BBMGroupsOnline.com

We keep seeing more and more good things come from RIM and others on the PlayBook front, and with TAT on board it’s full steam ahead. We already saw a sweet scrapbook application running on the PlayBook, and now the guys from IntoMobile have snagged the above video of some more amazing demos. The first app shown is a media viewer hooked up via HDMI to an external display. It shows extremely well and even has some crazy 3D too. Then we get another look at Scrapbook, and finally check out a multimedia app called Frontrunner. All of them look amazing and really show off the capabilities of the PlayBook. The apps look so smooth and run without a hitch – that “double multitouch” really wows me too. Take a look at the video above for all the goods then sound off in the comments.

Source: IntoMobile

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* Update: The original poster of this video removed it from their youtube account as quick as they posted it, but luckily I we got it yanked from youtube in time (thx Bla1ze! I managed to get a copy recorded on my 9780 too). Check out the video again above. Enjoy! *

As I mentioned in our 2011 BlackBerry Smartphone Roadmap post, we’re still not sure if the next-generation of full touchscreen BlackBerry is going to carry the Storm name or something different, but that hasn’t stopped a Verizon branded version of it from popping up on youtube. Codenamed monaco, the device in the video should be rocking BlackBerry 6.1 along with the following specs:

• Dimensions: Sleek, thin profile – 11.5mm thick (120 x 62 x 11.5 mm)
• Processor: Qualcomm 1.2GHz Processor
• Radio:Dual band CDMA, EV-DO Rev A, RX Diversity ; Quad band EDGE / Single Band UMTS
• Display: 3.7″ – 800×480 resolution, 15:9 aspect ration, 253 DPI
• Camera: 5 MP – Flash – Image Stabilization – HD Video Recording (720p)
• Navigation: Capacitive touch + BlackBerry navigation keys + optical navigation module. One convenience key
• Memory: 4GB storage + 768MB RAM + up to 32GB MicroSD
• WiFi/GPS: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n + GPS + Bluetooth 2.1 EDR + Mobile HotSpot
• Connectivity: Micro USB – Bluetooth – NFC
• Sensors: Magnetometer – Accelerometer – Proximity
• Software: Enhanced BlackBerry SW v.6.1, BlackBerry Evolution 6, Open GL ES 2.0, APIs for magnetometer and augmented reality apps

With this device not really expected to be announced until BlackBerry World in May, there’s still lots of time for RIM to work on the software. But all in all it’s looking good! Check out the video above and drop us a comment with your thoughts. Let’s hope we see a more in-depth follow up video in the not so distant future.

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In Kevin’s BlackBerry Roadmap, he talked about the devices we can expect to see in 2011. One of these devices is the next generation BlackBerry Torch, and it looks like we just got some more confirmation on that. According to UAProf documents found online, the BlackBerry 9810 has the same 480×640 screen resolution that the Torch 2 is rumored to have. Add it up, and it looks like the Torch 9800 has a new family member.

Current specs for the Torch 2 are said to be:

• Processor: 1.2 GHz processor
• Radio: Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE ; Tri-band HSPA 14.4Mbps
• Display: 3.2″ VGA – 480 x 640 capacitive touchscreen display
• Memory: 8GB storage + 512MB RAM + up to 32GB MicroSD
• Connectivity: WiFi + Bluetooth + NFC
• Camera: 5 MP
• Battery: 1300MAh battery
• Dimension: 14.6mm thick
• Sensors: magnetometer

Of course these are speculated, and could change before the device is actually released. With all these great devices coming out this year… which are you going to pick?

Source: BBNews.pl

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Bold 9700 (left) vs. the new BlackBerry Bold Touch (right)

Gotta love it when a plan comes together! Following up on the 2011 BlackBerry Smartphone Roadmap leaks of January, we’re starting to see these devices take shape for REALZ in February. We saw the monaco/Storm 3 show up on video yesterday, and now today we’re looking at live photos of the BlackBerry Bold Touch, which currently goes by the codename dakota. As you can tell, the newest Bold (pictured above on the right) looks more like the original Bold 9000 from the front than the smaller Bold 9700/9780 we’re currently used to. I can’t wait to pound out emails and BBMs on the Bold Touch’s keyboard… that is the Cadillac of smartphone keyboards right there. As for what the Bold Touch is packing inside, here’s the specs as they have been rumored to date:

• Dimensions: 115 x 66 x 10.5mm
• Radio: Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE; Tri Band UMTS
• Display: 2.8″ diagonol – VGA 640 x 480, resolution 287dpi
• Camera: 5mp – Flash – Image Stabilization – HD Recording (720p)
• Navigation: Capacitive Touch, Optical Trackpad
• Keypad: Wide QWERTY – Physical Send, End, Escape, Menu, Right Side Convenience Key, Volume Control
• Memory: 8GB – 768MB RAM – up to 32GB MicroSd Card
• WiFi: 2.4 GHZ b/g/n – 5GHz a/n – Mobile Hotspot
• Connectivity: Micro USB – Bluetooth – NFC
• Sensors: Magnetometer – Accelerometer – Proximity

Lots more photos after the break, so check them out! You don’t want to miss the one where you see that the trim around the Bold Touch’s keypad LIGHTS UP!!! Who’s waiting on this one?? I know I am!

Source: N4BB

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Topics like mobile phone radiation are always controversial, but if you’re in the camp that believes there is a legitimate health risk associated with spending too much time on your BlackBerry you will be happy to know that the folks at Tawkon have released a free ad-supported version of their app.

If you didn’t see our original blog post about Tawkon, you’ll want to check that post out for some lively discussion and also the video above to get an overview and walk through of the app. In general, Tawkon is an app that operates on one basic premise – monitor the radiation emitted by your BlackBerry. Beyond that, Tawkon takes this one step further, not only notifying you of rising radiation and a predefined threshold, but also offering suggestions as to how to reduce the level, without interrupting your normal usage. It attempts to be as non-intrusive as possible, while maintaining the highest possible level of safety. Specific features include:

• Predictive Mode allows you to preview your potential exposure prior to making a call, based on current conditions, such as your location on their “radiation zones” map. This is displayed to the user with easy to understand colour-coded signs, ie: green for minimal exposure to radiation.
• Call Mode monitors your current conditions while in a call, providing intelligent solutions and feedback, such as engaging speaker-phone, or moving back to a previously “safer” location.
• Statistics – The app also features a full set of statistical data tools, showing you how much radiation you have avoided by using the apps suggestions, accumulation of radiation, and radiation during the last call.

The premium ad-free version of Tawkon normally sells for $9.99, but at the time of this writing is currently on sale for $4.99. And of course the new ad-supported version is FREE, so whether you’re a believer or skeptic there’s no cost associated with giving it a download and try it out for yourself.

Download Free Ad-Supported version from App World

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Today RIM has announced it’s new BlackBerry trade-up program for customers in the US. Through this program, customers who purchase a new, eligible BlackBerry are qualified to receive money back for trading in their existing “eligible” BlackBerry device. According to the site, users can receive up to $120 back when trading in an old device. Of course the device you trade in and your new device will have to be on the eligable list, but the most recent devices including the 9670, 9800, Pearl 3G and 9700/9780 are all there. If you’re looking to trade-up and get a new device, head to blackberrytradeup.com.

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A home for 9800 users to discuss their 9800. Discuss apps we use, problems you may have and to help each other out with any difficulties that may come up on their devices. NOT a group to get a date.

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This post was submitted by djghettoredneck.

In a recent Tweet from Mike Kirkup, director of developer relations at RIM, we heard that by the end of January, RIM will be launching an updated beta version of Theme Builder with support for all 6.0 devices. Themes for BlackBerry 6 are pretty interesting because BlackBerry 6 is sort of a theme itself. RIM has gone through a lot of changes in how the UI works, and it wouldn’t be surprising to find out that fewer themes are being purchased as users upgrade to the latest OS. It should also be interesting to see if the upcoming QNX OS will support themes.

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2011

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We all love our BlackBerry smartphones, but what happens when the unthinkable occurs? What if you drop your prized possession and it breaks into a million pieces? What if you go to set your BlackBerry down in the cupholder in your car, but you realize all too late that there is a cup of coffee there? What do you do when these unfortunate events happen?

Well, you have a few options, but I want to tell you about a new option I just recently learned about at CES.

Worth Ave Group – A new way to insure your BlackBerry

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UPDATE: We’ve been told that the image above is a mockup – so Skype isn’t confirmed for the PlayBook. Too bad because Skype would be really awesome on the tablet.

The first look at App World on the PlayBook reveals that Skype will be coming to the BlackBerry Platform via the PlayBook. We’ve been hearing about Skype coming to BlackBerry for a long time now and the only devices to get it are on Verizon. Other than Skype, App World for the PlayBook has a really slick interface and we’re expecting some awesome apps to be ready when the device launches.

Hit this link to see a roundup of other apps you can expect to see on the PlayBook.

