Even more interesting was confirmation that Voice and Video calling is coming to BBM on Android and iOS users “in the near future” which they defined as “within months.”
Monday, October 28, 2013
Voice and Video calling is coming to BBM on Android and iOS users very soon
Andrew Bocking, EVP of BBM at BlackBerry, took the stage at CBC’s The Morning Edition to state that “we have other ideas on how to monetize the service” aka BBM. He said that BlackBerry has a new social engagement platform in BBM. They said during the interview that BBM channels will be launching soon but not putting a specific date.
Even more interesting was confirmation that Voice and Video calling is coming to BBM on Android and iOS users “in the near future” which they defined as “within months.”
Even more interesting was confirmation that Voice and Video calling is coming to BBM on Android and iOS users “in the near future” which they defined as “within months.”
Friday, October 25, 2013
BlackBerry 10 Application Permissions explained
When you install applications on your BlackBerry 10 device, there are certain bits of information that the app may need explicit access to in order to work. For most users, clicking through the permissions dialog window that pops up after installing from BlackBerry World is an automatic response. For the more privacy-conscious, this window can be a deal-breaker. Let's take a minute to dive into what kind of permissions apps need from your device and what they can actually do with that information.
First, let's check out the kinds of permissions that apps can call upon from the Cascades developer documentation. Some of these will allow an app to simply read the data on your device, while others enable it to write and edit information.
Background processing: Perform background processing. Without this permission, your app stops all processing when the user switches focus to another app.
BlackBerry Messenger: Connect to BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). You can use this permission to access contact lists and user profiles, invite BBM contacts to download your app, initiate BBM chats and share content from within your app, and stream data between apps.
Calendar: Access the calendar on the device. This access includes viewing, adding, and deleting calendar appointments.
Camera: Access data that's received from the cameras on the device. With this permission, your app can take pictures, record videos, and use the flash.
Contacts: Access the contacts that are stored on the device. This access includes viewing, creating, and deleting contacts.
Device identifying information: Access unique device identifiers, such as PIN and serial number.
Email and PIN messages: Access the email and PIN messages that are stored on the device. This access includes viewing, creating, sending, and deleting messages.
Internet: Use the Internet connection from a Wi-Fi, wired, or other type of connection to access locations that are not local on the device.
Location: Access the current location of the device, as well as locations that the user has saved.
Microphone: Access the audio stream from the microphone on the device.
Narrow swipe up: Reduce the width of the region along the bottom bezel of the device that accepts swipe-up gestures. When you use this permission, swipe-up gestures are recognized in a more narrow area along the bottom bezel. This behavior allows apps that run in landscape orientation, such as games, to use corner regions for menus and virtual gamepads and prevents the game from inadvertently being sent to the background.
Notebooks: Access the content that's stored in notebooks on the device. This access includes adding entries to, and deleting entries from, the notebooks.
Notifications: Post notifications to the notification area of the device screen.
Phone: Access phone features on the device. This access includes requesting the dial pad, initiating a call, and sending DTMF tones.
Push: Access the Push Service with the BlackBerry Internet Service. This access allows an app to receive and request push messages.
Shared files: Read and write files that are shared between all applications on the device. With this permission, your app can access pictures, music, documents, and other files that are stored on the user's device, at a remote storage provider, or on a media card.
Text messages: Access the text messages that are stored on the device. This access includes viewing, creating, sending, and deleting text messages.
Permissions screens in BlackBerry 10
Now, that may sure seem like a lot of options, but don't worry, most apps will only require a few (if any) of these. Also, many of these permissions are optional, and can be unchecked at the installation prompt or revoked from Application Permissions settings on your BlackBerry 10 device. Just keep in mind the app might not function as advertised if you block certain feature-vital permissions. It's also worth noting that application developers themselves do not (or at least shouldn't) remotely store and read any information gleaned from your device. Here are just a few of the app behaviors prohibited by BlackBerry.
Write or read files outside of the application sandbox, unless via calls to public APIs.
Store unnecessary files in the shared directory. Files that shouldn't be stored in the shared directory include executable code (including libraries and interpreted code), temporary files, and app private files (such as files that only your app reads).
Change the file permissions of files.
Show disturbing/adult graphics or play sounds without user consent.
Perform information phishing. For example, asking for device password, PIN, or other confidential information.
Operate in a manner without user consent or authorization, such as sending information to Internet servers or listening to sockets.
In the terms of service, BlackBerry makes a point to remind developers to have a highly visible privacy policy of their own, and that they comply with local internet privacy legislation. In fact, BlackBerry World and other app stores don't tend to be especially culpable for privacy breaches by apps - most of that blame resides with the developers.
So that's a quick look at how permissions are handled in BlackBerry 10. BlackBerry obviously tries their best to police the ecosystem, but the onus is ultimately on developers to not abuse the permissions system, otherwise they could get in hot legal water
First, let's check out the kinds of permissions that apps can call upon from the Cascades developer documentation. Some of these will allow an app to simply read the data on your device, while others enable it to write and edit information.
Background processing: Perform background processing. Without this permission, your app stops all processing when the user switches focus to another app.
