Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Kevin Michaluk on 31-12-2008
I think this is the start of a tradition! Last year we extended the Smartphone Round Robin deadline by a week and we're doing the same thing this year! Between the holidays, some shipping delays, getting prepped for January's big events (CES coming up and Dieter/Rene will be hitting up MacWorld too) and just being swamped in general, we're going to keep the Round Robin going until January 10th. This is good news for those who have taken an active role in participating - this gives you an extra 10 days to visit each SPE site to make a comment on a Round Robin post or forum thread to gain an extra contest entry ballot... that's 50 more chances to win!
What's left to come in the Smartphone Round Robin? My Back on the Crack articles! It's time to review the BlackBerry Bold again plus throw it an official welcome home party. Will my perspective on the Bold have changed now that I've tasted the forbidden fruits?? I'm guessing you all know the answer to that, but you'll have to hang on to find out for sure. In the meantime, especially if you've missed out on the Round Robin posts to date, take this opportunity to look at the articles of the past month:
And heck, just to make it easy for you to get one more chance to win a BlackBerry Bold, let's make this an official contest post! Just be logged in and leave a comment and you could win a BlackBerry Bold, Spare Bold Battery and Case Mate Second Skin (thanks Case Mate!!). Need something to comment on? Tell us what your favorite part of the Round Robin has been so far!!!
CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Smartphone Round Robin Extended!
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Kevin Michaluk on 31-12-2008
I'm not sure what's going on in the world of BlackBerry, but it seems the good 'ole US of A has (mainly) been getting the short end of the stick as of late in terms of getting new BlackBerry smartpones first. The BlackBerry Bold was released pretty much everywhere in the world this past summer, yet AT&T didn't get it until November, the Storm hit Vodafone a week before Verizon (not too big of a wait - won't complain on that one) and now Americans are left waiting yet again, this time for the BlackBerry Curve 8900.
I've had my Rogers BlackBerry Curve 8900 for a couple weeks now and am LOVING IT, so I was glad to see this T-Mobile roadmap get leaked yesterday which calls for a mid-February release of RIM's next generation Curve. This is one of those devices that just needs to be out there asap! Release dates such as these have a habit of changing, but the good news is that February 18th isn't that far off. Half of the fun of buying a new smartphone is the anticipation, so hopefully those of you have been waiting for this one will make the most of the next six weeks of agony. Now we just need to know when AT&T is getting this baby... don't be surprised if you see them release it prior to T-Mobile.
[ via BGR ]
CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. T-Mo USA Getting the BlackBerry Curve 8900 this February?
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Ronen Halevy on 31-12-2008
sgt-d let me know that he has updated the BlackBerry Master Control Program to version 0.9.2.0 Beta 5. This release brings a ton of significant changes that make it worth a look.
- Java Loader "Load Modules" editor region is now drag & drop capable
- System Tray icon updated
- MCP now uses Java Loader 4.7.0
- Added RIM Command-Line Programmer (CFP) Command Line Interface (CLI) Page
- Added RIM MFI Multiloader Launch Icon
- Downloads page links updated
- Operating System Management page heavily updated
- OSM Page: Added VZW Navigator, Facebook, Flickr
- OSM Page is now compatible with CrackMem 3.1
- Settings icon right click = External Applications
Check out the update details at this link or the applications homepage at this link to download it free. The developer is accepting donations if you are willing to send a few bucks his way to support his work.
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Ronen Halevy on 31-12-2008
Luis let me know about a free app and mobile site called BBSportsLines that gets you standings and odds for many sports. These include football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, nascar, and others - even cricket rugby, and mixed martial arts. Pretty cool for a free app!
You can find the app at this link or the mobile website at this link
From the description:
Ever sitting in the stands wondering what the odds were for the game? Or looking for the latest line in the morning, but stuck in traffic? BBSportsLines is the application for blackberry devices to find the betting odds for your favorite sports and teams. Just download the free application and get up to date information, anytime - anywhere.
Features:
- Support for many sports including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, nascar, and others - even cricket rugby, and mixed martial arts!
- Side wagers, total team and player props, futures, and more - all included
- Entertainment and politics props
- Easy To navigate interface
- Data updated every hour
- It’s FREE!
- Now with line change alerts! Simply set an alert and when a line changes, you will know! Easily set an alert for all events, an entire sport, or just a single event you want to follow!
- Keep an eye on all sports, our editor moderated "featured" sports, or set your own favorites.
- All in an eye pleasing and easy to use interface.
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Ronen Halevy on 31-12-2008
Zumobi has put out a Xbox 360 channel app out that looks pretty cool and is free. I am more of a Wii man myself but I can see the appeal. The channel gives you access to information and stories along with news, video/audio, community updates, gamer tag status and more on your BlackBerry.
Sadly the app is only for the 81XX, 83XX, & 88XX series devices so newer and older devices are out of luck…
You can read more at the partner page or you can download it OTA at xbox.zumobi.com
via PocketPC Thoughts via BlackBerryNews
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Ronen Halevy on 31-12-2008
Zach over at the BoyGenius scored a nice screenshot of T-Mobile USA’s upcoming roadmap for Jan-Feb 2009. It shows the 8900 Curve coming to T-Mobile on February 18th! Nothing much else of interest but this answers the question many of you T-Mobile fanboys have been asking. Yes the 8900 will be coming your way and yes it will be coming “soon”. Probably sporting T-Mobile@Home but no promises.
via BoyGenius
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Ronen Halevy on 31-12-2008
Color me confused. In an interview that Mike Lazaridis recently gave to Damian at Cnet Mike went on the record as calling the Storm a Netbook.
