‘BlackBerry Love’ is a RIMgasmic Commercial (NSFW) (September,2012)

Research In Motion is betting big time on the loyalty of BlackBerry users. RIM is hoping their continued support will carry on into BlackBerry 10.One fan has put together a compelling video that expresses ‘BlackBerry Love’. Personally, I feel this video would certainly turn a lot of heads if it were aired on TV. Perhaps this type of catchy marketing is something RIM should utilize?Check out the video below and let us know if you think this commercial would be a good fit for national TV campaigns. On a BlackBerry? Click here for mobile YouTube videovia BerryReview

RIM Teams up with Marmalade Giving Developers Free SDKs and PlayBooks (September,2012)

Do you want Marmalade?  Not exactly the one you put on your toast, but the kind that helps you build cross-platform mobile games?   RIM and Marmalade are teaming up to give developers a taste of Marmalade (no pun intended) on the BlackBerry platform!  Qualified developers will receive a free indie licence of the Marmalade SDK and PlayBook as part of the deal.  This is part of RIM’s ongoing efforts to attract developers to the BlackBerry 10 platform.Alec Saunders, Vice President of Developer Relations and Ecosystem for Research and Motion states, “This offer showcases the power and flexibility of BlackBerry 10 for gaming. No other platform offers the same openness and flexibility as BlackBerry 10. Together with Marmalade, we’re working to make it as easy as possible for mobile developers to bring their apps to the BlackBerry platform.”The success of the BlackBerry platform will depend on the applications available to consumers at launch.  By attracting developers to create apps for BlackBerry 10, RIM is working towards securing a spot for BlackBerry 10 in the race for the growing smartphone market.Check out the press release below for more info. RIM and Marmalade to offer developers free SDK Licences and a BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet
Participants Eligible to Receive over $700 in Free Goods to Help with Application DevelopmentLONDON, 19 September 2012: BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) and Marmalade, makers of the world’s most powerful cross-platform SDK, today announced a special offer that reinforces RIM and Marmalade’s commitment to developers.The offer highlights BlackBerry® 10 as a powerful gaming platform as well as RIM’s dedication to open standards and platforms, and encourages Marmalade developers to bring their games and applications to the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ and BlackBerry 10 platform. The offer means that all eligible mobile developers can experience the benefits of mobile app development using the Marmalade SDK targeting the BlackBerry platform.Initially available for a limited period, qualified developers who register will receive a Marmalade SDK license for the BlackBerry platform as well as a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Once the developer has published their app on the BlackBerry App World™ storefront, they can unlock the full cross-platform power of the Marmalade SDK by upgrading to the Marmalade Indie licence for free*.Developers can leverage this offer to take advantage of the powerful gaming capabilities of the BlackBerry PlayBook as well as the first-to-market opportunity that the BlackBerry 10 platform presents. Then through the powerful Marmalade SDK developers can target other platforms. The Marmalade SDK also offers developers the option to develop natively with C/C++ or create hybrid apps in HTML5, targeting mobile devices as well as desktop and laptop computers.Harvey Elliott, Managing Director & COO, Marmalade said, “At Marmalade, we are thrilled to help developers discover the power and agility of the BlackBerry 10 platform. We passionately believe that more platforms mean more possibilities, and this fantastic offer really makes that a reality for all indie developers. Develop a brilliant app for BlackBerry and then target other platforms later on.”The offer is designed to attract world-class content to the BlackBerry 10 platform, while making it easy for developers to manage their content across multiple operating systems, and is expected to deliver thousands of new apps in the lead up to the launch of BlackBerry 10.Alec Saunders, Vice President of Developer Relations and Ecosystem at RIM said, “This offer showcases the power and flexibility of BlackBerry 10 for gaming. No other platform offers the same openness and flexibility as BlackBerry 10. Together with Marmalade, we’re working to make it as easy as possible for mobile developers to bring their apps to the BlackBerry platform.”BlackBerry App World is one of the most profitable mobile app stores for developers, with more than 6 million applications downloaded every day. According to market analysis and strategy firm Vision Mobile, BlackBerry developers generate, on average, 4 percent more revenue per app per month than iOS developers and almost 40 percent more than Android developers.Developers can sign up now at http://madewithmarmalade.com/blackberry.*Or up to two Marmalade Licences per organisation.  Offer subject to terms and conditions.

BlackBerry 10 L-Series Gets Early Teardown (September,2012)

Research In Motion’s BlackBerry 10 L-Series sure is getting the leak treat this month. So far we’ve seen some pretty compelling photos to know nearly everything about the device. Now, according to site BisVN, we get to see an early teardown of the L-Series. Here’s what they’ve said about it so far:Full capacitive touch-screen, we were informed that the keyboard version would most likely come out a month after.Dual core processor with an pristine ISP displayTwo colors: white + black. The white looks awesome, way better than the iPhone 5 which I am currently testing.Front camera with video chat feature like team view. Besides being able to see each other through the front camera, it can also show the screen of the person you are talking too.Camera with auto-focus can take pictures at the speed of 1shot/second, then you can choose the best one.Time view function. For 1 picture, it could save up to 10 facial expressions of any person, they you can scroll back and forth to view and choose the best one.There isn’t too much new information, but a more full teardown is said to happen soon. What else would you like to know about the internals of the BlackBerry 10 L-Series? Check out below for more photos.via CrackBerry 

Photo Share Social App for BlackBerry Released (September,2012)

S4BB has released an all new social application for BlackBerry Smartphones: Photo Share Social. Thanks to this handy application it’s now possible to share your favorite photos with friends on Facebook, Twitter & BBM with a single click.Photo Share Social is compatible with all BlackBerry Smartphones running OS 6.0 and up and available for free on BlackBerry App World here.

Leaked: BlackBerry Torch 9860 OS 7.1.0.714 (September,2012)

BlackBerry Torch 9860 users are getting some love today. OS 7.1.0.714 has leaked out today for the Torch 9860. We’re unsure as to what might be different in this OS, so you’ll have to let us know what you might find. As with any leaked OS, be sure to backup your BlackBerry before installing.Download Torch 9860 OS 7.1.0.714Make sure you join our community to share your thoughts on this!*DISCLAIMER* â€" This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! N4BB.COM is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. If you have never loaded a leaked OS before, we highly recommend you read the tutorial listed below:How to: load an OS on your BlackBerry

N4BB Audio Show #14: BlackBerry Evangelist Patrick Mollins Talks BlackBerry Jam Americas (September,2012)

Subscribe to N4BB Audio Show podcast RSS Feed directly or in iTunesFor episode 14 of the N4BB Audio Show we had a very special guest, BlackBerry Evangeist Patrick Mollins, to talk about BlackBerry Jam Americas. Patrick discusses the cool hackathons they’ll have aboard BlackBerry Jam Buses in California.Patrick talks about the excitement that developers are starting to have for BlackBerry 10. Have a listen and let us know if you’re excited for BlackBerry Jam Americas.

