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BlackBerry Cool
BlackBerry Cool has great BlackBerry news, photos, videos and more
Yesterday
Conclusions from testing the BlackBerry Bold 9700 battery
Testing the BlackBerry Bold 9700 battery has been an interesting experience. I always thought consumer electronics manufacturers embellished their battery life expectancies in order to impress the buyer. In this case, RIM has actually slightly under-stated the Bold 9700’s battery l...
RIM talks about security threat of DDOS attacks on carriers
Scott Totzke, RIM's vice-president of BlackBerry security, recently spoke with the press about the potential of the DDOS attack by hackers using BlackBerry devices to target wireless networks. The thought is that because the BlackBerry is essentially a smaller PC, it could be used in a...
Rumor: BlackBerry Curve 8530 to launch December 10th
There are some rumors going around that the BlackBerry Curve 8530 will be launching December 10th. Barring some unforeseen testing issues, this date will probably stick. With an 8530 on the way to Verizon as well, this device is going to get a decent spotlight. Remember, this is the same 8530...
Update on Cellcrypt voice encryption for BlackBerry
Since WES, the company has received FIPS 140-2 certification, a standard approved by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. At BBDC, the company announced that their product is available for the BlackBerry Bold 9700, as well as Curve and Pearl series devices.
BlackBerry and Twitter a huge success in Venezuela
According to RIM, Venezuela’s per- capita use of smartphones outpaces Europe’s. Under Chavez’s currency controls, Venezuelans are allowed $400 annually for online purchases. It seems that they are spending this $400 on a new BlackBerry because it’s a status symbol.
Wilfrid Laurier School of Business offers BlackBerry MBA program
This isn't breaking news as it went live about a month ago, but it slipped under my radar and I have to post it. The Canadian Wilfrid Laurier School of Business and Economics in Waterloo, Ontario (near RIM headquarters), offers an MBA BlackBerry pilot program. The program puts a BlackBerry C...
Are you experiencing a BIS outage?
There are reports all around that the BIS is down across North America. Personally, I never notice these things when they happen because I'm on a BES, but I feel for everyone affected. The outages are reported with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Again, there are so many reasons why the BIS m...
GIVEAWAY: TeleNav GPS Navigator on the T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9700
It’s great when companies take the time to make their software available for the latest and greatest BlackBerry devices and TeleNav have done just that. The above video shows TeleNav GPS Navigator on the T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9700 as well as some thoughts about the device.
Wednesday, Nov 18
Free hockey scores application available in App World
There is a free app in App World called Hockey Scores that lets you check NHL scores across the league. The app is updated frequently but it’s not clear whether it takes advantage of the Push APIs from RIM, which would push the scores to the device in near-real time.
GreenTech BlackBerry theme by HedoneDesign
Because it was developed using the Theme Studio 5.0, this theme is compatible with all the latest devices including Storm2, Storm, Tour Bold 9700, 8900 and 9000. On the other hand, popular but older devices like the 8330 aren’t compatible. © BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Tuesday, Nov 17
OS 5 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 leaked
CrackBerry and BlackBerryOS are reporting a leaked OS 5.0.0.348 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520. RIM have said that it won't be longer than 2010 before we start seeing OS 5 rolled out across a larger gamut of devices so it shouldn't be long until this is official. So if you want it now, and you're oka...
Monday, Nov 16
Stress Test: How long can the BlackBerry Bold 9700 play music? (Part 2)
So it turns out the BlackBerry Bold 9700 can play music for up to 38 hours, as advertised (the BlackBerry Cool official time is just short of 39 hours). So it turns out the BlackBerry Bold 9700 can play music for up to 38 hours, as advertised (the BlackBerry Cool official time is just short of 39...
Saturday, Nov 14
Stress Test: How long can the BlackBerry Bold 9700 play music?
