Finally, BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 has launched! The easiest way to download it would be directly from App World, as we’ve been having some issues downloading it from the mobile site at blackberry.com/blackberrymessenger.
The latest version of BlackBerry Messenger features:
Avatars can be easily set up and then populated from BlackBerry Contacts.
Group Functionality – allows groups of friends, family and personal contacts to stay connected & share experiences instantly on their BlackBerry smartphones:
ongoing group chat
sharing pictures
organizing tasks and events with shared lists and calendars
Bar-code identity – easily add/invite contacts to BlackBerry Messenger by displaying a 2-dimensional bar code that the invitees can capture with their BlackBerry camera
All connection types are supported: BES, BIS, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi and HTTP connection are supported.
Blackberry joystick and keyboard navigation.
New Feature for Storm! Enlarging Glass:Touch and enlarge any fragment of the Desktop.
User interface is available in two languages: English and German.
Quick commands. You can use quick commands for starting/stopping system services and processes, viewing the list of desktop windows, checking system performance, displaying system information and rebooting or shutting down your computer.
One-time fee. All further updates are free.
All data, screen images, mouse movement and keys are encrypted for security reasons.
You can create a password when starting up application. Without this password no one can access your client address book.
Executing any console commands (like ping, netstat, ipconfig) is available.
History feature allows to find and re-send stored commands.
Full-screen view and zooming. In full-screen mode you can see the remote screen on the entire screen of your device. Zoomed mode lets you see enlarged fragment of the desktop in more detail. In zoomed mode you can also scroll the desktop up/down, right/left.
Switch between different modes using the predefined and your own hotkeys and create device-specific keys for mouse click and open desktop menu.
Navigational mini-map of your desktop which appears in the right upper corner while you scroll. Wi-Fi detection on your device.
It’s going to be a great day when we can get the same quality programming of our television, streamed to our BlackBerry. Currently, you can use the Slingbox to do this, but a cheaper software solution would be ideal.
SPB has released SPB TV which allows you to get some basic programming to your device. The software comes with the following features:
100+ international live TV channels, in 20+ languages;
Unique TV browser with quick channels preview and list of current & upcoming TV shows;
Integrated full week’s TV guide;
Ability to set Calendar reminders for TV shows of interest;
Fast channel launching and switching technologies;
Full support of hardware buttons control.
While the programming isn’t great, and it’s restricted to publicly available channels, it is a relatively cheap television for BlackBerry solution.
The BOLT mobile browser has been through eight months of beta testing and the developers, Bitstream, are now ready to launch out of beta into version 1.5.
The browser has so far been downloaded 2 million times and rendered in excess of 200 million web pages. The latest iteration of the browser includes the following:
Cache Support to speed users’ ability to move quickly back and forth between the currently and previously viewed Web pages through the use of backward and forward navigation.
Download Manager for easy download of files directly from BOLT and the ability to save them to specific folders on the mobile phone (requires JSR75 support on the device).
Support for Streaming Videos of Any Length that overcomes limitations on some phones’ ability to stream videos of longer lengths. The new approach ensures video clips will play on all devices, for any length video.
Video Wizard to assist users in configuring their device for optimal video playback.
Dedicated Search Bar on home page, for easier and faster online searches.
Improved Ability to Manage RSS Feeds by allowing users to arrange and file feeds just as they do with their favorites and bookmarks.
Enhancements for Touch Screen Devices such as simple volume controls for the BOLT media player which now offers volume controls on the screen.
Enhancements for BOLT Servers in the cloud, which increase the already fast BOLT mobile browser by an additional 10 to 20 percent.
Since RIM has acquired Torch Mobile, and it’s clear they have plans to upgrade their browser, one has to wonder about the fate of browsers such as BOLT and Opera Mini. On the one hand, the first out the gate has an incredible market advantage, but RIM has the trump card in the end, which is access to APIs that third party developers won’t ever have.
RIM has launched it’s new Bluetooth Headset for BlackBerry. Dubbed the HS-500, this first-party accessory is engineered to work seamlessly with your BlackBerry smartphone and costs US $79.99.
“Get the freedom of hands-free calling with the easy-to-use BlackBerry® Wireless Headset HS-500. With the simple touch of a button, you can answer, end, and mute calls, or activate voice dialing, even while you’re juggling your keys and coffee in the morning. Plus, the volume automatically adjusts and background noise is reduced, so your calls and turn-by-turn directions can be heard loud and clear in noisy environments. With the quality and performance you expect from a BlackBerry® product, the BlackBerry Wireless Headset HS-500 fits your life so you can hit the road with confidence.”
Features include:
Call control button: control calling features like, answer, end, mute and voice activated dialing with the press of a button
Automatic volume control and noise cancelation: hear and be heard loud and clear in noisy environments
Works with selected third-party GPS mapping applications: listen to turn-by-turn directions
The Rollin’ BlackBerry theme by HedoneDesign has a cool retro, funky feel to it. The color scheme and icons are very reminiscient of the 60′s funk era and is sure to please.
The theme features a battery and signal meter that look as though they are part of the homescreen art. It also features customizable icons.
