Sabtu, 25 Juni 2011

BerryReview.com Giving Back to the BlackBerry Community

BerryReview.com Giving Back to the BlackBerry Community


Reminder: Win a BlackBerry PlayBook in the BerryReview 4th Birthday Bash Contest!

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 03:11 PM PDT

BerryReview Birthday Bash

PlayBook_Angle_1_thumbIts hard to believe that June is coming to a close. We just wanted to remind all of you that the BerryReview 4th Birthday Bash month of giveaways is ending soon! We have a BlackBerry PlayBook or a $500 Amazon/PayPal gift card up for grabs as the grand prize this month though there are still other giveaways to come. Entering to win the BlackBerry PlayBook is as easy as ever with every comment, forum post, tip submission, or article Retweet in the month of June counting as an entry!

Check out the full details of the contest here and stay tuned for more!

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 6:11 pm. | Reminder: Win a BlackBerry PlayBook in the BerryReview 4th Birthday Bash Contest! | Leave a comment |


Giveaway: & Review OtterBox For The BlackBerry PlayBook

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 12:30 PM PDT

rbb2-plybk-20-4OtterBox is know for making durable cases and in they made a fortress for the BlackBerry playBook. They recently sent us a sample to review the OtterBox communter series for the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Note: Aside from the review OtterBox has sponsored a giveaway for two combos consisting of a BlackBerry case of your choice and one for your PlayBook. More details at the end of the review.

Review: BlackBerry Defender Case for the PlayBook

If you recently bought a brand new PlayBook now worried about dropping it? Luckily for you quite a few options are available in the BlackBerry PlayBook case category. Today we are looking at the Otterbox Defernder series which brings full protection for your PlayBook. If you have not used Otterbox before they provide rugged style cases for mobile devices and a member of the built for BlackBerry program.

rbb2-plybk-20-1

Features:

  • Three layers of protection
  • Complete interaction of the device’s functions
  • Clip on, multi-directional shield with built-in stand
  • WEIGHT WITHOUT SHIELD: 11.99 oz / 340.19 g
  • DIMENSIONS: 5.78 in x 8.03in x 1.17 in 146.81 mm x 204.06 mm x 29.82 mm

Package and Form Factor: The case comes in a small box already assembled all you need to do is take it apart and place your PlayBook in the casing which consists of a three layer protection.

A clear 2 piece polycarbonate shell that clips together that encases the PlayBook and includes the clear protective screen already attached to the polycarbonate piece. This makes it easier no messy installs of the screen protector. The third layer is a durable silicon skin that makes it a comfortable grip. The case also includes a clip on multi-directional shield with a stand. The stand allows you to set the PlayBook in two different angles.

Port access: The PlayBook is fully protected with a tight fit inside the case but that does not mean it takes away from acess to the buttons and charging ports. Otterbox has buikt easy access to the camera, USB, HDMI, ports and the Bezel is not covered by the case. This gives you high quality protection without giving up any of the feature of the PlayBook.

Size: I do have to point out that the case does add weight and increase in size to the PlayBook so you do give up that with this case but it makes up by giving you the best protection you will find for for your BlackBerry PlayBook.

Protection: The OtterBox has a built in screen protector that requires no messy installation process and it even works if you have another already on the PlayBook. The PlayBook OtterBox case makes the device feel really secure, to the fact that my friend had a really tough time trying to take it out. So you can't go wrong with the protection it offers. The playBook fits tightly inside the device giving you a secure rugged feel when carrying.

The clip on Shield/Stand: This also provides another level of protection for the front of your PlayBook which also turns into a stand with two angles to stand your PlayBook.

Pros: Secures your device with the best protection available. Reliable, easy to set up, functionality is not diminished. peace of mind.

Cons: Adds to the size and weight of the PlayBook

Al though the case add to the size I can take my PlayBook anywhere without worrying I may damage it if it is dropped. The case will not open up and the devices pops out.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars

Price: $69.95

at www.OtterBox.Com

Giveaway: For a chance to win one of the two prize simply leave a comment below and let us know if you have used an OtterBox before or why you want one?

