BBM cupcakes and a BlackBerry PlayBook cake look sweet!

You know we're suckers for BlackBerry themed cakes at CrackBerry, and we've posted several before. Usually we see birthday cakes in the form of the user's favorite or current device, but today we have cupcakes! And not just any cupcakes, but BBM themed cupcakes! They look incredible with emoticon faces recreated on each one perfectly.

Hit the break for another shot, as well as a yummy looking BlackBerry PlayBook cake, and check out the Flickr gallery at the link below for a few more cakes. Thanks for posting this in the forums FMB8900!

More BlackBerry themed cakes at Flickr

 

BlackBerry PlayBook arriving in the Philippines August 6

The BlackBerry PlayBook has been eagerly awaited for by the residents of the Philippines and now they can rest assured that the launch date for the tablet is nearing. RIM has announced that it will be launching in the Philippines on August 6. The PlayBook WiFi models will be available from authorised retail stores and mobile operators.

The pricing for the PlayBook will be as follows:

Read the full Press Release

Weekly Accessory Roundup - Win a Mobi Products Charging Cradle for your device!

A dead battery when you're on the go isn't a good thing. Charge when you can, but having another option is a always a bonus. The worst thing that can happen is having your battery go out when you need it most. To help solve the issue, many carry a spare battery for emergencies. But that leaves the question - how do you charge it? With the Mobi Products Cradle with Spare Battery Slot you no longer have to worry. Charge your device and that extra battery at night or in your downtime and you'll be good to go when you need it. No more separate charging pod and battery charger -- here you have an all-in-one. Need a spare battery to fit that slot as well? Not to worry! We have you covered on that one too -- check out our full selection. The cradle is available for most devices from ShopCrackBerry.com for just $24.95 or less, but if you leave a comment on this post you could win one of your very own! Keep reading for details!

 

To enter to win a Mobi Products Charging Cradle for your device, simply leave a comment to this blog post telling us how this cradle would help you. Contest ends this Sunday night at Midnight PST. Please, just one entry per person.

 

New BlackBerry Cases

 

New BlackBerry Batteries

 

New Bluetooth Accessories

 

 

Until Next Time...

That's it for this week's roundup! We hope you enjoyed it! If you come across accessories you'd like to see featured in an upcoming roundup, please send us an email to blackberryaccessories @ crackberry.com.

Official OS 6.0.0.615 For The BlackBerry Bold 9700 From Bell Mobility

Software For BlackBerry® Bold (TM) 9700 smartphone

BlackBerry Handheld Software v6.0.0.2718 (All Languages)

Package Version: 6.0.0.2718

Consisting of:

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments.

REMEMBER: It is recommended that you make a backup before attempting to upgrade your BlackBerry just in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process. *

BlackBerry theme roundup - Win a free theme from drkapprenticeDESIGNS

Hey everyone, welcome back to the BlackBerry Theme Roundup! If you have developed a theme you want to share or be featured in the contest, or if you just see a really good one out there somewhere, let us know so we can post it. Send an email to themeroundup[at]crackberry.com with screenshots, links, and whatever information you feel is important for consideration. And don't forget to keep your eye on the CrackBerry theme forums for all kinds of free and premium themes.

This week's contest is courtesy of drkapprenticeDESIGNS, who has given us 50 free themes (winner's choice) to pass on to you guys! Keep reading for details.

 

Colorful World by IOneStudios

Colorful custom icons and meters really pop against white backgrounds in Colorful World. The fonts are brightly colored also, and easy to read. This is a very clean looking theme, and easy to use. Available for $2.99 for most BlackBerry smartphones.

More information/screenshots and to purchase Colorful World

 

BELAH by novemberagain

This theme may look familiar to you. It's modeled after the popular game Fruit Ninja! With wooden backgrounds, a watermelon battery meter and red Xs for signal combined with the Fruit Ninja font, it's a really good replication of the game. The best part of all happens when choosing an icon; it gets sliced in half! Awesome. BELAH is on sale for $3.99 (reg $5.99) and compatible with BlackBerry 89xx, 93xx, 9630/50, 97xx.

