Happy New Year! Have you made your New Year Resolutions yet? We at BerryReview want to help you welcome 2009 with a great giveaway from Electric Pocket, the developer of some of the best and most popular BlackBerry apps.
Tell us how you are going to use your BlackBerry to keep your New Year Resolutions in the comments and you’ll be automatically entered to win one of the four Electric Pocket applications listed below. We will be selecting the top 20 winners on January 12th 2009 at 12PM EST. These winners will get a copy of one of the applications listed below based on the drawing:
- Ringo Ringtone Manager – Ringo helps you manage your ringtones by assigning your favorite tones to individual callers or groups of callers and you can also use it to convert your favorite MP3s into ringtones!
- FlipSide MP3 Player – this MP3 player was what really started attracting users to Electric Pocket …it enables you to swoosh through the album covers of your tune collection and offers the simplest way to pick the music you want to play.
- PhoneFace speed dialer – lets you flip through pics of your most-called friends and family to launch a call or text message, and it retrieves your friends’ most recent pictures off their Facebook profiles.
- txtForward – automatically forwards your text messages to an email address that you designate – an excellent tool if you want to keep a record of your SMS conversations.
Time is short, so enter today! We’ll announce the winners next week.
We had been hearing February 18 as the launch date of the T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 8900 but it appears now that it will launching February 11 a week ahead of the rumor. Thanks to Thomas at BerryReporter.Com for sending this to me.
[via BerryReporter.com]
UPDATE: Fixed download link
Nikolaus let me know that Qik has updated their Alpha app from 0.0.3 to 0.0.4. In case you don’t remember when we mentioned it, Qik is a free app that lets you stream live video from your BlackBerry to their site. You can then easily transfer it to YouTube from their site.
Sadly there is no change log and I have not noticed any drastic changes myself.
So I am throwing it out there. Anybody notice anything new in this latest version? While you are at it did you find some cool use for it that you would like to share?
You can read more about the support on their blog or sign up at this link. If you already have a Qik account you can probably still just download the app at http://qik.com/dl/.
Marco of Intellibits let me know that they have just released SmsScheduler. This is a simple application that lets you schedule SMS to be delivered at a later date. I wish RIM would include this natively for email and SMS but this is a great solution if you need it now.
From the product description:
Never forget to send an important SMS again! Messages with wishes, reminders for colleagues and friends, you name it…
With SmsScheduler you can prepare your SMS messages in advance, and schedule them for automatic delivery at any date & time in the future. Various types of recurrence are also supported, so that a Happy Birthday message is sent all years on Feb 12, for example.
Main Features
* Allows to schedule unlimited SMS messages
* Allows to specify multiple recipient numbers for each scheduled SMS
* Recipient numbers are easily chosen from the device’s Address Book
* Supports daily, weekly, monthy and yearly recurrence
* All delivered messages are logged and listed through a Log screen
* Scheduler can be temporarily disabled
* Autostarts when the device is turned on, and then runs in background
* Very clean and simple user interface
* Very small size, just 22 KB
* Detailed on-screen instructions
* Works on all devices with OS 4.2 and newer
* Free updates for ever! (including new minor and major releases)
Tom let me know that the QuickPull application we told you about previously has been updated. QuickPull is essentially a free application that simulates a battery pull on your BlackBerry. I find it funny that the new version lets you schedule a reboot at the same time every day… 
You can pick up the new version free in the store at this link
The new 1.1.2 version brings:
- Ability to schedule QuickPull to run at a specified time every day. (Note: This relies on input simulation so the device cannot be locked or holstered)
- Integration with AutoStandby. QuickPull will automatically exit AutoStandby to perform a scheduled reset.
- Slightly improved logging and error handling to help diagnose problems easier.
From the description:
From the makers of AutoStandby and BerryAnnoying comes QuickPull, a FREE tool that frees memory quickly by simulating a "battery pull" soft reset. QuickPull is extremely easy and convenient to use. Compatible with almost all BlackBerry devices, including the Storm!
QuickPull 1.1.2 Changes:
Features:
- FREE
- Simulates a "battery pull" equivalent reset
- Integrates with AutoStandby
- Ability to schedule to run daily
- Frees available memory
- Combats memory leaks
- Less than 30k in size
- Easy push-button use
Display Dimensions: 240 x 160, 240 x 240, 240 x 260, 240 x 320, 320 x 240, 480 x 360, 480×320
Operating Systems Supported: 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7
QuickPull is an application designed to simulate a battery pull reset on the BlackBerry, is being offered free by the developer Zaventh Ventures LLC, on Mobihand.com, and now includes the function to schedule a reboot on a daily basis. I’ve been using QuickPull on the Storm for a few weeks now with no issues.
Get the [...]
