Posted on August 4, 2009, at 12:09 PM .
RIM has launched a new campaign on their WinWithBlackBerry site. The contest offers the chance to instantly win prizes such as one of 10 BlackBerry devices, accessories and discounts.
It seems Jim Balsillie had a hand in this contest because you can also win a ton of hockey prizes. You can win hockey jerseys, game tickets and an all expenses paid trip for 4 to a “North American Hockey League finals game” and $2,000 spending cash.
The contest works on points, and the more you participate in the contest, the more points you get.
Check out WinWithBlackBerry for registration and more contest details.
[Hat tip]
Posted on August 4, 2009, at 11:51 AM .
When a smartphone manufacturer patents a form factor, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to produce the device, it just means they don’t want someone else making it. RIM has put together a package of technical drawings of form factors that they believe could work with the BlackBerry platform.
What do you think? Would you like to see any of these form factors actually implemented?
Click through for more technical drawings of potential form factors
Posted on August 4, 2009, at 11:27 AM .
Research and consulting firm IDC have put together the top selling smartphones in the United States in the second quarter of this year. The list counts vendor sales to carriers and channels (sell-in) rather than sales to end users (sell-through). Further, these numbers are based on preliminary data; IDC will finalize its numbers at the end of this month.
RIM dominate the list holding the number 1 spot, as well as the 6th, 5th and 3rd. RIM’s device strategy, while it may frustrate developers in that it requires apps to be ported several times after development, it is definitely working from a sales perspective. In the end, RIM’s core business is to manufacture and sell smartphones, and in this regard they are clearly succeeding.
Click through for the Top 10 selling smartphones – Let the countdown begin
Posted on August 4, 2009, at 10:44 AM .
PortaServer lets you connect to your BlackBerry over WiFi, where you can browse and download files. You can view or download pictures, music, videos, documents or web pages directly from your device over a WiFi connection.
The service is secure and provides you with a password to ensure that random visitors aren’t accessing your files. This password will not prevent targeted attacks in public WiFi use, so it’s recommended you use it at your home or office.
When you launch PortaServer, you will get an URL to connect to your BlakcBerry and the password required. When you launch the URL and enter the password on another device, you can access the files.
Currently, the service only works over WiFi.
Features:
* Browse your handset?€™s file system using a web browser
* View or download files from your handset over wifi
* Host static web pages, documents and media on your device
* Can run in background while you use other handset functions
Download PortaServer for free from the BlackBerry Cool store.
[Screenshot via]
Posted on August 4, 2009, at 9:57 AM .
I found this great article in the forums that shouldn’t go unnoticed. It’s a little old but hopefully someone out there gets some use from it. The how to will allow you to download the free apps from BlackBerry App World, even though RIM hasn’t officially launched in your country.
1. Download the App World .ZIP file.
2. Unzip it to your desktop
3. Copy the files net_rim_bb_appworld.cod, net_rim_bb_appworld_resource_en.cod and JavaLoader.exe to the following folder depending on your Windows OS:
3.1 In Windows Vista “C:\Users\(Your User)
3.2 In Windows XP “C:\DocumentsandSettings\(Your User)
4. Start CMD (Windows Key + R and then type CMD)
5. Plug-in your BlackBerry
6. Type: javaloader -u load net_rim_bb_appworld_resource_en.cod
once done type next one:
7- Type: javaloader -u load net_rim_bb_appworld.cod
Your device will now reboot and you will have App World on your device. This has been tested on the Curve 8900 and the Bold, so make sure to comment whether it works for you.
BlackBerry Storm users:
1. Download the App World .Zip file.
2. Unzip it to your desktop
3. Run the Blackberry Desktop Manager
4. Select Application Loader
5. Select Add / Remove Applications
6. Select Browse and look at your desktop for the file “appworld.alx” and select it.
7. Click Next and then Finish.
[Via]
Posted on August 4, 2009, at 9:04 AM .
Elecite have dropped a new theme and it looks great while providing functionality too. The latest theme is called Opus and it provides you with multiple sets of customizable icons.
With Opus, you get the benefits of dual-screen animation but faster and smoother. All of the icons except the top 5 are customizable.
This is a premium theme like all of the Elecite themes, and they’re offering a special promotion with this launch. The first 200 customers get 30% off by entering the coupon code “opus” during checkout.
Purchase the Opus theme for $6.99.
Try some some classic Elecite themes, all selling for $6.99, such as:
The first dual screen theme, Eerie, for those looking for a theme with a rock and roll feeling.
iBerry is the original BlackBerry turned iPhone theme.
Ulterior is an Alienware theme for the gamers out there.