BlackBerry Messenger: Connect to BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). You can use this permission to access contact lists and user profiles, invite BBM contacts to download your app, initiate BBM chats and share content from within your app, and stream data between apps.
Calendar: Access the calendar on the device. This access includes viewing, adding, and deleting calendar appointments.
Camera: Access data that's received from the cameras on the device. With this permission, your app can take pictures, record videos, and use the flash.
Contacts: Access the contacts that are stored on the device. This access includes viewing, creating, and deleting contacts.
Device identifying information: Access unique device identifiers, such as PIN and serial number.
Email and PIN messages: Access the email and PIN messages that are stored on the device. This access includes viewing, creating, sending, and deleting messages.
Internet: Use the Internet connection from a Wi-Fi, wired, or other type of connection to access locations that are not local on the device.
Location: Access the current location of the device, as well as locations that the user has saved.
Microphone: Access the audio stream from the microphone on the device.
Narrow swipe up: Reduce the width of the region along the bottom bezel of the device that accepts swipe-up gestures. When you use this permission, swipe-up gestures are recognized in a more narrow area along the bottom bezel. This behavior allows apps that run in landscape orientation, such as games, to use corner regions for menus and virtual gamepads and prevents the game from inadvertently being sent to the background.
Notebooks: Access the content that's stored in notebooks on the device. This access includes adding entries to, and deleting entries from, the notebooks.
Notifications: Post notifications to the notification area of the device screen.
Phone: Access phone features on the device. This access includes requesting the dial pad, initiating a call, and sending DTMF tones.
Push: Access the Push Service with the BlackBerry Internet Service. This access allows an app to receive and request push messages.
Shared files: Read and write files that are shared between all applications on the device. With this permission, your app can access pictures, music, documents, and other files that are stored on the user's device, at a remote storage provider, or on a media card.
Text messages: Access the text messages that are stored on the device. This access includes viewing, creating, sending, and deleting text messages.
Permissions screens in BlackBerry 10
Now, that may sure seem like a lot of options, but don't worry, most apps will only require a few (if any) of these. Also, many of these permissions are optional, and can be unchecked at the installation prompt or revoked from Application Permissions settings on your BlackBerry 10 device. Just keep in mind the app might not function as advertised if you block certain feature-vital permissions. It's also worth noting that application developers themselves do not (or at least shouldn't) remotely store and read any information gleaned from your device. Here are just a few of the app behaviors prohibited by BlackBerry.
Write or read files outside of the application sandbox, unless via calls to public APIs.
Store unnecessary files in the shared directory. Files that shouldn't be stored in the shared directory include executable code (including libraries and interpreted code), temporary files, and app private files (such as files that only your app reads).
Change the file permissions of files.
Show disturbing/adult graphics or play sounds without user consent.
Perform information phishing. For example, asking for device password, PIN, or other confidential information.
Operate in a manner without user consent or authorization, such as sending information to Internet servers or listening to sockets.
In the terms of service, BlackBerry makes a point to remind developers to have a highly visible privacy policy of their own, and that they comply with local internet privacy legislation. In fact, BlackBerry World and other app stores don't tend to be especially culpable for privacy breaches by apps - most of that blame resides with the developers.
So that's a quick look at how permissions are handled in BlackBerry 10. BlackBerry obviously tries their best to police the ecosystem, but the onus is ultimately on developers to not abuse the permissions system, otherwise they could get in hot legal water
BBM.com now lets you easily invite your friends to BBM
BBM.com now lets you easily invite your friends to BBM
We've been on and on (and on) about BBM needing a better way to spread the word and invite contacts, and it looks like BlackBerry is taking some action. Vince let us know that on BBM.com, you now have the option to quickly and easily invite your contacts to BBM with just a few clicks.
The service works for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email. Just choose your weapon and follow the prompts. You can select which contacts you want to invite so you don't have to spam every one of your Facebook friends or email contacts, but you'll be able to get the word out complete with your PIN so they know where to add you.
It's obviously not a super easy, on-device solution but it definitely takes the hurt out of spamming your friends to come join BBM. If you're ready to give it a whirl, head to BBM.com and click the "Invite your friends" button in the middle of the page.
Check out more at BBM.com
We've been on and on (and on) about BBM needing a better way to spread the word and invite contacts, and it looks like BlackBerry is taking some action. Vince let us know that on BBM.com, you now have the option to quickly and easily invite your contacts to BBM with just a few clicks.
The service works for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email. Just choose your weapon and follow the prompts. You can select which contacts you want to invite so you don't have to spam every one of your Facebook friends or email contacts, but you'll be able to get the word out complete with your PIN so they know where to add you.
It's obviously not a super easy, on-device solution but it definitely takes the hurt out of spamming your friends to come join BBM. If you're ready to give it a whirl, head to BBM.com and click the "Invite your friends" button in the middle of the page.
Check out more at BBM.com
Flipboard Now Available For BlackBerry 10
Flipboard Now Available For BlackBerry Z10 In BlackBerry World
Not to long ago many of you may have seen the Flipboard app appear in BlackBerry World for the BlackBerry Z10, and then just as quick as it appeared it was gone. Well here’s some great news, it is now available for download on the BlackBerry Z10.