When asked by Damian if Netbooks were competitors to the BlackBerry Mike responded:
No, I think I can put Netbooks in here [referring to the BlackBerry Storm]. These are Netbooks. They are just smaller.
Mike also had some interesting things to say about what game changers will come into effect in 2009:
I think the game changer is the network speed as the network hype gets inordinate attention. You are going to see more wireless Web services, both in the B2B and B2C. You put a faster network and it’s like going from a four-lane road to a six-lane road with finer asphalt. You may be able to go a little faster and put more cars, but fundamentally it’s still a road. It’s pretty capable right now, but there is better stuff out there. I think the most important thing is the transforming of services people are using.
Very interesting interview if you are into this kind of stuff. The interview is broken up into 5 different pages so I put the links below:
via SlashGear
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Summer on 30-12-2008
Review: WildCharger - Wireless Charging Unit For BlackBerry
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
Cost: $79.99 For Pad & Skin
We, BlackBerry Addicts, are constantly running our batteries down; whether or not we’d like to admit it. And many of us don’t like to lug around travel chargers or USB cords. So for this exact reason, the good people at WildCharge came up with a different type of charger for us. It’s called WildCharger.
This innovative charging pad is the size of a typical mousepad which is powered by an AC adapter. The charging is done with the WildCharge Skin. The skin has contact points on the back that accepts the charge from the Pad. It doesn’t matter which way you place your BlackBerry on the pad, its guaranteed to receive a charge that is just as quick as if it was plugged into the wall. Just stretch the skin over your BlackBerry, and, voila! Charging made simple.
I had the opportunity to test this and I must say that its a great idea. When I get to work, after catching up on emails during my daily commute, I just place my BlackBerry on the pad and by the time I’m ready for my coffee break, its all charged up and ready to start shooting off new emails and texts.
The WildCharger Bundle for Pearl (which was used for this review) and Curve contain the WildCharger Skin, WildCharger Pad and AC adapter and is sold for $79.99. The Pad and Skin can also be purchased separately for $34.99 and $49.99, respectively.
Manufacturer Specs:
WildCharger Bundle: Charge Pad & Skin for BlackBerry Pearl 8110/20/30 & BlackBerry Curve 8300
Enable your BlackBerry Pearl 8110/20/30 and BlackBerry Curve 8300 smartphones for wire-free charging with the WildCharge Skin. WildCharge technology is integrated into a flexible protective gel cover (“skin”) that fits snugly over the body of the BlackBerry. Embedded into the back of the protective skin is the WildCharge contact module that makes electrical connection with the surface of the WildCharger Pad. Available in matte black only.
Pros:
- Charging took just as long as if on normal AC Adapter.
- Easy to use. Just place on the WildCharge Pad with the skin installed on your BlackBerry.
Cons:
- A tad bit pricey but is the only wireless charger on the market.
NOTE: Like when using any type of magnet, exercise caution when placing your BlackBerry near credit cards while installed in the skin. The contact points are magnetic and might de-magnetize your cards.
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Kevin Michaluk on 30-12-2008
You just gotta love CrackBerry.com. What other blog would follow up a post about using your BlackBerry to get in shape in 2009 with one on mixing better alcoholic beverages to say farewell to 2008! :-)
JUST in time for New Year's Eve, the folks at Mobatech have now made their popular Mobile Bartender for BlackBerry application available in a Storm-compatible version. If you haven't heard of Mobile Bartender before, be sure to check out our CrackBerry review. The app can be purchased for $7.95 from our ShopCrackBerry.com Software Store, but don't forget, until midnight on Jan 1st you can save yourself 20% on all software if you purchase via CrackBerryAppStore.com on your BlackBerry and checkout using coupon code endofyearsale20.
So other than champagne at the stroke of midnight, who's drinking what tomorrow?
CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Mobile Bartender Now Available for the BlackBerry Storm!
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Ronen Halevy on 30-12-2008
I will start this by saying that I love eGrips. I have had them on every one of my BlackBerrys from my 8700 to my 8310. It was sadly missing when I upgraded to a Bold and they did not have a mold available. Well that has just changed.
Matt let me know that they have released eGrip molds for the Storm and Bold. There are not as many pieces as the older devices but that is because newer BlackBerrys are two thin to have side pieces…
Both the Storm and Bold eGrip kits come in black and cost $14.95 each. You can check them out at the links below:
Storm eGrips Kit | Bold eGrips Kit
Feature list:
Get a Grip on your slippery phone! egrips® Non-Slip Phone Kits are available for many popular high-end Smartphones. Made from a protective, gecko-like, silicone material, egrips® Non-Slip Kits make slippery devices easier to handle and keeps them from sliding around on any surface!
- Not Magnetic or Sticky … amazing gripping action is Magical!
- Stays securely in your hand, on your dash … virtually anywhere!
- Prevents damaging drops … prolongs life of your investment!
- Easily applied and cleanly removable … leaves no residue!
- Does not absorb dirt or oils and easily cleaned with a damp cloth!
- Patent Pending material dramatically enhances the device’s feel!
- Ultra-thin material does not prohibit the use of a case or clip!
- Most Advanced anti-skid surface in the world … will blow you away!
