It looks like Bla1ze over at CrackBerry.com got his hands on an alpha release of the Skyfire for BlackBerry mobile internet browser. All I know is that if Skyfire for BlackBerry can do for the BlackBerry what it did for Windows Mobile devices and Nokia smartphones, browsing the internet on a BlackBerry will no longer take a backseat to the likes of the iPhone, Android devices, the Palm Pre, and pretty much every other smartphone built in the last two years.
[Source]
Back in April we heard about this new tool that RIM was working on called BlackBerry Groups. After RIM killed Unite they really need to add some more group functionality to the BlackBerry without a BES. It looks like BlackBerry Groups is nearing release and I have been hearing a few rumblings about it.
Recently I was browsing the RIM knowledgebase and came across 3 articles that RIM archived right after they were published. It looks like RIM published them and then pulled them back since they were not ready for release:
RIM only really publishes these articles very close before or after the release of a new application so it is safe to assume that BlackBerry Groups are coming soon. They have now been archived which means that RIM has pulled them after they published them on accident. It looks like one of the main features will be the ability to view a groups location on BlackBerry Maps. Personally I think it kind of duplicates what we have already seen in the upcoming BlackBerry Messenger but the calendar, chat, and picture sharing should be cool!
I am still waiting to hear back from a few of my sources about a date but hopefully we won’t be waiting long!
Xing, one of Europes largest business social networks, think LinkedIn, has just launched a free BlackBerry app. The Xing BlackBerry client will enable more than 7 million business professionals connected over 146 million times worldwide on the platform to access their personal network directly from their mobile devices.
One of the top requests from XING members is for better mobile access to the platform. XING members want easier and faster ways to access and communicate with their XING contacts on the go, wherever they are. The new XING Blackberry application is a key milestone in enabling increasing numbers of business professionals to use a mobile version of our platform with even greater ease and convenience.
The Xing BlackBerry app will run on any BlackBerry running OS 4.2.1 or later. Visit Xing.com for more information or read the full press release after the jump.
XING launches free app for BlackBerry smartphones Hamburg, July 2nd, 2009 – XING (xing.com), Europe’s leading business network, has launched a new app for BlackBerry® smartphones. The free download will enable more than 7 million business professionals connected over 146 million times worldwide on the platform to access their personal network directly from their mobile devices. The app keeps track of all the user’s contacts; phone numbers and email addresses are always available wherever they are, and automatically updated online by the members themselves. The “What’s new in your network” feature lets mobile users stay up-to-date on all the latest developments in their personal network, as well as enabling them to keep others informed by posting status messages of their own. Private messages on XING can also be received and replied to from wherever the user happens to be. Another highlight of the free XING app is that it synchronizes specific contact data on XING with the users’ address book contacts on their BlackBerry smartphone. People on the move can also call or email contacts in their network directly using the XING app.
Up-to-date contact details on the go with XING
“One of the top requests from XING members is for better mobile access to the platform. XING members want easier and faster ways to access and communicate with their XING contacts on the go, wherever they are. The new XING Blackberry application is a key milestone in enabling increasing numbers of business professionals to use a mobile version of our platform with even greater ease and convenience. We will continue to improve the application based on our members’ feedback. On a personal note, I’m thrilled that we have now released in two consecutive weeks applications for two of my favorite addictions: twitter and blackberry,” said Jason Goldberg, Chief Product Officer at XING AG.
Free download for BlackBerry smartphones at www.xing.com
In addition to English, the XING app supports German, Spanish, Turkish and Italian. The app can be downloaded for free directly to the user’s BlackBerry smartphone by simply by visiting the XING mobile website. The appropriate version is automatically detected and then displayed for download on the login page. The XING app requires an Internet-enabled BlackBerry smartphone running OS Version 4.2.1 or later with at least 64 MB internal memory and 170 KB of available memory.
About XING:
XING is the leading European online business network. Over seven million members use XING in 16 languages to do business, find jobs, and pursue a career. XING helps members get connected and stay in touch with their contacts with customized networking solutions and services. Members are active on XING because of the real value generated, with XING Jobs, over 26 thousand specialized groups, and over 90 thousand live networking events a year, organized by members for members.
XING AG went public in December 2006 as the first Web 2.0 company to do so, and the XING AG share has been strong since. A continual increase in membership figures leads to increasing revenues and profits. XING AG is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, and has local offices in Barcelona, Istanbul, Milan, and Beijing.
XING.
Powering Relationships.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.
Up-to-date contact details on the go with XING
“One of the top requests from XING members is for better mobile access to the
platform. XING members want easier and faster ways to access and communicate
with their XING contacts on the go, wherever they are. The new XING Blackberry
application is a key milestone in enabling increasing numbers of business
professionals to use a mobile version of our platform with even greater ease and
convenience. We will continue to improve the application based on our members’
feedback. On a personal note, I’m thrilled that we have now released in two
consecutive weeks applications for two of my favorite addictions: twitter and
blackberry,” said Jason Goldberg, Chief Product Officer at XING AG.
