Posted on March 23, 2009, at 9:05 AM .
TVNow have a mobile video on-demand application for BlackBerry that is starting to take-in content and should be ready to go live in the near future. Obviously the most important element for video on-demand is content which can make or break a video app.
TVNow’s first set of videos will be instructional clips. “For example, we have a cooking series,” says company creator Andrew Tidby. “So, it’s going to be like having a cookbook and a TV series in your pocket.”
The company is also looking to acquire higher value content in its second phase. “What’s going to happen sooner rather than later,” he said, “is that if you want to watch Family Guy or Lost, you just punch it into your phone and watch it there, or have it beamed directly to your television through your phone.”
Tidby said TVNow will partner with the National Film Board of Canada, so that users can watch any of their short movies, anytime, anywhere. He also hopes to engage the BBC and the Sundance Film Festival, so viewers can have access to international programming and independent films.
One of the many problems they will face are content laws. TVNow is a Canadian born company which could pose many hurdles. For example, Canada is limited in its ability to provide Comedy Network content because Comedy Central is the main provider in Canada. Also, Canadians cannot get access to free NBC content from Hulu, making it even more of a pain for Canadians to get good content.
This app will really need some great content to succeed and it doesn’t take much. One major deal with HBO and some movies could really make this app worthwhile.
[Via]
Posted on March 23, 2009, at 8:34 AM .
mSpot.com launched this week, and it allows users to create and customize their own ringtones (think fun DIY). Just go to the site, click the giveaway tab and create your ringtone. The site is giving away 1 free ringtone while supplies last so get it now.
Get your free custom created ringtone, here.
Want tips on making a good ringtone?
-Use the fades because some songs will give you a shock when they first play.
-Choose a part of the song you won’t mind hearing over and over.
-Remember it’s easier to hear a tune than lyrics.
Posted on March 22, 2009, at 10:08 PM .
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 I shot during CES, Telenav has entered the arena with it’s own GPS application for the Storm. We’ve decided that it would be a great idea to give you a quick comparison between VZ Nav vs Telenav on the Storm.
Continue reading VZ Navigator vs Telenav for the BlackBerry Storm
Posted on March 20, 2009, at 2:02 PM .
According to recent rumors, the BlackBerry 9630 will be ready for Verizon soon. The CDMA carrier should have the device as early as May. Pricing and other details remain vague, though the existing 8330 sells for $170 before special discounts.
The Niagara is a sweet looking device and depending on release dates, might actually help Verizon gain a few subscribers.
Would you switch carriers for a device as nice as the 9630?
[Via]
Posted on March 20, 2009, at 1:53 PM .
SmrtGuard is an application for your BlackBerry that aims to protect you against theft or loss. To do this, the app uses a combination of OTA sync’ing, GPS tracking and remote data detonation, to keep your device safe. Currently, the project is open for public beta so you can try it out.
To register for the public BETA, create an account here.
More information about SmrtGuard here.
Dear Beta Users,
For those of you that have a “native” BlackBerry email address (blackberry.com or blackberry.net) AND are experiencing the following problem:
Problem using Audio Ping
Problem using Remote Tracking / Locating
Problem using Remote Self-Destruct Drill
We have identified the issue and have a fix for this with v1.01 patch update.
IF YOU DO NOT have the described problem, you can ignore this update.
Here are the steps to take to fixed the above problem
1. Get v1.01 here.
2. You will be prompt to reboot your BlackBerry, please do so.
3. Once rebooted, go into SmrtGuard Application and navigate the menu About SmrtGuard-> Reactivate
4. Enter your activation code. You can find this code on the SmrtGuard website, under Account Tab, listed as “Device Side Activation Code”
5. When successfully done so, please manually reboot your BlackBerry by pulling the battery.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thanks