UPDATE: It’s dead! The BlackBerry Bold actually exceeded the marketing materials and died just short of the 39 hour benchmark. UPDATE: 21:52. About 1/5th of the battery power left. The BlackBerry Bold 9700 has been playing music for 33 hours. © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Friday, Nov 13
LaterDude Pro 50% off for today only
LaterDude Pro is a simple app that reminds you to call, SMS or email someone. The app creates a new event in the calendar, so you definitely won’t forget. Stay tuned because Fabian has some great stuff coming for all you Storm2 users. From his Twitter account: “Workin on the new BlackBerry Stor...
Thursday, Nov 12
BlackBerry Bold 9700 comes decently priced at Walmart
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is on sale from the official T-Mobile site, but you can get a bit of a better deal from Walmart. The official price for the 9700 is $199.99 on the new Even More plan, or at $449.99 on the Even More Plus plan. From Walmart, the device is as low as $129.99.
Telus and Bell Blackberry Unlock Codes Get more Complicated
PROS: CONS: Calculates the 2 unlock codes with a “Logger” that is read off of your phone with a third party program. This is the method we have adopted to unlock your Bell Blackberry Bold 9700. PROS: © Sam of Cellfservices.com for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Wednesday, Nov 11
Are you experiencing problems with BlackBerry App World?
Lucas over at BBleaks is reporting that BlackBerry App World is down. I've tried it myself on AT&T here in California and it seems to be working fine. Lucas is running on the Verizon network and they have also tested it on AT&T. © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Tuesday, Nov 10
BlackBerry Curve 8530 and more to support OpenGL
The BlackBerry Curve 8530, which has been announced from Sprint, will come with OpenGL support. This is going to be huge for the device as it will bring some really slick applications which compelling UIs and 3D graphics. © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
What games to expect for the Storm2 with OpenGL
Smaller companies like IUGO, that make incredible iPhone games, aren’t taking advantage of OpenGL for the Storm2, because it’s hard to justify the development costs. The new tools that RIM have announced at the BlackBerry Developer Conference are going to generally help development,...
Kryos offer BlackBerry development solution with new GPS features
The platform used in developing these applications is called the Velocity Mobile Platform, which is now in version 1.2. The latest iteration of the platform supports GPS and offers a number of features such as device side scripting and validation, graphing, and BlackBerry OS 5.0 support f...
BlackBerry Developer Conference Day 2 Impressions
The BlackBerry Developer Conference has done a lot to give developers the tools they need to make apps that are more competitive with what other platforms can offer consumers. The BlackBerry platform has years of experience being a reliable and powerful platform for enterprise for year...
The BlackBerry Developer Challenge Final 16
The BlackBerry Developer Challenge was narrowed down to the Final 16. The event takes 16 up and coming apps and helps them grow by giving the top apps investment. The BlackBerry Developer Challenge was narrowed down to the Final 16. The event takes 16 up and coming apps and helps them grow by gi...
Monday, Nov 9
BlackBerry App World update coming next month with themes
RIM announced that App World is now accepting theme submissions. The announcement was a little buried along with the announcement of the BlackBerry Theme Studio 5, which helps developers make more compelling themes for BlackBerry. RIM announced that App World is now accepting theme sub...
BlackBerry to offer advertising APIs, in-application transactions and more LBS functionality
The BlackBerry Developer Conference kicked off with Jim Balsillie announcing a wide range of new tools available to BlackBerry developers that are going to redefine what we think of as a BlackBerry app. The BlackBerry Developer Conference kicked off with Jim Balsillie announcing a wid...
RIM announce Adobe Flash support coming to BlackBerry
With Flash, OpenGL support and the new GUI builder, BlackBerry apps in 2010 are going to look very different than in 2009. For more information, developers can visit the BlackBerry Developer Zone and Adobe Developer Site. © BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
RIM announces the BlackBerry Academic Program
Course content is currently available for mobile application development for BlackBerry, administration of BlackBerry Enterprise Server, and support for BlackBerry. For more information, see the BlackBerry Academic Program official page.