Free download for BlackBerry smartphones at www.xing.com
In addition to English, the XING app supports German, Spanish, Turkish and
Italian. The app can be downloaded for free directly to the user’s BlackBerry
smartphone by simply by visiting the XING mobile website. The appropriate
version is automatically detected and then displayed for download on the login
page. The XING app requires an Internet-enabled BlackBerry smartphone running OS
Version 4.2.1 or later with at least 64 MB internal memory and 170 KB of
available memory.
About XING:
XING is the leading European online business network. Over seven million
members use XING in 16 languages to do business, find jobs, and pursue a career.
XING helps members get connected and stay in touch with their contacts with
customized networking solutions and services. Members are active on XING because
of the real value generated, with XING Jobs, over 26 thousand specialized
groups, and over 90 thousand live networking events a year, organized by members
for members.
XING AG went public in December 2006 as the first Web 2.0 company to do so, and
the XING AG share has been strong since. A continual increase in membership
figures leads to increasing revenues and profits. XING AG is headquartered in
Hamburg, Germany, and has local offices in Barcelona, Istanbul, Milan, and
Beijing.
XING. Powering Relationships.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the
exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. All other
brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the
properties of their respective owners.
TuneWiki has decided to break free from the shackles of the App World. Tracy let me know that TuneWiki has made the OTA download links for their regular and Storm version available at the links below. Congrats TuneWiki for doing the right thing since as you can tell users are not that happy with the App World. You still need to get it through the App World if you want the $4.95 ad free version.
Download links for TuneWiki (From their website)
As a reminder TuneWiki lets you listen to your music using their application and it will show you the lyrics for your songs. It can also post the song you are currently playing to your Facebook and Twitter accounts. On top of that it also uses your GPS to show you a map of other users near you and what they are listening to.
Jake from JL Designs just released a new theme he calls, ‘Woohoo! Berry’. Available for the 8900 & 9000, Woohoo! Berry Theme is, according to Jake, “…based loosely on the Yahoo! homepage, and is very cool and unique! The home page has five icons, three of which have roll-over Today features! Also, the Blackberry logo on the home page bounces once highlighted , and once selected, leads to the application screen! All fonts are custom and based off of the Yahoo! font, and the menu colors and more have been made red!”
He sent me the Bold version to play around with and though the theme is not my typical style, it worked really well. Keep in mind that the home screen icons are NOT customizable. They are the applications, messages, calendar, SMS and browser icons so for some of you, this may work. But for those of you who want to customize your icons…this theme doesn’t do that. Also, the tabs on the home screen are for looks only and do not actually take you anywhere. I kinda wished they did but I’m sure that’s difficult to do. A nice, clean theme that works smoothly.
Woohoo! Berry costs $4.98 and is available for purchase in our Berryreview Store.
You may have heard that initially, the BlackBerry Tour wasn’t available for pre-order to existing Verizon subscribers. Well, it looks like after all the fustration that decision caused, Verizon has changed their toon. Verizon subscribers will soon be able to upgrade or purchase the BlackBerry Tour om the Verizon BlackBerry Tour Pre-Order Site.
The Tour! After waiting months to hear about it, we got official announcements a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, pricing and release dates were missing. That changed this week, as both Verizon and Sprint announced that they will release the device on July 12 for $199.99, after a mail-in rebate. There’s plenty to say about the Tour, so listen on.
So click on over here to hear the BBGeekcast (10 min, 41 sec)
And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss future episodes!
You can also subscribe to the BBGeekcast in iTunes.
Highlights include:
Read the rest of this entry »
Looks like both Engadget and BoyGenius got a hold of a Verizon branded BlackBerry Tour to unbox. Nothing new here but I know you can just imagine you are unboxing it yourself…
I just don’t get why RIM won’t release devices with holster clip cases instead of the tacky leather flip cases…
Check out the unboxing pics at these links:
Behold, the power of bad press! Verizon is now set to offer pre-orders of the upcoming BlackBerry Tour to existing customers in the very near future.
While yesterday had Verizon reps telling us that the Tour would only be available to new customers or Verizon customers at the end of their contracts, the site has since been updated:
Existing customers will be able to upgrade or purchase the BlackBerry Tour on this site very soon. Please check back with us tomorrow.
There we go, that makes a lot more sense. [Verizon via Boy Genius Report]
The first four finalist in the BlackBerry Partners Fund Developer Challenge 2009, an almost 4 month long competition running from June 1st through September 25th pitting BlackBerry developer against BlackBerry developer to see who can come up with the best applications for the BlackBerry, has announced its first four finalists.
The Finalists are:
Fierce Towers by Nickel Buddy – Fierce Towers is game designed for the BlackBerry Storm where your goal is to control the field by strategically placing upgradable defense towers in an effort to stop waves of enemies.
Astraware Solitaire – Astraware Solitaire features 12 of the most well-known and best-loved single player card games, chosen based on direct feedback and suggestions from Astraware customers. The games are Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, Clock, Yukon, Canfield, Four Seasons, Sultan’s Harem, Idiot’s Delight, Golf, Calculation, and Freecell, and to make the playing experience both familiar and fun, each game has custom gameplay options so everyone can enjoy the games using their favorite variation on the standard rules.
