BlackBerry World Video & Music Categories Removed as 7Digital Launches App

As BlackBerry mentioned earlier they are removing the video and music sections of BlackBerry World and letting that content come from third parties. This is especially so after their deal with Amazon to bring their AppStore and content to BlackBerry 10. In the same move 7Digital has also launched their own 7Digital app on BlackBerry World so users who purchased content there can easily bring it over.

Facebook for BlackBerry 10 v10.4.0.14 lands in the Beta Zone

If you've got the BlackBerry Beta Zone app downloaded to your BlackBerry 10 device, you might want to open it up and see if you have a Facebook for BlackBerry 10 beta available to you. A new release has now appeared and while the change log for it appears to be short, summing it up to just bug fixes and improvements to the news feed, the news feed is one of the biggest issues on with the app right now. Again, this is only in the Beta Zone app so you'll have to grab it from there assuming it's available to you.

Updatein Places for BlackBerry 10 Updated to Version 1.3

Updatein Places, with which you can do location based searches for restaurants, coffee shops, theatres, gas stations, ATMs and much, much more. The application was updated to version 1.3, bringing lots of new features. Here’s what’s new:

• Bug fixes.
• BlackBerry 10 Universal Search Integration.
• Improved navigation experience and minor UI Tweaks.
• Location based distance units supported for all countries. Added Imperial and Metric settings which can be accessed from the swipe down menu settings.
• Available for Z3 devices.

The update should be live for most users right now, so check out BlackBerry World and if you still haven’t tried out the app, make sure you do. It’s available for free and for all BlackBerry 10 devices.

Foursquare for BlackBerry 10 gets overhauled, brings a new look and bug fixes

Its been a while since the last update to Foursquare for BlackBerry 10 but it seems the developers have been rather busy. The latest release is now filtering through BlackBerry World and showing up on devices. It's a pretty big update as well as it not only brings a new, flatter look and feel to the app but also fixes a lot of previous bugs.

• Big performance improvements on the main screen.
• New "Highlights" carousel on the main screen letting you know the best things going on around you.
• Redesigned venue pages.
• Updated profile page
• Check-in right from the Hub with the Foursquare item in 'compose'.
• Delivery options on the venue page, if the venue has Grubhub or Seamless available.
• UTF-8 Characters are now appropriately displayed in the active frame
• Settings - Account Settings - Profile has been fixed
• BBM Connection and sharing reliability greatly improved. Can now share to BBM from a card.

Overall, a pretty spiffy update now that it is here. Go ahead and fire up BlackBerry World to get it downloaded, it should be waiting for you.

Download Foursquare for BlackBerry 10

SayIt Personal Assistant for BlackBerry 10 is on sale.

The personal assistant app SayIt is priced at just $0.99 for a few days.

The offer is now live and will run until Sunday 9th March, so if you want to take advantage you need to get in quick. If you've missed our previous coverage on the app - think of it as kind of like Siri but for BlackBerry.

With a multitude of things you can ask SayIt and a bunch of different languages supported it sure is better than the limited voice functions we have natively built into BlackBerry 10.

Discover more/Download SayIt for BlackBerry 10

Blaq updated with new features and improvements

Kisai Labs has just released a nice update to their very popular BlackBerry 10 Twitter client, Blaq. This
update brings some additions, enhancements as well as a ton of fixes. You can check out the changelog below.
Additions

• Compose in hub – Now you can compose your tweets directly from the hub with Blaq.
• Classic active frame – For those of you who enjoyed the simplicity of the original active frame, it’s now back!

Enhancements

• Battery drain fixes
• Search field is focused automatically on physical keyboard devices
• Instead of selecting specific directories for the photo picker, the Pictures view is now used by default.

Tons of fixes (including):

• Hub “account restore” notifications
• Duplicate hub icons
• Unable to add/remove users from lists
• Inability to open hub items
• Accounts not set up on devices still receiving notifications

The update show be available shortly, if not already. 

Fongo has officially released their BlackBerry 10 app.