More information/screenshots and to purchase Colorful World

 

Azul Seis by samgbx

Azul Seis has awesome custom icons in blue and dark grey colors along with a simple font change & a new banner. This theme brings a new feel to the BB6 layout without going overboard with changes. You can have this theme for just $.99 for your BlackBerry 91xx, 93xx, 9650/70, 97xx, 9800 on BB6.

More information/screenshots and to purchase Azul Seis

 

Altiaris - Raypho Themes

Another great theme from Raypho Themes, Altiaris combines BB7 icons with a smooth layout, perfect fonts, and a beautiful background. The layout is awesome and very functional, combining hidden fixed and user defined icons in two docks as well as an OCD slot. Pick this one up while it's on sale for $2.49 (reg. $3.99) for BlackBerry 8330/50i, 85xx, 89xx, 93xx, 95xx, 9630/50, 97xx, and 9800.

More information/screenshots and to purchase Altiaris

 

Mo7 by drkapprenticeDESIGNS

Last week Jared took a look at Mo7, a Windows Phone 7 replica theme. With 3 home screens, 7 color choices, 4 opacity options and 23 icons at your fingertips, to say it is customizable would be an understatement. In addition to all of this there are a few hot keys set in the theme, as well as a fold away dock, which is quite neat to watch in action. Check out the video above of the theme in action, and be sure to pick up your own copy today while it is on sale for only $2.99!

More information/screenshots and to purchase Mo7

Contest: drkapprenticeDESIGNS sent us coupons for 50 free themes! Take a look through them, then leave a comment below telling us which one you are interested in. We'll choose 50 of you to get your pick. Contest ends this Sunday at Midnight PST. Good luck!

Check out drkapprenticeDESIGNS in the CrackBerry store

Mobile Nations Podcast 3: Full House!

Phil, Derek, Dan, Rene and myself talk Netflix on Android, media on Mobile, the RIM-pire striking back, news execs at webOS, Nokia Windows Phones, 20 million iPhones, and hitting the budget buyer sweet spot. Bringing together the heads of state of Android, BlackBerry, iOS, webOS, and Windows Mobile for full on round-table action. This is Mobile Nations! Oh, and if you missed our CrackBerry Podcast earlier this week, be sure to check that out. I talk about my time in Waterloo visiting RIM HQ!

Got something to say? Agree or disagree with something we said? Have something you want us to discuss on a future show? Don't just sit there yelling at the screen, dammit, let us know!

 

Our music is pROgraM vs. Us3R by by morgantj. Introduction by Joseph Holder.

Thanks to the Smartphone Experts network of store for sponsoring this podcast, and to our fantastic live chat members for keeping us honest and making us smart!

Devs: BerryReview Hackathon Ends Tonight! Win a BlackBerry Bold 9900 & a Trip to NYC!

Sorry for not posting an earlier reminder but we just wanted to make sure you all knew that the BerryReview Hackathon ends tonight. This is our own BerryReview Wildcard contest entry to the RIM BBM Hackathon (www.bbmnyc.com) we told you about earlier. While RIM is offering up 10 invites to the event we have our own prize. The developer who wins our BerryReview Hackathon contest will not only get a free trip to NYC (Flight & Hotel) to attend and compete in the Hackathon event from August 10th through 13th along with $500 spending money. Our winners will also get a free BlackBerry Bold 9900 (when available) courtesy of BerryReview!

Check out the full details at the original post but keep in mind the submission deadline is tonight at 11:59 EST so get cracking!

More on BerryReview

App World Now Accepting BlackBerry 9810, 9850, & 9360 OS 7 Apps

RIM has yet to even formally announce the BlackBerry Torch 9810, 9850 and Curve 9360 but that has not stopped them talking about their existence. They first told us to expect the additional screen resolutions for the devices. Now we have them emailing all developers that App World is now accepting submissions for BlackBerry 7 apps for the BlackBerry 9810, 9850, & 9360.