How to Submit a Review to BlackBerry App World (September,2012)

Have you ever downloaded an app that was so incredibly crappy you wished you had never come across it? Or maybe the app was so amazing you wished you had known about it sooner. Maybe if other users left reviews for each app/game they downloaded it would be much easier for all of us to find good apps and skip the bad ones. Here’s how you can submit a review of an app or game to App World:Note: To submit a review, you must have first downloaded the app at least once on your phone. It doesn’t have to be installed.1. Open BlackBerry App World and go to My World.2. You will see a list of your installed apps. Pick the one you would like to review. You can also pick one of the unistalled apps by tapping the Installed button at the top and selecting Uninstalled from the drop down list.3. Once you’ve choosen the app you would like to review, swipe to the side until you get to the Review panel. Tap the Add a Review button at the top of the panel. If you have never installed the app, you will NOT see the Add a Review button.4. Enter a short review title on the first text box, write your review on the second and select the amount of stars you’d like to give to the app/game.5. Once you’re done writing, hit the Submit button to submit the review to App World.And you’re done! Your review and rating will affect the app’s overall rating. Always try to write good, helpful reviews with information you would’ve liked to know before downloading a certain app or game. Remember to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments below!

Animated Weather HD: Cloudy with a Chance of Awesome! (September,2012)

The BlackBerry PlayBook comes pre-loaded with a nice weather app, but there are other even better ones out there.  One of my favourites is Animated Weather HD.  It’s got more features than pretty much every other weather app you’ve seenâ€"and more.  Why settle for a base toyota, when you can have a fully loaded S-Class of an app, right?  From the same developer as StereoTube, it would be an understatement to say it looks good.
The developer, Andrei Avram, guarantees your satisfaction with the app or your money back, just like Sterotube.  Missing a feature you want (doubtful, but its possible), he’ll do his best to get it to you.  It is admirable to see such dedication to customers and the app.  With frequent updates bringing in new requested features, it’s hard to go wrong.  Even check out some of the latest reviews below.You can add as many cities as you can find on the map, check the radar data, and even have the weather read to you by voice!For $2.99, you can pick up this app in the PlayBook’s App World, which giving you free updates for life.Check out the app’s page here or read the description below.App Description——————————————————————————————————————————————–Animated Weather HD provides you with a stunning HD interface for checking weather on your BlackBerry® PlayBookâ„¢.- You can add an unlimited number of cities- Very good international and USA locations support because it uses 3 different location providers simultaneously- Local Radar (available ANYWHERE in the world, to enable it go to Maps and select Animated Radar)- Weather maps for any country(International support) including clouds layer, temperature maps- You can add your own URL to display such as webcam, other maps, etc.- This is the only app for PlayBookâ„¢ that has international weather map support!- UNIQUE feature:  Weather Voice! – the application reads to you the weather, temperature and current condition! The quality of voice, pronunciation is like SIRI assistant on Iphoneâ„¢.- How it feels temperature(RealFeel)- Hourly Forecast- 7 days forecast- Humidity- Ultraviolet index and skin cancer risk meter(like “High risk”,”No risk” etc.)- Wind Speed and Direction- Probability of Rain- Fahrenheit / Celsius scales (metric/imperial units)- Beautiful HD background slideshow with pictures that change according to current weather conditions (HD Videos are coming in next update)- Manual refresh button- Offline Mode(It will still display the last retrieved weather even if you don’t have an Internet connection at some times)- Swipe from top bezel to enter settings, swipe towards top bezel to close the settings page- Weather forecast refreshes automatically (15 min – 3 hour)- If you have any problem at all using it, or you would like a feature that is missing just send an email at animated.weather.hd@gmail.com and your problem/request will be solved or you will be REFUNDED.- Please be supportive towards PlayBookâ„¢ app development and don’t leave a bad review before sending an email at animated.weather.hd@gmail.com. THANKS!This app is committed to become the best weather app for PlayBookâ„¢ and every buyer will have FREE updates for life!UPDATES:4.8.0(16 July) – added Hourly forecast4.5.3(4 July) – added a weather map gallery(temperature map,radar, satellite), and details for every forecasted day; added ultraviolet index4.0.0(31 May) – added 7-day forecast and other weather details RealFeel temperature, observation date, humidity, wind speed and direction, probability of rain, Offline mode3.5.1(7 May) – added Spoken weather, the application tells (speaks)  the weather!3.0.0(20 April) – added weather maps from Google® including clouds layer, ability to close any window by swiping up2.5.0 – major user interface redesign,faster weather update, better locations support2.0.0: – added WeatherBug® as location provider so now, you should see the all your favorite cities when you search.Keywords: weather animated slideshow nature temps spoke voice forecast hourly meteo 

BlackBerry 10 L-Series Render Shows Black and White Device (September,2012)

We’re unsure whether or not this render of the BlackBerry 10 L-Series comes from RIM. What we do know is the L-Series looks pretty damn sexy, even in white.There have been a few hints that RIM would be making a white variant of the L-Series. We saw a white BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha sneak out in pictures. There was even that interesting ‘London’ photo too, but it’s debatable if that was white or silver.Which color would you choose if there were a black and white option at the launch of the L-Series? It would be a tough choice for me, but I’d likely stick with classic black. Sound off in the comments with your choice.via @GustavittThanks JamezAlexander!

RIM Announces BlackBerry 10 Jam Sessions Bus Tour and Hackathon (September,2012)

Research In Motion has announced that 100 lucky BlackBerry Jam Americas attendees will be able to attend one of their most unique sessions. The selected attendees will be able to board a bus and pitch hackathon ideas. Here’s the official details on the matter:Research In Motion is running a special program to generate excitement around the BlackBerry 10 platform and BlackBerry Jam Americas. We are offering developers the opportunity to participate in a pre-conference super hackathon â€" this BlackBerry Jam Session will be held on Monday September 24. This is an intense 10 hour coding day where developers can turn their app ideas into reality all in an exciting and supportive environment. BlackBerry technical experts will be on hand to provide guidance, share ideas and support developers as they bring their apps to life. Developers will get a chance to present their apps to a panel of judges for a chance to win incredible prizes.We want to help you get there……that is why we are getting over 100 people from two cities on buses to San Jose! The experience starts on the bus where a BlackBerry Evangelist team member will get developers pumped for the Jam Session and the conference. The bus ride will give developers a head start by forming teams, mapping out app ideas, asking questions and get tools ready for Monday.What’s included? You will get a free ride to and from San Jose, snacks, beverages, wifi, power, and a free pass to the three day BlackBerry Jam Americas conference following the Jam Session.The space is limited as there will only be three buses leaving from Los Angeles and San Diego, California to travel to BlackBerry Jam Americas in San Jose. If you’re interested in registering, you must contact Patrick Mollins at pmollins @ RIM .com and follow him on Twitter @party_pat.

