Best of Smartphone Experts, 30 May 2010
Filed Under (Blackberry News) by Dieter Bohn on 31-05-2010
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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Best of Smartphone Experts, 30 May 2010
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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Best of Smartphone Experts, 30 May 2010
Could it be? Is Verizon finally going to be launching the BlackBerry Bold 9650? According to the team at BerryReporter, Verizon is set to soft-launch the Bold 9650 on June 3rd, and make it fully available to consumers on June 10th. Verizon plans to release the Bold 9650 in both a camera and camera-less version. As you may know the Bold 9650 is the upgraded version of the Tour 9630, which will feature an optical trackpad, along with Wi-Fi.
Let’s hope this rumor holds true! Stay tuned for updates…
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Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9650 to launch June 3rd?
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We all know that BlackBerry smartphones are the best mobile known to (wo)man. That’s not even a matter of opinion, it’s fact. Unfortunately, that doesn’t guarantee perfection. Sometimes we’re happy with how our operating system works and that’s great, but when there are features missing or running slower than they should, new operating system versions can potentially diminish these issues. Therefore, I’ve got a foolproof installation of updating your device OS on Windows.
Let’s keep going…
Step 1: Ensure Desktop Manager is installed, but not running. You can download the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager here (it’s available for both PC and Mac, however the Mac OS X version only allows you to install OS’ supported by your carrier).
Step 2: Download the executable setup file for the right model and operating system version you plan to install. Now, install it. After you’ve gone through all the obvious prompts, the last window of the installation will say “Yes, I want to start the BlackBerry Desktop Software.“ Ensure that box is NOT checked. Then click Finish. You have now installed the operating system to your computer in preparation for upload to your handheld device.
Step 3: Through windows explorer, navigate yourself to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader. In there, you’ll see a file called vendor.xml. That file needs to be deleted. Don’t worry, this file isn’t crucial. In fact, it’s crucial that the file does NOT exist so that it doesn’t restrict the operating system from being installed on a phone that doesn’t belong to the same provider that released the software.
Step 4: After completing the previous step, in the same folder where you deleted the .xml file, run Loader.exe. Go through the normal prompts. On the Communication Port Selection screen, ensure you select the PIN of the BlackBerry you are updating. After the second prompt, the process will retrieve device configuration. This will disable user interaction with the device
Step 5: Once your device’s configuration has been retrieved, it will give you the option to install the operating system however you choose on your device. If you only use one language but you see that many others are installed, un-check the boxes. These language packs take up good amounts of space on devices with less memory. Any third-party programs you have installed will appear at the bottom. Leave those checked otherwise they will be erased once your device is erased. Once you’ve chosen which options to update and install, selecting next will bring you to the backup stage. I personally recommend backing up everything. This means when your device is restarted, it will be in exactly the same settings as it was when you started the process.
Step 6: Once you pressed Finish at the end of the last step, the loader will go through an 11 step process that will complete the update to your device. During that time, your device will be rendered unusable. Don’t be alarmed by the lengthy time of initialization. As it is the first time the operating system has loaded, it can take anywhere up to 30 minutes. The progress bar will likely stall a in one (or many) places for long periods. This is typical and should not be cause to worry. Once your device has booted up, it will restore all the data that was backed up during earlier stages.
Step 7: Once the Application Loader Wizard says “Your device’s software has been updated successfully” then you’ll have updated your own operating system, that easily.
If you’ve got any questions feel free to post a comment below and we will try and help out…
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How To Update Your BlackBerry Device Operating System
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As BlackBerry users, the choices for browsers on our devices really are not that broad. Sure we have Opera Mini, we have Bolt and we have the built in BlackBerry browser. We could have had Skyfire but they suffered from failure to launch syndrom and have since moved on. While we know Webkit is in the works for our beloved devices we still have no indication as to when that may actually arrive. Many folks enjoy the options that are available and others simply just are looking for more.
As one of our forums moderators, Shao128 pointed out. We seemed to of have passed over another option. uZard is seemingly a beta browser for BlackBerry that offers a lot according to their website. Fast, desktop like experience with uploads and downloads of files included in the feature set. As well as on device conversion of flash videos. Having only tested it for a little while on my 9700 I can say it shows some promise but it may not meet the needs of all users. But, that's not to say it shouldn't be considered. Currently the site indicates it's available for the BlackBerry Bold 9000 but it does indeed run on other devices. Download, install and let us know what you think. It appears to have some issues on Storm devices so please, keep that in mind.
CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. uZard web browser for BlackBerry shows some promise
Over the last few days I have been using the BlackBerry 9650 RIM sent for us to review. Compared to the 9700 from T-Mobile the 9650 from Sprint is similar in specs and form factor. The 9650 is the Bold version for CDMA carriers and an upgrade to the Tour 9630. Some of the new features that the 9630 didn’t have and new to the 9650 includes Wi-Fi, optical Trackpad, and more memory. For my review I am going to compare it to the 9700 since it is the other device that I have been using and they both pack most of the same features.
Video Direct Link
Form factor : The 9650 and the 9700 look almost the same but there are some differences. The 9650 is a little bit bigger and weights more. Both devices share a similar design except that the bezel in the 9650 is curved more and the bottom edge the 9700 bezel is a bit wider. Another difference is the keypad; The keypad on the 9700 is leveled with the, where the 9650 keypad is raise above the screen. I don’t believe this will be a problem with holstering or cause any wear.
KeyPad, Convenience keys & Ports: Typing on the 9650 is just as comfortable as typing on the 9700, if anything it might be better. It might be because it’s a new device but it does feel smoother when typing on it. The convenience keys are located as follow, one on the left side, can be set for any kind of shortcut, Top side on the right a 3.5mm head set jack, +/- volume keys, Middle button is pre-set to activate the camera. The micro USB port is on the bottom right hand side for charging and connecting to the computer for transferring files and upgrading the operating system. At the top you get the usual key lock on the top left side, the standby/Mute key on the top right.
TrackPad: This is a new addition to the 9650 if you have a 9630 and you are waiting to upgrade you are going to love using the trackpad on this device. The trackpad allows for easier navigation you don’t have to worry about it getting stuck like the trackballs do. It only takes a couple of hours to get used to navigating with the trackpad.
Camera: The camera is a 3.2 MP with auto focus both the 9700 and the 9650 have the same camera along with flash and video recording. On the 9700 The camera’s flash is on one corner and the camera on the other corner of the device but the 9650’s flash is right above the camera.
Memory : The 9700 only has 256MB of memory where they 9650 has 512MB of flash memory. Both devices allow for expandable memory with via microSD cards. The 9650 comes with a 2GIG memory card. The 9650 way more memory for 3rd party apps compare to the 9700 or the older 9630. With the OS installed and a few 3rd party apps the 9650 stock has about 315 MB of memory left.
Wi-FI – This is a great feature and I really can’t see myself using a device without it. The 9630 does not have Wi-Fi and all the BB’s with the Bold Brand have it. This is a nice upgrade for the 9650 because if you live in an area that has no poor data coverage the Wi-Fi allows for data over Wi-Fi while you talk on the phone.
Accessories : With the 9650 you get a swivel holster, Wall Charger, a micro USB cable, and a 3.5mm stereo headphone.
Battery: The battery on the 9650 is the same battery on older devices like the 8900, a 1400 mAh Standard. Both the bold 9000 and the 9700 have a much bigger battery with about an hour more of talk time.
Operating System: The OS preloaded on the 9650 is version 5.0.0.621 but sprint already has pushed out an update to 5.0.0.699. The update wash also pushed OTA will write about that on a separate article.
Travel: The 9650 is a world phone which means it will also pick up GSM frequencies and has room for a SIM card. I was able to use my T-Mobile SIM right out of the box and it Picks up EDGE the T-Mobile 3G frequency is not supported. This device is perfect for business travelers.
To conclude the review the 9650 is a great device and a work horse. If you have been waiting for a device that has the latest and best options this is the device for you.
Specks – Specs and comparison from www.blackberry.com
BlackBerry Bold 9650 Sprint |
BlackBerry Bold 9700 T-Mobile USA |
Features Available
| Wireless email | ||
| Organizer | ||
| Browser | ||
| Phone | ||
| Camera | 3.2MP | 3.2MP |
| Video recording | ||
| BlackBerry® Maps | ||
| Media player | ||
| Corporate data access | ||
| SMS | ||
| MMS | ||
| GPS |
Size and Weight
| Height | 4.43″/112mm | 4.29″/109mm |
| Width | 2.40″/62mm | 2.36″/60mm |
| Depth | 0.56″/14mm | 0.56″/14mm |
| Weight | 4.8 oz (136g) | 4.30oz/122g |
Data Input/Navigation
| Keyboard | Full QWERTY | Full QWERTY |
| Keyboard backlighting | ||
| Trackpad |
Voice Input/Output
Display
| Display | High-resolution 480×360 pixel color display | High-resolution 480×360 pixel color display |
| Transmissive TFT LCD | ||
| Font size (user selectable) | ||
| Color display | ||
| Backlighting | ||
| Light sensing screen |
Notification
Approximate Battery Life
| Standby time | up to 13 days/312 hours | GSM – up to 21 days/504 hours, UMTS – up to 17 days/408 hours |
| Talk time | up to 5 hours | GSM: up to 6 hours, UMTS: up to 6 hours |
| Music playback time | up to 18 hours | up to 38 hours |
Memory
| Expandable memory – support for microSD card | ||
| Expandable memory – support for hot swappable microSD card, SDHC supported | ||
| Onboard memory | 512 MB | 256MB |
| Flash memory | 512 MB | 256MB |
| Included media card | 2 GB |
Modem
| RIM® wireless modem | ||
| Tethered modem capability |
Wireless Networks*
Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, May 29, 2010, 2:00 pm. | Sprint BlackBerry Bold 9650 Review | 4 comments |