The prize consist of a case for your Blackberry and your PlayBook. Only one comment per person. Comments must be left before June 27. Good luck.

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Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 3:30 pm. | Giveaway: & Review OtterBox For The BlackBerry PlayBook | 28 comments |


Phone Remote Controls Your BlackBerry Phone from your PlayBook

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 10:49 AM PDT

318875 317725

Simply Apps knows how to push the envelope! They just released a new application in App World called Phone Remote for the BlackBerry PlayBook. It performs a nice and simple function of remotely controlling your BlackBerry smartphone from your PlayBook over Wi-Fi. They compare it to a remote desktop app for your BlackBerry. You can then use your tablets larger screen to control your BlackBerry. The main restriction now is that it only works over Wi-Fi if both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Future upgrades will add further access.

I can't really think of a good real world use for this if you already have BlackBerry Bridge but I guess you can run 3rd party apps that are not available on the PlayBook. For $2.99 the Phone Remote app is relatively cheap. You can pick up the main PlayBook app and the companion BlackBerry control app at the links below:

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 1:49 pm. | Phone Remote Controls Your BlackBerry Phone from your PlayBook | 2 comments |


WikiLeaks Cables Gets Their Own Premium BlackBerry App

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 10:36 AM PDT

Wikileaks Wikileaks2

Normally I would not make a big deal about an app where you pay for content you can get freely online but WikiLeaks by Infinite Appz is an exception. With RIM Legal coming up with all of these wonderful EULA's, App World restrictions, and the rest of their convoluted CYA mess I was shocked that this app made it through unscathed. I just wish I could see the conniption that RIM legal has when they see the app spreading confidential government information… :) Especially since Apple removed a similar app from their App Store.

Bruce Wayne Wikileaks

For $1.99 you can have the pleasure of reading a ton of WikiLeaks data from your BlackBerry. Features include:

  • WikiLeaks is an international organization that publishes submissions of private, secret, and classified media from anonymous news sources and news leaks.
  • Are you missed the documents or finding those secret news are very difficult. By using this app you can do very easily.
  • The WikiLeaks application is now available in BlackBerry®.
  • Hurry up to download the app as soon as possible.
  • This app also
    • Latest wikileaks news
    • WikiLeaks Tweets
    • Categorized news by offices
    • Categorized news by tags

WikiLeaks by Infinite Appz is available in App World for $1.99. Thanks to Thomas for pointing this one out via BBEmpire

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 1:36 pm. | WikiLeaks Cables Gets Their Own Premium BlackBerry App | 2 comments |


How to Save Flash Games on Your PlayBook & Play Them Offline

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 09:04 AM PDT

MagicTOuch MagicTOuch2

One of the coolest features on the BlackBerry PlayBook is the solid Flash support. Over time I have been trying many different flash games and found that about 50% of them are loads of fun on the PlayBook. Some require a keyboard for movement or right click mouse button for options but most don't. If you are hardcore you can even play those that do require a keyboard or mouse using Bluetooth devices.

FTWrath let me know about a tutorial he wrote up about how to save Flash games locally on your PlayBook and then play them offline. Here are the steps he choose to simplify the process:

  1. browse to File 2 HD
  2. take the link of your Flash game. We will test this with Magic Touch. As you can see I took the full website URL where the game is played.
  3. Paste that in the File2HD text input area, agree to Terms of Service, and make sure Objects is selected. Now click Get Files.
  4. you might have a few SWF files returned. Select either by holding down on them and selecting “Save Link As”
  5. Now choose a file name and Save.

Here’s the fun part. To play the game locally

  1. Fire up the browser
  2. Open a new tab and type in File:// and hit enter.
  3. Browse to > Accounts > 1000 > Shared > Downloads
  4. Find the swf file you just saved and select it.
  5. It will open your game in the browser. Bookmark the game and add it to Homescreen.