BlackBerry User on Virgin Mobile? Beware of This Security Hole (September,2012)

A developer at Twilio, which helps developers add calls and text messages to their applications, claims he’s found a security hole in Virgin Mobile phones. The security hole could allow hackers to intercept calls and text messages, lock users out of their accounts and buy a new phone with their credit card.The developer, Kevin Burke, in a blog post said the vulnerability stems from the fact that the wireless carrier requires subscribers to use their phone numbers as their username and a 6-digit number as their password.“Pretty much anyone can log into your Virgin Mobile account and wreak havoc, as long as they know your phone number,” he said, adding “there is no way to defend against this attack.”Burke says Virgin Mobile’s setup for subscribers is “horribly insecure” compared with a randomly generated 8-letter password containing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and digits. He warned a hacker could determine a Virgin Mobile subscriber’s PIN “inside of one day.”So far, Virgin Mobile has not responded to Burke’s findings. If you’re a BlackBerry user on Virgin Mobile, perhaps reach out and let them know you’d like a more secure password and/or username.via Huffington Post

Mobilicity Offering 50% Off All Plans for Limited Time (September,2012)

Mobilicity Canada is offering 50% off all regular rate plans, until September 30th. Take advantage of this HUGE SALE before it’s too late. It might be worth your while to get an extra line just for BBM.Unlimited Starter – NOW $12.50/month (was $25) Includes:Unlimited Province Wide TalkUnlimited North American Text & Picture MessagingCaller ID and Call FeaturesUnlimited Plus – NOW $17.50/month (was $35) Includes:Unlimited Light Data (Social Networking + Email or BBM + Email)Unlimited Canada Wide TalkUnlimited Global Text15 Minutes North American Voice RoamingVoicemail, Caller ID and Call FeaturesUnlimited Value – NOW $22.50/month (was $45) Includes:Unlimited DataUnlimited North American TalkUnlimited Global Text30 Minutes North American Voice RoamingVoicemail, Caller ID and Call FeaturesUnlimited Everything – NOW $27.50/month (was $55) Includes:Unlimited DataUnlimited North American TalkUnlimited Global Text60 Minutes North American Voice RoamingPhone Protection PlanVoicemail, Caller ID and Call FeaturesCheck out full details on the Mobilicity 50% off sale here.Thanks Nick!

ECBC Unveils B7 Line of Rugged Ballistic Bags (September,2012)

ECBC, a new division of a leading multi-million dollar packaging company, is proud to introduce its B7 Series of bags made of rugged High Density (HD) Ballistic Nylon.  The uncompromising line of backpacks, messenger bags and tote bags combine a sleek, yet rugged exterior with a double diamond rip stop lined interior.  Each member of the B7 series is thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on quality and functionality.“We are excited to announce the B7 series to the consumer,” says ECBC’s V.P of Sales and Marketing Brett Reznichek. “When creating this line of bags we made sure not to cut any corners and make the quality the best in the business.”B7 BackpacksAll laptop backpacks are not created equal. Your digital gear will be highly protected and conveniently organized in the B7 series laptop backpack.  Available in three sizes and multiple colors, all B7 backpacks protect up to a 17 inch laptop in a high density foam compartment, feature dual zip-away water bottle pockets, water resistant YKK zippers, foam-padded shoulder straps and top handles.
Harpoon Daypack- $99.99
Don’t let its compact exterior fool you, the Harpoon Daypack offers a huge storage capacity and multiple organization options.  The sleek bag features a large main document compartment for large files or notebooks and multiple interior accessory pockets for keeping external hard drives, cables and other small items safe.Javelin Daypack- $129.99
Designed to help travelers speed through airport security lines, the Javelin features the TSA compliant ECBC FastPass system. Simply unzip the padded laptop compartment of your Javelin and lay it flat on the conveyor belt. Your notebook will remain safe and sound in its padded compartment as it passes through scanners at airport security checkpointsLance Daypack- $149.99
Offering the most interior storage space of any of the B7 Backpacks, the Lance features the TSA-compliant FastPass laptop compartment and a multitude pockets for all your personal and work related gear.  The spacious bag is the only one in the line to offer dual ‘hide away’ zippered beverage/utility pockets. The Lance’s ergonomically designed shoulder strap system with multiple adjustment points and breathable padding design insures a comfortable experience.  A super soft neoprene phone pocket keeps your smartphone safe and accessible at all times.B7 Messenger BagsConstructed with the toughest Ballistic Nylon featuring double diamond rip stop, the B7 Messenger Bags are available in several styles and colors.  These durable, yet trendy, messenger bags also feature the YKK RC zipper for extra safety and security for all your belongings.Trident Messenger Bag- $119.99 
The roomy Trident messenger bag protects up to a 15 inch laptop and a tablet simultaneously.  Equipped with a foldout FastPass laptop compartment, the Trident enables speedy security checks and features a luggage trolley pass-through handle, top zipper for quick access and a front ticket/passport pocket for maximum convenienceTomahawk Messenger Bag- $139.99
The larger Tomahawk messenger bag fits most 17 inch laptops, a tablet and still has room for your peripherals and accessories. Equipped with the convenient FastPass system as well as and adjustable padded shoulder strap, makes traveling easy and comfortable. Its high quality ballistic nylon exterior with water repellent coating performs flawlessly in all climates, providing the ultimate in protection and security.B7 Tote BagsB7 Totes protect your laptop and provide ample space for power adapters, personal accessories, documents and more. Available in 13 inch and 17 inch models, the B7 Tote interiors are equipped with durable YKK zippers and padded, fleece-lined laptop compartments.Dart Laptop Tote- $79.99
The compact Dart Laptop Tote protects up to a 13 inch laptop and tablet with accessories.  Available in black or grey ballistic nylon with a repellent coating, the Dart also sports the luggage trolley handle pass-through feature and an adjustable padded shoulder strap.Spear Laptop Tote- $99.99
The larger Spear features a designed tablet pocket and a main compartment sized to fit most 17 inch laptops including a 15 or 17 inch Macbook Pro.  The heavy duty bag also offers the comfort and convenience of a padded shoulder strap and exterior ticket pocket respectively.
AvailabilityThe B7 Series line of bags ships today and is available at www.ec-bc.comTo request additional information about EB-BC please contact PR Representative Andrew Felix at305-374-4404 ext. 136 or by e-mail at andrewfelix@maxborgesagency. com .About ECBC:Simplicity. Quality. Functionality.
ECBC is an uncompromising line of bags and cases based in Southern California.  Our focus is on giving people a more functional, comfortable and stylish way of transporting their laptops, ipads, tablets and other essentials.ECBC is a new division of an established multi-million dollar packaging company with over a decade of experience in manufacturing.  Our bag and case designers are industry veterans who took their many years of experience and built the ECBC line with the features that people want the most.A sleek and classy looking exterior constructed of high-density material combined with thoughtful, detailed organization on the interior are only the beginning of what sets ECBC apart from the rest!To learn more about ECBC, go to www.ec-bc.com

BlackBerry Bold 9900′s Affected in T-Mobile Service Disruption (September,2012)

T-Mobile USA customers who use the BlackBerry Bold 9900 seem to be experiencing a service disruption. The problem, limited only to customers with the Bold 9900, seems to be affecting email and internet connection.The partial service disruptio does not affect phone call services and text messaging, says T-Mobile. The company said it is working with RIM to restore service as quickly as possible, but did not mention what the cause of the problem could be.Are you still experiencing issues? No other carriers are said to be experiencing these problems, it is isolated only to T-Mobile Bold 9900 users.via Reuters