FML, the site that reminds you there are others that have it worse and can make you feel a tad bit better on your worse day has finally released their official app for BlackBerry. There have been others available for a charge, but this is from the site themselves at no charge. Word to the wise, most of the content is NSFW.


I had to try it out and get some screenshots. You can see that all the different categories are there just like from the site. You can also sign in if you have an account and submit your own FML. Again, I would caution reading any of it at work. But it does provide some entertainment to lighten up your bad day. I’ve browsed through it a bit, and while I’ve been on the site a few times, it’s not really something I do that often personally. I’m glad that FML finally released their own application. For those of us who like to read someone’s painful moments, it’s a great thing the app is finally available.
Read more about the Official FML application for BlackBerry here
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FML: The Official Application For BlackBerry Is Available And It’s Free
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This week we saw a great video of BlackBerry 6 running on the upcoming 9800 Slider (the video has since been taken down). We got a glimpse of the AT&T splash screen as well as a quick runthrough of some of the device apps. All around some pretty cool stuff. The white Bold 9700 landed on T-Mobile, and two-way Gmail sync kicked in. Not too much in the contest department, but we have a few to keep the streak alive.
What You May Have Missed
Contest Reminders
CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. CrackBerry reminder: What you may have missed this week
Could it be? Could Verizon customers actually be able to grab the BlackBerry Bold 9650 through direct fufillment on June 3rd and then head on into a store to grab one on June 10th? Sure seems that way if the internal pic above is to be believed. If it turns out to be correct then it should make some Verizon customers out there who have been waiting what seems like, forever for this device. Thanks to everyone who sent this in and exploded our tip line.
Via: BerryReporter
CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9650 available for direct fufillment June 3rd; In stores June 10th?

BerryBuzz updated and it has more fixes and support for more applications. BerryBuzz is a great application, alerting you with led colors you customize, so if you have to have your phone on silent, you know what’s coming in. BerryBuzz is available in the BlackBerry Sync Store for only $5.95. What’s new?

The following has been added:

This is to add with the already many features it includes which are:





If you haven’t tried out BerryBuzz, you really should check it out. At work I can’t have the ringer on, but I can customize all of my messages so depending on what’s lighting up, I know which email, whether it’s a bbm message, group, etc just by the led. There is a free trial available as well.
If you have BerryBuzz, please update it now. You can do that either online by signing into the BlackBerry Sync App Store, and going to My Apps, and update and download the new BerryBuzz by having it sent to you. Or the easier way, from your Mobile BlackBerry Sync Super Store, sign in, go to MyApps and download the new upgrade from there. Besides, BerryBuzz is by Bellshare GmbH, which has several great apps including BerryWeather. Their name speaks for itself.
If you don’t have BerryBuzz, you can still get it.
Grab your copy of BerryBuzz by Bellshare GmbH v3.0.66 for $5.95 from the BlackBerry Sync Store here
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BerryBuzz By Bellshare GmbH Updates To v3.0.66, Offering More Support And Fixes
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Hot on the heels of the Rogers launch announcement, TELUS has announced the availablity of the BlackBerry Pearl 3G in Pink and also stated that users will soon also be able to grab the device in Black. Even though the announcement was put out, users may still have some issues with actually getting the device in their hands. Online sales are available and only some stores have stock at the moment. You can hit up the TELUS website for more information or give a shout to your local dealer and see of they have any available. Price? $29.99 on a 3 year contract, $249.99 on a 2 year and $299.99 on a 1 year. If you want no contract expect to pay $349.99. No matter which pricepoint you choose, TELUS will donate $25 towards Breast cancer research. Thanks to everyone who sent this in, happy hunting if you're looking to pick one up
CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. TELUS launches Pink BlackBerry Pearl 3G; Available in black soon