Blackberry storm2 launched

RESEARCH IN MOTION (RIM) has officially unveiled the Blackberry Storm2, the successor to its first touch-screen handset, adding WiFi capability and improvements to the tactile feedback for its display.
Available in the UK later this month from Vodafone, the Blackberry Storm2 features a capacitive touch-screen with new Surepress technology that provides tactile feedback when the display is pressed.
As well as quad-band GSM and HSPA, the new Storm also adds 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, a capability lacking in the original Storm launched last year. It also has GPS for maps and other location-based applications.
The original Storm was rushed to market as RIM's answer to the touch-driven Apple Iphone, but many users found fault with the device, particularly with the clickable display mechanism.
With the Storm2, RIM is hoping to fix many of these issues, especially with Surepress, which uses an electronic pulse to provide feedback rather than the actual screen moving.
The new handset also comes with access to Blackberry App World, RIM's online application store.
It also ships with Blackberry OS 5, in which the Blackberry Browser is improved with faster JavaScript and CSS processing and support for Google Gears and BlackBerry Widgets.
For enterprise customers, the new Blackberry works with enhanced features in Blackberry Enterprise Server 5, including the ability to remotely access Windows file shares, manage Microsoft Exchange email folders from the Blackberry, and set follow-up flags as users can in Outlook.
The new Storm2 has 256MB of Flash memory, plus 2GB of storage and a microSD slot supporting Flash cards up to 16GB. It also has a 3.2-megapixel camera and a removable 1400mAh battery providing six hours of talk time on 3G networks and 280 hours on standby, according to RIM.
Vodafone said that it will offer the Blackberry Storm2 free with 24-month contracts from £35 per month. These include 600 minutes talk-time, unlimited Blackberry Internet Service, unlimited text messaging, and unlimited access to Vodafone Mobile Internet.

BlackBerry's new Storm2: first review

BlackBerry's first foray into touch-screen smartphones, last year's Storm, received a mixed reception.
Loyal BlackBerry users felt alienated by the loss of a physical QWERTY keyboard, while a perceived rush to market to compete with Apple's headline-grabbing iPhone led to complaints of variable build quality and sluggish operating speeds.
At first sight, BlackBerry seems to have addressed many of these problems with the Storm 2, which goes on sale in the UK on October 26.
The new machine is slimmer and trimmer than the old design, and though the familiar BlackBerry interface remains, the internal workings of the device have received a thorough going-over, with more memory allocated to make applications run smoother.
The touch-screen QWERTY keyboard is much improved, too, allowing for simultaneous double-touching for speed typing, a feature that was unavailable on the previous Storm. Unlike the touchscreen on the iPhone, the BlackBerry keyboard mimics the feel of a real keyboard by clicking both audibly and physically under the fingertips. There's wi-fi too, now an essential for this class of device.
Add to this the push e-mail and unrivalled security features that makes BlackBerry the default choice for industry worldwide, and the result is a very fine phone indeed.
But it is a fine phone in a changing market. Just how fast that market is changing can be gauged by the applications that BlackBerry now includes as standard, such as Twitter, Facebook and apps to play video and music content.
Instant access to content on the move is no longer the exclusive privilege of the businessman on the go. It's something we all now expect, as previously separate devices -- the camera, the phone, the portable music player, the video player -- now converge into one device.
Where once BlackBerry led the way in e-mail on the go, there is now a host of other touch-screen products that offer much the same services in a more user-friendly package.
The iPhone apart, this week alone, Sony-Ericsson has unveiled the Satio, its all-touch multimedia mobile smartphone, which features a 12.1 megapixel camera and a high-resolution screen, while HTC gave us the super-cute Tattoo, the latest smartphone to use the freely available Android touch-screen interface developed by Google.
Both of these phones work well, and present a more relaxed interface to the consumer than any BlackBerry device. Both are the products of companies that made their money from individual users. BlackBerry is heading in the opposite direction, and for all its attempts to court a new customer base, the core market for the Storm 2 remains the business user, backed by an IT department running Microsoft Exchange.