T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9900 FREE from Sept 21–30 (September,2012)

T-Mobile let us know that they’re helping customers “fall into savings”  with their fifth “Magenta Deal Days” promotion, ‘Zero Down.’ From Sept. 21â€"30, new and existing T-Mobile customers can purchase any device for $0.00 down payment on qualifying Unlimited Valueâ„¢ and Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plans after mail-in rebate card.Check out the press release below for full details of the promotion:Press ReleaseT-Mobile Helps Customers Fall Into Savings From Sept. 21â€"30, get any device, including the Samsung Galaxy S® III, for $0.00 down BELLEVUE, Wash. â€" Sept. 18, 2012 â€" Prices are falling at T-Mobile® this September during the “Magenta Deal Days” Zero Down promotion, making staying in touch more affordable than ever. Starting Sept. 21, customers can purchase any device, including the Samsung Galaxy S® III, for $0.00 down payment on qualifying Unlimited ValueTM and Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plans after mail-in rebate card.“Our customers continue to appreciate our ‘Magenta Deal Days’ offerings because they showcase our commitment to giving all our customers the best 4G experiences,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president of marketing, T-Mobile USA. “With back to school in full swing, we’re glad to offer another great deal to keep families in touch.”The Samsung Galaxy S III is one of T-Mobile’s fastest 4G (HSPA+ 42 technology) smartphones. With an intuitive design, the Galaxy S III enables customers to effortlessly share photos, videos and more to a compatible TV or other Galaxy S III devices. Featuring a beautiful 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLEDâ„¢ screen, the Galaxy S III packs a powerful entertainment experience, which allows customers to watch HD movies and TV shows, download apps, and securely browse the Web.New customers will be eligible for this deal when they sign a two-year agreement on any qualifying Unlimited Value and Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan (Unlimited, 5GB or 10GB). Existing customers also can take advantage of this offer.1Data-hungry smartphone customers can choose the ultimate worry-free experience with T-Mobile’s new Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, featuring no data caps, no speed limits and no overages, as well as fast, dependable nationwide 4G coverage. For more details about T-Mobile’s Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, visithttp://www.T-Mobile.com/ unlimited-data-plan .The following is a sample of device pricing and EIP payments included in the “Magenta Deal Days” offer with a qualifying Unlimited Value plan:Device (Unlimited Value Plan)EIP Monthly Payment2Retail PriceOut-of-Pocket Down PaymentMail-In Rebate CardNet Down Payment (After Rebate)Samsung Galaxy S III$20.00$549.99$149.99$150.00$0.00HTC® One Sâ„¢$20.00$449.99$49.99$50.00$0.00T-Mobile® myTouch® Q$15.00$349.99$49.99$50.00$0.00Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G$15.00$349.99$99.99$100.00$0.00BlackBerry® Boldâ„¢ 9900$20.00$499.99$99.99$100.00$0.00Samsung Galaxy Note$20.00$499.99$99.99$100.00$0.00 The “Magenta Deal Days” promotion will be available at participating T-Mobile retail stores nationwide. For more information about T-Mobile’s “Magenta Deal Days” promotion and details about qualifying plans and services, visit http://bit.ly/NldCS8.1 Standard migration fees will apply for existing Classic customers who switch to a Value plan and have less than 18 months of contract tenure.2 Equipment installment plans: On approved credit and 0 percent APR. Down payment and unfinanced portion required at purchase. Remaining balance paid in 20 monthly installments.About T-Mobile USA, Inc.Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG (OTCQX: DTEGY). By the end of the second quarter of 2012, approximately 130 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group â€" 33.2 million by T-Mobile USA â€" all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS and additionally HSPA+ 21/HSPA+ 42. T-Mobile USA’s innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com.          T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visithttp://www.telekom.de/ investor-relations .  # # #

RIM Closing Tungle.me; Team Will Focus on BlackBerry 10 (September,2012)

Research In Motion hired Tungle.me not to long ago. The Tungle team has mostly focused on a calendar for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The team noted it’s also “driving innovation in Messaging (email), Contacts, Notes and Memos apps.”Due to the shift in focus to solely BlackBerry 10, Tungle.me will be closing its doors, much like Gist. Tungle.me will officially be shut down on December 3rd, 2012. Here’s an excerpt from the company blog post explaining the situation:Tungle began in 2006 to make finding times to meet with colleagues, clients and contacts as quick and easy as possible. In April of 2011, we were acquired by Research in Motion (RIM) with the goal of bringing the Tungle vision to millions of BlackBerry customers. After our acquisition we quickly went to work and built the BlackBerry Playbook Calendar app. Now, our team is creating the native Calendar app for the next generation platform, BlackBerry 10, and together with other key RIM employees, we are driving innovation in Messaging (email), Contacts, Notes and Memos apps.All of our new responsibilities within RIM are very exciting; however, it hasn’t left much time for innovation on the core Tungle product over the past year, as we’re sure you have noticed. To make the most of our new focus, we have sadly decided it is time to shut down the standalone Tungle service.As of Monday, December 3rd, 2012 we will shut down the standalone Tungle service. You will continue to be able to use your Tungle.me page until then to schedule meetings and share calendars. We know our dedicated members rely on Tungle every day to manage their calendars and we don’t want to leave you out to dry, so we suggest you check out Doodle to replace Tungle in December.via TechCrunch

RIM Signs Licensing Deal With Microsoft for exFAT (September,2012)

Research In Motion’s shares spiked today on word that Microsoft has entered into a licensing deal with RIM. However, it isn’t a licensing deal for BlackBerry 10.  Instead, it gives RIM broad access to the latest Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) for certain BlackBerry devices.The licensing agreement gives RIM access to exFAT, which is a modern file system from Microsoft that facilitates large files for audiovisual media and enables seamless data portability and an easy interchange between desktop PCs and other electronic devices.Check out the press release below for further details on the licensing agreement.Press ReleaseREDMOND, Wash. â€" Sept. 18, 2012 â€" Microsoft Corp. announced today that Microsoft and Research In Motion (RIM) have signed a patent licensing agreement that gives RIM broad access to the latest Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) for certain BlackBerry devices of RIM. exFAT is a modern file system from Microsoft that facilitates large files for audiovisual media and enables seamless data portability and an easy interchange between desktop PCs and other electronic devices.exFAT improves on its predecessor, the FAT system, and greatly expands the size of files that flash memory devices can handle by five times over previous FAT technology. It also increases the speed with which those files can be accessed. The exFAT file system not only facilitates large files for use of audiovisual media, it enables seamless data portability and an easy interchange between desktop PCs and a variety of electronic devices.“Today’s smartphones and tablets require the capacity to display richer images and data than traditional cellular phones,” said David Kaefer, general manager of Intellectual Property (IP) Licensing at Microsoft. “This agreement with RIM highlights how a modern file system, such as exFAT can help directly address the specific needs of customers in the mobile industry.”Microsoft’s Commitment to Intellectual Property CollaborationMicrosoft offers flexible IP licensing programs that give companies access to many of the foundational technologies in its own products, allowing those companies to build devices, applications and services that work seamlessly with each other.Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.Microsoft has entered into similar licensing agreements with several leading consumer electronics manufacturers through its IP licensing program, including Panasonic Corp., SANYO Electric Company Ltd., Sony Corp. and Canon Inc.More information on Microsoft’s IP licensing program is available athttp://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing, and information specifically related to Microsoft’s exFAT licensing program is available here.Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

