With all the hype surrounding the new Apple iPhone 4 and it's reception problems, signal strength for your BlackBerry device may have become something you would like to verify. There's a shortcut available to check the signal strength on your BlackBerry accurately.
The bars on your BlackBerry provide an approximate idea of your current signal strength but don't account for minor fluctuations in signal that occur when you move around (or hold your BlackBerry a certain way). To check the signal strength accurately, simply hold down your ALT key while simultaneously pressing the letter NMLL. The bar graph will convert to actual numbers measured in dBm and provide an accurate reading of your signal. Numbers between 40 and 100 are typical with the higher number being the stronger signal.
Once you use this shortcut, try holding your BlackBerry at different angles and adjusting your hand placement while observing your signal strength. You should find that your BlackBerry will NOT have the same "death grip" problems that currently plague the iPhone 4 as the antenna design on the BlackBerry is properly designed. Submit a comment below and share your results.
Wes
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
BlackBerry App World Prepared for BlackBerry 9800 Slider
RIM seems to be getting a head start in BlackBerry App World this time with the soon to be released BlackBerry 9800 Slider (possibly dubbed the Torch or carrying the Bold name). The developer portal already has the BlackBerry 9800 listed so developers can upload tested applications to App World for the launch of this highly-anticipated device.
BlackBerry App World has always been slow to update when new BlackBerry devices are released. The fact that BlackBerry App World is prepared ahead of time shows that RIM is anticipating a successful launch with the new app-oriented BlackBerrry OS 6 that the 9800 Slider will use - another sign that RIM is finally putting forth a real effort to change the reputation of the BlackBerry to a device that appeals to both mainstream users and business users alike.
The BlackBerry 9800 Slider will probably be offered by AT&T and should be released in late August or early September of this year in time for the back-to-school rush. See our posting on the new BlackBerry 9800 Slider to get the low down.
Wes
BlackBerry App World has always been slow to update when new BlackBerry devices are released. The fact that BlackBerry App World is prepared ahead of time shows that RIM is anticipating a successful launch with the new app-oriented BlackBerrry OS 6 that the 9800 Slider will use - another sign that RIM is finally putting forth a real effort to change the reputation of the BlackBerry to a device that appeals to both mainstream users and business users alike.
The BlackBerry 9800 Slider will probably be offered by AT&T and should be released in late August or early September of this year in time for the back-to-school rush. See our posting on the new BlackBerry 9800 Slider to get the low down.
Wes
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Why Does Everybody Hate Facebook?
Everybody hates Facebook! Facebook has become a prime target for "haters" as people become accustomed to (and sometimes dependent on) the convenience and fun that the popular social networking site offers. Facebook is now the number one site that users love to hate (perhaps Facebook should add a "hate" button) and enjoys the top spot as the website that users love to complain about.
It just doesn't seem logical though that a site that has grown so fast in such a short amount of time could be all that bad (and it really isn't). I guess it could only be described as growing pains as the site continues to evolve and, of course, take steps to become investment-friendly (another way of saying profitable).
Facebook is officially the most visited website on the Internet, boasting 500 million users with people spending over 500 billion minutes per month on the site. Facebook is available in more than 70 languages and over 100 million users access Facebook from their mobile devices. Facebook has become a multi-billion dollar empire and is still growing at a phenomenal pace. So why does the most popular social networking site get so much negative publicity?
The top complaint that surfaces on a regular basis with Facebook are the privacy issues. Facebook has become notorious for frequently changing the already hard to interpret privacy settings within user accounts that typically default to a state that most users would not consider acceptable.
Although Facebook has made some improvements to the privacy controls for users, the site has become a fertile ground for advertisers; supplying detailed demographics and marketing information that merchants would love (and pay dearly) to get their hands on. It's no coincidence that the confusing and hard-to-navigate privacy controls are set to default at a setting that promotes sharing your account data with these potential advertisers.
Users also complain about the overall functionality and reliability of the site. Facebook simply has too much going on with a huge number of users and the developers can't seem to keep up on routine maintenance and site crashes without screwing something else up at the same time.
