices as the first certified smartphones of the MasterCard PayPass program, Visa has certified the BlackBerry Bold 9900, BlackBerry Curve 9360 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 as compliant payment products available for commercial deployment by financial institutions.

All the new devices certified by Visa can use the built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to facilitate wireless payments using contactless payment terminals.

Read the full press release here.

Tags:BlackBerry, Bold, CES 2012, Curve, RIM, smartphone, update, upgrade
Posted in Announce, App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Bold, Curve, Gadgets, Operating Systems, Phones, RIM, Software | 1 Comment »

CES preview: TomTom App for iPhone/iPad goes social

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

The latest version of the TomTom App (V1.10) integrates TomTom navigation with Facebook and Twitter allowing users to navigate to friends, places and events more easily.

The new TomTom App will be available within Q1 2012. Customers who already have the App (V1.9) will be able to download the new features for free.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad integrates with Twitter and Facebook.

The TomTom app uses social networks as a source for turn-by-turn navigation.

The TomTom App for iPhone and iPad will be the first to use social networks as a source for turn-by-turn navigation.

It can automatically plan routes based on information from Facebook events, places and friends.

Drivers can also use the App to share their destination and arrival time on Twitter, Facebook, by email and SMS text.

The current TomTom App for iPhone/iPad (V1.9) already offers drivers:

The updated and accurate maps with no need for a mobile signal or data plan.
Free daily map changes from the TomTom community through Map Share.
Reliable arrival times at all times of day with IQ Routes.
Real-time camera alerts via TomTom Speed Cameras.
A powerful search with Google and Facebook.
Clear turn-by-turn guidance while on the phone thanks to iOS Multitasking support.
Seamless integration with contacts, photos, music, email and calendar.

Tags:Apple, Apps, Google, GPS, navigation, TomTom
Posted in Announce, App, Gadgets, GPS, iPad, iPhone, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, Tablets, TomTom | 1 Comment »

New iOS and Android app: WD TV Remote

Friday, December 30th, 2011

This free WD TV Remote app from Western Digital turns an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Android compatible mobile device into an advanced feature remote control for the WD TV Live or WD TV Live Hub.

WD TV Remote app has all the features of the standard WD TV remote control, plus additional advanced features.

The WD TV Remote app allows users to more easily navigate the wide variety of digital media WD TV users enjoy on their television.

The WD TV Remote app is already available for free download at the Apple iTunes Store. It will become available on the Android Market soon.Android devices must have OS 2.1 or higher and iPhones, iPad or iPod touch must have OS 4.0 or later.

Users must own a WD TV Live with firmware release version 1.05.18 or WD TV Live Hub updated with firmware release version 3.01.19.

This includes media from leading entertainment services like Vimeo, Dailymotion, TuneIn Radio, Deezer, Facebook and YouTube, to personal video, photos or music.

The new WD TV Remote app provides all the features of the standard WD TV remote control along with several advanced features.

A gesture pad helps users to navigate menu screens and services with intuitive touch gestures.

QWERTY keyboard support for text entry and search functionality is also included.

Western Digital WD TV Live wireless streaming media player

A favorites screen provides quick access to entertainment services on the WD TV.

Tags:Android, Apps, iOS, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, smartphone, tablets
Posted in Android, App, Gadgets, iOS, Launch, Operating Systems, Software, TV, Western Digital | No Comments »

Play Angry Birds on BlackBerry PlayBook

Monday, December 26th, 2011

It’s Boxing Day and a day of recovery from the Christmas celebrations. Check out the Angry Birds game apps from Rovio Entertainment for the PlayBook in BlackBerry App World, now available for US$4.99 each.

PlayBook owners registered in Singapore can buy the apps at S$4.99 each.

Play Angry Birds from Rovio Entertainment on the BlackBerry PlayBook.

The popular game/series from Rovio – Angry Birds, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Seasons are now available on the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Angry Birds

Angry Birds on BlackBerry PlayBook

The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the green pigs who stole the Birds’ eggs. Use the unique destructive powers of the Angry Birds to lay waste to the pigs’ fortified castles. Angry Birds features hours of gameplay, challenging physics-based castle demolition, and lots of replay value. Each of the 288 levels requires logic, skill, and brute force to crush the enemy.