Now you can load it whenever you want and play offline!

Kudos to FTWrath for the tutorial. Let him know what you think in the forums.

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 12:04 pm. | How to Save Flash Games on Your PlayBook & Play Them Offline | One comment |


PlayBook Gets RadioShack Demo Video & Best Buy Commercial Treatment

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 08:55 AM PDT

PlayBook Radio Shack PlayBook Best Buy 

While both of these videos are not as funny as the Carphone Warehouse demo or as slick as the Telus PlayBook commercial they are still nice to see stateside. AccuBerry noticed this demo video posted up by Radio Shack. Here is what they have to show:


Desktop Video Link | Mobile Video Link

We also have a relatively new commercial for the PlayBook by Best Buy that was spotted by Adam @CrackBerry.


Desktop Video Link | Mobile Video Link

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 11:55 am. | PlayBook Gets RadioShack Demo Video & Best Buy Commercial Treatment | 3 comments |


UberSocial Gets Small Bug Fix Update to v1.201

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 08:42 AM PDT

UberSocial Bug Fix

UberSocial just released their update to v1.2 this week and now we have a follow up bug fix release. This new version 1.2.01 does not add any new features but if you downloaded the 1.2 update then you should get it. Kudos to the UberSocial team for the rapid turnaround.

Here is the delta change log between UberSocial v1.2 and v1.201:

  • Fixed bug where clicking Retrieve Map on the Tweet View screen does nothing
  • Fixed bug where after logging into facebook it locks up the device for some users
  • Dealbox icon can’t be clicked when uberchannels screen is open
  • Set it so that even if you have logged into twitter before, the twitter web page will always ask for username and password
  • Fixed bug where Inner Circle icon on the UberBar might not be there the second time you run the app
  • No longer will log user out of facebook on intermittent network issues

You can download the new version of UberSocial at this link or learn more on their website.

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 11:42 am. | UberSocial Gets Small Bug Fix Update to v1.201 | One comment |


Twitter for BlackBerry v2.0 Updated in Beta Zone

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 08:31 AM PDT

twitter-2-update-2

RIM has updated their popular Twitter for BlackBerry app in their Beta Zone today. This new update adds some nice touches to the UI with a new color scheme. All in all its a nice update that you can pick up if you have access to the Beta Zone in your country. I am liking this new rapid release schedule where apps like Twitter get updated regularly. Now if only they could do the same thing for other apps like Google Talk and its sign out issue.

twitter-2-update-5 twitter-2-update-4

Features of the new Twitter for BlackBerry v2.0 beta:

  • Color Refresh – featuring a lighter color scheme
  • Compose a Tweet – the Tweet composer is "hidden" from the Home timeline but accessible from the new Compose Tweet bar located below the navigation bar
  • Trending Topics with local trends support – a Trending Topics icon has been added to the nav bar and now includes local trends support
  • My Profile – Now users can access their profile quickly and easily from the nav bar (or the Menu)
  • Performance Enhancements to improve the overall usability of the app

You can pick up the update to Twitter for BlackBerry in the Beta Zone or read more about it on the BlackBerry Blog.

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 11:31 am. | Twitter for BlackBerry v2.0 Updated in Beta Zone | 3 comments |


Shazam For BlackBerry Updated to v2.8 With In App Upgrade

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 08:11 AM PDT

shazam shazam2

The last update to Shazam happened back in March so the release of v2.8 is not surprising. What is nice is that its new update adds in app upgrades along with a new tag details screen. I am waiting for in app upgrades to take off with more developers since it allows them to easily offer a free trial that does not require a registration code or second download to get the full version.

Here is the change log spotted by PocketBerry:

  • Tag Details Screen redesigned. Options are now shown in an easy to scroll list
  • In App Upgrade. Users can now upgrade to Encore in App – using BlackBerry login & payment methods configured for their BlackBerry account.

