Selasa, 24 Januari 2012

BerryReview.com Giving Back to the BlackBerry Community

BerryReview.com Giving Back to the BlackBerry Community


BlackBerry PlayBook Sale Now Ending January 28th?

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 03:02 PM PST

 PlayBook discount ending soon

The sale RIM was running on Shop BlackBerry had all three models, 16GB/32GB/64GB, of the BlackBerry PlayBook selling for $299. That discount used to say that it was valid until February 4th. Mr Lego let us know that the Shop BlackBerry website now has the discount ending on January 28th instead of February 4th. This conflicts with an email RIM just sent out three days ago which you can find here. The other thing I noticed is that all of the models of BlackBerry PlayBooks are listed as being in stock but shipping within 7-14 business days.

This makes me wonders what is right around the corner in February. New device models? (my guess) Different pricing?

Check out the promo RIM sent on Friday with the previous February 4th listing:

 PlayBook offer

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 6:02 pm. | BlackBerry PlayBook Sale Now Ending January 28th? | 9 comments |


Remember the Siemens SK65? Was That Thorsten Heins’ First BlackBerry?

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 02:02 PM PST

Seimens SK65 Seimens SK65 2

RIM's announcement early this morning reminded me that RIM once worked with Siemens. RIM's new CEO and President Thorsten Heins, used to be the President of Mobile Phones at Siemens Mobile back in the day. Long time BlackBerry users will remember that RIM once partnered together with Siemens and a few other vendors to create BlackBerry Connect handhelds and one of the first was the Siemens SK65 in 2004. I actually had one of these devices back in the day and it was pretty slick. It offered up the features of BlackBerry OS 3.8 (Email & Calendar sync along with browser if I remember correctly) and was mostly targeted to executives who wanted to try other device brands. It was also the FIRST phone to feature "BlackBerry Built-In" technology and was shortly followed by some Nokia, Palm, and Sony Ericsson products.

I decided to do some digging and it turns out that this BlackBerry Connect licensed Siemens SK65 looks like it was the brainchild of Thorsten Heins. That tells us that Thorsten knows first hand how licensing of BlackBerry products works and why it is better to focus on a vertically integrated offering instead of simply becoming a hardware vendor as he mentioned this morning.

The press releases about the Siemens SK65 have quotes from Thorsten Heins when he used to be at Siemens:

  • Thorsten Heins, President of Mobile Phones within Siemens mobile, commented: “The SK65 is an ingenious all-in-one solution for business professionals that need to stay in control and informed wherever they travel. With a full set of messaging features it means you have more flexibility about where and when you work. Additionally, we have designed the SK65 to offer a contemporary, yet timeless design for professionals who expect outstanding quality in looks and performance.” From the launch of the SK65 and the announcement of the SK65.

Its good to see that Thorsten has first hand knowledge of how licensing works especially since the SK65 was a compromise device that never really caught on. I remember having to jump through a ton of hoops to even purchase one in the US. Either way now we know a bit more about Thorsten's legacy at RIM. Its kind of cool to learn that he was behind the first BlackBerry that did not run on RIM hardware.

Update: automan69 pointed out that there is a demo of the Siemens SK65 on YouTube!


Desktop Video Link | Mobile Video Link

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 5:02 pm. | Remember the Siemens SK65? Was That Thorsten Heins’ First BlackBerry? | 5 comments |


BlackBerry Traffic Gets Bug Fix Update to v3.0.1.21

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 10:38 AM PST

BlackBerry Traffic BlackBerry Traffic2

Jerry let us know that RIM has updated BlackBerry Traffic in App World to v3.0.1.21. This is a small bugfix update over the previous v3.0.0.389. This version fixes a bug where guidance stops along with a bug in the BlackBerry calendar integration according to the change log Jerry spotted. Either way if you use BlackBerry Traffic regularly especially with the new voice guidance you may want to update.

You can pick up BlackBerry Traffic v3.0.1.21 free in App World

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 1:38 pm. | BlackBerry Traffic Gets Bug Fix Update to v3.0.1.21 | 3 comments |


What to Make of RIM Appointing Thorsten Heins as CEO

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 10:25 AM PST

Thorsten_Heins

It is a pretty big change for Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie to step down. During the conference call this morning RIM's new chairman of the board Barbara pointed out that the appointment of Thorsten Heins was supposedly came from Mike and Jim. That is leading some to think that he is essentially a puppet for RIM's previous CEOs but it is way too early to judge. On the other hand there are some things that he has made very clear.

  • He thinks RIM is on the right course for success and does not need drastic changes to the strategy Jim & Mike started when they decided to acquire QNX 18 months ago
  • He drives a BMW motorcycle which is part of his German heritage (I respect him just for that!)
  • Thorsten believes that RIM needs to double down on consumers with marketing targeted towards them which they started with the Be Bold campaign. Hopefully a new CMO will be selected soon.