Here is the email they are sending out:

Dear BlackBerry App World Vendor,

We are pleased to inform you that BlackBerry App World is now accepting app submissions for additional BlackBerry smartphones. In addition to the BlackBerry 9900 and 9930, you can now submit your BlackBerry 7 application(s) to App World for the 9810, 9850 and 9360.

If you have not already started testing and updating your current applications for the new BlackBerry 7 smartphones, do so right away to ensure your apps are available at launch. To help you with testing, we have made available the following tools and information:

BlackBerry 7 SDK BETA

BlackBerry 7 smartphone simulators

BlackBerry 7 Porting Guide

Remember you will need to re-post your application in App World for BlackBerry 7 as current applications will not be automatically posted for sale for the new smartphones. In addition, while BlackBerry 7 retains binary compatibility with the BlackBerry 6 platform, it will support a variety of new screen resolutions and sizes that will require some developers to update and re-compile their existing applications.

If you have updated your application(s) to BlackBerry 7 submit it today!

It is important that you submit your application(s) as soon as possible to ensure they can be tested and approved, and posted for sale in App World in time for launch.

Again, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing your application(s) in App World.

Best Regards,

BlackBerry App World Marketing

Dear BlackBerry App World Vendor,

We are pleased to inform you that BlackBerry App World is now accepting app submissions for additional BlackBerry smartphones. In addition to the BlackBerry 9900 and 9930, you can now submit your BlackBerry 7 application(s) to App World for the 9810, 9850 and 9360.

If you have not already started testing and updating your current applications for the new BlackBerry 7 smartphones, do so right away to ensure your apps are available at launch. To help you with testing, we have made available the following tools and information:

BlackBerry 7 SDK BETA

BlackBerry 7 smartphone simulators

BlackBerry 7 Porting Guide

Remember you will need to re-post your application in App World for BlackBerry 7 as current applications will not be automatically posted for sale for the new smartphones. In addition, while BlackBerry 7 retains binary compatibility with the BlackBerry 6 platform, it will support a variety of new screen resolutions and sizes that will require some developers to update and re-compile their existing applications.

If you have updated your application(s) to BlackBerry 7 submit it today!

It is important that you submit your application(s) as soon as possible to ensure they can be tested and approved, and posted for sale in App World in time for launch.

Again, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing your application(s) in App World.

Best Regards,

BlackBerry App World Marketing

More on BerryReview

RIM Welcomes JayCut to The RIM Family

Thought RIM was done adding companies to their list of acquisitions? Well looks like they are not done acquiring talent. Today they announced on their BlackBerry blog that the team from JayCut just has just joined RIM.

I never heard of them before but RIM had this to say on their blog:

“Today we are pleased to announce that JayCut has joined Research In Motion (RIM). We’re excited that the JayCut team is bringing their expertise in video editing and cloud-based services to the BlackBerry platform.

JayCut is based out of Sweden and operates a premier online video editor that they have licensed to a variety of companies and websites.

The BlackBerry PlayBook offers users premium multimedia features, including dual HD cameras for video capture and video conferencing, HDMI output and high resolution video playback. By working with JayCut to add video editing capabilities to the BlackBerry platform we can further enrich our customers’ multimedia experience with BlackBerry.

Looks like RIM is finally going to offer competitive media capability to the BlackBerry platform.

We welcome this move from RIM and JayCut.

Source: BlackBerry Blog

More on BerryReview

RIM Issues Official Statement on Leaked Android App Player

Yesterday we saw a really early version of the Android App player for the BlackBerry PlayBook which quickly spread throughout the net. The application is a really early built but surprisingly some people have manage to get some android apps working on it.

This prompted RIM to issue the following statement:

“An older version of the Android App Player beta software for the BlackBerry PlayBook was inadvertently posted and has since been removed. We recommend that users refrain from downloading and installing this software since it is outdated and non-functional in many respects. The official beta release of the Android App Player for the BlackBerry PlayBook is on track for release later this summer.”