Fongo has officially released their BlackBerry 10 app. This is compatible with the BlackBerry Q10, Q5, Z10, Z30 and the Porsche Design P9982 running OS 10.2.1 and higher. Fongo notes that “To use Fongo you must be connected to a 3G, 4G or WiFi data connection and you must create a Fongo account. If your data signal strength is weak or your connection speed is slow, this app may not function properly.” Here is the complete list of features:

• Free local Canadian phone number
• Free unlimited calling across Canada and to any Fongo number anywhere in the world (without using any cell minutes)
• Free unlimited incoming calls and SMS text messages
• Free unlimited Fongo texting, including group and picture messaging anywhere in the world
• Travelling outside of Canada? Call back to Canada for FREE
• Free premium features like visual voicemail, caller ID, call waiting and call forwarding
• Cheap international calls
• Sync with your existing contacts and Facebook friends
• English, French and Chinese language support
• Fongo even supports 911 emergency calls

Download now - Fongo BlackBerry 10

BlackBerry announces the BlackBerry Q20 - A keyboard phone with the trackpad and function keys

The physical keyboard device is the third BlackBerry 10 QWERTY model with one striking difference — it marks the return of the "tool belt" (trackpad and function keys) that we haven't seen since BB7.

The "BlackBerry Classic" will be out before the end of the year. No info on pricing or availability just yet.

Press Release
BlackBerry Unveils New Flagship BlackBerry 10 Smartphone Designed to Deliver the Full Classic QWERTY Experience
BlackBerry Q20 to Feature the Familiar 'Menu', 'Back', 'Send' and 'End' Buttons and the Integrated Trackpad
BARCELONA, SPAIN--(Marketwired - Feb. 25, 2014) - Mobile World Congress 2014 - Embodying feedback from its millions of passionate QWERTY customers around the world, BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB), a global leader in mobile communications, today unveiled a new flagship smartphone designed to deliver its full and distinctive QWERTY experience on BlackBerry® 10. The new BlackBerry® Q20 smartphone will feature the familiar and classic 'Menu', 'Back', 'Send' and 'End' buttons and the integrated trackpad to enable the fast efficient navigation and one-handed use that has endeared the brand to its QWERTY customers.
"In my first 90 days on the job, I consistently heard from our ardent BlackBerry customers that the hard buttons and trackpad are an essential part of the BlackBerry QWERTY experience, that made their BlackBerry smartphone their go-to productivity tool. I want these customers to know that we heard them, and this new smartphone will be for them," said John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO at BlackBerry. "Today, we're delighted to announce the new BlackBerry Q20 smartphone, which is designed to give you the distinct experience that every BlackBerry QWERTY loyalist and high-productivity business customer absolutely loves. With the BlackBerry Q20 smartphone, you'll get the familiar hard buttons and trackpad that you want, along with the best email service, the best keyboard experience and the best battery life possible."
The new BlackBerry Q20 smartphone will give customers the familiar workflow, efficiency and one-handed use that distinguish the BlackBerry QWERTY smartphone experience. Key features will include:
The 'Menu', 'Back', 'Send' and 'End' buttons and trackpad will be made an integral part of the device and user interface, enabling fast, precise navigation and a natural workflow within and between apps.
The new smartphone will feature BlackBerry's patented QWERTY keyboard design with frets and sculpted keys for the best typing experience.
The best email service including features like BlackBerry® Hub, where you can access all your messages in one place, and enterprise connectivity with BES10.
The BlackBerry Q20 smartphone will include a generous 3.5" touchscreen, the largest display yet on a QWERTY BlackBerry smartphone, giving you more space for viewing messages, browsing Internet and intranet sites and accessing other apps.
The smartphone will be crafted from premium materials and designed for reliability and durability.
A large battery to provide superior battery life.
The BlackBerry Q20 smartphone will come with the latest enhancements in BlackBerry 10 that continue to set the brand apart as the best and most secure tool for mobile productivity and reliable communications. The new smartphone will be available in the second half of 2014. Further details on pricing and availability will be announced at launch.

For more information about BlackBerry 10, visit www.blackberry.com/blackberry10OS.

Popular LED notification app, HUB++ has been updated

Popular LED notification app, HUB++ has got received an update. Already headless, it's an app many have been using and it's still regularly being updated with new features and enhancements. This latest update brings some nice additions, including the ability to use stock BlackBerry 10 ringtones. I must admit, with the app now headless, I love this app a lot more.

HUB++ v5.5.1.1 changelog

​BB10 stock tones are now integrated
Flip to silence option added
Bug fixes
Headless optimisation
Remember for the headless portion, you need to be running BlackBerry 10.2.1 in order for it to work. Anything lower you will need to still have HUB++ open in an Active Frame. For new users wanting to check out HUB++, you can learn more from our App Gallery.

Download Hub++ from BlackBerry World

BBM 10.3 for BlackBerry 10 Now Available With Location Sharing & More!

We told you that BBM for BlackBerry 10 was getting an update today to v10.3. That update is now available with location sharing, DropBox integration, and more! Here are the main changes:

Faster, easier sharing – quickly add photos, voice notes, files and attachments to your BBM chats from your smartphone or Dropbox account
Location sharing – Share your location temporarily, powered by Glympse. Your location is updated live on a map, right in BBM. When the timer runs out your location is private again.
100 new emoticons – Get your point across with great new emojis
Find Friends – Quickly find and add new BBM contacts from your smartphone contact list
Larger BBM Groups – You can now chat and share with 50 people in your BBM Group
Check out the update here. It may take a few hours for you to see the update.

How to see AccuWeather information on the OS 10.2.1 clock

One of the new features in OS 10.2.1  is that the Clock app now includes AccuWeather information. This convenient feature lets you know first thing in the morning when you silence your alarm how to dress and whether you need an umbrella when you leave for work.

As it does not automatically activate here are the steps to follow to display on the BlackBerry 10 clock.

• Open the Clock application
• Tap on the World Clock icon in the bottom tray
• Add a city/location by using the search bar above and selecting the one you want. As of now, only major cities populate the list, so be sure to select the nearest one to your location.
• Once the city is added, the weather icon will appear to the left of the time

For more detailed information, tap on the desired city and the relevant AccuWeather information is shown

Skype for BlackBerry 10 updated to improve video calling and messaging

Back in October Skype for BlackBerry 10 got a nice update that brought a new UI but since then the app hasn't any other updates. Now though, a new release is filtering through BlackBerry World that will hopefully improve the overall experience when using the app. As noted in the change log, the update addresses some bugs with video calling and messaging. Outside of that, Skype just noted 'other improvements' as being the biggest change. In any case, the update is live now in BlackBerry World.

Download Skype for BlackBerry 10

60% off SayIt for BlackBerry 10

 BKU Software has placed their highly popular BlackBerry application SayIt on sale for its one year anniversary on BlackBerry 10! If you have not already purchased SayIt now is your chance to pick it up at a savings of 60% off! SayIt is a voice recognition and assistant software that is in our opinion better they Apple’s Siri.

Download SayIt for BlackBerry 10

Vine App “Whine” Hits BlackBerry World for Free!

The BlackBerry community just received another awesome gem from a developer who stepped in to improve the platform. Vine has yet to release an official BlackBerry 10 app so Bojan Komljenovic stepped up with his own Vine client for BlackBerry 10 called Whine. It lets you record and upload your Vines from the app on top of viewing others. Best of all the app is free!

Check out Whine free in BlackBerry World.

Related articles

• How to install Vine on BlackBerry

BlackBerry Beta Zone app updated to v10.0.0.33

There's no need to go to BlackBerry World to download this one, just simply open the app and hit the update now button and you'll be off to the races. Now, we just need some new beta apps to test out.

Improvements:

• "My Discussions" feature lets you view a list of your active threads
• Basic Search functionality
• You can now "Like" individual posts
• "Go to Page" allows you to navigate to a specified page
• App remains on current page after posting/replying
• Survey navigation improvements

The BlackBerry Beta Zone app itself has now moved into v10.0.0.33 with a few changes, though most of them are focused on the community side of things and as such are improvements to for the official BlackBerry Beta Zone forums.

BlackBerry Community app today unites all BlackBerry's official blogs and forums in one app.