The most important part of Thorsten's announcements as CEO was the fact that he plans on streamlining the R&D, prototyping, and release schedules. That means RIM will no longer try to innovate during the release cycle which is what has caused them delays in the past. He plans on enforcing accountability and deadlines and confirmed that PlayBook OS 2.0 is coming in February. I agree that this is one of the biggest changes that needs to happen at RIM. They need to drive changes to market faster than ever before. They can no longer do their old 18 months from announcement to release cycle. They need to deliver consistant solid results and focus on their strengths.

Hopefully Thorsten is the right guy to deliver on RIM's promise! He definitely will have a busy 2012.

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 1:25 pm. | What to Make of RIM Appointing Thorsten Heins as CEO | 4 comments |


Patent Troll Wi-LAN Sues RIM Over Bluetooth & SYM Key Patents

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 09:59 AM PST

WiLan

You have to love patent trolls. Wi-LAN is a well known one that specifically buys up patents to sue companies with until they agree to licensing it. According to Wi-LAN RIM infringes on one of their patents for Bluetooth data transmission and another for the "SYM" key (Symbol key) on newer BlackBerry keyboard devices. Seriously Wi-LAN has a patent on hitting a key and selecting symbols from a list of available symbols.

Check out the two patents for yourself at the USPO:

  • Patent 5,515,369 Method for frequency sharing and frequency punchout in frequency hopping communications network
  • Patent 6,232,969 Device for composing or editing a string of characters

As you probably know I am not a big fan of software patents but only time will tell how this one will go. Oh and the best part is that the reason Wi-LAN, a Canadian company, is suing RIM in Florida is because RIM has their BlackBerry World conference there for the last six years. Better yet Wi-LAN just opened up their Florida office last week… via FinancialPost

Here is Wi-LAN's press release about the lawsuit:

WILAN FILES PATENT INFRINGEMENT SUIT

Download this Press Release (PDF 57 KB)

OTTAWA, Canada – January 23, 2012 – Wi-LAN Inc. (TSX:WIN) (NASD:WILN) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Wi-LAN USA, Inc. (collectively "WiLAN" or the "Company") today announced that it has filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Research In Motion Limited and Research In Motion Corporation (collectively "RIM") for patent infringement.
In its filing, WiLAN asserts that RIM is infringing U.S. Patent No. 5,515,369 and U.S. Patent No. 6,232,969.

About WiLAN
WiLAN, founded in 1992, is a leading technology innovation and licensing company.  WiLAN has licensed its intellectual property to over 255 companies worldwide.  Inventions in our portfolio have been licensed by companies that manufacture or sell a wide range of communication and consumer electronics products including 3G and 4G handsets, Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, Wi-Fi and broadband routers, xDSL infrastructure equipment, cellular base stations and digital television receivers.  WiLAN has a large and growing portfolio of more than 3000 issued or pending patents.  For more information: www.wilan.com.
All trademarks and brands mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners.

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 12:59 pm. | Patent Troll Wi-LAN Sues RIM Over Bluetooth & SYM Key Patents | 2 comments |


Dingleberry v3.1 Released With Improved Upgrader/Downgrader

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 09:04 AM PST

Dingleberry

The Dingleberry team has updated their BlackBerry PlayBook rooting tool over the weekend. The new version 3.1 brings some improvements though it is still the same exploit and still only works on previous versions of the PlayBook OS (Hence the need for the downgrader). This new version mostly improves the downgrade/upgrade process.

Here is the full change log:

  • Improved upgrader/downgrader. Allows selection of Core OS and Full OS with a variety of firmwares. Will flash anything!
  • Includes a ‘Custom’ folder which will install any series of ‘.bar’ files you want (mix and match).
  • Fixed bug with folders not existing. New folder structure. Move ‘Firmware’ folder to update OS list if new ones become listed.
  • Miscellaneous bug fixes for Mac OSX.

Pick it up at www.dingleberry.it

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 12:04 pm. | Dingleberry v3.1 Released With Improved Upgrader/Downgrader | Leave a comment |


Thorsten Heins Introduces Himself in More Video Clips

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 08:42 AM PST

Thorsten Heins 

We posted up a nice video late last night where Thorsten Heins, RIM's new President & CEO, introduced himself to the BlackBerry world. A few people pointed out that there were a few more videos on RIM's YouTube channel and I thought it would be worth pointing them out. These are much shorter clips and tend to answer a specific question or topic. Let us know what you think!

Here is Thorsten Heins on:

On The Company’s Strengths


Desktop Video Link | Mobile Video Link

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 11:42 am. | Thorsten Heins Introduces Himself in More Video Clips | Leave a comment |


Porsche Design P’9981 Revealed in its Birthday Suit by FCC

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 08:06 AM PST

blackberry porsche design p9981

The Porsche Design P'9981 has been shown off quite a few times since its debut but nobody has had the gall to dismantle one yet. Turns out we can count on the FCC to make that happen. Wireless Goodness noticed that the FCC has posted up this sort of tear down of the device. These are the unredacted images that were not shown when RIM's original FCC review was posted.