You can find the latest version of Shazam in App World

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 11:11 am. | Shazam For BlackBerry Updated to v2.8 With In App Upgrade | One comment |


Wells Fargo App Now In App World

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 08:02 AM PDT

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For all of you Wells Fargo customers listen up. It looks like they have updated their BlackBerry banking app which was launched last year. You can use it to check your balance, pay bills, transfer money between accounts or to another customer, and view your latest transactions from their app. The app also helps you locate the nearest Wells Fargo branch.

This kind of makes me wish I was a Wells Fargo customer. On the other hand I have found the mobile websites of each of my banks does all of this and more without the clunky app interface. You can download the Wells Fargo app in App World at this link. Thanks Tashanna via BBEmpire

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 11:02 am. | Wells Fargo App Now In App World | One comment |


RIM Rumored to Discontinue BES Express for Lotus Domino

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 07:09 AM PDT

BES Express Box

I have long wondered how many clients RIM has on Lotus Domino. RIM seems to have a strong partnership with IBM and they obviously have customers requesting support for the platform. The latest rumor from CIO.com comes from an unnamed source who is familiar with the situation saying that RIM is considering shuttering BES Express for Lotus Domino.

It could simply be that RIM has seen very little interest in Lotus Domino for BES Express. It would have to be for companies that have Lotus but don't want to pony up for a full BES license. I am curious if any of you are running on a BES with Lotus Domino. How does it work?

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 10:09 am. | RIM Rumored to Discontinue BES Express for Lotus Domino | Leave a comment |


Study: BlackBerrys Are Significantly Less Susceptible to Hardware Faults

Posted: 24 Jun 2011 05:55 AM PDT

Broken android

I always knew that Android's large number of licensed OEM's was leading to substandard hardware quality but this is pretty bad. A study by WDS found that out of 600,000 customer support calls fielded for each device category only 3.7% of BlackBerry support calls were for hardware issues. This compares to 14% for Android, 9% for Windows Phone, and 8% for iPhone. Kudos to RIM's engineers.

This is significant because hardware issues are not something that can be solved by customer service agents over the phone. They either need to be replaced by the carrier or customer or the customer simply has to live with the defect. WDS details in their study explaining why Android is leading to both high and low quality hardware but Craig Rich, Chief Marketing Officer at WDS breaks it down in one paragraph why the overall Android experience may be suffering due to lower priced devices:

"Mobile operators have to make some important decisions when selecting which smartphones to range on their networks," adds Rich. "They must balance the need to introduce low-cost smartphone devices with the Total Cost of Ownership; how much it costs them to manage that device in their network for the duration of the subscription. A $100 smartphone might not look so attractive if it drives x3 more support traffic over its lifetime, has an above-average return rate or damages the customer experience in a way that increases the likelihood of the consumer churning. "

While these numbers make sense for Android and Windows Phone do to multiple licensees I was surprised to see Apple had such a high number at 8%. They follow the same model as RIM by making both the hardware and developing their own OS and are known for high end products. That makes me wonder if maybe Google needs to start setting some hardware quality standards for Android branded handsets to ensure it does not deteriorate their brand.

David was actually pointing out to me this week that RIM was originally known for having a rock solid device line. I remember you had to hit your 8700 with a hammer if you wanted to break it. The trackball did lead to some more hardware repairs but RIM fixed that with the trackpad. The upcoming Bold 9900 seems to be another example of solid RIM engineering and I cannot wait to get my hands on it as my personal device.

The numbers from the WDS come from a study done from June 2010-May 2011 and covered 600,000 technical support calls taken by WDS across Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia. Check out the full study press release here.

Thanks Ashley for sending this one in via PCWorld – Img Credit Sam Spratt of Gizmodo

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, June 24, 2011, 8:55 am. | Study: BlackBerrys Are Significantly Less Susceptible to Hardware Faults | 3 comments |


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