RIM has announced version 1.0 of its app analytics service powered by Webtrends. The service lets developers collect data on how their app is being used in order to optimize the app and improve the user experience.
Continue reading ‘RIM Announces BlackBerry Analytics Service Version 1.0′
Tag: java
Hot on the heels of the BlackBerry 9900 series announcement, comes the Java SDK beta for BlackBerry 7 OS. The SDK takes advantage of the advanced hardware found under the hood of the new Bold Touch such as the magnetometer, NFC, video capture, and Open GL .
Scheduled for release at the end of May, the SDK also has some new APIs on the software side of things like Unified Search, maps, menu items, multimedia, barcodes and options.
The BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 are slated for release summer 2011, this SDK update will allow developers to optimize their apps for the powerful new device.
The first of the BlackBerry PlayBook apps are being developed as we speak and it will be interesting to see what people come up with. Today, RIM hosted the first webcast for developers in a series that will span 5 weeks of PlayBook development help. Some of the details we learned in the webcast include:
- RIM will be opening app world for PlayBook app submissions in about 2 weeks. More details about free PlayBooks for developers will come then.
- The PlayBook will have a few cool gestures for switching apps, showing the keyboard and displaying device information such as battery life (pictured above).
- The PlayBook will eventually support more than just Adobe AIR development. Developers will also be able to write apps for the PlayBook in Java and WebWorks.
- Currently, there is no support for app splash screens but RIM will include it if there are enough devs asking for it.
- App deployment over the BES is not finalized. The first version is a WiFi only version so no direct connection with BES but there will be tethering. No more details just yet.
- Not a lot of information available on GPS and location support but this will be explained in future webcasts.
- The PlayBook will have capabilities that the BlackBerry doesn’t.
- The AIR SDK can leverage both front and rear facing cameras.
- Theme Builder is not in the plans for the initial release but they’ll consider it if there is enough positive feedback.
The best part of the webcast was when Mike Kirkup said the PlayBook has a “kick ass” video processor. Can’t wait to check it out.
Ryan sent us over a tip that could be helpful to any BlackBerry devs out there who are playing with the latest BlackBerry Java Plug-In for MacOS X. While most devs know that you can move your singing keys between PCs, it’s also possible to transfer these to a Mac. To find the files, you have to go to:
Eclipse.app > Right click > Show Package Contents
Next, navigate to:
Contents > Mac OS > Applications > BBEclipse > Plugins > net.rim.ejde > vmTools
Paste the files in here and you can now use your RIM signing keys.
Yesterday, RIM released a Java plug-in for Eclipse for Mac OS X enabling developers to develop Java apps for the BlackBerry on a Mac. BlackBerry Java development on the Macintosh has been absent and developers have been asking for a solution for a long time.
The initial beta will focus on Java development for BlackBerry 6 with a tethered device debugging on the BlackBerry Torch: no simulator required.
Eclipse is a free java-based open source software development environment mostly based on plug-ins. With the exception of a small run-time kernel, all of Eclipse’s functionality relies on plug-ins. This beta has all the features of the BlackBerry Java Plug-in for Eclipse v1.1.2 including the ability to package a single app project for multiple BlackBerry devices. It also supports Eclipse project artifacts and folder structures.
Continue reading ‘RIM Releases Java Plug-In for Eclipse on Mac OS X’
Verizon has recently deployed the Perst Lite object-oriented, open source embedded database system from McObject in BlackBerry software for service and repair technicians. The application will eventually be rolled out for use by thousands of Verizon personnel. The company has said that they have sold up to 5,000 licenses of Perst Lite to Verizon, which is a great deal for any organization.
Continue reading ‘Verizon Deploys Open Source Database Perst Lite for Field Technicians with BlackBerrys’