Angry Birds Rio

Angry Birds Rio on BlackBerry PlayBook

What happens when everybody’s favourite fierce fowl get caged and shipped to Rio? They get very angry! In Angry Birds Rio, the original Angry Birds are kidnapped and taken to the magical city of Rio de Janeiro, where they eventually escape their captors and set out to to save their friends, Blu and Jewel – two rare macaws and the stars of the hit motion picture, Rio. Angry Birds Rio will pair the physics-based gameplay of the original game with unique twists based on the film.

Angry Birds Seasons

Angry Birds Seasons Rio on BlackBerry PlayBook

It was a dark and stormy night … but that won’t stop the Angry Birds! Pursue the pigs through 30 levels filled with pumpkin patches, exploding jack-o-lanterns, and creepy skeletons, lit by a full moon and eerie lantern light. You’ll get some unexpected help from a BRAND NEW BIRD – he starts out small, but don’t let his looks fool you! Complete all the levels to find some special tricks and treats!

Tags:Angry Birds, BlackBerry, games, Playbook, RIM, tablets
Posted in App, Gadgets, Games, PlayBook, Prices, RIM, Software, Tablets | No Comments »

New BlackBerry app: Traning with Messi

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

This US$1.99 app is for fans of Lionel Messi. All funds collected with the application will be used to support charity projects embraced by the Leo Messi Foundation.

BlackBerry smartphone app "Training with Messi", US$1.99 from App World.

This is the official game of Leo Messi and is available for download from BlackBerry App World.

It is released by Fundacion Leo Messi and can be played on BlackBerry smartphones.

Train with Leo Messi, complete rewarding achievements and share everything with friends through Facebook and Twitter.

The best ranked player will get a chance to visit and meet Leo Messi face to face during an event organised by the Leo Messi Foundation.

Tags:Apps, BlackBerry, Messi, RIM, smartphone
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Gadgets, Phones, RIM, Software | No Comments »

Twitter app for BlackBerry smartphones update version 2.1

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Update version 2.1 of the free Twitter app by Research In Motion (RIM) is now available in BlackBerry App World, incorporating multi-account support and sharing via BBM.

Update v2.1 of Twitter app for BlackBerry smartphones features multi-user support.

The Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones v2.1 app is available for users running BlackBerry OS v5.0 and up.

Multi-account support integration with Social Feeds is available for users running BlackBerry 6 OS and up.

The updates include:

Easily share Tweets with BBM Contacts and Groups

Multi-Account Support – Have up to five accounts on your Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones app. Switch between accounts and cross-post Tweets and Retweets from one account to another without switching the current account view.

Enhanced “Share with BBM” functionality – Easily share Tweets with BBM Contacts and Groups.

View multiple Twitter accounts in a single timeline – View a stream of Tweets from up to five Twitter accounts in the Social Feeds timeline, or opt to filter individual Twitter accounts.

Post a Tweet to multiple Twitter Accounts – Publish a Tweet to one or more Twitter accounts simultaneously using Social Feeds.

Tags:Apps, BlackBerry, RIM, smartphone, Twitter
Posted in App, BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Phones, RIM, Software, Twitter, Utility | No Comments »

Apple’s Mac App Store hits 100 million downloads

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

In less than one year, 100 million apps have been downloaded from the Mac App Store.

Apple's Mac App Store tops 100 million downloads.

“With Autodesk products in both the App Store and Mac App Store, we can reach hundreds of millions of Apple users around the world,” said Amar Hanspal, senior vice president of Platform Solutions and Emerging Business at Autodesk. “With our free AutoCAD WS and the more powerful professional drafting tools of AutoCAD LT, we’re using the Mac App Store to deliver new products and reach a growing base of new Mac customers.”With thousands of free and paid apps, the Mac App Store brings the App Store experience to the Mac.

Users can buy apps using their iTunes account, and download and install them in just one step.

Apple’s App Store now has more than 500,000 apps.

Overall, customers have downloaded more than 18 billion apps and continue to download more than 1 billion apps per month.

The Mac App Store offers thousands of apps in Education, Games, Graphics & Design, Lifestyle, Productivity, Utilities and other categories.

“The Mac App Store has unparalleled reach and has completely transformed our distribution and development cycle,” said Saulius Dailide of the Pixelmator Team. “Offering Pixelmator 2.0 exclusively on the Mac App Store allows us to streamline updates to our image editing software and stay ahead of the competition.”Users can browse new and noteworthy apps, find out what’s hot, see staff favourites, search categories and look up top charts for paid and free apps, as well as user ratings and reviews.

The Mac App Store is included with Mac OS X Lion and is available as a software update for any Mac running Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

Mac developers set the prices for their apps, keep 70 percent of the sales revenue, are not charged for free apps and do not have to pay hosting, marketing or credit card fees.

Tags:Apple, Apps, downloads, Mac, Mac OS
Posted in App, Apple, Desktops, Figures, Gadgets, Mac OS, Software, Tech news | No Comments »

Technical specifications: Nokia Lumia 710

Saturday, December 10th, 2011

The Lumia 710 was launched in Singapore on 7 December 2011 and will hit the shelves in a few weeks at a RRP of S$505 (excl GST and no contract).

Nokia Lumia 710 on Microsoft Windows Phone 7. Click on image to see full data sheet.

Nokia Lumia 710

The Nokia Lumia 710 can be personalized with exchangeable back covers and is designed for instant social & image sharing, and promises a great browsing experience with IE9.

It is available in black and white with black, white, cyan, fuchsia and yellow back covers.

With the same 1.4 GHz processor, hardware acceleration and graphics processor as the Nokia Lumia 800, the Nokia Lumia 710 promises to deliver high performance at an affordable price.

The main technical specifications of the Nokia Lumia 710 are summarized below.

Networks	WCDMA 900/1900/2100, GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
Speed	HSDPA cat 10: 14.4 Mbps, HSUPA cat 6: 5.76 Mbps
Display	3.7″ WVGA (800×480) TFT capacitive touch ClearBlackTM display with pinch zoom
Operating System	Windows Phone 7.5 – Mango
Memory	512MB RAM, 8GB storage
Camera	5Mpix auto-focus, LED flash, Video capturing MPEG-4 720p @ 30 fps
Size/Weight	119mm x 62.4mm x 12.5mm (LxWxT) / 81.1cc / 125.5g
Connectivity	WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, A-GPS, micro-USB connector and charging, 3.5mm AHJ connector
Processor	1.4 Ghz Single Core MSM8255 (WCDMA)
Audio	MP3 player, Audio jack: 3.5mm, Supported codecs incl.: mp3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, wma
Battery	1300 mAh
Talk time	(GSM/WCDMA) up to 6.9 h/7.6h
Standby time	(GSM/WCDMA) up to 400h
Music playback	up to 38 hours

Tags:Lumia, Lumia 710, Microsoft, Nokia, smartphone, Windows Phone 7
Posted in App, Gadgets, Internet Explorer, Lumia, Microsoft, Nokia, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, Windows Phone 7 | 4 Comments »

BlackBerry DevCon Asia: Day 2

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 »

Nokia’s amazing “Prepare to be amazed” launch

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

For its launch of the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710, Nokia has made it clear that it is not just launching these two handsets.

Niklas Savander, Executive Vice President, Markets, Nokia Corporation flew in from Finland to expound the virtues of the Lumia product line in Singapore.

Instead, it is launching a holistic mobile experience for the smartphone user – from the hardware performance to the software user interface, right down to the ecosystem of applications for users and development tools and environment for developers.

Tracey Fellows, Area Vice President, Microsoft Asia Pacific

The launch event was a testimony to this holistic approach.

There were customized sessions to woo different segments of that ecosystem.

The first session of the day was a “fireside chat” where Nokia and Microsoft executives briefed developers how they are developing and building the ecosystem.

Nokia is working with global and local developers to create new, innovative and differentiated apps and content for all Nokia devices.

Emphasis has been placed on supporting local developers transition to develop for the Windows Phone platform.

Ask Andrej Sonkin about how excited he is with the Lumia. He is the Head of Smart Devices for Nokia Southeast Asia Pacific.

It is also partnering with local institutions to actively develop applications.

This was followed by the keynote conference when the actual products were launched, and guests and media had a chance to hands-on the handsets and accessories.

Key executives from both Nokia and Microsoft were on hand for interviews to go into details with their plans for the Singapore market and their local focus, as well as the product specifications for the Nokia Lumia range of products.

The launch event was wrapped up with a bum-boat ride to Clark Quay for a party at Read Bridge.

Tags:Apps, Lumia, Lumia 710, Lumia 800, Microsoft, Nokia, smartphone, Windows Phone 7
Posted in App, Browser, Events, Gadgets, Internet Explorer, Launch, Lumia, Microsoft, Nokia, Operating Systems, Opinion, Phones, Software, Tech news, Windows Phone 7 | 3 Comments »

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