Flipboard brings together world news and social news in a beautiful magazine designed for your BlackBerry. Once you pick a few topics, your Flipboard is built and you can instantly start flipping through the pages of news you care about and stories and photos friends are sharing.
Flip through the news from your Twitter timeline as well as from outlets like the Financial Times, USA Today and The Verge. See everything from posts and photos shared by friends on Facebook and Instagram to videos from YouTube and pop culture nuggets from Rolling Stone. Find inspiration for your travel, style and life from places like National Geographic, Etsy and Cool Hunting.
To grab Flipboard for your BlackBerry Z10 just head on over to BlackBerry World and download it now, It’s FREE. Once you do be sure to hit up the comments below and share your thoughts about the app. Hopefully it will be coming soon to the BlackBerry Q5 and Q10 as well because I’m ready to load it on my device.
Not to long ago many of you may have seen the Flipboard app appear in BlackBerry World for the BlackBerry Z10, and then just as quick as it appeared it was gone. Well here’s some great news, it is now available for download on the BlackBerry Z10.
Flipboard brings together world news and social news in a beautiful magazine designed for your BlackBerry. Once you pick a few topics, your Flipboard is built and you can instantly start flipping through the pages of news you care about and stories and photos friends are sharing.
Flip through the news from your Twitter timeline as well as from outlets like the Financial Times, USA Today and The Verge. See everything from posts and photos shared by friends on Facebook and Instagram to videos from YouTube and pop culture nuggets from Rolling Stone. Find inspiration for your travel, style and life from places like National Geographic, Etsy and Cool Hunting.
To grab Flipboard for your BlackBerry Z10 just head on over to BlackBerry World and download it now, It’s FREE. Once you do be sure to hit up the comments below and share your thoughts about the app. Hopefully it will be coming soon to the BlackBerry Q5 and Q10 as well because I’m ready to load it on my device.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Best way to manage files on a BlackBerry
I love how easy it is to browse through files on the BlackBerry PlayBook. I actually prefer to bridge my BlackBerry smartphone and scroll through files through the File Manager than on my BlackBerry alone (with the exception of pictures, of course, since they just show up as a list anyway). The problem with this is that the File Manager is more of a file viewer. Sure you can search or delete, but it isn’t true file management is it?
Enter: PlayCloud for the BlackBerry PlayBook. It offers a much different and refreshing view of your files. This covers files on your PlayBook, BlackBerry smartphone and, more recently added Dropbox support. On top of this, you can also access files through Google Docs (very limited) as well.
Features:
Local Documents browsing
2System browsing (to browse whole the file system)
Bridge browsing (the bridge has to be enabled)
Dropbox support
Configuration from swipe down menu
Launch the default application from the file type
Single or multi-select mode
Order feature
Embedded help pages
Rename, create files or directories
Copy, paste and move files or directories
Delete files or directories
Show file details
With PlayCloud I now have the option to create, delete, rename, copy, paste and even move files or directories so I can store files MY way. The application also provides file details such as; file size and date created at a glance. For quick organization PlayCloud gives you one click access to sorting options, choose from sorting by date, filename or file size.
Now while I typically jump into apps right away, I decided to check out the included tutorial first. I’m glad I did, as it made me appreciate the layout and the ease of use even more. DropBox support can be requested from within the application and only takes a minute to complete. I love how dead simple it is to access DropBox, grab a file and move/copy it as a local file – or even vice versa. That’s not just file management; that’s power file management. To be honest, I find uploading to DropBox from PlayCloud a little quicker than from the DropBox application.
Enter: PlayCloud for the BlackBerry PlayBook. It offers a much different and refreshing view of your files. This covers files on your PlayBook, BlackBerry smartphone and, more recently added Dropbox support. On top of this, you can also access files through Google Docs (very limited) as well.
Features:
Local Documents browsing
2System browsing (to browse whole the file system)
Bridge browsing (the bridge has to be enabled)
Dropbox support
Configuration from swipe down menu
Launch the default application from the file type
Single or multi-select mode
Order feature
Embedded help pages
Rename, create files or directories
Copy, paste and move files or directories
Delete files or directories
Show file details
With PlayCloud I now have the option to create, delete, rename, copy, paste and even move files or directories so I can store files MY way. The application also provides file details such as; file size and date created at a glance. For quick organization PlayCloud gives you one click access to sorting options, choose from sorting by date, filename or file size.
Now while I typically jump into apps right away, I decided to check out the included tutorial first. I’m glad I did, as it made me appreciate the layout and the ease of use even more. DropBox support can be requested from within the application and only takes a minute to complete. I love how dead simple it is to access DropBox, grab a file and move/copy it as a local file – or even vice versa. That’s not just file management; that’s power file management. To be honest, I find uploading to DropBox from PlayCloud a little quicker than from the DropBox application.
BlackBerry outshines Apple
“This is one way of making sure the BlackBerry doesn’t go away,” he says.
The dozen phones that went toward the first chandelier were donated by a ragtag of former BlackBerry owners, some of whom were sad to part with their old device.
“Once a cutting edge innovator,” she says, “BlackBerry was eclipsed much as it eclipsed Nokia.”
Another donor, Brion Bonkowski, managing director of technology consultancy ROIPayments, says he loved his BlackBerry.