10 Day Case Giveaway before BlackBerry 10 from Amzer and N4BB! (September,2012)

Amzer and N4BB are teaming up to give you the chance to win one of 10 cases from Amzer’s range of cases for BlackBerry as a run up tribute to BlackBerry 10 – coinciding with BlackBerry Jam Americas!How do you enter? It’s simple, all you have to do is this:Like Amzer on Facebook.Follow @AmzerInc and retweet the competition entry tweet (clicktotweet)Leave a comment to this post stating why you need a caseDoing both will earn you two entries into the drawing and doing so multiple times will increase your chances of winning. This contest is available globally, and there is no limit on the number of times you can enter.The competition is open Today through September 28th 2012. Cutoff for entries are at 12-midnight PST on the 28th (8am BST).We will randomly select 10 winners to receive a case. Winners will be announced via a followup to this blog post and contacted on Twitter or Facebook.Following shall be Amzer’s terms and conditions:To enter this competition you must be 13 years old or over at the time of entry.The competition is open to ANYONE worldwide. Please note that Amzer will cover shipping costs ONLY to US, UK or India, winner if outside these countries will have to cover the shipping cost.The competition is not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of Amzer or any associates.No purchase necessary.There is no limit on number of entries by a person.If you want to enter the contest – you must Like Amzer on Facebook (fb.me/Amzer) and leave a wall post saying why you want to win, or Follow Amzer on Twitter (@Amzerinc) and re-tweet the entry tweet. Doing both doubles your chances and doing it multiple number of times increases your chances.Winners will be picked in the end by Amzer, they will be notified via Social Media and Blog posts at the time of decision. All winners must contact Amzer via Facebook or Twitter to claim their prize.If you win a competition, we will notify you by Facebook / Twitter post. The judges’ decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.By entering the competition the winner agrees to participate in such promotional activity and material as Amzer may require.The prize will not be transferable to another person.No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.If an advertised prize is not available, Amzer reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.Incorrectly completed entries will be disqualified.This competition is being run and sponsored by Amzer.Amzer reserves the right to use the contest material at any time in the future, without any prior permissions.Amzer reserves the right to amend these rules at any time. Amzer may also create rules which will apply to a specific contest only. If we do this we will publish the amended competition rules and/or specific competition rules on the relevant contest page.Amzer will endeavour to send prizes within a month of the competition end date but cannot guarantee this delivery time. Products cannot be sent to P.O. BoxesAdditionally, by entering this giveaway, you agree to be bound by our giveaway terms and conditions found here.

WordPress for BlackBerry PlayBook Updated to 2.2.2 (September,2012)

The Automattic team is back at it with another update to the WordPress app for BlackBerry PlayBook. All you bloggers out there can now download version 2.2.2, which has the following changes:Featured image supportNew stats viewPerformance and reliability improvementsAdded Korean language supportUpdated Swedish, Hungarian and Catalan translationsFixed stats not connecting properly for certain self-hosted blog configurationsIf you’ve previously installed WordPress for PlayBook you should see the update. If not, you can download it directly from BlackBerry App World here.

Leaked: BlackBerry Curve 9220 OS 7.1.0.714 (September,2012)

BlackBerry Curve 9220 users are getting some love today. OS 7.1.0.714 has leaked out today for the Curve 9220. We’re unsure as to what might be different in this OS, so you’ll have to let us know what you might find. As with any leaked OS, be sure to backup your BlackBerry before installing.Download Curve 9220 OS 7.1.0.714Make sure you join our community to share your thoughts on this!*DISCLAIMER* â€" This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! N4BB.COM is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. If you have never loaded a leaked OS before, we highly recommend you read the tutorial listed below:How to: load an OS on your BlackBerry

Two New BlackBerry 10 L-Series Photos (September,2012)

There has been nothing short of BlackBerry 10 L-Series photos surfacing this month. While we expect the L and N Series devices to be announced at BlackBerry Jam Americas, so far we’ve gotten a pretty good idea of how they’ll be.Check out the other photo below. What do you think of the overall design of the BlackBerry 10 L-Series? Personally, I like knowing that the removable battery door is of the entire backside of the device. Sound off in the comments!Thanks ADavidson! via BlackBerryItalia

AT&T Enhanced Push to talk Releasing in November for BlackBerry (September,2012)

AT&T is looking to release its enhanced Push-to-talk service this coming November. The PTT service will provide walkie talkie-like features on AT&T BlackBerry smartphones that support it. The service will utilize voice over IP (VoIP) technology and will allegedly cost about $30 per month.“AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk is a Voice-over-IP solution,” AT&T spokesperson Mari Melguizo toldFierceWireless. “Using AT&T’s IP data network as the backbone for the solution we’re trialing will provide faster connection times and better quality of service. Kodiak’s InstaPoC technology is an advanced PTT service that achieves sub-second call setup times without requiring customization on radio access networks (RANs) or underlying cellular networks.”via Fierce Wireless

MasterCard Releases NFC SDK with BlackBerry 7 Support (September,2012)

BlackBerry was the first to be approved for MasterCard mobile payments. You should listen to the interview we recently conducted with RIM’s Senior Product Manager of NFC. MasterCard has now released its PayPass Developer Toolkit with BlackBerry OS 7 support.The toolkit provides app libraries, guides, and sample apps to aid companies that want to develop their own mobile payment app. Rather than build an app from scratch, MasterCard has created an SDK for BlackBerry 7 devices that can support PayPass Tap-and-Go payments on NFC-capable phones.This should help speed up the process for developers who want to make their own custom branded mobile payments app, but work off of the PayPass back-end. MasterCard already has thousands of sales terminals that accept contactless payments through PayPass, so this encourages the many banks that have not yet become involved with mobile payments to extend support of that feature to customers.We can only hope that with the foundation blocks getting in place, NFC will become a strategic feature for BlackBerry. If you’re a developer interested in designing or adding mobile payment options to an app, you can download the MasterCard PayPass SDK for free here.via MobileBurn

Viira Outlook Suite 2.1 Released for BlackBerry (September,2012)