Friday, Nov 6
Study shows iPhone users are deviant egomaniacs
A recent study by Retrevo has some really funny conclusions regarding the personalities of BlackBerry versus iPhone users. A recent study by Retrevo has some really funny conclusions regarding the personalities of BlackBerry versus iPhone users. Via] © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Opinion: Get BlackBerry notifications to your PC with Blurt
A new app circulating the blogosphere, Blurts, gives you important notifications from your BlackBerry, to your PC. Whenever you get a call, email, or SMS notification, you see it on your desktop, which stops you from having to reach in your pocket and check your BlackBerry. A new app circul...
Thursday, Nov 5
Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8530 announced and preloaded with App World
According to the press release, “Sprint’s BlackBerry Curve 8530 will offer BlackBerry App World for instant access to thousands of applications. Sprint has employed an open Internet approach, and the Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party dev...
Monday, Oct 26
Opinion: Apps preloaded on the Verizon BlackBerry Storm2 and alternatives UPDATED
Today is the first day of owning a BlackBerry Storm 2 and as with every BlackBerry, you can get apps preloaded, from App World, and from third party stores such as ours. Preloaded: VZ Navigator by Verizon Wireless and Networks in Motion © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Thursday, Oct 15
Walt Mossberg reviews the BlackBerry Storm2 aka Odin
As you may remember from Walt’s conversation with Mike Lazaridis, he was not a fan of the first BlackBerry Storm. One of his questions to Lazaridis was “why wasn’t the Storm a better device?” Sort of a harsh dig considering it had one of the lowest return rates at Verizon. Yes, the device lacke...
Wednesday, Sep 16
Opinion: Congratulations BlackBerry Cool on 7000 posts
The BlackBerry 9700 is the BlackBerry Onyx? (For the record, we were the first to bring you this tidbit.) T-Mobile BlackBerry Gemini 8520 review, pics and comparisons Looking forward to another 7,000 posts with the BlackBerry Nation! © BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Monday, Sep 14
Opinion: BlackBerry vs iPhone – like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry
Here at BlackBerry Cool, we thoroughly enjoy making BlackBerry and iPhone comparisons due to the transition that is occurring over at RIM. As RIM is dealing with an increasingly large consumer base, the device is constantly being compared to the iPhone, and RIM must think about how it’s g...
Tuesday, Aug 11
Analysts review RIM shares given iPhone and Nortel news
“We’ve noted our expectation for Verizon Wireless to potentially announce a data-only Apple device this year,” he said in a note Monday. “Although we don’t expect a Verizon iPhone launch this/next year, we believe it could prove to be a sentiment headwind.” It is also possible the iPhone c...
Wednesday, Jul 8
TELUS BlackBerry Tour 9630 review, pics and comparisons
“You may not love every BlackBerry released by RIM, but rest assured there is a BlackBerry for everyone.” The BlackBerry Tour Relative to the Curve 8900 The BlackBerry Tour Relative to the BlackBerry Bold 9000 © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Sunday, Jun 28
T-Mobile BlackBerry Gemini 8520 unofficial model gets reviewed
Design While the 8520 Gemini is one of the newest devices to be released by RIM, the only thing truly new about it is the design. The 8520 is slated as an introductory Curve model and comes with a 3.4” screen which sits above a full QWERTY keyboard. Two convenience keys adorn either side and a simp...
Monday, Jun 1
Opinion: Time tracking software momentem updates and interview
Terry: That’s easy, they have three choices; momentem is available in the BlackBerryCool app store, it’s also available on your BlackBerry via BlackBerry App World (search for the keyword “momentem”), or they can visit our official site to find out more. © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Sunday, May 24
Opinion: Control your PC and media center with your BlackBerry
MobiMouse allows you to turn your BlackBerry into a wired or wireless mouse and keyboard. With support for USB, Bluetooth, WiFi and mobile, there are a variety of ways to connect. With MobiMouse, you can launch and control Windows Media Player, iTunes, PowerPoint, or even a DVR applicatio...
Friday, May 8
BlackBerry App World community review system flaw
I have been in the mobile space for some time and back when I used to follow mobile gaming really closely, companies would keep a close eye on their ratings on various forums. A rumor was circulating about a particular company that would have its QA team rate all their latest releases perfect...