We do agree that if you do not have an idea of what you are doing to wait until the official release. If you do, it is at your own risk of crashing your device.

That aside this app proves how powerful the QNX OS is.

Source: CB

More on BerryReview

The RIMPIRE Strikes Back at Mercedes Benz Miami Fashion Week Swim!

Michelle has been doing a great job on our weekly Celebrity BlackBerry Sighting Round Ups, but when Miami-based fashion blog FashionablySocial.net sent us in this photo taken this past weekend I just had to post it up. Seriously, bikinis + blackberrys.... how could I not post it?!

The photo was captured at the Mercedes Benz Miami Fashion Week Swim event, at the Mara Hoffman show. Gotta love dueling BlackBerrys in the front row capturing the models walking down the runway. Definitely a RIMPIRE Strikes Back kind of moment. Now if only we can get some RIMPIRE bikinis made up, they'll be a nice compliment to the RIMPIRE t-shirts. Click the photo to see a bigger version. Enjoy!

Source: FashionablySocial.net

BlackBerry 9790 Tutorial Video Leaked

A while back we brought you the first images of the BlackBerry 9790 thanks to our friend from RealityMirror.me. Tonight CB spotted a video showing off the 9790 home screen on a tutorial. Not a lot is know about this device besides the model number and that it will run on OS 7. 

Some rumored specs include:

So if you are not a fan of the upcoming 9900 here is the 97xx series upgrade that may hit carriers late this year after all the CO-CEO’s over at RIM said there were seven new devices heading our way this year. This makes me think this is possibly one of them.

  Check out the video below.

 

Source: CB

More on BerryReview

From the Forums: working Android apps, BlackBerry 9900/9000 comparison video, Google Docs vs Dropbox

Wow, what a day for BlackBerry PlayBook owners! The much anticipated Android app player leaked, and the blogs and forums are buzzing with talk about what it can and can't do. It you have already checked out the latest news and rumors in the blogs then head on over to the CrackBerry forums and see what's up with your fellow CrackBerry addicts. Below is a sample of some interesting threads you won't want to miss.

Found an interesting article you want to share with CrackBerry Nation? Have a burning question about that feature you just can't figure out? There is ALWAYS more happening just a click away in the forums. You can always head over and join in the conversation, search for answers, or

lend your expertise to other members of our community. If you aren't already, take a moment to get registered in the CrackBerry forums today!

Android Player para BlackBerry PlayBook filtrado

Parece que en algún servidor de RIM había colgado el player de Android y alguien velozmente lo ha podido descargar y compartir en la red. No es la versión final, es una Beta, pero para darle un vistazo y empezar a jugar con él hasta su llegada oficial para aquellos de vosotros más curiosos igual os atrevéis a instalarlo.

Los links para su descarga que ha publicado N4BB:

Y también nos detallan una vez instalado el Player como se pueden instalar aplicaciones sobre él.

Desde CrackBerry han publicado un vídeo del Player de Android en acción:

Y el gran Simon Sage desde Intomobile también nos cuenta algunos detalles del Player para Android:

Y han empezado a aparecer capturas de pantallas de las distintas aplicaciones que la gente ha empezado a instalar, Netflix es un ejemplo:

OS Tableta BlackBerry PlayBook actualización disponible

Ya tenemos disponible para su descarga directamente desde nuestro PlayBook una nueva actualización que arregla los problemillas que algunos usuarios se encontraron cuando bajaron la última lanzada por RIM está semana.

La versión es la OS v1.0.7.2670, a descargar e instalar toca.

Screenshots of PlayBook Android Player Web Browser, Keyboard, & More!

With the leaked Android Player for the BlackBerry PlayBook came a few goodies in the form of the basic preloaded Android apps including the email app we mentioned previously. These are the apps that come with a plain vanilla Android device that does not include Google preloaded apps. One of these apps is the Android browser that actually works quite well on the PlayBook. This will be the third browser for the PlayBook including the default PlayBook and Bridge browsers. It works quite well and actually reports an interesting user agent as you can see below. Also of interest is the Android keyboard that is used instead of the larger more “fat finger friendly” PlayBook keyboard. Let us know what else you want to see!