Also read: Some Apple fans stick with original 2007 iPhone The BlackBerry chandelier, McHale hopes, will also have a romantic feel.
The dozen phones that went toward the first chandelier were donated by a ragtag of former BlackBerry owners, some of whom were sad to part with their old device.
“Once a cutting edge innovator,” she says, “BlackBerry was eclipsed much as it eclipsed Nokia.”
Another donor, Brion Bonkowski, managing director of technology consultancy ROIPayments, says he loved his BlackBerry.
Also read: Some Apple fans stick with original 2007 iPhone The BlackBerry chandelier, McHale hopes, will also have a romantic feel.
BlackBerry launches BBM for Android, iPhone
BlackBerry has officially launched its popular messaging service for Android and iPhone.
BBM was released for download on Monday on Google Play, the App Store and in select Samsung App Stores.
The user will then be contacted when they reach the front of the line and can begin using BBM.
“We are bringing the most engaging mobile messaging platform to all, with our BBM launch for Android and iPhone,” the company said in an open letter on Twitter Oct. 14.
BlackBerry had previously stated that 70 per cent of its customers used BBM.
BBM was released for download on Monday on Google Play, the App Store and in select Samsung App Stores.
The user will then be contacted when they reach the front of the line and can begin using BBM.
“We are bringing the most engaging mobile messaging platform to all, with our BBM launch for Android and iPhone,” the company said in an open letter on Twitter Oct. 14.
BlackBerry had previously stated that 70 per cent of its customers used BBM.
Viber for BlackBerry!
Viber, which is a leader in mobile communications platform offering
of free messaging and HD-quality phone calls, has announced today a new
version of its app for BlackBerry with multiple new features and
enhancements.
The new release adds functionality to the Viber legacy BlackBerry app. The release includes:
On top of the new features, the new BlackBerry version has also been translated into Bahasa Indonesian, allowing Viber users who speak the language to easily access the app.
The new release adds functionality to the Viber legacy BlackBerry app. The release includes:
- User images in conversations
- A new seen status to let users know when their messages have been viewed
- Improved privacy settings
- Custom location sharing
- Multiple additional design enhancements and bug fixes
On top of the new features, the new BlackBerry version has also been translated into Bahasa Indonesian, allowing Viber users who speak the language to easily access the app.
BlackBerry OS 10.2 release date!
BlackBerry OS 10.2 release date, is today! October 23. (Except in the US, sorry Americans, you have to wait.) On your BlackBerry 10 device go to settings, then scroll down to Software updates, then hit check for updates. And there you go!
Wondering what's new?
Priority Hub
Keep your important conversations closer than ever with the new BlackBerry® Priority Hub. Always at your fingertips, Priority Hub learns what conversations are most important to you and automatically puts those messages at the top of your inbox, helping you to stay focused on the most important items. The new attachment view helps you find files and documents across your messaging accounts and within specific message threads.
BBM Video with Natural Sound
BBM™ Video has always allowed you to have a live face-to-face conversation. Now, with BlackBerry® Natural Sound, BBM Video and Voice conversations between BlackBerry 10 smartphones sound more natural and realistic. It's the next best thing to being in the same room. BlackBerry Natural Sound captures a wider sound spectrum, so you can hear subtle nuances that are lost in most cellular calls.
Instant Previews of BBM, SMS and Email from any app
BBM, SMS and E-mail messages now find you no matter what you are doing on your BlackBerry 10 smartphone. Email, BBM and SMS message previews now appear in any app - you can even respond to your BBM or SMS messages in any app, or go to the BlackBerry Hub with a single swipe to respond to your email. Perfect for keeping the conversation going while you browse the web, watch a video, or use other apps. Of course, you can tailor notifications to the way you work to ensure you're only notified as much as you want to be.
BlackBerry Keyboard
The smartphone keyboard that knows your next move just got even smarter. With personalized next word suggestion, auto-correction, and the distinctive BlackBerry keyboard layout, we've built this keyboard to help you have conversations with speed and accuracy. And on the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Z30, improved audio feedback with distinct tones for specific keys like backspace and shift help you type more confidently because you'll have more reassurance you've hit the right key.
Copy and Paste Enhancements
Copy and paste just got easier. BlackBerry 10.2 gives you more precise cursor control and text selection is now easier. Once you select text, a pop-up menu gives you editing options and direct sharing with BBM, Facebook and Twitter - so you can quickly copy, paste and share.
Faster, Easier Sharing
BlackBerry 10.2 learns how you share and who you share with, helping you reduce the number of steps and amount of time it takes to get your files, photos, or documents to where they need to go. Touching "share" in any app provides suggestions on who and how to share your files based on who you've shared with in the past, and the feature only gets smarter the more you use it.
Lock Screen Notifications
When the red light on your BlackBerry 10 smartphone starts blinking, you don't have to unlock the phone to see your message. Take a peek at the latest email, text, BBM, or notification right from the lock screen to see if that's the message you've been waiting for or one that can wait a while. You can customize which accounts appear on the lock screen and scroll over the icons to display the sender and subject line.