Sunday, Apr 26
Opinion: Effectively manage your files on your BlackBerry
The menu button quickly gives you access to all the features you would expect to find in a great file manager app… And one you wouldn’t! The compression feature is a great way to squeeze those items you couldn’t normally fit into an email on your blackberry. Another neat feature not listed in...
Monday, Mar 23
Opinion: VZ Navigator vs. Telenav on the BlackBerry Storm
With most standalone GPS devices being of the touch screen variety, it is no surprise that the BlackBerry Storm is the perfect platform for a GPS program. Historically, Verizon only offered VZ Navigator for it’s device, including the BlackBerry Storm. As you may have seen from the video...
Monday, Mar 16
Opinion: Tweak and optimize your BlackBerry settings
keep in mind I am using a BlackBerry Storm 9530 running a beta OS version .109. So you might see mixed results in your own experiences. Special thanks goes out to BlackBerry Cool community member John DeBusk for this review} © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
How to tether your BlackBerry for free via Bluetooth (Mac and PC)
UK Vodafone Users (Success!) cgdcont=1,”IP”,”internet” 6. Give the connection a name such as “BlackBerry Modem”, then Next. ….If you use Sprint: ………Username: (Your existing Sprint PCS Username) ………Password: (Your existing Sprint PCS Password) © Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Tuesday, Mar 10
Opinion: How to make calls faster on your BlackBerry Storm
2. It uses the contact info in your contact list to install, but then uses its own database to store the information. If anything changes in your contact, you need to go in and edit it again in picturedial. Very inconvenient. 3. Only one e-mail address per contact.
Opinion: Introducing the BlackBerryCool staff and contributors
Since March 2005, BlackBerry Cool has been the destination for those who desire the best in BlackBerry news coverage. Although lately you've seen my name on virtually all of the posts, there is a network of people who really make the site happen. Here are the good people who help make BlackBe...
Friday, Mar 6
Ringtone Shuffler for BlackBerry reviewed
On options, there’s a help section that tells you how to get it going. I highly recommend reading it. It takes less than 2 minutes to read. The other option is “Create Ringtone” which made me think “Sweet, I can create my own ringtones on my BBerry!” Not so. It’s just a screen advertising their rin...
Monday, Feb 23
How to add Hebrew fonts to your BlackBerry
OTA Hebrew Read Only & Menus: o BlackBerry Storm, 83XX Curve Series, 88XX Series, 82XX Pearl Flip Series, Bold 90XX Series, & 7290 Desktop Manager Hebrew Read & Write support: o BlackBerry 8900 Curve, 83XX Curve Series, 88XX Series, 82XX Pearl Flip Series, Bold 90XX Series
Friday, Feb 13
Opinion: Poynt for BlackBerry Storm hands on
We’ve talked about Poynt, a free local search service, quite a bit on BlackBerry Cool: as a BlackBerry Developer Challenge winner, in podcast form with developer Multiplied’s Peter Werry during BBDC and in recent releases on the BlackBerry Curve 8900 and BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220.
Wednesday, Jan 28
Opinion: Slacker for BlackBerry Hands-on Impressions
Slacker BlackBerry Application allows for streaming audio and caching music for free. Have any questions about the Slacker BlackBerry application? Drop us a line in the comments and we’ll help you get it sorted out. © nan for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Wednesday, Jan 14
e-Mobile Today Professional BlackBerry Storm Edition (v.1.2) Reviewed!
Many of you may remember that I reviewed e-Mobile Today and e-Mobile Today Professional Edition roughly a month ago. Well, E-Mobile Software Inc. has come out with a special Storm Edition of their popular e-Mobile Today software, which comes in two versions: standard and professional. Th...
Wednesday, Nov 5
AT&T BlackBerry Bold tips and how to’s
ZIP file for all those new AT&T BlackBerry Bold users that need a bit of help to get rocking, or want a few tips to max out their experience. Here’sa list of the documents included in the .ZIP file:. * a BB Bold Data Sheet ...