More on BerryReview

How to Sideload Android Apps for PlayBook Android Player (Netflix Example)

Things are really heating up with the leak of the Android Player for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Devs and hacks have been trying all day to get apps on the Android Player and it looks like there is finally a solution. N4BB discovered that by using the Android SDK and Java SDK they managed to side load Android apps on the PlayBook. We have been trying a similar method but did not have much luck using the Android Development Bridge but N4BB is claiming it works a good portion of the time if you use these instructions:

Here are the steps but PLEASE PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK. We take no responsibility if you mess up your device!

Here are N4BB’s instructions:

Software you’ll need to download:

C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools>adb connect 169.254.0.1:5555

connected to 169.254.0.1:5555

C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools>adb root
restarting adbd as root

C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools>adb connect 169.254.0.1:5555

connected to 169.254.0.1:5555

C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools>adb install com.netflix.medi
aclient.1.3.apk
2533 KB/s (7378353 bytes in 2.843s)
pkg: /data/local/tmp/com.netflix.mediaclient.1.3.apk

More on BerryReview

BlackBerry PlayBook Becomes First US Government FIPS Certified Tablet

This is a huge first for RIM. They just got their BlackBerry PlayBook on the short list as the only US federal government certified tablet with FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) certification. This certification from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is required by the 2002 FISMA Act. Kudos to the RIM team for making this happen so fast. Usually FIPS certification takes ages and many devices don’t pass muster.

Check out the press release after the jump:

BlackBerry PlayBook Becomes First Tablet Certified for U.S. Government
BlackBerry PlayBook Wins ‘Best in Show’ Award at FOSE 2011

Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) announced today that it has received FIPS 140-2 certification for the new BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet, making the BlackBerry PlayBook the first tablet certified for deployment within U.S. federal government agencies. No other tablet on the market has gained FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) certification from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is required under the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA).

“RIM is pleased to announce that the BlackBerry PlayBook is the first tablet approved under FIPS for use within the U.S. federal government,” said Scott Totzke, Senior Vice President, BlackBerry Security at Research In Motion. “This certification demonstrates our continued commitment to meeting the needs of security-conscious organizations and enables the U.S. federal government to buy with confidence knowing that the PlayBook meets their computing policy requirements for protecting sensitive information.”

BlackBerry PlayBook is a powerful, ultra-portable tablet that fits comfortably in one hand. It has a stunning 7-inch high resolution display, offers true multi-tasking capabilities and a high-fidelity web experience. It also allows for secure pairing with BlackBerry® smartphones via the BlackBerry® Bridge™ app, which enables users to access their BlackBerry smartphone’s email, calendar, address book, memo pad, task list, BBM (BlackBerry® Messenger) and browsing functionality using the larger display on the tablet.

The FIPS-certified BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is being showcased this week in Washington DC at FOSE – the largest Federal government information technology conference in the U.S. – where BlackBerry PlayBook has just been awarded Best in Show, and also Best of FOSE in the Handheld Devices category.

More information about the BlackBerry PlayBook is available at www.blackberry.com/playbook.

More on BerryReview

Official RIM IM Clients Updated to v2.5.84 in App World

 

RIM has officially updated their IM Clients to v2.5.84 this week. This is not as new as the 2.5.85 that was extracted out of previous leaked OS builds but its the latest official release. A few readers pointed out to us that the new builds are available in App World though they do not seem to be available at the direct URLs which is odd for RIM to do since usually App World is the laggard.

You can pick up the new versions of Google Talk, AIM, and Yahoo Messenger at the links below:

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

More on BerryReview

Screenshots of PlayBook Running Android Email Client!

