Today the Internet was inundated with a ton of BlackBerry OS updates. I’ve taken the time to compile them all in one easy to read location so you don’t have to go around searching for yourself.
Here are some unofficial BlackBerry updates. Download them at your own risk and don’t install unless you’re familiar with the uninstall process.
Qualcomm has recently developed a 1.3GHz CPU that is intended for the mobile space. The CPU comes with an upgrade to the Snapdragon line of mobile processors. The QSD8650A jumps from the previous 1GHz to a new 1.3GHz but is also Qualcomm’s first 45 nanometer processor; it’s about 30 percent faster than its predecessor but simultaneously uses 30 percent less average power than earlier parts. Video performance in 3D and elsewhere has also been given a boost, the company says.
So what could this mean for BlackBerry? Well as you know, Qualcomm provides the chipset for CDMA BlackBerry devices. Currently, Qualcomm is powering the BlackBerry Storm with a an MSM7600 CPU. Hopefully, Qualcomm will take its latest 1.3GHz CPU and license it to RIM for future devices.
The chip provides support for 3G over either CDMA or UMTS networks as well as Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi. It can likewise support displays as large as WXGA (usually 1366×768) as well as TV tuning through formats like FLO TV in the US or DVB-H in Europe. In spite of its high clock speed, the new Snapdragon is efficient enough for smartphones and uses less than 10 mW of power at idle.
The BlackBerry Developers Challenge is open to anyone given local and state laws do not void the contest. According to the site:
“The Challenge is open to developers working on a BlackBerry application. In order to be eligible, developers may be individuals resident, or entities located anywhere (excluding the province of Quebec).”
Quebec is host to many talented developers, and even one of the founders of the BlackBerry Partners Fund, JLA Ventures, has an office in Montreal. So why is Quebec excluded?
The Quebec government, through the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (translated to ‘the regulatory board for alcohol, contests and games) has rules that discourage chance-based sweepstakes. Among the rules: the company running the draw has to give a large percentage of the prize money to the government, and allow the Régie to change or cancel the contest at any time.
Although the Regie rules do not apply to the Developers Challenge, it is indicative of the red tape surrounding any venture in Quebec. The Quebec government, through a variety of language requirements, often impose added costs on these competitions by requiring translation and additional language support.
In the end, it was likely a legal decision to not include Quebec, just to be safe.
Tungle is an accelerated calendar experience that is great for anyone who books appointments on a regular basis. Today, they unveiled some new features, including the Tungle.me service.
Tungle.me is the first click-to-meet technology. Similar to click-to-call services that put voice calls a “click away,” Tungle.me’s click-to-meet technology now makes scheduling a meeting just as easy. Tungle.me gives users a personalized URL where contacts can see a user’s free/busy calendar and quickly schedule a meeting by proposing multiple meeting times without ever having to sign up to Tungle. When the meeting is booked, everyone gets a meeting confirmation and their calendars are automatically updated. The personalized Tungle.me URL can easily be sent to anyone via email, IM, Twitter and other networking and communication outlets. Click through to learn more about the Tungle experience
BlackBerry Partners Fund today announced the official call for entries for the second annual BlackBerry Developers Challenge. Any new BlackBerry application(s) submitted to BlackBerry App World between June 1, 2009 and September 25, 2009 may be eligible to compete in this year’s challenge. Complete rules and regulations are available online.
A total of 16 finalists will be selected from eligible applications submitted over the contest period. The finalists will each receive a prize package valued at more than US$5,000 and be invited to compete for a grand prize package valued at over US$100,000; and a runner up prize package worth more than US$25,000. Judges will be looking for the most compelling product or service, clearly defined value proposition, and technical execution.
Four finalists will be selected and announced at the end of each month during the four-month challenge. User reviews of applications and download activity will be taken into consideration when finalists are selected. All 16 finalists must present and demo their application to a panel of judges during the “BlackBerry Sweet 16″ event, which takes place at the BlackBerry Developers Conference, November 9 – 11 in San Francisco. Winners will be announced during the conference keynote presentation on November 10th. Click through to read about the prizes available at the Developer Challenge
Personally, I really don’t like when other people pick up my phone. My entire life is stored on my device and I’m just not comfortable with other people touching it. A new free app called bWatchDoggy aims to startle someone who picks up your phone.
What you do is the following:
1. Launch the application
2. Place it on your desk
3. Wait 3 seconds until the app is active
4. Wait until the next person picks up your phone
5. A loud dog-barking sound is played when the device is moved
To stop the barking, swipe your finger on the screen to the right.