Karta Mobile let us know that the Viira Outlook Suite 2.1 is now available for download. The goal of this release is to provide support for more advanced aspects of GTD and personal organization like multiple contexts, next actions and an intuitive dashboard as well as to further refine the Outlook plugin to make it more intuitive, smart and effective.Here is what’s new in version 2.1 of the Viira Outlook Suite:Next Actions View. Next Actions are a core concept in Getting Things Done and you can now manage those with ease with the Viira Outlook Suite. The new Next Actions view (available on both the BlackBerry client and the Outlook Plugin) displays all tasks that have been marked as next actions.  To help you focus on what is actionable first, next actions also appear specially marked and are automatically displayed at the top of any list.Multiple contexs. Any task can now be tagged with multiple contexts from both the BlackBerry client and the Outlook plugin.  You can assign as many contexts as you want! This powerful feature will allow you to file and organize a task in multiple filing “buckets” and make it easier to find the task when it’s time to find the next action that needs to be completed.Dashboard. The new dashboard is your new organization control center and provides you with one-click access to the major areas from within the BlackBerry client. The dashboard is touch screen enabled making navigation on touchscreen models like the Bold 9900 or Torch 98xx series as easy as a tap on the screen.Hide Completed. Focus only on the things that are left uncompleted. Hide Completed is now available on both the Outlook plugin and the BlackBerry client.Enhanced Outlook plugin. We have made numerous improvements to the Outlook plugin to make it more intuitive, smarter and effective. We have added right-click menues to make performing common operations quicker and easier as well as improved the stability and overall performance.You can download the latest version from the Viira Outlook Suite download page. The Viira Outlook Suite 2.1 is a complimentary upgrade to all buyers of version 2.0. Buyers of the previous version of the Viira Outlook Suite or Viira (including older versions like the 2.0 and 3.0) are elligible to upgrade for a special low price.Version 2.1 requires BlackBerry OS 5 or better and Microsoft Outlook 2003 or better.

Yahoo!: You Can Choose Any Smartphone, Except a BlackBerry (September,2012)

Yahoo!’s new CEO, Marissa Mayer, has informed employees that they can choose a new smartphone of their choice and Yahoo! will even cover the monthly bill for voice and data. However, it seems Yahoo! is snubbing BlackBerry.Yahoo! employees in 22 countries can now choose a handset from Apple, HTC, Nokia or Samsung including the recently announced iPhone 5, the Galaxy S III, HTC’s One X or Evo 4G LTE or Nokia’s Lumia 920. The CEO says she wants her employees to have devices similar to their users so they can think and work as the majority of their customers do.However, absent from the list is any BlackBerry. Some have suggested that Mayer’s decision to move away from BlackBerry as their corporate phone could signify to the industry that she believes Research In Motion won’t have a miraculous comeback and is a dead company.It’s an ironic scenario given how many people believe Yahoo! to be a dead company. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how Yahoo! determines BlackBerry 10 receptiveness once on the market.via TechSpot

TIFF BlackBerry People’s Choice Awards go to… (September,2012)

The Toronto International Film Festival has announced the BlackBerry People’s Choice awards. The film, starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, and directed by David O. Russell (“The Fighter”), won the BlackBerry People’s Choice Award.The BlackBerry People’s Choice first runner-up was Ben Affleck’s “Argo,” which is about an attempt to help Americans trapped in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution to escape while disguised as a film crew.Also, the BlackBerry People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award went to “Seven Psychopaths” by Martin McDonagh (“In Bruges”). First runner-up was Barry Levinson’s horror flick “The Bay.”via CBS

Leaked: BlackBerry Curve 9360 OS 7.1.0.714 (September,2012)

BlackBerry Curve 9360 users are getting some love today. OS 7.1.0.714 has leaked out today for the Curve 9360. We’re unsure as to what might be different in this OS, so you’ll have to let us know what you might find. As with any leaked OS, be sure to backup your BlackBerry before installing.Download Curve 9360 OS 7.1.0.714Make sure you join our community to share your thoughts on this!*DISCLAIMER* â€" This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! N4BB.COM is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. If you have never loaded a leaked OS before, we highly recommend you read the tutorial listed below:How to: load an OS on your BlackBerry

Leaked: BlackBerry Bold 9790 OS 7.1.0.714 (September,2012)

BlackBerry Bold 9790 users are getting some love today. OS 7.1.0.714 has leaked out today for the Bold 9790. We’re unsure as to what might be different in this OS, so you’ll have to let us know what you might find. As with any leaked OS, be sure to backup your BlackBerry before installing.Download Bold 9790 OS 7.1.0.714Make sure you join our community to share your thoughts on this!*DISCLAIMER* â€" This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! N4BB.COM is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. If you have never loaded a leaked OS before, we highly recommend you read the tutorial listed below:How to: load an OS on your BlackBerry

Interview: Senior Product Manager of NFC for RIM, Geoffrey MacGillvray (September,2012)