With a site as big and elaborate as Facebook, technical difficulties are to be expected, but it seems that some malfunctioning features just seem to linger indefinitely (for example: Facebook Notes - the blog importing feature works about 50% of the time and has been that way for as long as I can remember). The chat feature could use some improvement as well as it seems to disturb every other browser tab or window you may have open and be working in when an active chat session is taking place.
These complaints only touch the surface as people become more expectant and reliant on Facebook. People love to hate Facebook, but the truth is that no site has seen such dramatic growth and popularity since the birth of the Internet. Overall, Facebook is a fun, interesting, and productive place to be but the spoils of the Internet are taking their toll as people continually grow to expect instant gratification for everyday tasks in their communication methods.
The Internet was founded on principles of openness and sharing but like any other popular medium, it will be exploited at the user's expense. Facebook is no different and we should expect more of the same in terms of mass marketing and declining functionality as Facebook continues to grow and become a profitable haven for third-party developers and advertisers.
Are you a Facebook liker of hater? Leave a comment and share your opinion below.
Wes
It just doesn't seem logical though that a site that has grown so fast in such a short amount of time could be all that bad (and it really isn't). I guess it could only be described as growing pains as the site continues to evolve and, of course, take steps to become investment-friendly (another way of saying profitable).
Facebook is officially the most visited website on the Internet, boasting 500 million users with people spending over 500 billion minutes per month on the site. Facebook is available in more than 70 languages and over 100 million users access Facebook from their mobile devices. Facebook has become a multi-billion dollar empire and is still growing at a phenomenal pace. So why does the most popular social networking site get so much negative publicity?
The top complaint that surfaces on a regular basis with Facebook are the privacy issues. Facebook has become notorious for frequently changing the already hard to interpret privacy settings within user accounts that typically default to a state that most users would not consider acceptable.
Although Facebook has made some improvements to the privacy controls for users, the site has become a fertile ground for advertisers; supplying detailed demographics and marketing information that merchants would love (and pay dearly) to get their hands on. It's no coincidence that the confusing and hard-to-navigate privacy controls are set to default at a setting that promotes sharing your account data with these potential advertisers.
Users also complain about the overall functionality and reliability of the site. Facebook simply has too much going on with a huge number of users and the developers can't seem to keep up on routine maintenance and site crashes without screwing something else up at the same time.
With a site as big and elaborate as Facebook, technical difficulties are to be expected, but it seems that some malfunctioning features just seem to linger indefinitely (for example: Facebook Notes - the blog importing feature works about 50% of the time and has been that way for as long as I can remember). The chat feature could use some improvement as well as it seems to disturb every other browser tab or window you may have open and be working in when an active chat session is taking place.
These complaints only touch the surface as people become more expectant and reliant on Facebook. People love to hate Facebook, but the truth is that no site has seen such dramatic growth and popularity since the birth of the Internet. Overall, Facebook is a fun, interesting, and productive place to be but the spoils of the Internet are taking their toll as people continually grow to expect instant gratification for everyday tasks in their communication methods.
The Internet was founded on principles of openness and sharing but like any other popular medium, it will be exploited at the user's expense. Facebook is no different and we should expect more of the same in terms of mass marketing and declining functionality as Facebook continues to grow and become a profitable haven for third-party developers and advertisers.
Are you a Facebook liker of hater? Leave a comment and share your opinion below.
Wes
Monday, July 19, 2010
Apple Says Antenna Issues Are Same For BlackBerry and Other Smartphones
Apple's Steve Jobs, in defense of the iPhone 4's reception problem, has said that antenna issues are common among all smartphones including RIM's BlackBerry.
It seems that Apples is content in it's denial over the obvious problems that plague the new iPhone 4 and are trying to divert attention away from Apple and place it on other smartphone manufacturers, including RIM, Samsung, and HTC. RIM CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie recently released a joint statement at the Inside BlackBerry Blog in response to Apple's desperate attempt to draw attention away from the iPhone 4. Here's a glimpse of the statement made by Lazaridis and Balsillie:
"Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple’s claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public’s understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple’s difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage."