Check it out directly from the FCC or from Wireless Goodness

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 11:06 am. | Porsche Design P’9981 Revealed in its Birthday Suit by FCC | Leave a comment |


RIM’s New CEO Thorsten Heins Answers Questions During Todays Conference Call

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 07:15 AM PST

Thorsten Heins

This morning RIM held a conference call to discuss the transition of Thorsten Heins into the role of CEO and President of RIM. They had him on the call along with RIM's new chairman Barbara Stymiest to discuss the transition. Here is a quick recap of their statements and answers to the questions posted during the call.

Barbara Stymiest – Mike and Jim setup RIM for the future. Mike and Jim came to the board with the succession plan that they had previously submitted of placing Thorston as the new CEO. The board unanimously agreed. Mike and Jim will continue to serve and board members along with chair of innovation committee.

Thorston Heins –  RIM is not just a device company but an integrated solution company. I plan on building on this heritage. RIM has $1.5 billion in cash as of last statement. Hit a few bumps in the road here and there. Stronger today for what we have gone through. Mike and Jim are visionaries. Pioneered the development of the smartphone industry. 18 months ago they made the decision to purchase QNX. PlayBook 2.0 coming out in February we see this was the right path to go. Effective execution of our strategy. Bring in new talent as required. Bring in a new chief marketing officer. Empower employees to take risks, be successful, and accountable for their endeavors. Flawless execution a focus.

Q: What does you (Thorston Heins) plan on doing in the next 100 days? What processes are you going to work on?

A: Outside of the US we are doing well and thriving but in the US we are still envisioned as a enterprise product. Engage more with consumer base with marketing communication and go to market plan. Another area is execution, resource planning, rigid program and project management, defining a product and executing on it. RIM scaled very fast and innovated while creating the product but now with more emphasis on prototyping and testing. Execution on this information.

Q: How will RIM tackle the low end markets in emerging markets and what software changes at RIM?

A: RIM is going for the entry level smartphone market. These are not feature phones but there is a huge potential of people to switch from feature phones to smartphones and BlackBerrys offer a good landing point and onboarding new smartphone users. Take them on a journey to more mobile computing with the BlackBerry for everyone program. BlackBerry 10 is not just a new OS it is a whole architecture including a new development environment. Preparing for an upgrade path to bb10.

Q: What is it in QNX that makes you think you will be successful in the market. Is it not a Me too OS that is just catching up in the market? What will make people come back to BlackBerry?

A: QNX is not a new OS it already is around and has been proven for years. QNX is just a framework and foundation for BlackBerry 10. PlayBook is not a tablet but a mobile computing platform.

Q: Last RIM investor call Jim commented on strategic options RIM was looking at. Has anything changed on that front? Is it about licensing?

A: My view on RIM is a very clear view. I have been in device only businesses and it is a cutthroat price and cost business. We are strong because it is a vertical solution. If we have requests for licensing and if it makes sense they will entertain the decision but it is nowhere near my focus one. There is not that much competition since there are not that many other vertical solutions. There really is only that other fruit solution.

Q: What is your timeframe for adding the marketing person and what are you looking for in them?

A: I want this ASAP because I see this is an area that needs to be strengthened. There is the core communication to RIM's base but it is also to listen. A bit more of an ear to the consumer market and feel out trends. Not listen to the street but get a closer relationship in the US specifically with our consumer base not just our enterprise base.

Q: You have been at RIM since Dec of 2007. Now that you are on the top what couldnt you do previously that you can now do as CEO. What was holding you back that you could not do before?

A: I was not held back before but I think this is not a seismic change but scaling the company further. One element is that we are a technology business and we also need to be more consumer driven.

You can listen to the whole recording here on RIM's website

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Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 10:15 am. | RIM’s New CEO Thorsten Heins Answers Questions During Todays Conference Call | 2 comments |


BBHTool gets a nice update to v2.4.9.5

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 05:36 AM PST

Lyricidal from BBH-Plus has just posted an update to his BBHTool software.  This update brings a lot of great changes, especially the @BerryReview and @OpenSourceBB  Show Tweets options. If you are unfamiliar with BBHTool you can read all about it here.  A full set of changes and links after the break.

The full change log for V2.4.9.5 of BBHTool is:

- Added Install after completion to APK Converter (previously disabled)
- Added Install to connected device option to Create-A-JAD
- Added @BerryReview and @OpenSourceBB as Show Tweets options
- Added Delete Vendor.xml button to Start tab
- Added BlackBerry Mobile Conferencing shrink item
- Disabled shrinking of Latin font for OS7/7.1 as it was causing reboots (won’t shrink even when checked)
- Fixed Screenshots for newer devices as well as uploading and tweeting screenshots
- Fixes to PlayBook tab and improved error handling
- Minor skin fixes
- New icon – thanks to @_Lucky45
- Optimized Screenshot uploading so BBHTool doesn’t freeze while doing so
- Optimized and updated Vendor.xml removal
- Updated Android SDK link
- Updated shrink for Croatian (Languages) and T-Mobile Name ID

You can download the public version from the BBH-Plus forums.

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Posted by Fubaz for ©BerryReview, January 23, 2012, 8:36 am. | BBHTool gets a nice update to v2.4.9.5 | Leave a comment |


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