BlackBerry has launched the BlackBerry Community app today, uniting all their official blogs and forums in one app. From the BB Community app, you can read any of the official Inside BlackBerry Blogs:

• Inside BlackBerry
• Inside BlackBerry Help Blog
• Inside BlackBerry Developer Blog
• Inside BlackBerry Business Blog

Users can also access the BlackBerry Support Forums to read, write, reply, like and search forum posts. You can quickly view a list of the newest posts in the forum or the latest posts you have participated in. The app also allows you to view and subscribe to a list of BBM Channels curated by BlackBerry. Check out the link below to give it a try!

BlackBerry Community App in BlackBerry World

BackBerry OS 10.2.1; What's new?

BackBerry OS 10.2.1 is officially upon us — and that means loads of new features.
As of now there is no on-device walkthrough telling you of everything that's new after you do the update, so if you don't want to miss any new features you'll want to read about them so you don't miss out.
Check out the list below for the list of what's new in BlackBerry 10.2.1.
Keep in mind there may be a few more here and there, but these are all of the major ones for this update.
And be sure to hit up our master BlackBerry 10 change log for a full look of how things have changed since we first reviewed BlackBerry 10.

• Remote search of emails older than 60 days
• Bluetooth Sharing through Android Runtime
• Video Call has the new call screen 
• FM Radio (Only Q10, Q5, Z30.. Z10 does not support this)
• Wi-Fi Direct
• Miracast
• Share Screen
• Direct Install of APK Files on device through File Manager or Browser
• Media Volume displays at top of screen
• New incoming call screen 
• Update to Device Monitor app
• Update to Data Monitor app
• Clock App includes Accuweather information
• Flashlight app added (can be accessed from Quick Settings)
• Ability to arrange accounts in the Hub
• Pinch gesture in the Hub for quick access to specified messages
• Changes to battery icon
• Changes to charging icon
• Battery shows percentage in peek view
• Updates to native weather app
• New Quick Settings functionality for dropdown menu
• Updates to Media Player
• Added Picture Password 
• Speed Dial from homescreen (Q10)
• Added Contact Groups
• Custom contact profiles for email, SMS, BBM and phone calls
• Delete options from Hub (device and/or server)
• Airplane-Mode automatically turned on in Bedside Mode 
• Lockscreen previews open directly to application
• New native wallpapers added
• Next email toggle inside email messages
• Updated Twitter app
• BBM adds vibrate on ping and new emoticons
• White balance adjuster in display settings
• IBM notes traveler in accounts settings
• Wolfram Alpha commands
• Dropdown Menu now includes:
• Flashlight App Button (new app to 10.2.1.xxxx)
• Brightness Adjustment
• Location Toggle Switch
• Device Monitor App Button (new app to 10.2.1.xxxx)
• Tethering Toggle Switch
• Hotspot Toggle Switch
• NFC Toggle Switch
• Flight mode Toggle Switch (airplane mode)

Yes, that's quite a lot in 10.2.1. And if you're on a carrier that never even released 10.2.0 and are going straight to 10.2.1, there's even more (see change log link below). If you spot anything else that we haven't listed here, be sure to hit up the comments and let us know. Be sure to spread the word, and tell all of your BlackBerry 10 - using friends to get their updates on now!

BlackBerry has reportedly killed off the low end Kopi and Cafe BlackBerry 10 models

Don't Tell

The latest news out is that BlackBerry has reportedly killed off the low end Kopi and Cafe BlackBerry 10 models and confirmed that they are working on Ontario and Windermere as high end business devices. My buddy Ofutur has been doing a great jobof keeping an up to date list of the latest we know about these devices. First of all let us cover what we know about the now cancelled Kopi and Cafe models.

The C-Series Cafe model was numbered STB100 and was supposed to be a full touch 4.5” 720p LCD device with a 1.2 Ghz dual core processor and other low end specs like a 5MP camera. The Kopi (SQC100) was supposed to be the QWERTY equivalent with a 3.1” 720p screen with a 1.2 Ghz dual core processor, NO LTE, and a 5MP camera. My guess is both of these low end models were canned since they made no sense in the first place and Foxconn can make the Jakarta cheaper.