 

We have been having fun with the Android Player on the BlackBerry PlayBook since it was discovered by some devs early this morning and then subsequently leaked. We have found that the build has some built in apps including an email client and browser! it also uses the Android keyboard which is interesting. Just to give you an idea this early build of the Player is build 0.0.1.152 which should give you some idea of how early of a build we are talking about.

Check out the email client in action in the screenshots! More screenshots after the jump!

More on BerryReview

Early PlayBook Android Player Leaked Out By RIM

Some creative BlackBerry users noticed that RIM has hidden the BAR installation file for an early build of the BlackBerry PlayBook Android Player on their website. I won’t go into details of how it was ferreted out but we were told about it earlier this morning and N4BB posted a link to it and screenshots so now it is public information. You can download the early beta yourself and run it on your PlayBook. It does not currently have a back button but it does work. Just keep in mind this is a very early build and I have seen later builds that are much better. You will have to side load this installer so be sure to know how to do that before downloading

You can download the large BAR file for the Android Player directly from BlackBerry.com

More on BerryReview

Font Master Offers 18 Free Fonts With 60 More for $0.99

I am really liking what developers are doing with in app purchasing. I think it could lead to some pretty cool try before you buy solutions. The latest I have heard of is S4BB’s Font Master which offers up 18 free fonts for anybody to use preloaded in the app. If you wish you can purchase an additional 60 fonts for $0.99. They have also redesigned their user interface in an update this week along with some bug fixes.

The fonts bundled in Font Master include: Blur, Blurrr Letters, Bo Chen, Chamignon Alt Swash, Dufay, Fifa, Gears of Peace, Jacked, LDR, Mucha, Old Print, Paper Cuts, Perfect Dark Zero, Rune Scape, Taper, Vavont, Vipond, Yapix.

You can pick up Font Master for free in App World. You need an OS 6.0+ device for this app to work.

More on BerryReview

PlayIrc IRC Client for the BlackBerry PlayBook

A new PlayBook IRC client slipped into App World this week. PlayIrc is a simple yet useful flash IRC client for the BlackBerry PlayBook. I also dig the tabbed conversation view. It has some nice features packed under the hood including:

There is a bug with some freenode chat servers that are being redirected but otherwise you can pick up PlayIrc in App World for $4.99 or visit www.playappsblog.com for more info.

More on BerryReview

Devs: RIM Provides GUI Build, Sign, & Deploy App for Adobe AIR PlayBook Apps

Some devs might not be comfortable with the command line tools available for current BlackBerry development on the PlayBook. The command line tools are great for scripting (which is what I do) but RIM has decided to release a BlackBerry Tablet OS Graphical Aid app to help developers out who like GUI (Graphic User Interfaces). This new Graphical Aid ties into the Adobe Flash Builder to help you easily build Adobe Air apps for the PlayBook. It allows you to build, sign, and deploy apps without touching the command line. Personally I wish they would just do away with the complicated code signing process but this is a nice step.

Currently the Graphic Aid only works on Windows for Adobe Air PlayBook apps but RIM is promising to release Mac OSX and Linux support soon. No word on if they will release a WebWorks version. You can pick up the BlackBerry Tablet OS Graphical Aid app at this link.

More on BerryReview

BlackBerry Torch 2 9810 Compared to Torch 9800 On Video

 

The next gen upcoming BlackBerry Torch 2 9810 looks almost exactly like the current generation BlackBerry Torch 9800. The thing is RIM has totally revamped the internal guts and specs. While we have seen pictures and video of the 9810 before they more or less look the same. Now TechnoBuffalo has put together a video comparing the two devices. The 9810 is definitely coming to AT&T but this device is still buggy so you cannot compare it easily. On the other hand it is scheduled for release soon yet RIM has not even confirmed its existence… Check out the video below:

We also have another non-scientific video comparison done by N4BB comparing the BlackBerry Bold 9900 browser to the iPhone 4 browser. Kind of interesting but not really a clean test.

Desktop Video Link | Mobile Video Link

More on BerryReview

Now Available: Trident Aegis Series Cases for BlackBerry Torch 9800

Updated: BlackBerry Bold 9900 Has Wireless Charging Built In?