Reply Now
Reply Now lets you respond to incoming phone calls, even when it's not a good time to answer the phone. Easily send a response through BBM, SMS or email - choose from a list of standard automated responses or respond with a personalized note. Perfect for ensuring that important contacts are always given your attention.
Calendar Enhancements
BlackBerry Calendar now comes with an 'I'm running late' function so you can instantly let meeting participants know if you'll be late. You can even specify a new time in your notification. A redesigned interface makes adding an event easier, so managing your time is simpler.
BlackBerry looking into possible fake of BBM for Android
Victoria Berry, BlackBerry’s Director of PR for BBM, stated that “We have recently been made aware of a number of potentially fake five-star reviews of BBM for Android on Google Play. We do not approve of or condone such activities and are committed to working with Google to resolve this. There are also many genuinely great and useful reviews from our new BBM users on Google Play. We would like to encourage our passionate fans and users to continue to provide true assessments of the BBM experience through the proper channels.”
Although the overall experience of BBM for Android and iPhone isn’t impacted, it’s good to know that BlackBerry is looking into it.
WhatsApp full of numerous security problems.
Over the past few years Whatsapp has served me well in communicating with friends on other platforms. But now that we have BBM cross-platform Whatsapp can no longer be found on my BlackBerry 10 device. One of the questions I have run into with buddies who I have told to download BBM is "what makes it better than Whatsapp?"
Clearly there is a whole list of things to reel off but The Metro newspaper has published an interesting article which just goes to show the extra security that we have with BBM. BlackBerry users will all be familiar with the fact that BBM messages are sent via PIN to PIN. But with Whatsapp it is all done through mobile numbers. Whoever you have in your contacts list that has Whatsapp installed on their smartphone will appear in your Whatsapp list. While some folk won't care about this, the following is a perfect example of why the Whatsapp way is not the best.
The Metro has reported that a Whatsapp user noticed a friend being active on the instant messaging client two years after his death. This would be enough to shock and confuse anyone! The reason this occurred is that the mobile number had been reassigned to a new user and therefore the poor chap that had passed away was not in fact able to Whatsapp from heaven, but instead it was a new random person with the same phone number.
Mr Cluley added: ‘WhatsApp has become immensely successful in a very short time, and a serious of security and privacy scares make me feel that the service is attempting to run when it’s barely learnt how to walk.’
Maybe Whatsapp will work on their security features in the future - although this isn't the first time they have hit the headlines in terms of secure data.
But the good news for BlackBerry Messenger is that due to the way it works with a BlackBerry ID being associated with BBM contacts the above issue shouldn't arise.
Have your iPhone and Android buddies used BBM yet? How are they finding it compared to the alternatives? Let us know in the comments.
Clearly there is a whole list of things to reel off but The Metro newspaper has published an interesting article which just goes to show the extra security that we have with BBM. BlackBerry users will all be familiar with the fact that BBM messages are sent via PIN to PIN. But with Whatsapp it is all done through mobile numbers. Whoever you have in your contacts list that has Whatsapp installed on their smartphone will appear in your Whatsapp list. While some folk won't care about this, the following is a perfect example of why the Whatsapp way is not the best.
The Metro has reported that a Whatsapp user noticed a friend being active on the instant messaging client two years after his death. This would be enough to shock and confuse anyone! The reason this occurred is that the mobile number had been reassigned to a new user and therefore the poor chap that had passed away was not in fact able to Whatsapp from heaven, but instead it was a new random person with the same phone number.
Online security expert Graham Cluley said: ‘It’s clearly very distressing for the friends and family of someone who has passed away to suddenly see them apparently “alive and active” on WhatsApp.’
He suggested it would be better if the app required a password or email address when users register ‘rather than just asking for a second-hand phone number’.
Mr Cluley added: ‘WhatsApp has become immensely successful in a very short time, and a serious of security and privacy scares make me feel that the service is attempting to run when it’s barely learnt how to walk.’
Maybe Whatsapp will work on their security features in the future - although this isn't the first time they have hit the headlines in terms of secure data.
But the good news for BlackBerry Messenger is that due to the way it works with a BlackBerry ID being associated with BBM contacts the above issue shouldn't arise.
Have your iPhone and Android buddies used BBM yet? How are they finding it compared to the alternatives? Let us know in the comments.
Monday, October 21, 2013
BBM on Android and iOS TODAY
Exactly a month after it was originally supposed to be available, BlackBerry has given word that BBM for Android and iOS will FINALLY be launching today, over the next few hours.
You can hit up Google Play and the App Store and will be able to download BBM as it becomes available in your region.
The only catch here is that you may not actually be able to use the app just yet if you haven't signed up at BBM.com.
You can hit up Google Play and the App Store and will be able to download BBM as it becomes available in your region.
The only catch here is that you may not actually be able to use the app just yet if you haven't signed up at BBM.com.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Rogers to release the BlackBerry Z30!
After stating that they “think the 3 BlackBerry devices we carry meet our customers’ needs,” Rogers has heard the call and ‘In response to customers’ feedback and excitement,’ will indeed release the BlackBerry Z30: “We have a longstanding partnership with Blackberry and continue to be big supporters of the company and their products.
Rogers will be making the device available online, through our national reservation system and directly to our business to business customers.
We’re pleased to add the new Z30 to our roster of Blackberry smartphones, which includes the Z10, Q10 and Q5.”
Most likely on October 15th like Bell, TELUS and MTS for $700, but as stated above it’ll only be available online.
In the meantime, make sure you have a read of our Z30 hands-on here.
Rogers will be making the device available online, through our national reservation system and directly to our business to business customers.
We’re pleased to add the new Z30 to our roster of Blackberry smartphones, which includes the Z10, Q10 and Q5.”
Most likely on October 15th like Bell, TELUS and MTS for $700, but as stated above it’ll only be available online.
In the meantime, make sure you have a read of our Z30 hands-on here.
Rogers to release the BlackBerry Z30!
After stating that they “think the 3 BlackBerry devices we carry meet our customers’ needs,” Rogers has heard the call and ‘In response to customers’ feedback and excitement,’ will indeed release the BlackBerry Z30: “We have a longstanding partnership with Blackberry and continue to be big supporters of the company and their products.Rogers will be making the device available online, through our national reservation system and directly to our business to business customers.
We're pleased to add the new Z30 to our roster of Blackberry smartphones, which includes the Z10, Q10 and Q5.”
Most likely on October 15th like Bell, TELUS and MTS for $700, but as stated above it’ll only be available online.
InstaVenue for BlackBerry 10 has to be one of the greatest native applications
InstaVenue for BlackBerry 10 has to be one of the greatest native applications I've seen in a long time.
The one of the left is to change your location and over on the right is skins.
These include switching cameras, flash options, select a picture from your BlackBerry, settings and in the middle is the camera tab.
Sharing will open up a list of all the accounts in your BlackBerry Hub so you have a wide range of options.
This one gets the big thumbs up from me and will be staying on my BlackBerry forever!
The one of the left is to change your location and over on the right is skins.
These include switching cameras, flash options, select a picture from your BlackBerry, settings and in the middle is the camera tab.
Sharing will open up a list of all the accounts in your BlackBerry Hub so you have a wide range of options.
This one gets the big thumbs up from me and will be staying on my BlackBerry forever!
Bad Piggies is available for all BlackBerry 10 devices
The smash hit Bad Piggies from Rovio (Angry Birds) has just made its way into BlackBerry World for BlackBerry 10 devices.It's been a long time coming but as I'm a big fan of the game on other platforms, you won't get any complaints from me.
If you've never played it before, Bad Piggies lets you build a flying machine out of all kinds of doo-dads in attempts to knock off the - you guessed it - bad piggies.
It takes a bit of work at first but once you get the hang of it you'll build all kinds of crazy machines.
Bad Piggies is available for all BlackBerry 10 devices for just $0.99.
SayIt for BlackBerry 10 gets a huge update
SayIt for BlackBerry 10 gets a huge update with tons of new features, version 2.5.
The SayIt for BlackBerry 10 application is a Built for BlackBerry app that acts as a personal assistant, now supports 44 voice languages from 17, previously.
● Add more text to voice languages (from 17 to 44), now SayIt supports text to voice for 44 languages ● Add more translation languages, SayIt now supports translation for 66 languages (from 25 to 66) ● Add more voice search and voice to text languages.
Now SayIt can perform voice to text conversion and voice search in 18 different languages ● SayIt now can read up to 200 characters ● Support downloading text to voice mp3 file in 44 different languages ● Change the behavior for Voice to Text record button to Tap and Hold ● Add Arabic and Vietnamese for Voice to Text
The SayIt for BlackBerry 10 application is a Built for BlackBerry app that acts as a personal assistant, now supports 44 voice languages from 17, previously.
● Add more text to voice languages (from 17 to 44), now SayIt supports text to voice for 44 languages ● Add more translation languages, SayIt now supports translation for 66 languages (from 25 to 66) ● Add more voice search and voice to text languages.
Now SayIt can perform voice to text conversion and voice search in 18 different languages ● SayIt now can read up to 200 characters ● Support downloading text to voice mp3 file in 44 different languages ● Change the behavior for Voice to Text record button to Tap and Hold ● Add Arabic and Vietnamese for Voice to Text
Blaq for BlackBerry 10 updated to v1.2.1
Our favorite Twitter client Blaq has again been updated, now sitting at v1.2.1.
The update brings along a slew of new features as well as plenty of fixes to keep things running in tip-top shape.
It's been a bit since an official release was dropped so for those of you that have been patiently waiting, here you go! Blaq is available for all BlackBerry 10 devices for $2.99.
The update is free for existing users.
The update brings along a slew of new features as well as plenty of fixes to keep things running in tip-top shape.
It's been a bit since an official release was dropped so for those of you that have been patiently waiting, here you go! Blaq is available for all BlackBerry 10 devices for $2.99.
The update is free for existing users.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Polarbear for BB10 updated with bug fixes and more
One of my favorite social media sharing apps has been updated.
Polarbear has been regularly updated since its v2.0 relaunch and the developer is working hard to iron bugs and improve the user experience via feedback.
Along with bug fixes and improvements, Polarbear brings support to the BlackBerry Z30 and an application menu that includes the ability to allow you to invite others to download Polarbear.
If you haven't tried Polarbear yet, it allows you to update your status to multiple social media accounts at once, including App.net, and Google+.
Now may be the best time to download it as it is currently marked down to $0.99 from $3.99.
Along with bug fixes and improvements, Polarbear brings support to the BlackBerry Z30 and an application menu that includes the ability to allow you to invite others to download Polarbear.
If you haven't tried Polarbear yet, it allows you to update your status to multiple social media accounts at once, including App.net, and Google+.
Now may be the best time to download it as it is currently marked down to $0.99 from $3.99.
BlackBerry today unveiled new cloud-based enterprise mobility management
BlackBerry today unveiled a new cloud-based EMM that will allow businesses to easily store and manage devices.
Solution provides cross-platform enterprise mobility management in the cloud BlackBerry today previewed a new multi-platform cloud-based enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution that will enable businesses to easily secure and manage corporate and personal devices.
BlackBerry's new multi-platform EMM cloud solution will offer businesses mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM), security standards, and self-service capabilities for the end-user.
As the industry has adopted BYOD and mixed mobile environments, we've responded with our multi-platform EMM solution," said Stephen Bates, Head of the Enterprise Business Unit at BlackBerry.
"The new cloud-based EMM solution will bring all the benefits of our on-premise offering, which is trusted by more businesses and governments around the world than any other enterprise mobility solution, to customers as a cloud service that lets them easily manage BlackBerry, iOS and Android devices more cost efficiently than ever before."
Solution provides cross-platform enterprise mobility management in the cloud BlackBerry today previewed a new multi-platform cloud-based enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution that will enable businesses to easily secure and manage corporate and personal devices.
BlackBerry's new multi-platform EMM cloud solution will offer businesses mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM), security standards, and self-service capabilities for the end-user.
As the industry has adopted BYOD and mixed mobile environments, we've responded with our multi-platform EMM solution," said Stephen Bates, Head of the Enterprise Business Unit at BlackBerry.
"The new cloud-based EMM solution will bring all the benefits of our on-premise offering, which is trusted by more businesses and governments around the world than any other enterprise mobility solution, to customers as a cloud service that lets them easily manage BlackBerry, iOS and Android devices more cost efficiently than ever before."
Friday, October 4, 2013
Orbit for BlackBerry 10 updated to v1.1
Back in August, we saw the release of an app called Orbit - the 3D weather app and world clock.
It is quite a joy to use Orbit, it is visually stunning and you can have oodles of fun exploring what the weather is like in different parts of the world.
I must admit it's not my go to weather app but every now and then I'll open up Orbit for the awesome effect of checking out the weather.
Orbit has now been updated to v1.1 and with it comes a lot of new features: If you haven't checked out Orbit, it is available to download from BlackBerry World for all BlackBerry 10 devices.
It is quite a joy to use Orbit, it is visually stunning and you can have oodles of fun exploring what the weather is like in different parts of the world.
I must admit it's not my go to weather app but every now and then I'll open up Orbit for the awesome effect of checking out the weather.
Orbit has now been updated to v1.1 and with it comes a lot of new features: If you haven't checked out Orbit, it is available to download from BlackBerry World for all BlackBerry 10 devices.
CBS App coming to BlackBerry 10
CBS has just made their CBS App available to Android and Windows Phone 8 devices and will be bringing the fun to BlackBerry 10 in the US before the end of this year.
In a press release issued today, CBS announced that the full-streaming app is on its way to BlackBerry 10 and will offer streaming of full episodes, social features as well as some second screen action.
Users can take advantage of more in-depth features through the app while watching CBS shows live or hit up the social content for larger interaction.
NEW YORK – Oct. 4, 2013 – CBS Interactive today announced its popular CBS App, offering full-episode streaming of the CBS Television Network’s programming, is now available for Android and Windows 8* users and will be coming to BlackBerry 10 before the end of the year.
This fall, the app will also include full episodes of all the new fall entertainment series in CBS’s primetime lineup in addition to the CBS App’s newly introduced CBS Classics content.
In a press release issued today, CBS announced that the full-streaming app is on its way to BlackBerry 10 and will offer streaming of full episodes, social features as well as some second screen action.
Users can take advantage of more in-depth features through the app while watching CBS shows live or hit up the social content for larger interaction.
NEW YORK – Oct. 4, 2013 – CBS Interactive today announced its popular CBS App, offering full-episode streaming of the CBS Television Network’s programming, is now available for Android and Windows 8* users and will be coming to BlackBerry 10 before the end of the year.
This fall, the app will also include full episodes of all the new fall entertainment series in CBS’s primetime lineup in addition to the CBS App’s newly introduced CBS Classics content.
BlackBerry Launches Documents To Go BES 10 Edition For Android And iOS
Now you can use Documents To Go BES 10 Edition on your Android or Iphone.
If you use BlackBerry Work Spaces this will be a nice addition.
The app description notes the importance of BES10: IMPORTANT NOTE: The Documents To Go for BES10 application WILL NOT OPERATE unless your organization has the necessary back-end BlackBerry Enterprise software.
In other words, they are saying you must already have BlackBerry Enterprise software or this won’t work properly.
This is only for the BES Editions because you can also get just regular Documents To Go.
If you use BlackBerry Work Spaces this will be a nice addition.
The app description notes the importance of BES10: IMPORTANT NOTE: The Documents To Go for BES10 application WILL NOT OPERATE unless your organization has the necessary back-end BlackBerry Enterprise software.
In other words, they are saying you must already have BlackBerry Enterprise software or this won’t work properly.
This is only for the BES Editions because you can also get just regular Documents To Go.
BlackBerry's Developers Never Used BlackBerry 7
Sometimes when using BlackBerry 10 it feels like the developers at BlackBerry have never used a legacy BlackBerry 7 device.
I just get so frustrated when my old BlackBerry 7 device is more efficient at certain communication tasks than my top of the line OS 10.2 BlackBerry Q10.
The epitome of my frustration is best seen in the ridiculous animation blackberry has when you move in the hub between a newer and older email.
I know that when BlackBerry 10 was being first developed most of the core developers were outsiders from QNX, TAT, etc focused on touchscreens while the main BlackBerry developers were still fleshing out BlackBerry 7 and 7.1.
We love the new functionality you have brought us in BlackBerry 10 but don’t forget about the attention to detail and efficiency that made BlackBerry the top communications platform.
I just get so frustrated when my old BlackBerry 7 device is more efficient at certain communication tasks than my top of the line OS 10.2 BlackBerry Q10.
The epitome of my frustration is best seen in the ridiculous animation blackberry has when you move in the hub between a newer and older email.
I know that when BlackBerry 10 was being first developed most of the core developers were outsiders from QNX, TAT, etc focused on touchscreens while the main BlackBerry developers were still fleshing out BlackBerry 7 and 7.1.
We love the new functionality you have brought us in BlackBerry 10 but don’t forget about the attention to detail and efficiency that made BlackBerry the top communications platform.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Good news for BlackBerry
BlackBerry may be having a torrid time of things, but there is, at last, some good news to report regarding the struggling company.
The NATO military alliance has given the company a vote of confidence by approving its BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 and BB10 smartphones for classified communications.
On hearing this rare bit of good news, the company’s senior vice president of security Scott Totzke must’ve cracked a smile so wide it wrapped around his head several times – and then some.
“We built the new BlackBerry 10 platform from the ground up with the highest security needs of our government and enterprise customers in mind,” Totzk said in a release.
It said the conclusions Gartner drew about the impact of recent developments concerning the mobile company were “purely speculative”.
The NATO military alliance has given the company a vote of confidence by approving its BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 and BB10 smartphones for classified communications.
On hearing this rare bit of good news, the company’s senior vice president of security Scott Totzke must’ve cracked a smile so wide it wrapped around his head several times – and then some.
“We built the new BlackBerry 10 platform from the ground up with the highest security needs of our government and enterprise customers in mind,” Totzk said in a release.
It said the conclusions Gartner drew about the impact of recent developments concerning the mobile company were “purely speculative”.
BlackBerry stock driven up by reported interest
BlackBerry stock is rising after a report in the Wall Street Journal that the U.S. private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP has expressed interest in the failing Waterloo, Ont.-based smartphone maker.
BlackBerry stock closed at $8.26 in Toronto and $7.98 on the Nasdaq.
BlackBerry's stock had been driven down earlier this week amid reports the Fairfax offer overvalued BlackBerry at $9 a share.
Soon after, it reported a second-quarter loss of $965 million and revenues of $1.6 billion, a decline of 45 per cent from the same period last year.
The company said service revenue dropped about 27 per cent to $724 million in the three months ended Aug. 31.
BlackBerry stock closed at $8.26 in Toronto and $7.98 on the Nasdaq.
BlackBerry's stock had been driven down earlier this week amid reports the Fairfax offer overvalued BlackBerry at $9 a share.
Soon after, it reported a second-quarter loss of $965 million and revenues of $1.6 billion, a decline of 45 per cent from the same period last year.
The company said service revenue dropped about 27 per cent to $724 million in the three months ended Aug. 31.
Rogers lists BlackBerry OS 10.2 release date for late October
If things stay on track for BlackBerry OS 10.2 we may be seeing an update very soon.
As posted in the Rogers Community Forums, the BlackBerry Z10, Q10 and Q5 all show a tentative OS 10.2 update for "late October".
We can't say for sure if this will be the case, though from what we've seen and hear over the last few weeks it does seem to fit.
The BlackBerry Z30 is making it's way to more regions and is already running OS 10.2, so an update for other BlackBerry 10 devices shouldn't be too far off.
BlackBerry OS 10.2 brings some much awaited features that we've seen in the numerous leaks as of late, but many are holding out to get their hands on an official version.
As posted in the Rogers Community Forums, the BlackBerry Z10, Q10 and Q5 all show a tentative OS 10.2 update for "late October".
We can't say for sure if this will be the case, though from what we've seen and hear over the last few weeks it does seem to fit.
The BlackBerry Z30 is making it's way to more regions and is already running OS 10.2, so an update for other BlackBerry 10 devices shouldn't be too far off.
BlackBerry OS 10.2 brings some much awaited features that we've seen in the numerous leaks as of late, but many are holding out to get their hands on an official version.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)