Subscribe to N4BB Audio Show podcast RSS Feed directly or in iTunesYesterday, we had a very special guest on the N4BB Audio Show. Geoffrey MacGillvray, the Senior Product Manager of NFC for Research In Motion, was on the show to tell us about the future of Near Field Communications (NFC) on BlackBerry products.BlackBerry has already accomplished some superb goals with NFC. BlackBerry has been the first to be certified for both Visa and MasterCard mobile payments. Just recently, BlackBerry has been the first mobile device to receive certification for replacement of security access badges.Listen to the above interview with Geoff or read the transcription below. Let us know if you have any questions regarding NFC technology and tell us how you’d like to utilize it in your everyday usage.- Interview transcription -N4BB: “Welcome, everyone to another edition of the N4BB audio show. This is your host, Lucas Atkins. Niko and I have a very special guest today, Geoffrey MacGillvray. He is the Senior Product Manager for NFC at RIM. Geoffrey is here today to discuss Near Field Communications, otherwise known as NFC, and how RIM is utilizing the technology in the enterprise and consumer markets. How are you doing today sir?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “Good, I’m really happy to be here. I’m looking forward to this discussion”N4BB: “Excellent. BB has been the first to be certified for VISA and Mastercard mobile payments. Now they are also the first for physical access badge replacement with HID Global. Can you tell us about that partnership?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “ Sure, and I want to comment generally on NFC as well. Here at RIM we really view NFC as more than a technology by itself. You can put the NFC radio and functionality into the device, but it’s so important to engage industry partners to really enable an ecosystem so we can create NFC experiences for our consumers. You can see that in our work with payments. We think it’s very important within the enterprise space to provide further value to our customers. We think the partnership with HID is very important because it brings more functionality to the device and has expanded its reach beyond what’s on the device to include interacting with the physical world and integrating your access badges to the device.N4BB: “ How is RIM working to partner with the likes of McDonalds and Home Depot, who are already utilizing mobile payments through NFC?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “Unfortunately I can’t comment too much on specific companies until they are public. What I can say is we are involved in the NFC industry to understand the needs and the involvement of those services within different segments and making sure that our handset has the capabilities. Were working with key partners to see how those solutions are evolving so that when solutions are brought to the market, they can brought to the market quickly, effectively and can provide a good user experience.”N4BB: “NFC is still in it’s infancy in terms of reception so far. What kind of features can we expect to see in the future with NFC?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “ I think in terms of NFC , this goes back to my earlier comments about ecosystem and why I think it’s a great question. Were going to improve upon the features on the device and enhance them and improve the functionality, but where I really see the growth in NFC is around services that can be relative to the device. This means engagement of more partners. So you’ve seen the initial announcement that we’ve done and we’ve talked about in terms of certification stuff and payment schemes and HID. Expect more services to come onto the device and start using the NFC, and expansion of the capabilities that are already there, and utilizing them in services. Just as an example we’ve talked a lot about secure mode of NFC in terms of payments and physical access but there’s also a lot of potential for mobile marketing around NFC. You can embed an NFC tag in a poster or even in a product, and consumers can tap on that poster or product to get more information on it or to get offers or other types of information like that. So I think that when NFC really matures you’re going to see a rich set of services that are built around technology.N4BB: “We see that RIM has taken the lead in NFC technology. How does NFC on the BlackBerry differ from NFC on a rival platform, namely Android or Windows 7?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: ‘I think in terms of the differentiation that we’re looking for is we’re going for very much standard based interoperability in our pod forms so we’ve been very careful to implement NFC in a standard way and use standard technology and provide the API’s necessary for our partners to use it. So in terms of our approach, we want to make sure that we provide a solid platform for our partners to work with that is interoperable with our devices and also other devices as well.”N4BB: “ Will NFC mainly be BlackBerry to BlackBerry or will it also be open for cross platform compatibility?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “Great question again.This is not just Blackberry to Blackberry device transmission. We think it’s critical that NFC work seamlessly with not just Blackberry to Blackberry devices but other mobile phones and also readers and tablets that are present in the industry. Certainly the design steps that we’ve taken and the implementation that we’ve done has been totally geared towards making sure they are as interoperable as possible. That means sticking to the standards to make sure the user experience or the customer experience is consistent no matter which mode of operation whether it’s tapping on tags, paying at a point of sale, or gaining access to the building, that technology works.”N4BB: “ Is RIM working on other specific NFC applications besides a mobile payment solution?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “ I think our view at RIM is that certainly payment and NFC payment gets a lot of attention. We view NFC as much more than payment and you can see that extension moving into physical access. There’s a number of areas in NFC that we think are going to provide a lot of value to our consumers. There are use cases in mobile marketing,transit and ticketing. Now I can’t comment specifically on the areas that we are working with but what I can say is that we are looking at the broad spectrum of NFC opportunities to try and bring partners in line and make sure our devices are compatible with those use cases. Because, like I said earlier, it’s not just about payment and it’s not just about physical access. We want NFC to be part of someones daily use of their smartphone and that expands across a wide range of applications.N4BB: “Is RIM working directly with application developers to really push NFC?’Geoffrey MacGillvray: “Yes our application developer support team is actively working within that community to educate developers on the capabilities of NFC and certainly within BB10 to indicate that we really have NFC functionality inside and our developer relations team has done a great job in the Jam Sessions and other presentation materials showing developers what they can do and how they can develop within is.N4BB: “ The 4G playbook was supposed to be released with NFC but as we’ve seen with the test units we received it’s not available yet. Will that feature be opened up later on?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “Yes, it will be opened up later on.”N4BB : “Now will this be though an OS update?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: ‘ Yes that is what we would be looking to do”N4BB: “Awesome. How is RIM working with the carriers to push NFC and make it a more viable product?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “ That’s another good question. The carriers are a very key partner for us and NFC is certainly a new technology and an interesting one when it comes to carrier space. The carriers have a lot of incentive to bring services to the phone that are centered around the UAC and the payment initiatives that are going on around the world. So we want to make sure that we support them in those efforts and bring NFC together as a good solution for our consumers. That’s some of the certification work that we’ve undertaken making sure that the phone itself is able to support those features.N4BB: “ What is your personal opinion on the future of NFC?’Geoffrey MacGillvray: “I think NFC is going to be a part of everyone’s daily lives in a number of areas. If we look together at that horizon five to ten years out NFC really extends someones interaction with their phone to the physical world. We see lots of opportunities to remove little pieces of friction in everybody’s life to make things a little bit easier. Examples are tapping to accept rates, tapping to pay, tapping to get access to your building. All the components integrate with someone’s daily life and make it that much better. So in my opinion NFC is going to grow and grow in terms of uses that are alowed on a single device and it will become a really integral part of daily life.N4BB: “ Geoff, thank you very much for your time. We greatly appreciate having you on the show to talk about NFC and educate our readers on what it is and how it will be utilized in future BlackBerry products. Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers who might want to know more about NFC?”Geoffrey MacGillvray: “I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to speak with me as well, and to your readers stay tuned to NFC. There will be a lot more developments over the next six to twelve months in terms of services that are going to be available, so stay tuned to the NFC scene.N4BB: “Well thank you again for speaking with us and we hope to meet in the future”

N4BB Can’t Wait for BlackBerry Jam Americas 2012! (September,2012)

BlackBerry Jam Americas, previously known as DevCon, is coming up in less than two weeks. We are all expecting a huge show from our beloved BlackBerry. We know that mighty Thor otherwise known as RIM’s CEO, Thorsten Heins, will deliver the keynote, which should include a lot of goodies!All of us here at N4BB are super excited for this historical event and want to make sure you guys keep it locked here for all the BlackBerry 10 breaking news from San Jose, California. Lucas, Ross, and myself will be live from the scene with interviews, hands-on, and many more surprises. Stay tuned and keep your head up Team BlackBerry…our best days are AHEAD OF US!

‘It Doesn’t Take a Genius’ – Should RIM Play Dirty Like Samsung? (September,2012)

Research In Motion will soon be releasing its first fleet of BlackBerry 10 smartphones at the beginning of 2013. The past marketing for BlackBerry has been anything but spectacular over the years. RIM really just hasn’t had that good of persuasive skills.Should RIM take notes from Samsung? The company will be advertising the Galaxy S3 in an ad where it’s pitted against the iPhone 5. While the ad does show how the device is better than the iPhone 5 in some respects, it also includes S3-only features. It then fails to list iPhone 5-only features.It’s a bit of a dirty trick to make the Galaxy S3 seem like it’s more feature-rich than the iPhone 5. Should RIM go guns blazing with provocative marketing like this for BlackBerry 10? Check out the full ad below and let us know in the comments!via BI

How to Delete Saved WiFi Networks from your BlackBerry (September,2012)

For today’s How To I’m gonna show you how to clean up your saved WiFi networks list. Like me, you probably have a bunch of WiFi networks saved that you are never going to connect to ever again. It is always good to clean it up to make room for other networks that you might use more frequently. Here’s how to do it:1. Go to Options and select the Networks and Connections menu.2. Here, choose WiFi Networks.3. If your WiFi is off, it will prompt you to turn it on. Do it and then press the Saved WiFi Networks button.4. You’ll see a list of what probably is every WiFi network you have ever connected your BlackBerry to.5. Select the list you would like to delete, press the menu button and hit Delete.6. You’ll be asked to confirm if you want to delete the network. Press Ok if you are or Cancel if not.That’s it! If you have any questions or suggestions just leave them in the comments below.