The Ontario and Windermere are much more interesting devices. Here are the details Ofutur has managed to dig up on them:


O SERIES – Z50?
Either a full touch or a slider based on Tigris v3 which will hopefully use a newer SoC
5.2"? 1080p OLED
STO100?
HW IDs: 0xb400240a / 0xb600240a / 0xae00240a / 0xaf00240a /
◾Rxxx – OntarioNA NA
◾Rxxx – OntarioVZW Verizon
◾Rxxx – OntarioSprint Sprint
◾Rxxx – OntarioWFDLTE World phone FD-LTE
◾Rxxx – OntarioWTDLTE World phone TD-LTE

WINDERMERE – Q30?
Booklet? Qwerty? Square slider? based on Tigris v3 which will hopefully use a newer SoC
1440×1440 screen res with virtual keyboard (confusing)
3GB RAM
SQW100?
HW IDs: 0x84002C0a / 0x85002C0a / 0x86002C0a
◾R132 – WindermereNA NA
◾R133 – WindermereVzw Verizon
◾R134 – WindermereSprint Sprint

Both of these devices bump the RAM along with promising a new processor platform. The Windermere is an interesting one because it has a square screen that has more than double the Q10’s resolution but is reported to have a virtual keyboard… Figure that one out! I just hope these devices will also be available for prosumers and consumers who are not on BES.

Angry Birds Go! for BlackBerry 10

This latest installment in the Angry Birds franchise is in 3D and have a Mario Kart type gameplay. Users would be racing against the piggies instead of trying to fling the birds at them. Here’s the features of Angry Birds Go:

• FIRST-EVER 3D ANGRY BIRDS WORLD! See the birds and pigs from every angle as Piggy Island comes alive in this rich and colorful 3D world!
• RACE AS THE BIRDS OR PIGS! Jump behind the wheel and race as Red, Chuck, Terence, Stella, King Pig, Moustache Pig and many other favorites!
• MASTER THE TRACKS! Plenty of racetracks, stunt roads, air courses and off-road races – each throwing big and unexpected challenges your way!
• AWESOME SPECIAL POWERS! Smash your opponents off the road and take that winning position thanks to unique special powers for each character!
• MANY GAME MODES! Test your skills with super-fun and surprising game modes: Race, Time Boom, Fruit Splat, Champion Chase and Mega Match!
• UPGRADE YOUR RIDE! From a homemade soapbox car to a super-fly supercar, with tons of karts and awesome ways to upgrade – yours to earn or purchase!
• MUCH MORE TO COME! The race has only just begun – so look out for many more fun things coming your way!
• TELEPODS! A groundbreaking new way to play! Now teleport your favorite characters into the race by placing your Angry Birds Go! TELEPODS* figures on your device’s camera! ToonsTV READY TO GO! The home of the hugely popular Angry Birds Toons animated series, plus many other top-quality videos!

Angry Birds Go! for BlackBerry 10 is available for free in BlackBerry World here. However, only the Z10, Z30, and P’9982 are supported.

Pay for your Tim Hortons with your NFC equiped BlackBerry!

Tim's fans will love the new TimmyMe for BlackBerry 10 as it finally brings along a much needed feature update. The first release of the app was fairly basic and left out some key features, but thankfully a new version has arrived just in time for coffee season. 

 

In addition to the basic features like finding a store or checking your Tim Card balance, you can now add and merge cards as well as pay via NFC. 

Features include:

• TIM CARD BALANCE CHECK - Check the balance of your Tim Card, give it a nickname and save up to 5 cards in the app. Checking your balance has never been easier.
• NUTRITION INFO - Get all the nutritional information for any Tim Hortons menu item using the handy nutrition feature.
• CONNECT WITH TIMS - Stay connected with Tim Hortons through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
• CONTACT US - At Tim Hortons, we value your feedback. On the go and want to provide feedback about the app or a recent restaurant experience? Now you can with the Contact Us feature.
• ORDER NOTEPAD - Use the handy notepad to keep track of your friend's favourite orders.

TimmyMe is free and is available for most devices.

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/13389