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2011

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Ford has announced a new smartphone app that’s available to BlackBerry users and will likely complement the unannounced Ford Focus Electric. The app has a wide range of features but is mainly going to be used to monitor the car’s charge. Other features include the ability to find your car via GPS, remotely unlock/lock the doors, and download performance and system data about your vehicle. Features of the MyFord Mobile app include:

• Find current and projected state of charge information including estimated range and the amount of charge time necessary for additional distances
• Program vehicle charging with utility input, allowing the car to start charging immediately or when electricity prices are lowest with the value charging feature, powered by Microsoft
• Receive alerts if the vehicle isn’t charging when it’s scheduled to, or if charging stops unexpectedly due to a power outage, plug removal or other event
• Receive alerts during recharge when the vehicle has reached a particular preset charge level or has the ability to reach a particular destination
• Engage remote vehicle preconditioning, using grid power to heat or cool the battery and vehicle interior
• Remotely lock/unlock doors
• Use the built-in GPS system to locate the car
• Download performance and system data
• Receive various achievements for driving and ownership milestones that can then be posted to your Facebook or Twitter account
• Fun ways of understanding your driver behavior, with ratings from ‘Zen’ to ‘zippy’
• Receive information personalized to the driver, depending on which key the driver used

More details available at Ford’s blog.

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2011

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Following up on Kevin’s post from earlier, here are two more BlackBerry PlayBook videos from RIM: Your Portable Life and Striking Power. I really like the one with the cowboys. All this advertising lately is very encouraging to those of us waiting anxiously for any indication of just when the PlayBook will be released. Check out the videos after the break and make sure to stay close for more coverage from CES 2011!

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Aside from the BlackBerry PlayBook itself, the thing I was most excited to see (thus far) is definitely the BlackBerry PlayBook Charging Pod. We didn’t get the greatest look at it since it’s behind RIM’s “don’t touch me” glass, but seeing it up close is good enough for me. There isn’t a lot to it obviously, but it still looks pretty sweet. It holds the PlayBook on a slight angle so it makes for a great “nightstand” device or for watching movies while in the charger. Very cool stuff. No word on pricing yet but we’re pretty sure it will be available at launch of the PlayBook, which means you’ll definitely be able to pick it up at store.bbmgroupsonline.com.

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Before we left CES 2011 we again sat down again with Ryan Bidan, the Senior Product Manager on the BlackBerry PlayBook team to work through a bunch of the questions we’ve been seeing here on CrackBerry related to the BlackBerry PlayBook. At the CES BlackBerry booth many of the same questions have been getting asked, so the Inside BlackBerry Blog did a quick interview with Ryan addressing the big questions they too have been hearing.

We’ll follow up with our written BlackBerry PlayBook FAQ soon, and in the meantime you can check out the video above. There’s been a bit of a misconception going around online that in order to use the BlackBerry PlayBook that you’ll need to own a BlackBerry Smartphone, which is not the case. A native email and calendar client may not be there at launch, but it is definitely on the roadmap (likely sooner than later) for the PlayBook and new OS. In the meantime there will be the BlackBerry Bridge for BlackBerry owners that turns the PlayBook into a big screen for your phone’s email, calendar, contacts, tasks, and BBM (no data stored on PlayBook) and access is there via the web browser as well. It’s clear that the QNX-based BlackBerry Tablet OS is still in early days and it’s going to be evolving rapidly. Unlike the phones where carriers dictate OS update releases, with the PlayBook RIM will be able to push them out to consumers quickly, and I’m sure we’ll be in for a lot of updates in the early days. It’s a solid base to begin with, and it’s only going to get better, that’s for sure.

Source: Inside BB

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You knew this was coming – there’s always a part of me that gets excited when I see cases for new devices (or even new cases for old devices). Along with all of the insane BlackBerry PlayBook goodies being shown off here at CES 2011, BlackBerry has a huge line of cases ready to roll with the PlayBook. There are loads of styles including the BlackBerry Neoprene Sleeve, BlackBerry BookBinder, BlackBerry Zip Sleeve, BlackBerry Envelope case and BlackBerry Hard Shell case. Overall great to see such a variety will be made available at launch so there will be plenty to choose from. Keep reading for more images.

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CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. First Look: BlackBerry PlayBook Cases

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The BlackBerry “Super Phone” is coming, just maybe not tomorrow. Mike Lazaridis sat down with PCMag at CES 2011 to discuss a bit about RIM’s future and what we can expect in the coming years. During the interview Mike confirmed the plans to bring QNX to BlackBerry smartphones, but also said that current multi-core processors aren’t quite what they need to make this happen. “Battery life, size, weight, thickness, cost” are all factors here, and until those are all up to par for what RIM has planned, it doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing QNX on our devices. Future QNX devices are coming, just no word on when exactly. RIM isn’t in a hurry. “First they made RIM a global business, now they’re delivering the PlayBook, and super phones are on the to-do list”, he said. Mike alluded to the next 10 years of BlackBerry, and the growth they are preparing for in BlackBerry both in handheld devices and tablets.