BlackBerry 9700 launching on Rogers October 26th?

BlackBerry 9700 launching on Rogers October 26th?

Uh oh. We’re slowly moving across the board here… First with a rumored T-Mobile launch date, now we have a Rogers one for you guys. One of our Northern connects just let us know that Rogers’ BlackBerry 9700 launch is currently pegged for October 26th. We don’t have pricing information, but imagine it will run around $299 with a three-year agreement. Not confirmed, of course, but hey, besides Christmas not much is.

(Via BoyGeniusreport.com)

Verizon Branded Storm 2

Finally for all of us Verizon Wireless costumers there is a stronger sign that the phone exists and its already branded on the outside with a Verizon logo on it. Yes, we all saw that great Phonearena review with the logo on the back, but the hardware and software were a little too old, so something seemed a little strange to say the least. Anyhow, we got a hold of a brand new Verizon Storm 2 and its awesome. And here is the evidence for all of you guys.

(VIA http://www.salomondrin.net/ )

Official BlackBerry Twitter Client Coming November 16 with Push?

There are a lot of options in the BlackBerry Twitter app market these days, but the killer feature of real-time, push tweets is still missing, which apparently only RIM will be able to provide in the near future. Rumours of an official twitter client being in the works have surfaced alongside a feature list and a November 16 launch target.

-Notification of number of new tweets on the home screen with icon, like text messages
-Main app opens friends timeline
-Ability to view followers
-Follow/unfollow functions
-Create direct messages, replies and new tweets
-Keyword search and saved results
-Tweet photos directly from camera or memory card
-View photos from other tweets
-View trending topics
-Address book integration

Existing software can offer core functions and do some neat stuff with GPS, RIM’s ability to really leverage the push tech that they’re famous for will easily make this the best BlackBerry twitter client out there. The software will eventually come preloaded on all devices according to tipsters, in addition to being available through App World. The address book integration is a nice touch, and follows closely in the Facebook app’s footsteps. I trust the option to view @ replies and direct messages in your messages folder will be enabled, just like the instant messaging clients, but we’ll have to wait and cross our fingers.

BumpTop Goes Multi-Touch

BumpTop the 3D desktop UI that always looks exciting has added multi-touch. There are a range of touch controls that allow you to use multiple fingers to pinch, squeeze, rotate, toss, pan, zoom, and even crop photos. From the video this looks awesome. To take advantage of this you’ll need Windows 7. And of course we don’t have too many devices with capacitive digitizers to really put this in play at the moment, and I imagine the team behind BumpTop is awaiting those as much as we are. Check out the video.

Free! TiVo BlackBerry Application! | BlackBerry Sites

Now you can schedule programs on your DVR from your BlackBerry smartphone with the TiVo for BlackBerry® smartphone application. It is available for all BlackBerry Devices and available for the U.S. and Canada.
TiVo for BlackBerry smart phones enables you to:
* Search by title, keyword, actor or director
* Get a Season Pass and schedule your DVR to record your favorite shows
* Explore daily picks and most popular shows
* Search, browse and discover new shows from wherever you happen to be

TiVo for BlackBerry OTA by going HERE!

A quick and simple User Guide can be found HERE!

Best Buy lists Rogers BlackBerry Curve 8520 $99/$449

Best Buy lists Rogers BlackBerry Curve 8520 $99/$449



It seems the Rogers BlackBerry Curve 8520 is just around the corner. Today Best Buy Canada “accidentally” listed the BlackBerry Curve 8520 for Rogers on their site. It’s currently listed at $99 with three year contract or $449 without. This comes after launch materials and dummy phones have arrived at some Rogers retail stores across Canada. This might mean we will see an official launch sometime soon. Keep checking in…

Check out the Curve 8520 over at BestBuy.ca >>

BlackBerry App Center - Where Is It Now?

BlackBerry App Center - Where Is It Now?