Seidio let me know that they have just started accepting pre-orders for their Innocell 2600mAh battery for the BlackBerry Storm. This battery requires a special back cover since it adds 90% more battery capacity compared to the standard Storm battery. It will mar up the sleek look on the back of your Storm but at least you have the option of more battery life compared to “other” touch screen phones.
The battery is going for a hefty $54.95 during the pre-order period after which it goes up to $59.95. The battery is set to start shipping the week of Jan 9th so you should not have long to wait…
From the description:
This Innocell extended battery provides up to 90% more capacity than the standard battery. Even with heavy phone and data usage, this battery will keep your Blackberry charged and ready to go.
- 2600mAh - Up to 90% more capacity than the original
- Includes a replacement door with our soft-touch "rubberized" texture to improve grip
- Extends the depth of your device by only 3-4mm
- Add our Spring-Clip Holster for the best carrying solution
*All battery claims are dependent upon usage patterns, network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary.
TechCrunch has posted an interesting (if cursory) investigation of the ways in which the Twitter community gets their Tweet on. Getting their metrics from Twitstat, TechCrunch shows that not only does popular BlackBerry Twitter client TwitterBerry crack the top ten, but TwitterBerry users are going Twitter crazy, with an average of 3.68 tweets per user. Currently, TwitterBerry is beating out desktop clients TweetDeck (a personal favorite) and FriendFeed.
While Twitstat’s metrics come from both a small and dedicated group of users, and thus don’t reflect the general Twitter population, it really doesn’t matter. BlackBerry users have always been considered ‘hardcore’ adopters, and it’s cool to know they’re using TwitterBerry to keep their Twitter feed well stocked. Are you on Twitter? If so, follow us:
© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
One of the big BlackBerry rumors floating around the web over this passed weekend was that Sprint may be launching a CDMA BlackBerry Bold in Q1. Although this may be big news for Sprint, I cannot remember a time when Sprint came out with a new BlackBerry before Verizon.
That being said, I wonder how long it will be before Verizon comes out with their branded CDMA BlackBerry Bold.
I doubt RIM has any doubt that a CDMA BlackBerry Bold would sell much better on Verizon than it would on Sprint and, if I were a betting man, would venture that Sprint is aware of this fact as well. I just don’t see Sprint signing some long exclusivity deal with RIM to carry the Bold because AT&T subscribers can arleady get it, and Verizon subscribers won’t swicth to Sprint to get it even if they offered it for free.
I am sure that Verizon wants to see a few more BlackBerry Storms move out the door but I don’t think that the emergence of a CDMA BlackBerry Bold would hinder that. It’s not like Verizon subscribers who don’t want a touch screen only BlackBerry will eventually come around. They simply will wait until on an alternative.
I am guessing the Verizon subscribers won’t have to wait too long…
About a month ago I woke up and realized that I have full reception on my Bold in my Apartment! I guess AT&T decided to put up a new tower by my first floor apartment in New York. I also read an article on Gizmodo that for some reason was taken down that mentioned that AT&T has been relegating 2G service to their weaker 1900Mhz band and giving 3G full access on their much stronger and further reaching 850Mhz band.
So I wanted to ask all of you what you have been experiencing. Has 3G on AT&T been better for you in the last month? Have you noticed that your 2G Phone (EDGE) has not been getting reception where you previously had reception?
Let us know in the comments!
Verizon and AT&T have been neck and neck for the right to call themselves America’s largest carrier, but on January 9th there will be one clear leader. Verizon has announced that their purchase of Alltel, the fifth largest telecom in the United States, will close on January 9th. The merger will bring Verizon’s total share of the market to a whopping 85.2 million wireless subscribers.
The deal includes paying $5.9 billion for Alltel’s privately held equity, as well as assuming $22.2 billion in debt. To finance this massive purchase Verizon Wireless has received commitments from eight financial institutions to provide $17 billion of cold, hard liquidity. It looks like the Verizon ‘can you hear me now’ guy will be working overtime to check up on all his new customers.
|via IntoMobile|
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
When we first reported that Orange UK was suspending BlackBerry Bold shipments due to ongoing technical problems — unexplained crashes, poor reception and dropped calls — it was a serious blow to RIM. Flagship products are supposed to be, well, a company’s standard bearer, and (on Orange UK at least) the BlackBerry Bold was waving the white flag.
