With so many networks, OS versions and other factors that may affect your connectivity, we’re constantly wondering how fast our BlackBerrys truly are. To help, Cisco has released a free application for the BlackBerry Storm named Global Internet Speed Test (GIST) that, as the its name implies, allows you to test the speed of your devices network connection.
The test is performed by downloading a known quantity of data from a single web server. The size of the data is different for the different types of network connections, so that the test will take roughly the same amount of time from the user’s perspective. For a cellular network test, 256KB are downloaded. For wireless, 512 KB are downloaded. A single download is performed, timed in milliseconds, and results are reported in terms of 1000 bits per second (kbps). Test results might be impacted by network routing, traffic, congestion and the responsiveness of our server. Results might also vary by the user’s geographical location.
Ronen has posted a great little how to for getting a Hebrew font on your BB. You can also do this by installing a multilingual OS on your device but hunting for the right one is a pain.
Smartmouth let me know that created a download page where you can easily find the right files to install Hebrew fonts on your device. The best part is that you do not need to reinstall your OS to get Hebrew fonts since this installs like an application. Smartmouth set it up that you can even add some of the read only fonts OTA but if you want to be able to write with the fonts you will need to do this using the desktop install files on the same page.
At MWC, Microsoft talked Windows Mobile and how it’s targeting consumers with it’s new user interface and quick keys. Upcoming WinMo devices will have a “Windows” button, which is similar to the “Start” button on older devices or the “Home” button on the Diamond series.
The Windows button and the back button, along with the call send and end buttons are very similar to the keys on a BlackBerry. Even the behavior of the Windows button is BlackBerry-like. Hitting the new Windows button on 6.5 doesn’t evoke the Start menu, but rather the key press will evoke a programs menu or applications launcher. This behavior is very similar to hitting the BlackBerry button, which takes you to the programs launcher.
I suspect a lot of Microsoft employees secretly use BlackBerrys because they’re more user friendly. Nice try WinMo, we’re on to you!
StormSketch is a free app for your BlackBerry Storm that seems like a lot of fun.
What is it? If you don’t know what an Etch-a-sketch is then this app probably isn’t for you lol.
How to use it? Use your finger to draw on the screen. If you would like to have a new drawing board simply shake your phone left and right and it will clear the screen.
How can I get it? Here is the OTA Link. For those who don’t know, simply click on that link using your blackberry storm and it will install it for you.
Current Build 1.4.7 – If you notice any bugs or anything post them in the thread. I will try and fix them asap.
New – You can now change colors by simply clicking on the screen. There will be a circle in the bottom right hand corner that will be the current color
Viigo’s Beta 8 is primed and raring to hit your BlackBerry. Download the new version and access exciting new features including the ability to tweet articles with a single click, find movies playing in your city, a new Shopping service, and the capability to build and track your own portfolios in Stocks and Finance.
Viigo has made several enhancements in Tango 8
• Post interesting articles to Twitter with a single click
• Find movies that are playing in your city, or see what’s playing at a theatre near you.
• Use Quick Launch buttons to email an article to a friend or to yourself, Tweet an article of interest, Post To Del.ic.ious, view a full Article or open in a browser
• Access real time flight status in your Flights and Travel itinerary
New features in Stocks & Finance:
• Create your own portfolios that include the stocks or mutual funds of your choosing
• Each portfolio lists the ticker name, the price, the change and the percentage change
• Access depth details on trades including the volume of shares traded, the current bid/ask, time of last trade, market cap and much more
A Preview of Viigo Shopping:
• Viigo has partnered with Mobihand and Magmic (the Bplay store) to bring you the ability to purchase the latest mobile software, software accessories, games, themes and more
• Details on the product are available in just one click without ever leaving Viigo
• More partners and more stores will be unveiled shortly
It’s Monday and you’ve got a long week ahead of you. The economy is in shambles but it’s in hard times that one’s true character shows. So now it’s time to start pumping out emails like never before. To do this, Nan has written a simple guide to using BlackBerry Autotext.
One way I have found to triple the speed of my typing is by adding words to my autotext. Here is how to add words and shortcuts as well as a list that I currently am using. Do you have some good ones that I should know about? Please share in the comments!
To access autotext, go to Options (usually wrench icon) > Autotext > New