We spent the last three years building a global company. Putting in all the infrastructure, building the relationships, building the supply channels, the infrastructure, the distribution, the manufacturing capacity, that’s what we did! And we continue to grow, right? What we’re setting up is for the next 10 years of BlackBerry. We just finished the first 10 years, actually closer to 12 – the first decade of BlackBerry. Now we’re setting up for the next decade of BlackBerry. Right? That’s what we’re doing.

I think it’s because we’re always thinking ahead, we’re always planning ahead. I think in this kind of business you have to have a lot of planning. It’s one thing to take a reference design and package it. It’s another thing to build a platform that can grow with your customers’ needs, that can grow with where the market is going as opposed to where the market is today. To provide that uncompromised performance for enterprise, for government, for large corporations as well as provide an experience for the consumer that’s unique.

So how do you feel about these statements? Are you optimistic for the future of BlackBerry, or are you starting to get impatient? With RIM re-branding WES to BlackBerry World, all of us on the CrackBerry team are hoping we’ll see RIM use this event to announce some BIG things for BlackBerry Smartphones (not just tablets) this May. Maybe Mike L is just setting us up to blow us away. I for one am excited to see what RIM brings us this year, and for years to come. They definitely have a solid foundation world-wide to build on, and I can’t wait to see where they go. For the full interview, check out the link below.

Source: PCMag

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Following up on our BlackBerry PlayBook Review yesterday, today we were finally able to see the paired BlackBerry Smartphone/PlayBook experience, which allows you to use your PlayBook as a big screen for your BlackBerry phone. The BlackBerry bridge is carried out via bluetooth, and the means for pairing is really simple. You’ll download a BlackBerry Bridge app onto your phone from App World. On your tablet, you’ll tap the options icon on the top right corner of the PlayBook (the gear) and from there will be an option to display a barcode. You’ll scan the barcode of your PlayBook with your BlackBerry and that will pair the two devices. From there, you can run BlackBerry Messenger, your calendar, emails (and maybe more??) from your PlayBook. Check out the video above to see it in action! (note, we do the BBM pairing at the very end).

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A Hands-On Pre-Release Review of the BlackBerry PlayBook

I’ve FINALLY gone hands-on with the BlackBerry PlayBook and thus it’s time for me to report back with my initial review and impressions of Research In Motion’s first tablet device featuring the all-new QNX-based BlackBerry Tablet OS. The time to get prep this post to go live for the embargo was tight and we’ll have even more opportunities throughout CES to play with the PlayBook, so I’m going to keep this initial review as concise as possible and we’ll likely add to it over the days ahead. Oh, and as for those questions of pricing and release date, those are still TBA, though RIM is still sticking to their Q1 release which means you’ll be able to buy a PlayBook before the end of March. This isn’t just another new BlackBerry we’re talking about here… the PlayBook is ALL new for RIM. Suffice to say, the way too long review will be coming once we log some real hours on it. But in the meantime, we still have a lot to say (hint: it’s pretty awesome!!), so start reading! read more C

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[YouTube link for mobile viewing]

Attention BlackBerry® PlayBook tablet developers! As a follow up to our BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet Webcast series, we’ve put together a video overview demonstrating how easy it is for developers to use the BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK Beta2 for Adobe® AIR® and the BlackBerry PlayBook Simulator Beta to develop BlackBerry PlayBook applications. Read more at the BlackBerry Developer’s Blog »

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Hi everyone – my name’s Paul. I’ve worked at Research In Motion® (RIM) for over eight years as a Technical Account Manager, and I’m now the Manager of Technical Services for the Enterprise Sales group at RIM. For the past few months, I’ve been making a deliberate effort to conduct all of my work on my BlackBerry® smartphone (a BlackBerry® Torch™ 9800 smartphone, to be exact). This project started very slowly, but with each week, I learn what I can do to keep my laptop at home.

I started while on a business trip to Chicago, and although I had my laptop present, I tried to keep it in my bag. The next trip was to San Francisco, and once again, I had my laptop with me – but this time it stayed in the hotel room. For all of my meetings, I relied on BlackBerry® Presenter.

Before the holidays I tried my first official week where my laptop didn’t even make it on the plane – I was able to do all my work laptop free! Through January, as I head off to a week-long conference, I plan to leave my laptop at home. Very liberating – and all thanks to my BlackBerry smartphone!

Read more at the Inside BlackBerry for Business Blog »

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