It really wasn't that long ago that RIM was hiding the BlackBerry App Center under a shroud of secrecy. Details were slim, facts were not clear and everyone was left wondering what exactly was going on. Well, the shroud of secrecy didn't last that long and RIM began explaining exactly what the application center was to be. We all know carriers love to push certain items to our devices, some are useful some are better off having never been pushed considering it's nothing more than carrier advertising. We all see it, until we hide the icons and forget about them till a later time.
BlackBerry application center was created to clean this up and give users the option of which "carrier related" items they wished to install on their devices as well serve as a repository for carrier approved applications. So..where is it? We have seen it on the Storm and more recently we know for a fact it is still being built into OS' considering all 5.0 leaks have it held in the install files.
It leaves the question will application center be used at some point in time further down the road more widely? A lot of developers ask questions about BlackBerry app world and why not all carriers are having it proloaded and RIM's response to that is that they are indeed working alongside carriers to make that happen, but all are not on board with the idea yet. But if application center was designed for this why does it remain unused? Do you want it or feel it's even needed? Sound off your thoughts in the comments.

Tweeteev (Alpha) Twitter Client For BlackBerry Leaked!

Tweeteev (Alpha) Twitter Client For BlackBerry Leaked!

It’s been quite some time since Tweeteev was last mentioned here on BBRocks! but it looks like they’re still in the Twitter app game!
Up till now not too many have been able to use Tweeteev but Diddy let me know that a copy of the Alpha version has been leaked online and is available for download, which can only mean that Tweeteev is still developing their BlackBerry Twitter client and has not just faded away (like some on Twitter are saying).
About Tweeteev:
Tweeteev is a disruptive Blackberry client for Twitter. The interface, features and experience that Tweeteev provides will totally change the way you use Twitter on your mobile phone. Stay tuned, coming soon on a Blackberry near you.
This is not an official version so install at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with using leaked software. Don’t expect this version to be without bugs, especially since it’s an Alpha version.
I was told that this version should be a “one-app-fits-all” but I’m not sure. If you decide to install this (after first making a backup) be sure to leave some feedback and your BlackBerry model in the comments.
Download OTA: Tweeteev for BlackBerry

Check out Tweeteev.com if you’d like to sign up to be notified when the application is officially released.

(Via BlackBerry Rocks)

iDrive Lite Online Backup for the iPhone and Blackberry Announced

Updated iDrive Lite Online Backup for the iPhone and Blackberry Announced

If there is one thing any mobile phone owner would dread is that of losing the stored contacts that are normally saved on their handset.
This could be attributed to a lot of issues like software problems or worst, handset breakdowns.
And while many do not really have a reliable way of backups for their valuable contacts and data, iDrive may have the answer for all these worries.
In fact, they have even updated their app solution, the iDrive Lite which allows anyone to save and restore their contacts from anywhere.
Among the new updates of the iDrive Lite include performance fixes for the iPhone and Blackberry versions.
With the iDrive Lite, you can even restore or transfer contacts on a different handset provided you are registered on the same account.
And best of all, the service is FREE!


You can check out the iDrive Lite at the iDrive website.

Rumor: BlackBerry 9700 Bold Release Date – More Prototype Pictures

Rumor: BlackBerry 9700 Bold Release Date

I would file this is the rumor column for now but the dates make sense. The BoyGenius got a tip that T-Mobile has a tentative launch date of November 11th for the BlackBerry 9700 Bold. He claims that AT&T will probably also be getting it around the same date with Rogers getting it in late October. Here is to hoping it comes sooner rather than later! Especially for those T-Mobile fanboys who have been missing 3G for all these years.

(Via www.berryreview.com)

App Review: GPush and PushMail

App Review: GPush and PushMail



Don’t want to pay for MobileMe and have to use a me.com email address? I’ve been using the latest apps that bring push email (sort of) to your iPhone.
GPush and Pushmail are currently racing up the App Store, so which would I recommend?