The "theirs does it too" statement is apparently part of Apple's overall "deny, deny, deny" defense for the iPhone 4's obvious design flaws. The over-hyped iPhone 4 campaign that preceded the release of the device has backfired dramatically and it seems that Apple is determined to avoid responsibility toward iPhone customers' wants and needs.
Wes
It seems that Apples is content in it's denial over the obvious problems that plague the new iPhone 4 and are trying to divert attention away from Apple and place it on other smartphone manufacturers, including RIM, Samsung, and HTC. RIM CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie recently released a joint statement at the Inside BlackBerry Blog in response to Apple's desperate attempt to draw attention away from the iPhone 4. Here's a glimpse of the statement made by Lazaridis and Balsillie:
"Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple’s claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public’s understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple’s difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage."
The "theirs does it too" statement is apparently part of Apple's overall "deny, deny, deny" defense for the iPhone 4's obvious design flaws. The over-hyped iPhone 4 campaign that preceded the release of the device has backfired dramatically and it seems that Apple is determined to avoid responsibility toward iPhone customers' wants and needs.
Wes
Verizon May Release Storm 3 and Curve 3 In August
Leaked info reveals that Verizon will carry two of the newest BlackBerry touchscreen devices in the works. The Storm 3 and Curve 3, which both should feature BlackBerry OS 6 with updated touchscreen capabilities, are said to roll out in time for the holidays later this year.
RIM's newest BlackBerry's for 2010 will hopefully push RIM higher in the consumer smartphone market by featuring enhanced "user-friendliness" and revamped OS for less "clunkiness". Touchscreen interfaces are all the hype now and the the BlackBerry has not received positive user feedback with it's current line of touch models, the Storm and Storm 2.
The Storm 3 being offered by Verizon comes as no surprise as they currently carry the original Storm and Storm 2 models as well as the Curve 2 8530, which the Curve 3 (9300 Series) will replace. However, one other highly-anticipated BlackBerry model in the works, the Bold 9800 Slider, will probably only be available through AT&T. The 9800 Slider model will be the first BlackBerry to feature a slide-out keyboard in conjunction with touchscreen capabilities.
Verizon still boasts the most broad and reliable network available to mobile users. The Storm 3 and Curve 3 models, with their touchscreen interfaces and updated BlackBerry OS 6, should prove to be well-received by Verizon customers. Let us know what you think!
Wes
RIM's newest BlackBerry's for 2010 will hopefully push RIM higher in the consumer smartphone market by featuring enhanced "user-friendliness" and revamped OS for less "clunkiness". Touchscreen interfaces are all the hype now and the the BlackBerry has not received positive user feedback with it's current line of touch models, the Storm and Storm 2.
The Storm 3 being offered by Verizon comes as no surprise as they currently carry the original Storm and Storm 2 models as well as the Curve 2 8530, which the Curve 3 (9300 Series) will replace. However, one other highly-anticipated BlackBerry model in the works, the Bold 9800 Slider, will probably only be available through AT&T. The 9800 Slider model will be the first BlackBerry to feature a slide-out keyboard in conjunction with touchscreen capabilities.
Verizon still boasts the most broad and reliable network available to mobile users. The Storm 3 and Curve 3 models, with their touchscreen interfaces and updated BlackBerry OS 6, should prove to be well-received by Verizon customers. Let us know what you think!
Wes
Friday, July 16, 2010
Did RIM Want to Buy Palm - BlackBerry and WebOs Integrated?
Reports are brewing that RIM was a top contender in the bid to takeover struggling Palm recently along with HP, Google, Apple, Nokia and other top players in the mobile industry. Of course, HP finally won the bid but the question still lingers to why RIM would be interested in the first place.
The primary reason that RIM may have wanted to acquire Palm and their numerous patents is for Palm's WebOS. The BlackBerry OS is plagued by bugs and shortcomings while BlackBerry customers continuously demand a more responsive and "user-friendly" interface. Maybe RIM considered integrating WebOS with the BlackBerry platform in response to users' pleas for a quick and effective revamp of RIM's clunky user interface.
The problem with this theory is that RIM and the BlackBerry boast great security features that has become the backbone of RIM's business, which the Palm WebOS lacks. However, many Palm users do love the user-friendly nature of WebOS as well as Palm's keyboard technology. Integrating the two OS's may have proved to be more work than it was worth in the end and RIM may have decided to go their own way in developing the upcoming (and long overdue) BlackBerry OS 6, which promises to give BlackBerry users what they have been longing for.
RIM isn't known for taking part in takeovers to weed out the competition, but since Apple and Google (whom are gobbling up RIM's market share) were players in the acquisition as well, RIM may have considered changing their strategy for the sake of it's long-term well being and to speed the "catch up" process RIM now finds itself in.
In the end, all this speculation doesn't mean much other than another possible sign that RIM has come to terms with it's lagging weaknesses in the mainstream smartphone market. There's no doubt that RIM has the expertise and financial resources to push the BlackBerry to a higher level but seems to lack the motivation to do the inevitable (and difficult) task of developing a BlackBerry that can be everything to everyone.
Wes
The primary reason that RIM may have wanted to acquire Palm and their numerous patents is for Palm's WebOS. The BlackBerry OS is plagued by bugs and shortcomings while BlackBerry customers continuously demand a more responsive and "user-friendly" interface. Maybe RIM considered integrating WebOS with the BlackBerry platform in response to users' pleas for a quick and effective revamp of RIM's clunky user interface.
The problem with this theory is that RIM and the BlackBerry boast great security features that has become the backbone of RIM's business, which the Palm WebOS lacks. However, many Palm users do love the user-friendly nature of WebOS as well as Palm's keyboard technology. Integrating the two OS's may have proved to be more work than it was worth in the end and RIM may have decided to go their own way in developing the upcoming (and long overdue) BlackBerry OS 6, which promises to give BlackBerry users what they have been longing for.
RIM isn't known for taking part in takeovers to weed out the competition, but since Apple and Google (whom are gobbling up RIM's market share) were players in the acquisition as well, RIM may have considered changing their strategy for the sake of it's long-term well being and to speed the "catch up" process RIM now finds itself in.
In the end, all this speculation doesn't mean much other than another possible sign that RIM has come to terms with it's lagging weaknesses in the mainstream smartphone market. There's no doubt that RIM has the expertise and financial resources to push the BlackBerry to a higher level but seems to lack the motivation to do the inevitable (and difficult) task of developing a BlackBerry that can be everything to everyone.
Wes
Thursday, July 15, 2010
BlackBerry User Satisfaction at All Time Lows
Some troubling statistics are popping up lately regarding satisfaction among BlackBerry users as well as the BlackBerry's image among users in the market for a new smartphone. iPhone and Android devices seem to be sexier and more fun in the eyes of media and app-oriented users and the BlackBerry's image seems to still loom as strictly a business-oriented device.
ChangeWave Research has published a report stemming from several surveys revealing projections on the number of respondents planning to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days and the customer satisfaction ratings for top smartphone manufacturers. The number of people who plan to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days is at an all time high at 16.4% showing that the smartphone market is still steadily increasing - up from 10.8% in March 2010. The satisfaction rating survey among smartphone manufacturers, however, reveals some troubling numbers for RIM and it's BlackBerry. Read on for details.
Apple and HTC devices top the Future SmartPhone Buying survey at 52% and 19% respectively. Motorola comes in at 9% followed by RIM's BlackBerry at just 6%, which boasted the biggest decline compared to the same survey conducted in March 2010 where Apple and HTC were only at 31% and 12% respectively while the BlackBerry came in at 14%. Simply put, in a three month period Apple and Android have shown a dramatic increase in popularity among potential users and the BlackBerry has declined.
Also included in the report are a Satisfaction Rating survey based on manufacturer which state that only 30% of current BlackBerry users are "very satisfied" with their device. Again, Apple and HTC top this list at 73% and 39% respectively with Motorola and Palm edging out BlackBerry at 34% each.
What does this translate to for RIM and the BlackBerry? It simply means that the BlackBerry is still lagging behind in the consumer market and RIM needs to get the ball rolling soon by releasing some new BlackBerry devices that appeal to mainstream users while maintaining their grip on the "bread and butter" enterprise user base.
Keep in mind that Apple and Android have launched elaborate advertising campaigns promoting their new devices while RIM, who seems to still be stuck at the drawing board, has remained relatively silent only releasing the new, and somewhat boring, Bold 9650 (Tour 2) and Pearl 3G. Hopefully RIM's more exciting devices in the works like the Bold 9800 Slider, Storm 3, and Curve touchscreen models with BlackBerry OS 6 will be released using similarly aggressive (but with a little less hype) advertising methods.
The good news is that RIM seems to be aware of the declining image of the BlackBerry in the eyes of mainstream users and has many exciting new devices and much needed software changes (BlackBerry OS 6 and revamped BlackBerry Browser) on the way that should boost the BlackBerry's image as a fun and functional device for everyday users.
But some analysts speculate that it may be too little - too late as Apple and Android devices are strengthening their hold on the consumer smartphone market at a very fast rate. Either way, the bottom line is that RIM needs to act soon if they want to remain competitive in the "consumer-friendly" smartphone arena.
RIM will surely prevail in the end, as they always do, but they seem to be pushing their luck lately with mediocre product launches and still sloppy OS and browser performance. It's very obvious now that RIM and the BlackBerry have some serious catching up to do.
Wes
ChangeWave Research has published a report stemming from several surveys revealing projections on the number of respondents planning to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days and the customer satisfaction ratings for top smartphone manufacturers. The number of people who plan to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days is at an all time high at 16.4% showing that the smartphone market is still steadily increasing - up from 10.8% in March 2010. The satisfaction rating survey among smartphone manufacturers, however, reveals some troubling numbers for RIM and it's BlackBerry. Read on for details.
Apple and HTC devices top the Future SmartPhone Buying survey at 52% and 19% respectively. Motorola comes in at 9% followed by RIM's BlackBerry at just 6%, which boasted the biggest decline compared to the same survey conducted in March 2010 where Apple and HTC were only at 31% and 12% respectively while the BlackBerry came in at 14%. Simply put, in a three month period Apple and Android have shown a dramatic increase in popularity among potential users and the BlackBerry has declined.
Also included in the report are a Satisfaction Rating survey based on manufacturer which state that only 30% of current BlackBerry users are "very satisfied" with their device. Again, Apple and HTC top this list at 73% and 39% respectively with Motorola and Palm edging out BlackBerry at 34% each.
What does this translate to for RIM and the BlackBerry? It simply means that the BlackBerry is still lagging behind in the consumer market and RIM needs to get the ball rolling soon by releasing some new BlackBerry devices that appeal to mainstream users while maintaining their grip on the "bread and butter" enterprise user base.
Keep in mind that Apple and Android have launched elaborate advertising campaigns promoting their new devices while RIM, who seems to still be stuck at the drawing board, has remained relatively silent only releasing the new, and somewhat boring, Bold 9650 (Tour 2) and Pearl 3G. Hopefully RIM's more exciting devices in the works like the Bold 9800 Slider, Storm 3, and Curve touchscreen models with BlackBerry OS 6 will be released using similarly aggressive (but with a little less hype) advertising methods.
The good news is that RIM seems to be aware of the declining image of the BlackBerry in the eyes of mainstream users and has many exciting new devices and much needed software changes (BlackBerry OS 6 and revamped BlackBerry Browser) on the way that should boost the BlackBerry's image as a fun and functional device for everyday users.
But some analysts speculate that it may be too little - too late as Apple and Android devices are strengthening their hold on the consumer smartphone market at a very fast rate. Either way, the bottom line is that RIM needs to act soon if they want to remain competitive in the "consumer-friendly" smartphone arena.
RIM will surely prevail in the end, as they always do, but they seem to be pushing their luck lately with mediocre product launches and still sloppy OS and browser performance. It's very obvious now that RIM and the BlackBerry have some serious catching up to do.
Wes
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
RIM's Low Profile on New Product Launches is Brilliant
Many analysts scorn at the fact that RIM remains relatively silent when new product launches are in the works. RIM has always kept a low profile in the pre-release phase of it's new models, which avoids unnecessary hype and arrogant marketing tactics that others seem to rely on (the title says it all with Apple's Hot News).
Many speculate that the BlackBerry will be overcome in the consumer market by Apple and Android devices and that RIM desperately needs some hot new "consumer-friendly" devices to compete, which is a accurate observation as Apple and Android continue to increase their portion of the smartphone market share. Be aware of RIM's history as they have always adapted to and overcome the competition and prevailed in the long-term.
The recent release of the iPhone 4 (with it's reception issues and poor response to the problem) is a great example of how using hyped-up marketing tactics to ensure a successful product launch can backfire and create a disgruntled feeling among customers who were duped into jumping on the bandwagon.
RIM's low-key marketing and reliance on product functionality will keep the BlackBerry as the front runner in the smartphone market in the long run. RIM continuously relies on the BlackBerry community to speculate with rumors and comments while inadvertently creating anticipation on new product releases - freeing RIM of the blame if a product receives mediocre acceptance after launch, much as Google does with it's products and services. RIM may not claim this tactic as an intentional method to their marketing strategy, but it is brilliantly executed all the same.
As for new releases that will compete with Apple and Android in the consumer, app-oriented market; the "rumored" Storm 3, Bold 9800 Slider, and Curve touchscreen models with the updated BlackBerry OS 6 and revamped BlackBerry Browser will hopefully remedy the self-inflicted hype that the BlackBerry community has created. These new devices, which are proof that RIM is adapting to the fast-growing consumer market, should boost RIM's market share based on performance and functionality rather than arrogant marketing tactics thus strengthening it's position in the long term.
RIM has far more experience (and success) in the mobile industry than it's competitors and will remain the top contender in the future with sound marketing tactics and, most importantly, from creating highly-functional BlackBerry devices that users can rely on in their personal and professional lives.
Wes
Many speculate that the BlackBerry will be overcome in the consumer market by Apple and Android devices and that RIM desperately needs some hot new "consumer-friendly" devices to compete, which is a accurate observation as Apple and Android continue to increase their portion of the smartphone market share. Be aware of RIM's history as they have always adapted to and overcome the competition and prevailed in the long-term.
The recent release of the iPhone 4 (with it's reception issues and poor response to the problem) is a great example of how using hyped-up marketing tactics to ensure a successful product launch can backfire and create a disgruntled feeling among customers who were duped into jumping on the bandwagon.
RIM's low-key marketing and reliance on product functionality will keep the BlackBerry as the front runner in the smartphone market in the long run. RIM continuously relies on the BlackBerry community to speculate with rumors and comments while inadvertently creating anticipation on new product releases - freeing RIM of the blame if a product receives mediocre acceptance after launch, much as Google does with it's products and services. RIM may not claim this tactic as an intentional method to their marketing strategy, but it is brilliantly executed all the same.
As for new releases that will compete with Apple and Android in the consumer, app-oriented market; the "rumored" Storm 3, Bold 9800 Slider, and Curve touchscreen models with the updated BlackBerry OS 6 and revamped BlackBerry Browser will hopefully remedy the self-inflicted hype that the BlackBerry community has created. These new devices, which are proof that RIM is adapting to the fast-growing consumer market, should boost RIM's market share based on performance and functionality rather than arrogant marketing tactics thus strengthening it's position in the long term.
RIM has far more experience (and success) in the mobile industry than it's competitors and will remain the top contender in the future with sound marketing tactics and, most importantly, from creating highly-functional BlackBerry devices that users can rely on in their personal and professional lives.
Wes
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Latest Beatles Skins for BlackBerry
Just a quick post to update you on the latest Beatles skin designs in for BlackBerry. Many of you loved the Beatles: Logo skin design and the latest Beatles: Band design is equally stylish featuring profile images of each band member. You can see all Beatles skin designs for the top BlackBerry models including Beatles: Logo and Beatles: Band at the WesWare Online store.Wes
Monday, July 12, 2010
Backup, Restore, and Locate with Free BlackBerry Protect Service
Free BlackBerry Protect
Research In Motion (RIM) has released the beta version of BlackBerry Protect that promises to allow remote backup and restore, finding a lost BlackBerry, and locking or wiping your BlackBerry; all from a desktop computer via the web service interface. The better news is that it is being offered as a free service from RIM.
Backup and Restore Via BlackBerry Protect
BlackBerry Protect will secure up to five BlackBerry's and offers regular BIS users (even though it will work along side BES) a way to secure their devices remotely. The over-the-air update feature acts as a way to both sync your BlackBerry's calendar, tasks, memos, bookmarks and contacts while also doubling as a restore feature if you should need to bring your BlackBerry back to full functionality after a data breach.
Other BlackBerry Protect Features
The Loud Ring feature makes finding your misplaced BlackBerry easier, assuming it hasn't been stolen. In the case that you think your BlackBerry was stolen, the remote lock, wipe, and Lost and Found screen are available to assist you in remotely securing the device or even retrieving it.
BlackBerry Protect will supposedly take advantage of the new BlackBerry ID (BBID) system, which provides BlackBerry users with a unified identity system that acts as a master user account, even though it hasn't been officially confirmed by RIM yet. You can get more info on BlackBerry Protect from the official BlackBerry blog, Inside BlackBerry.
Wes
Research In Motion (RIM) has released the beta version of BlackBerry Protect that promises to allow remote backup and restore, finding a lost BlackBerry, and locking or wiping your BlackBerry; all from a desktop computer via the web service interface. The better news is that it is being offered as a free service from RIM.
Backup and Restore Via BlackBerry Protect
BlackBerry Protect will secure up to five BlackBerry's and offers regular BIS users (even though it will work along side BES) a way to secure their devices remotely. The over-the-air update feature acts as a way to both sync your BlackBerry's calendar, tasks, memos, bookmarks and contacts while also doubling as a restore feature if you should need to bring your BlackBerry back to full functionality after a data breach.
Other BlackBerry Protect Features
The Loud Ring feature makes finding your misplaced BlackBerry easier, assuming it hasn't been stolen. In the case that you think your BlackBerry was stolen, the remote lock, wipe, and Lost and Found screen are available to assist you in remotely securing the device or even retrieving it.
BlackBerry Protect will supposedly take advantage of the new BlackBerry ID (BBID) system, which provides BlackBerry users with a unified identity system that acts as a master user account, even though it hasn't been officially confirmed by RIM yet. You can get more info on BlackBerry Protect from the official BlackBerry blog, Inside BlackBerry.
Wes
Send Flowers From Your BlackBerry Via the 1-800-Flowers App
Everybody likes flowers! Digby and 1-800-Flowers have released the 1-800-Flowers BlackBerry app so you can send flowers quickly and easily via your BlackBerry device.
The 1-800-Flowers Mobile Flower and Gift Center app was designed for spur of the moment flower purchases and features a streamlined checkout process for quick transactions. Although the selection is limited for mobile users, the 1-800-Flowers app does integrate with your existing BlackBerry Contacts for even more convenience.
This great app makes it even easier to do something thoughtful for that special someone. The 1-800-Flowers app is available as a free download at BlackBerry App World and supports all BlackBerry devices.
Wes
The 1-800-Flowers Mobile Flower and Gift Center app was designed for spur of the moment flower purchases and features a streamlined checkout process for quick transactions. Although the selection is limited for mobile users, the 1-800-Flowers app does integrate with your existing BlackBerry Contacts for even more convenience.
This great app makes it even easier to do something thoughtful for that special someone. The 1-800-Flowers app is available as a free download at BlackBerry App World and supports all BlackBerry devices.
Wes
Friday, July 9, 2010
UV Index App for BlackBerry by U.S. Government
Protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays with the free UV Index app for BlackBerry by the U.S. government. The United States government has released a handy app for BlackBerry that will help you check the UV Index and air quality at your current location.
The free UV Index app available at the USA.gov gives you the current UV index for your location based on the zip code and provides tips for protecting yourself from harmful UV radiation. The UV rating is based on five levels of intensity ranging from low to extreme as rated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is interesting to note that this is the only app the U.S. government has available for BlackBerry; being that the BlackBerry is still the most popular smartphone in the United States and used by the majority of government officials. Nevertheless, this free app will tell you when to hit the shade to prevent radiation exposure during peak hours of the day. Click the link above for download info at the USA.gov website.
Wes
The free UV Index app available at the USA.gov gives you the current UV index for your location based on the zip code and provides tips for protecting yourself from harmful UV radiation. The UV rating is based on five levels of intensity ranging from low to extreme as rated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is interesting to note that this is the only app the U.S. government has available for BlackBerry; being that the BlackBerry is still the most popular smartphone in the United States and used by the majority of government officials. Nevertheless, this free app will tell you when to hit the shade to prevent radiation exposure during peak hours of the day. Click the link above for download info at the USA.gov website.
Wes
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Borders Releases eReader App for BlackBerry
Borders is strengthening it's position in the eBook market and has released an eReader app for the BlackBerry, as well as apps for other popular devices. Borders is the second largest bookstore chain in the U.S. and will also launch it's eBookstore featuring more than 1.5 million titles.
The Borders eReader App for BlackBerry is based on Borders' Kobo eReader technology and will boast automatic bookmarking, customizable fonts and type sizes, and fast, easy purchases of titles that can be read on multiple eBook capable devices.
Borders is entering the $500 million a year eBook market relatively late and hopes to capture 17% of the market by July 2011. The Borders eReader for BlackBerry will support a variety of eBook formats including ePub, PDF, and mobile specific. Borders insists all available titles will be competitively priced.
The Borders eReader App for BlackBerry is currently compatible with the BlackBerry Tour, Bold 9000 and 9700, and Curve models with OS 4.5 to 5.0 (including the Curve 8500). Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Storm series is not currently supported. The app is available to U.S. customers only.
Barnes & Noble and Amazon already have a firm grip on the eBook market but Borders is trying hard to emerge as a top contender with it's "device neutral philosophy", which ensures that eBooks purchased through the Borders eBookstore will be compatible with multiple devices, including Apple's iPad, iPhone, PC and Macs, Android devices, Sony eReaders, and of course, BlackBerry.
You can browse the Borders eBookstore and read more about the Borders eReader App for BlackBerry at the Borders website. Let us know what you think!
Wes
The Borders eReader App for BlackBerry is based on Borders' Kobo eReader technology and will boast automatic bookmarking, customizable fonts and type sizes, and fast, easy purchases of titles that can be read on multiple eBook capable devices.
Borders is entering the $500 million a year eBook market relatively late and hopes to capture 17% of the market by July 2011. The Borders eReader for BlackBerry will support a variety of eBook formats including ePub, PDF, and mobile specific. Borders insists all available titles will be competitively priced.
The Borders eReader App for BlackBerry is currently compatible with the BlackBerry Tour, Bold 9000 and 9700, and Curve models with OS 4.5 to 5.0 (including the Curve 8500). Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Storm series is not currently supported. The app is available to U.S. customers only.
Barnes & Noble and Amazon already have a firm grip on the eBook market but Borders is trying hard to emerge as a top contender with it's "device neutral philosophy", which ensures that eBooks purchased through the Borders eBookstore will be compatible with multiple devices, including Apple's iPad, iPhone, PC and Macs, Android devices, Sony eReaders, and of course, BlackBerry.
You can browse the Borders eBookstore and read more about the Borders eReader App for BlackBerry at the Borders website. Let us know what you think!
Wes
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
25 Things to Hate About Facebook
Julian Smith hates Facebook! This video definitely boasts a bad attitude toward the popular social networking site, but it makes some good points and is quite funny. Enjoy.
BlackBerry 9800 Slider With BlackBerry OS 6 Video Demo
BerryFix.com has created a great demo video highlighting the features of the new BlackBerry 9800 Slider. This short video shows the 9800 Slider in action using the new BlackBerry OS 6. The Slider is rumored to be released this September even though the official release date has not been shared by RIM yet. Enjoy!
See our review of the upcoming 9800 Slider
See our review of the upcoming 9800 Slider
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