Posted on October 27, 2009, at 9:01 am .
Traveling while roaming can lead to some pretty incredible data charges so it’s important to stick to WiFi when possible. It’s fairly easy to get a free WiFi connection jumping between cafes, but places such as the airport are completely devoid of a free connection.
This is where having a Boingo account pays off. The BlackBerry app, which has been in beta, is now officially available from mobile.boingo.com/download. The app allows you to connect to the Boingo network from your smartphone, and use data freely.
You will have to sign up for a mobile account which costs $7.95 ($2 less than the laptop charge). At the moment, the application is only available for the Curve 8900, Curve 8320 and the BlackBerry Bold.
Posted on October 27, 2009, at 7:13 am .
Yesterday, Ontario, Canada passed legislation that stipulates drivers can no longer use their handsets to call, email, SMS or chat. The penalties are around $500 per infraction beginning early next year.
There are a lot of BlackBerry users out there that like to send email and SMS while driving, so what should they do? There are several companies that manufacture hands-free devices, but are these the alternative we should be looking for? There is very little evidence to suggest that these products are actually making drivers safer.
Driving while having a conversation will ultimately distract putting yourself and others in danger. While the hands-free accessory can help keep your eyes on the road, it doesn’t address the issue of reaction times. Reaction times will always be diminished when someone is having a conversation.
If you’re a driver who is looking for a hands-free accessory, you could choose the BlueAnt Q1, the BlackBerry VM605 or a software solution like Vlingo.
Or, you could just wait until you get to where you’re going.
Posted on October 26, 2009, at 5:42 pm .
In the tradition of Hot or Not apps, faceRate gives a 1-10 rating for a face, based on measurements such as distance between the eyes, symmetry of the face etc.
Even though the app can be really harsh, it’s pretty fun to use with friends. All you do is take a picture and align the image as per the app’s specifications. The app will give you a 1 to 10 rating which you can use to compare with friends, or against celebrities such as:
Megan Fox: 9.2
Scarlett Johansson: 9.0
Madonna: 8.7
Lady Gaga: 8.5
Katy Perry: 8.3
Angelina Jolie: 8.3
Brad Pitt: 8.2
Gerard Butler: 8.1
faceRate is available $1.99 until November 1st (regularly $2.99).
Posted on October 26, 2009, at 4:13 pm .
I have to say, Verizon made my day/weekend with their official BlackBerry Storm 9530 OS 5.0.0.328 update. While I am not using the latest OS build on a Verizon 9530 (actually TELUS), installing it on any 9530 is very easy.
If you’re a Verizon customer, you can simply grab the update from Verizon and install it like you would any OS. If you’re on another carrier, you have to remember to delete the vendor.xml file, allowing you to use the OS update for your carrier. You will find the XML file at:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader
Click through for more about the latest OS update for the BlackBerry Storm 9530
Posted on October 26, 2009, at 2:49 pm .
The DataViz team today launched Documents To Go version 2 for BlackBerry this morning. Some of the new features include desktop synchronization, enhanced PDF support and support password protected 2007 files.
Version 2 of Documents To Go allows you to sync with your desktop using via USB cable. From the application, you can select individual files, or entire folders to synchronize with your computer. DataViz uses a technology called InTact, which maintains your document formatting throughout the sync process.
Also included in the latest version is increased functionality for Adobe PDF files. With the new Docs To Go, you can find and copy text, save as, send file via email, bookmark and more.
Documents To Go Premium Edition retails for $69.99 and is available to all BlackBerry users running 4.5 or higher.
Posted on October 26, 2009, at 1:10 pm .
The CB Forums have posted the latest update to the BlackBerry Swiss Army Knife (BBSAK) and there are a few improvements that make this worth posting.
BBSAK is a crucial application for any BlackBerry Power User as it gives you greater access to your device. With BBSAK, fixing those 507 errors and wiping your device completely is much easier. Also, the app lets you backup and restore third party applications, which is great for those apps not purchased in App World.
The latest updates include:
- Auto Update Feature Now Included (upon load bbsak will check to verify you have the most current version install)
- Compact view button now available in all expanded windows
- Restore Apps completion popup now pops up at correct time
- Some small speed tweaks also included with this version
Download BlackBerry Swiss Army Knife version 1.7 from RIMGeeks.
Posted on October 26, 2009, at 11:44 am .
Eric Migicovsky is the entrepreneur behind the BlackBerry watch, an accessory that has BlackBerry enthusiasts interested, but also skeptical about whether they would purchase such a device. The watch connects to your BlackBerry via Bluetooth, and notifies you of any incoming messages, calls, alerts etc.
The watch, called the inPulse, will sell for $149 and will include the following features:
- 1.3″ full colour organic light-emitting-diode (OLED) display
- Bluetooth v2.0+EDR
- 150 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery
- Glass lens and full metal body
- 22mm interchangeable wrist band
- Vibrating motor
- Micro-USB port (for charging)
- Over-the-air firmware updates
- Dimensions: 51mm height x 38mm width x 12mm depth
Would you purchase such an accessory? It’s a fairly unique idea but it also seems a little redundant with so many other accessories out there. For example, you can use the VM605 for driving, or a strong belt clip for running.
You can preorder an inPulse from their site.
Posted on October 26, 2009, at 11:00 am .
Just before the BlackBerry Storm 9530 was officially launched, Verizon rolled out the official OS 5.0.0.328 for all their Storm users.
The software is a much needed upgrade for 9530 users and it will be great to see it launched across all devices, not just the Storm 2, 9530 and 9700. RIM has officially committed to launching OS 5 other devices (likely only ones launched with 4.7+), before 2010.
Head over to Verizon Wireless to get your official Storm 9530 OS 5.0.0.328.
Read more after the jump to get the OS 5.0.0328 changelog
Posted on October 26, 2009, at 10:42 am .
Verizon has finally announced the BlackBerry Storm 2. The device will be available beginning October 28th, and it will run you $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and a 2 year contract.
The BlackBerry Storm2 was rumored to be promoted with a Buy One Get One Free campaign but there is no mention of this in the press release. It’s possible that whoever put the marketing materials for the campaign, confused the 9550 and the 9530.
There are a couple of reasons why this launch may have been delayed. The BlackBerry Storm2 is rumored to have not passed technical acceptance at Verizon, as well as they have just released OS 5.0 for the Storm 9530 users. This means all Storm users, old and new, will at least be running the latest software.
See the official Verizon page for more details.
Posted on October 23, 2009, at 4:49 pm .
Our buddy Fabian is putting his app LaterDude Pro on sale for just $1.11 until October 26th.
LaterDude Pro reminds you to call, SMS or email a contact. The app creates a new event in the internal calendar or task application, making it fully integrated with your device.
Purchase LaterDude Pro for just $1.11 until October 26th.