Update: We just heard from another reliable source that the contacts on the back are not for inductive charging but rather just for the NFC antenna. We knew that it had an NFC antenna in the cover but we will be keeping an eye on this one. Check the picture above to see what the contacts look like.

We knew that RIM was looking into wireless charging but it seems like they were holding back when they announced the BlackBerry Bold 9900 in May. We have been hearing rumors about RIM adding wireless charging but now two sources have confirmed the story. They heard from RIM that the BlackBerry Bold 9900 is packing wireless charging inside. We know that RIM is part of the Qi Wireless Consortium which promotes magnetic inductive charging (unlike conductive which has metal exposed) but I have not been able to confirm that it is using inductive charging.

From what we are hearing the technology is built into the back cover which connects to the device. There are also two tiny prongs on the bottom of the device possibly for a cradle. I am really excited to see RIM getting in on the forefront of a new technology with wireless charging. This is the kind of engineering that will create buzz sort of like the Palm Touchstone wireless charger. It could also explain why this Bold 9900 is eschewing the faux leather back cover for this new meshed metal design. Originally we were told that the back cover was for NFC communication but it looks like it will be pulling double duty.

I am still trying to confirm this rumor but the signs seem to be pointing in this direction… RIM has also been really hush about the Wi-Fi mobile hotspot feature in BlackBerry 7 devices so this could just be another hush feature.

More on BerryReview

Giveaway: Go Reader Review and a Chance to Win One of 50 Copies

Are you a Google Reader user and can’t find the correct app to get your RSS fix? Go Reader does that and more. Go Reader an app from RoblesTech is an RSS reader that syncs your Google Reader with inbox notification integration.

App Description and Features:

Go Reader is a Google Reader™ client that allows you to read your Google Reader™ subscriptions on your BlackBerry® device everywhere you go.

Go Reader always stays fully synchronized to your Google Reader™ account.

Reading your Google Reader™ articles on the BlackBerry® has never been so easy.

• Supports multiple accounts
• Access your All Items, Starred Items, Shared Items, a Folder or a Feed for Reading
• Manage subscription Subscribe/Unsubscribe
• Share articles via Google Reader™
• Send articles via Twitter, Facebook and Email
• Mark articles as read Automatic/Manual
• Show articles All Items/Unread Items
• Sort articles Newer First/ Older First
• Swipe Left or Right on a screen to go next or previous article (touch screen devices only)
• Interactive toolbar (touch screen devices only)
• Hover over an article to open a popup for easy changing Star/Like/Share/Read of an article (touch screen devices only W/OS 6)
• Support for Youtube™ videos (display video image and stream video on BlackBerry® Native Browser)
• Manage connection Automatic/Wifi
• Manage connection for images Automatic/Wifi (for limited internet plans)
• Get notified whenever new articles are available
• Optimized for minimum memory and battery usage

The app design makes it simple to use and very similar to how Google arranges your feeds. Within the app you can mark all articles on a feed as read or within the feed it allows you to mark individual articles as read. I love sharing interesting news so the best features with this application is the ability to forward links to friends right from your BlackBerry with integration to the e-mail system. It does not allow you to send the body of the article just the subject and link to the article.  The application as you can see is packed with features. I am using ta torch on EDGE connection at the moment when you click to mark all items as read it may take sometime on a slow connection but when it is on Wi-Fi or 3G the action is a lot faster.

Compared to other applications I have tested the App fares right on spot with them if not better in some areas. This is definitely a good purchase at $2.99 on App world compare to others.  To purchase simply visit app world at this link or scan the QR code below.

It gets better RoblesTech was nice to reach out to us and  wants to share the app with you our readers.

Giveaway:  By leaving a comment below you will  get a chance to win one of 50 copies. Only one comment is allowed per person, if not you simply increase your chances of NOT winning.    Good luck let us know what is your favorite feature when it comes to RSS reader.

More on BerryReview

TAT & RIM Explain How Scrapbook PlayBook App Came to Life

Many BlackBerry users have been waiting to hear more about TAT and what it will bring in terms of features for the regular BlackBerry user. When we first saw the TAT Scrapbook app on the PlayBook we knew they were destined for big things and we really cannot wait for more. The Scrapbook app really shows off the PlayBook so its interesting to see the full story of how the Scrapbook app went from a demo app to a full fledged PlayBook app available to all. You can read the story behind the Scrapbook app on RIM’s blog or pick up the app in App World if you don’t already have it.

While I wish we could also have the Doom app RIM was demoing hopefully we will be seeing many more designs and apps coming from TAT. Kudos to them and RIM for the slick Scrapbook app!

More on BerryReview

PlayBook OS Update Now Available v1.0.7.2670

For those of you that did not get a chance to update your PlayBook OS before RIM pulled it due to Bridge issues v1.0.7.2670.
Not sure if there are any new features with the update but hopefully it will fix those issues people were experiencing with BlackBerry Bridge.

Thanks to deebo550 and tabletaholic for the tip.

More on BerryReview

BlackBerry Bold 9900 Has Wireless Charging Built In?

We knew that RIM was looking into wireless charging but it seems like they were holding back when they announced the BlackBerry Bold 9900 in May. We have been hearing rumors about RIM adding wireless charging but now two sources have confirmed the story. They heard from RIM that the BlackBerry Bold 9900 is packing wireless charging inside. We know that RIM is part of the Qi Wireless Consortium which promotes magnetic conductive charging (unlike inductive which has metal exposed) but I have not been able to confirm that it is using inductive charging.

From what we are hearing the technology is built into the back cover which connects to the device. There are also two tiny prongs on the bottom of the device possibly for a cradle. I am really excited to see RIM getting in on the forefront of a new technology with wireless charging. This is the kind of engineering that will create buzz sort of like the Palm Touchstone wireless charger. It could also explain why this Bold 9900 is eschewing the faux leather back cover for this new meshed metal design. Originally we were told that the back cover was for NFC communication but it looks like it will be pulling double duty.

I am still trying to confirm this rumor but the signs seem to be pointing in this direction… RIM has also been really hush about the Wi-Fi mobile hotspot feature in BlackBerry 7 devices so this could just be another hush feature.

More on BerryReview

Add voice notes to your task and calendar entries with iVoiceNote for BlackBerry smartphones

  

This week I'm travelling to Illinois for some corporate training which just happens to be the home of our very own Kerri Neill. As you can imagine I'm always thinking of last minute items to pick up or pack. Only problem is its usually while walking on a busy Manhattan street. Rather than risk serious bodily harm stopping in the middle of foot traffic to jot down a quick reminder by typing the whole thing out, I thought about using voice notes. Wouldn't it be nice if you could record a message and add it to your tasks or calendar application? That way when the reminder pops-up up all you'd have to do is listen? Now you can with iVoiceNote by iDong. Keep reading for more details and screenshots.

iVoiceNote is a simple and easy to learn application. With just a couple of clicks you can record a message and import it. As soon as the reminder notification appears open the item, press the menu key, and click on Play Voice Note. Now instead of typing out each to-do you can just listen to the note. Users can manage their recordings and choose whether to store on their device or SD card. You can erase, rename, or listen to your messages anytime. 

As a fan of Dragon for Email I find this application useful with a lot of potential. I think it's a great handsfree solution for setting reminders and tasks without sitting there typing it out. At least with this I can remember to pack my device chargers without getting hit by a pedestrian or a NYC cab (I'm guilty of looking down at my BB while walking). I do feel the interface needs a little improvement when it comes to maneuverability but it's not that bad once you get the hang of it. You can modify the name of each reminder so don't think you're stuck with the default title.

Features 

iVoiceNote comes with a three day free trial and is $2.99 at BlackBerry App World. It is compatible with devices running OS 4.5 and higher.

More information / purchase from BlackBerry App World