Vision for YouTube by Metova – Vision is a cool, free, YouTube client for the BlackBerry that allows you to stream video right on your BlackBerry. Sure, RIM put out a YouTube client for the BlackBerry Storm, but, Vision for YouTube works on any BlackBerry device OS 4.3.0 and higher.
Expense Manager by Total Wireless Solutions – Expense Manager is a stand alone expense management system for the BlackBerry that helps you in keeping track of your daily expenses and getting reimbursed faster.
Mad Ringtones let me know about their new website and I had a blast using it. The simple flash app on their site lets you upload a MP3 from your hard drive or select a YouTube video and create a ringtone with a few clicks. You can then share this ringtone with others on the site.
I am not sure how they are dealing with copyright issues but if you own the MP3 you should be fine. I just like how simple it is to highlight the exact portion of the MP3 you want for a ringtone. You can even make it fade out.
Check it out at www.madringtones.org and let me know what you think!
I am not sure how I missed this but Terry let me know about this slick new music player called Unsynched. This player is free and is intended to replace the built in music player on your BlackBerry. Right now it is a little light on features and only supports the 8900 Curve & Bold but it is free.
I know many of you are always asking for a 3rd party music player for one reason or another and xPlayer is really not cutting it any more. Now you can add Unsynched to the list of 3rd party music players available.
Check out more at this link or download it OTA at m.unsynced.com
Concrete Software just released Fashion Mogul for BlackBerry. I thought it was worth mentioning since this is the first BlackBerry game I have seen that seems specifically targeted at women (as far as I can remember). The game might not have fancy graphics or anything but it was definitely playable. The main downside is that there is no free trial which is the usual for Concrete Software but they do have a satisfaction guarantee. You can find the app in the store for $6.99 if you want to check it out. I am not sure if the device supports the Storm, Bold, or 8900 since they are not listed but they do support OS 4.6 & 4.7… Weird.
So I have to ask is there any interest in these kind of games? Personally I am more a fan of puzzle games and strategy like Chuzzle, Bookworm, & BrickBreaker.
From the description:
Fulfill your dream of running your own fashion boutique! Design your space, dress your store window, stock the right fashion merchandise, manage your customer moods and watch sales grow! Use your earnings to expand clothing lines and open more boutiques until you reach LEGEND status. Be prepared for unexpected twists and a surprise celebrity visit. Three mini-game missions added for bonus play!
Features:
I do a lot of theme reviews, each of them with their own unique style and audience. However, every once in a while a theme comes along that is destined to be popular with the majority. This latest release, Fusion, is one of those themes. Created by Larry over at Ahead of the Curve Designs, Fusion boasts sharp images, smooth design and awesome customized fonts…the likes of which we haven’t seen before. The Bold version of this theme, which I have tested, looks beautiful and works effortlessly. I’ll let Larry’s own description below tell you more:
This theme is all business! Featuring my newest Icon Set-Fusion; this combines my favorites of the precision icons with an all new icon set. The Home and Applications Screens are unlocked allowing you to change the images to your favorite wallpaper. The Message List Screen is set to device default letting the end user choose their preferred font.
Features:
Fusion costs $6.99 but if you’re one of the first 50 Berryreview readers to purchase this theme in our store,you can get 40% off by entering coupon code BRdiscount at check out! Links are below. A BIG THANKS to Larry at Ahead of the Curve Designs for this special deal!
Every so often here, we go over BlackBerry quick tips, little tidbits that can make your BlackBerry life easier. Some of these are more advanced, but we also like to go over the basics. Today is one of those instances. In searching through the site yesterday, I realized we didn’t have a bit on how to delete applications from your BlackBerry. So after the jump we’ll go through the basic process.
Zero1 Mobile, a new nationwide MVNO running on AT&T’s network, has just launched with an $69.99 per month unlimited data and and voice plan. For an additional $10 per month, Zero1 Mobile offers unlimited international calling to over 40 countries.
Zero1 is a bit different than other MVNOs in that it uses the data network for both data and voice. Proprietary software installed on your device allows you to make voice calls via the data network and ensures that the quailty of calls stays high when data network connectivity weakens.
Zero1 Mobile only currently supports Windows Mobile devices, however, support for BlackBerry, Android, and other smartph0nes is in the works.
[Source]
Thanks to some great tipsters across the web it looks like both Bell Mobility and Alltel will shortly be getting the BlackBerry Tour. After we learned that both Sprint & Verizon are getting it this month it was no long leap of logic to assume Bell will get it and the divested Alltel markets.
So far it looks like the Bell BlackBerry Tour will drop on July 17th with no word on the Alltel Tour.
via CrackBerry & BoyGenius
Looks like yet another one of RIM’s upcoming BlackBerry handsets has made a splash on the FCC website. The weird part is that RIM usually tells the FCC to keep these confidential until the device is announced…
Nothing really new to see here but that 8520 with its trackpad control just got one step closer to your pocket/holster. Hopefully T-Mobile will be pushing these out soon. I wonder how well they will compete against the 8900 Curve.
You can check out the documentation if you wish at this link.
via Cellphone Signal via BoyGenius