Forthcoming Updates to GPush
Premium version allowing multiple GMail accounts
Custom notification sounds
Tap on notification to launch the message in Gmail within Safari (not native Mail client)
Tap GPush icon to go to Gmail in Safari


Forthcoming Updates to PushMail
Badges and custom sounds
Tap on notification to launch the message in native Mail client
More display options, such as only showing “From” or “From” and “Subject”, not the start of the message
Quiet time – mute notifications for a set period (nice!)

Privacy concerns
Both developers seek to allay concerns about privacy. With GPush you’re giving up your GMail username and password. With PushMail, all your email will go to your @dopushmail.com address, but this isn’t a full email account though; all emails forwarded are only held long enough to sent you the push notification, then discarded. Neither approach is ideal, so if you want pushed email without forking out for MobileMe, then you’ll have to think about which approach you prefer.

The biggest benefit?
As well as getting quicker notice that you’ve received an email, saving battery life is the biggest benefit. Turning off Mail fetching your email every 15 minutes to an hour saves a lot of power. Push notification does maintain a persistent connection to Apple, but I’ve found the battery drain to be far less than frequently checking email through the Mail app.
You may also want to turn off the sound that Mail makes when it actually downloads the emails (that you’ve already been notified of).
If you don’t like to be disturbed you could set up GPush, for example, not to pop up a notification or play a sound, but just update its badge. Position the GPush app near Mail, and you’ve got a way of unobtrusively checking for new messages without overly draining the battery.

The verdict
Neither app actually brings push email – you only get a notification, and still have to download the actual email by launching Mail app. But it’s good enough and saves a fair bit of precious battery.
The downside is that there isn’t a way of stacking notifications on either app – so if you get two notifications come in, you’ll only see the second one displayed. This is a limitation of the SDK as far as I’m aware. The workaround is to badge the GPush or PushMail (when the latter is updated) icon with notification numbers.
My recommendation has to be PushMail. Even without the problems that GPush are having, PushMail is a service that you’ll unobtrusively use everyday, so it’s worth the extra money. It also allows for plenty of customisation, so long as you’re happy to set up filters to forward your email. If they can fix their problems, users who do not want to fiddle with filters or forwarding should probably go with GPush.

(Via allaboutiphone.net)

Don’t Text and Drive…Please!

Don’t Text and Drive…Please!

This video dramatization is a chilling reminder how serious a mistake we make when we allow our mobile phones to distract us while we’re driving.
Please leave a comment pledging that you will never again text and drive.

ZoomSafer Launches Public Beta To Prevent Distracted Driving

ZoomSafer Launches Public Beta To Prevent Distracted Driving

When I’m on BlackBerry Messenger or AIM sometimes I’ll see people put “Driving” as their status. Depending on what app they’re using it may take a few steps to change their status before they can begin to drive, or they update their status while driving (illegal in some areas). This is where ZoomSafer comes in and makes it easy to notify people that you are driving.

ZoomSafer is currently in public beta and initially only available for BlackBerry smartphones. Current features for the first phase of the beta include:
Auto speed detection – ZoomSafer detects when you start to drive and automatically activates.
Safety Announcements – A recorded message plays when ZoomSafer activates reminding you to drive safely. We’ve pre-recorded several announcements for the Beta, but in phase 2 of the beta you’ll be able to record your own custom announcements as well as choose from several Celebrity Safety Announcements.
Auto-Toots – These are messages sent on your behalf to friends, families, and social networks to tell them when you’ve started and stopped driving. These updates can be sent via SMS or E-mail to up to 3 contacts as well as to Facebook or Twitter.
Keyboard Locking – Your keypad will be locked when ZoomSafer is activated except for:
Soft-key to exit the app when you have stopped driving or if you are a passenger.
Dialing 9-1-1
Three Priority Contacts – You can enter up to three Priority Contacts who will be able to call and interrupt you while you are driving. Inbound calls from priority contacts will be announced via a generic audio-alert. In phase 2 of the beta you will be able to create custom ZoomRingers for each of your priority contacts.
Inbound phone call management – While you are driving, we will suppress ringer/notification of all inbound callers who are not listed as Priority Contacts.
Inbound email/text message management – While you are driving, we will suppress all messaging-related inbound alerts.
Auto-Responses – While you are driving, if people try and contact you via phone or text – they will receive an auto-response notifying them that you are focused on the road and that you will respond once you’ve reached your destination safely.
If you would like to participate in the beta you can register at http://www.zoomsafer.com/. More info in the full press release after the jump, or watch to video above to see how it works. Looks useful!

Press Release
RESTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ZoomSafer (http://www.zoomsafer.com/) launches today the public beta of its patented service to minimize motorist distractions stemming from the use of mobile phones while driving.
“We’ve developed an innovative, yet practical, safe driving solution to help mobile phone users focus on the road, not on their phones when driving,” said Mike Riemer, CEO and co-founder of ZoomSafer. “Distracted driving is a huge and growing problem, and we’re excited to share the beta version of our software with members of the public and incorporate people’s feedback so we can further refine the service and maximize adoption.”
“As a mobile-device addicted person who frequently drove distracted, Zoomsafer is helping me make better decisions everyday as a motorist” said Matt Howard, co-founder of ZoomSafer. “Having tested the beta extensively I can honestly say that I am less distracted and more focused when driving – and I am excited to see what ZoomSafer can do for others.”
The initial beta program is for Blackberry users only – with support for Windows Mobile and Google Android planned for year end.

Phase one of the beta includes the following core safety features:
Auto speed detection – ZoomSafer detects when you start to drive and automatically activates.
Safety Announcements – A recorded message plays when ZoomSafer activates reminding you to drive safely. We’ve pre-recorded several announcements for the Beta, but in phase 2 of the beta you’ll be able to record your own custom announcements as well as choose from several Celebrity Safety Announcements.
Auto-Toots – These are messages sent on your behalf to friends, families, and social networks to tell them when you’ve started and stopped driving. These updates can be sent via SMS or E-mail to up to 3 contacts as well as to Facebook or Twitter.
Keyboard Locking – Your keypad will be locked when ZoomSafer is activated except for:
Soft-key to exit the app when you have stopped driving or if you are a passenger.
Dialing 9-1-1
Three Priority Contacts – You can enter up to three Priority Contacts who will be able to call and interrupt you while you are driving. Inbound calls from priority contacts will be announced via a generic audio-alert. In phase 2 of the beta you will be able to create custom ZoomRingers for each of your priority contacts.
Inbound phone call management – While you are driving, we will suppress ringer/notification of all inbound callers who are not listed as Priority Contacts.
Inbound email/text message management – While you are driving, we will suppress all messaging-related inbound alerts.
Auto-Responses – While you are driving, if people try and contact you via phone or text – they will receive an auto-response notifying them that you are focused on the road and that you will respond once you’ve reached your destination safely.
Phase two of the beta will commence in November, is fully customizable, and will include the following hands-free productivity features:
ZoomSafer Voice Safety Portal – While driving with your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel you’ll be able to use your voice to create, listen to, and reply to e-mails and text messages. You’ll also be able to use your voice to update Twitter and Facebook as well as listen to additional content services such as new, weather, and sports feeds.
User defined inbound calling – You’ll have even more control to decide who can call you when you’re driving.
ZoomRingers – You’ll be able to have your personal contacts record a ZoomRinger that plays when they call you. You will no longer have to look at your phone to know who is calling. If a call does not have a ZoomRinger associated with it, ZoomSafer will read the phone number to you.
Priority Text Messages and Emails – When you receive a text message or e-mail from a Priority Contact, you will be told audibly about the message and asked whether you want to listen to it.
Individuals interested in participating in the beta can register at http://www.zoomsafer.com/.

About ZoomSafer Inc.
ZoomSafer is the safest way to use your mobile phone while driving. We provide innovative mobile software and services to prevent distracted driving for the 20 million smart phone users including prosumers, small business users, families and young drivers, enterprises, and government organizations. For more information, or to download our media kit, please visit us on the web http://www.zoomsafer.com/.