It seems that there isn’t much of a difference when it comes to the java files. After taking apart the BlackBerry Clamshell 9670 OS 6.0.0.31, it seems to be missing the net_rim_bb_browser_rendering_lib COD file. In the end, even if OS 6 were to get leaked to the masses, it wouldn’t have the Webkit browser because it would have to be activated by the service provider.
RIM has obviously wised-up to the fact that these devices are available in the wild, and have used the service books to deactivate the Webkit browser on all but a very select and private group of devices. The OS 6 BlackBerrys we are seeing leaked are not the select group of devices with Webkit enabled.
Tawkon is an app that addresses the cell phone radiation paranoia that has been a hot topic of discussion in the media for some time. Whether or not cell phones emit a level of radiation that has any significant effect on humans is still inconclusive, but some governments have already responded to the consumer fear. San Francisco recently passed a law that requires retailers to display the amount of radiation a phone emits.
If you have been interested in the app and how it works, now might be a good time to try it out. In general, the app features a wide range of alerts and statistics to give you a close look at the radiation you may be experiencing given your usage level and other conditions such as your proximity to a cell tower.
LittleBrother is a new app by the same developer of FileScout. The app is a way to automatically inform friends and family members when you have arrived at a predefined location. The major advantage to this application is that it runs with virtually zero power consumption.
LittleBrother features include:
Automatically send email and/or SMS notification when the device is leaving a certain area.
Automatically send email and/or SMS notification when the device is returning into a certain area.
See an overview map of the last 25 cell towers you have been connected to.
Export the local cell tower Database (locations) to a KML-File and send it via email. This can be used with Google Earth to get an overview of all the cell towers you have recorded so far.
Using the cell towers to get your position has some advantages and disadvantages. By using the cell tower, you are getting an inaccurate reading of your position, but you are also saving a lot of power. The GPS on your BlackBerry consumes a lot of battery life, and since this app is mainly concerned with regions, the cell tower is sufficient.
LittleBrother has a lot of potential use cases such as tracking loved ones, determining if your device was stolen, as well as some fun geo-adventuring with Google Earth.
The RedreBorn theme by Catalyst Multimedia has a wide range of new features to appeal to the BlackBerry theme super user. The theme packs a lot onto the homescreen making it ideal for devices with large screens such as the Storm. On the homescreen, you’ll find a weather slot, as well as shortcuts to your favorite social applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. There is also a QuickLaunch shortcut. Check out the feature set:
Hidden Today
Slot for Weather App or meterberry (user customized)
ShareIt is an app that lets you share pictures and web links on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. The app works by adding a menu item for quick access, as well as letting you share from within the app. The app doesn’t have any functionality for checking these services, but it seems like it could be useful for anyone who wants to simply publish without interacting with social networks.
The Indian government has been asking for a backdoor to BlackBerry email for some time now. The Indian Intelligence Services see BlackBerry as a security threat because it allows individuals to communicate over a secure network without the government monitoring the chatter. In the past, the Indian government asked RIM to give them a backdoor to the infrastructure so they could monitor the system but RIM denied them this feature. It doesn’t make any sense for RIM to offer a backdoor because it sets a presedence for weakening the security for governments which is the device’s competitive advantage.
“DoT will call the representatives of Research In Motion (manufacturer of Blackberry devices) and Skype and ask them to ensure that the content going through the telecom service providers is in readable format. They have to ensure that this is implemented within 15 days failing which services that do not allow lawful interception on a real-time basis would be blocked/banned,” said an internal Government note.
It’s an interesting conundrum because on the one hand, users shouldn’t feel like the government is watching them, but on the other hand, there is a more present threat of terrorism in India than in most countries. It’s a common “Big Brother” argument. Should you let the government spy on citizens for the greater good, or ban it outright out of principle?