However, at the time the issues were attributed to a launch OS that was… less than robust. Orange reinstated the BlackBerry Bold with the updated OS 4.6.0.162, but this has apparently not solved the problem. We hope for RIM’s sake that they can get this situation under control before Orange pulls the Bold permanently, but Orange customers deserve a BlackBerry that works. Perhaps an update to a new OS (4.6.0.190 perhaps?) will get the job done.
|via Telegraph UK|
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
Michael from BlackberryThemes.Com.UK sent in two of his most recent themes for the Blackberry Bold called ‘Hello Kitty’ and ‘Samurai’…so it seems we have something here for both the ladies and the gents. Hello Kitty features the adorable little character amongst floating hearts and soft, translucent left and ride side icons. Samurai is made up of blazing gold colors and cool background graphics. Going by the screen shots, the ‘calendar’ icon is set in the middle of the home screen and the icons are tucked neatly to the right hand side. Keep in mind that the ‘blackberrythemes.co.uk’ watermark you see in the screen shots do not appear on the actual theme itself when you download it. Both themes are available in OTA via BlackLightThemes.Com. Enjoy!
While pretty much any GSM subscriber in the world that wants a BlackBerry Bold can now easily get one from their carrier, things have not been so easy for those CDMA subscribers. Our poor friends on Sprint and Verizon (and Telus and Bell) have been waiting patiently for world on release dates of the BlackBerry Niagara (the CDMA Bold/8830 successor), but news has been slim since early October.
Thankfully, Engadget Mobile is reporting that Sprint is looking to release the BlackBerry Niagara sometime this quarter. The CDMA Bold variant would feature a 3.2 MPx camera, aGPS, Wi-Fi, EV-DO Rev. A, a gorgeous HVGA screen and possibly an updated design to make it similar in style to the BlackBerry Curve 8900 and BlackBerry Storm. Obviously, ‘this quarter’ is fairly vague, but I know it will make at least one person happy. We’ll post more as it comes!
|via Engadget Mobile|
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2009
While many associate push to talk with this squawking sound you might hear walking down the street, it actually used most prominently for business. Many contractors use the technology to keep up with multiple job sites. The problem, until recently, has been that Nextel’s iDEN network has really been the only way to get reliable PTT. We saw the release of a few newer services this year, like Sprint’s QChat, Verizon’s PTT service, and one from MetroPCS. Now jkOnTheRun introduces us to an independent PTT service: HipVoice. It’s an application you can install on your BlackBerry and which will allow you to exchange quick voice hits with other users.
Read the rest of this entry »
So, I’ve been running with my BlackBerry Storm for 6 weeks are so. I’ve installed the latest leaked BB OS and, For me, the Storm is performing pretty good. The problem that I am running into is that a lot of the really cool BlackBerry applications that I used to run on my BlackBerry Pearl don’t run on the BlackBerry Storm.
I knew that this would be an issue going in as the layout and user interface on the Storm is so different from other BlackBerry devices. One can only assume that the Application Center didn’t launch at the same time as the BlackBerry Storm because of the lack of applications for it. I’ve noticed, however, that a few BlackBerry applications have been released and / or updated since the launch of the BlackBerry Storm and they are not compatible with it.
Now, I know that these applications were probably in development long before the release of the BlackBerry Storm, but, the fact that brand new BlackBerry applications don’t work on my brand new BlackBerry Storm got me to thinking about what all it takes to make a BlackBerry application run smoothly on the BlackBerry Storm?
With Facebook, LinkedIn, & MySpace I doubt there is much need for another social network in your life. On the other hand its always fun to meet new people to chat with in BlackBerry Messenger. PinSwap is trying to fill in that gap with a social network made to introduce BlackBerry friends. PinSwap is intended to be a social network that allows you to search, locate, and make new BlackBerry Messenger friends. Its free so it cant hurt trying it out.
You may also want to try the more established PIN Exchange or BlackBerry Ave that we have mentioned before.
I am not a big user of the Storm but Abdul let me know about this free beta application called TalkLock that should help a few of you out. It stops you from accidentally pressing the screen and launching programs or functions while you are talking on your Storm. Makes you wonder why RIM did not think of this… or at the very least offer it as an option.
The app can be found free at www.cellavant.com/TalkLock/. CellAvant creates custom BlackBerry applications so I guess this was one of their projects that they decided to open up to the public. It was updated last week to version 1.0.1 so it should be pretty stable for a beta.
From the description:
Are you annoyed by the BlackBerry® Storm™ touch screen remaining active during a call? Frustrated with accidental screen presses activating programs while you talk?
CellAvant has the answer… TalkLock. This free utility automatically engages a few seconds after a call is connected, and intercepts touch screen actions. This prevents screen presses from launching programs or invoking functions while you talk.
When the call ends for any reason, TalkLock releases control of the screen until your next call. You can also disable the lock and return to your normal phone behavior at any time by swiping your finger across the screen from left to right.
Features include:
* Automatically runs after installation, and on each reboot
* Automatically activates after phone calls are connected
* Automatically hides when phone calls are completed
* Manual unlock with "slide to unlock" function
* Menu item to re-engage lock after unlock
* Customizeable backround image (uses /home/user/TalkLock-Background.png if it exists under Device Memory)