We Thank YOU Very Much! (September,2012)

We avidly track our site’s statistical progress through varying types of analytics. Not only has this month been our biggest to date, traffic wise, but we’ve also accomplished a huge milestone.According to the analytics evaluation site, Alexa, we’ve finally become the #2 most popular BlackBerry website in the world. We just wanted to thank YOU for your readership and support.N4BB is also celebrating its 3rd birthday as of this month, when we first started out as BBLeaks. Since then, we’ve evolved into a full service news and informational site for BlackBerry. Throughout the years we’ve truly garnered some exceptional writing talent and some of the best fans!Again, we thank YOU so very much for being an N4BB reader and (hopefully) a forums member. We’ll keep doing what we do best and you keep being awesome by reading our content, standing ovation goes to you. One love Team BlackBerry!

iPhone 5 Literally Can’t Have NFC; Could Help BlackBerry 10 (September,2012)

The upcoming Apple iPhone 5 was rumored to have Near Field Communications (NFC). However, as it turns out those rumors didn’t pan out and the next iPhone will still not feature NFC capabilities.Apparently having NFC wasn’t even possible on the iPhone 5. The reason is due to the iPhone 5’s all-aluminum-and-glass body, which would block information from being transmitted to a terminal, according to Will Strauss, an analyst of Forward Concepts.“N.F.C. employs lower-frequency operation than cellular, requiring a longer antenna,” Mr. Strauss said. “That antenna is often wrapped around the battery in some cellphones, but a metal back shields any radio waves from reaching a nearby data terminal. Only plastic, Kevlar or similar backings will allow the radio connection for mobile payments. Clearly, Apple chose beauty over functionality with its aluminum back.”Strauss said it plain as day. Apple rather have a shiny looking object than a state-of-the-art mobile computing machine. Although, another theory is that Apple simply decided to leave it out since NFC hasn’t quite ‘caught on’ yet in the market.Nevertheless, as more and more mobile devices begin adding NFC capabilities the carriers may be forced to support it. This can only mean great things for RIM and the future of BlackBerry 10, who have pioneered in its mobile usage.  We’ve already seen major manufacturers such as Samsung market the Galaxy S3′s NFC capabilities. Imagine once BlackBerry 10 gets to market and RIM begins to show the incredible benefits of NFC. I think people will begin to request NFC rather than just wonder if it’s available.Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with RIM’s senior product manager of NFC, Geoffrey MacGillvray. He explains the power of NFC and how RIM intends to utilize it. If you’re unfamiliar with NFC, this is one interview you won’t want to miss!via NYT

Top 5 BlackBerry Apps for NFL Season (September,2012)

The NFL season is underway, and fans are interested in knowing how to keep up to date on the latest news surrounding their favorite teams and players. RIM has put together their own round-up of some of the best apps available for BlackBerry smartphones and BlackBerry PlayBook to help you stay on top of the game.ScoreMobile for BlackBerry: Follow your favorite teams and keep track of games in real time with ScoreMobile for BlackBerry. ScoreMobile offer more than just football, with coverage including Baseball (MLB),  Football (NFL, NCAAF, CFL), Basketball (NBA, NCAAB, NCAAWB), Hockey (NHL), Soccer (EPL/Premiership, Champions League, Series A, La Liga, MLS), Golf (PGA), Auto Racing (NASCAR Sprint Cup, F1), Tennis, Cricket (ICC, IPL), and MMA (UFC, Strikeforce). ScoreMobile is integrated with BBM so you can chat with your friends about ongoing games â€" all from within the app! Download for BlackBerry smartphones or BlackBerry PlayBook.Pro Football Insider â€" NFL News: Since 1967, Pro Football Weekly has been the leading source of NFL insider information and premium insights. Now you can enjoy the same breaking news, behind-the-scenes rumors and expert analysis that NFL executives and industry giants like ESPN, Yahoo!, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports have relied upon for years. This app includes every feature a football fan could ask for including stats, schedules and standings; the latest news, rumors, and insider information; lots of videos; and an integrated Twitter feed covering the league’s most popular players and experts. Download for BlackBerry smartphones or BlackBerry PlayBook.NFL Schedule: You’ll never miss the start of a game with the NFL Schedule app. View your favorite team’s schedule for 2012 and export it into your BlackBerry calendar. You can set reminders for each game so you never miss a kick off and you can even chose which time zone to save the schedule in. Download for BlackBerry smartphones.Fantasy Football Draft Guide 2012: Prepare for the upcoming 2012 fantasy football season with Fantasy Football Draft Guide 2012! Track 300+ players and teams throughout the pre-season, including player ranks, projections, stat history and team pass/run stats for the past 3 years. Review each player’s 2012 schedule and prepare for their bye weeks and playoff schedules. You can also create your own mock draft. Download for BlackBerry PlayBook.

Smartphone Game Developers in Latin America are Growing (September,2012)

We all know there are developers all around the world, whether they are responsible for big hits or not, but they are there working hard to bring awesome new apps and games to all of you. Sadly, not all of them get the recognition they deserve, specially Latin American developers. We always see featured games and known titles coming from the same people, but what about the guy who didn’t sleep for over 4 weeks making that awesome game that never got featured?Rock N’ Roll Game Studio made this cool infographic about Smartphone Gaming in Latin America. Some of you might not know this, but some applications stores won’t even let certain Latin American countries publish paid apps to their stores. How do they expect developers to feel motivated when they can’t even earn money for their work? Of course, they could publish a free app with ads, but we hate having ads in our apps. I’d rather pay $2 for an app that having the same thing  for free but filled with ads.Here’s one of the many reasons why we love RIM: They have always shown support to ALL their developers. They host events constantly focused on guiding, helping and motivating developers to create BlackBerry apps. They even hosted one (very small) developer conference here in Dominican Republic! Oh, and you can publish a paid app no matter where you are. Take that *insert applications store name here*. Anyway, check out the infographic below and let us know your thoughts, we also want to hear from all the Latin American devs who read us. 

Indonesia You Can’t Let Android Overtake BlackBerry! (September,2012)

In a recent article, we speculated if the Philippines would become the next ‘BlackBerry Nation’. A title which is currently held by Indonesia. BlackBerry has been so popular in Indonesia that Research In Motion setup the former DevCon Asia (now BB Jam Asia) in Jakarta.However, a recent study conducted by the International Data Company (IDC) shows that Android now claimed a 52 percent market share of the Indonesian operating system market in the second quarter of this year. Android has allegedly taken away the #1 spot from BlackBerry.“The increase in shipments of Android-based phones in Indonesia is driven not just by its affordability, but also due to its broad range of applications and the overall growing popularity of touchscreens,” Darwin Lie, an analyst from IDC, said. Lie also stated that “the delay in the launch of the BlackBerry 10, has also contributed to the change in OS preference.”Additionally, the IDC predicts that BlackBerry shipments in Indonesia would reach 8 million units in 2015, while Android would reach 10 million units. This is truly unfortunate speculation. Nevertheless, Team BlackBerry users in Indonesia you have the power to keep BlackBerry alive. BlackBerry 10 isn’t that far away and the wait will be worth it. Keep hope alive.via Jakarta Post

First Ever BlackBerry’s Codename Given by Jim Balsillie? (September,2012)

For this edition of WTFact, we’d like to tell you how the very first BlackBerry had the codename ‘Leapfrog’. Codenames are interesting to examine as they sometimes give clues as to what the product might be.For instance, you could follow the trail of the Torch 9800 as all of its codenames started with the letter ