Archive for June, 2009

Does BlackBerry App World Need Exclusive Titles To Really Take Off?

June 30th, 2009 BBerryNews

Just a few months ago Research in Motion launched BlackBerry App World, its App Store like BlackBerry application portal where you can download free and premium BlackBerry applications directly to your device.  There was a lot of anticipation leading up to the launch of BlackBerry App World, however, now that it’s here, you really don’t hear all that much about it.

One of the huge differences between BlackBerry App World and Apple’s App Store is that the App Store is pretty much the only place to get applications for your iPhone or iPod Touch.  BlackBerry App World, on the other hand, is one of many places to get applications for you BlackBerry and, often is not the most convenient place to do so.

I upgraded the OS on my BlackBerry Storm about 6 weeks or so ago, and, before I did, I wiped the device clean.  I am just today reinstalling BlackBerry App World a because someone asked me a question about it and I realized that I never reinstalled it when I updated my device a month and a half ago.  Conversely, I probably visit the App Store on my iPod Touch once a week or more.

I am one of those people who is constantly installing new applications on my BlackBerry and testing them out.  Probably more than a couple per week on average and the point is that I didn’t have to have BlackBerry App World installed to do so.  I can only think of one BlackBerry app off the top of my head that is only available via BlackBerry App World.  I am sure that there are more, however, can App World ever hope to catch any of that App Store type thunder in a bottle  if most apps found on App World aren’t exclusive to App World?


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Dimension theme for the Bold and the 8900 Curve

June 30th, 2009 BBerryNews

dimensionHave a top of the line device but your heart belongs to the look of your good ‘ol 8700? See the new look of the Dimension theme with the latest and brightest smartphone displays on the market.

JLDesigns Head Developer Jake had this to say about this new old theme: “I wanted to let you know about another series of themes that I have that I think you might be really interested in! It’s called the Dimension Series, and is for the Bold and 8900. As I’m sure you know, all newer generation BlackBerry smartphones come loaded with just the Precision themes. While nice, many users miss the look and feel of the old default Dimension themes. I created these themes using the original fonts, icons, pictures, and styles for the Bold and 8900, and they all look great! There are four different versions: Zen, Today, L, and Bottom Dock.”

© Matt Cameron aka W4LNUT for BlackBerry Cool, 2009


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RIM, Apple, Nokia, and others agree on micro-USB

June 30th, 2009 BBerryNews

PEACE

PEACE

Erik VanDrunen of RIM public relations had this to say about micro-USB: “A number of industry associations have endorsed micro-USB as a preferred charging standard, including the CTIA (in April 2009). RIM is committed to micro-USB as an industry standard because it’s smaller than mini-USB and supports the trend to thinner smartphones, without sacrificing features or capabilities.

EnGadgetMobile’s Thomas Ricketer on the current state of mobile chargers in Europe: “phone chargers, at the moment some 30 different types of chargers are used on handsets throughout Europe. Today, the European Commission received industry backing of its phone charger standard that relies on a micro-USB socket. The standard is now backed by all the majors (representing 90% of the European mobile market) including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Apple, LG, NEC, Qualcomm, Research in Motion, Samsung and Texas Instruments with compatible devices starting to appear in Europe next year. Or course, the micro-USB charger standard already has the blessings of CTIA, OMTP, and GSM Association, which implies a broader adoption beyond Europe, someday. One charger for any mobile phone… where’s the catch?”

It seems that like mini-USB before it, RIM working hard on making sure that the BlackBerry data transfer and changing cable remain ubiquitous.

Via EnGadget Mobile

© Matt Cameron aka W4LNUT for BlackBerry Cool, 2009


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Mobile Tag’s mobile barcode linking service debuts for BlackBerry

June 30th, 2009 BBerryNews

Mobile Tag

Mobile Tag

French 2d barcode company Mobile Tag announced new Mobile Tag barcode reading software for BlackBerry. The software uses the BlackBerry Bold’s video recording features to actively sample the barcode and process the tag’s info. Other BlackBerry models use their camera feature to snap a photo and scan. Contact tags are used to securely exchange contact info. Web tags are used for promotion from billboards, magazines and web pages, providing more info, and even managing virtual coupons.
To Download Mobile Tag for BlackBerry, visit their PC download page, or OTA with any BlackBerry Browser

The best use of this tech in my opinion is techy comparison-shopping.

© Matt Cameron aka W4LNUT for BlackBerry Cool, 2009


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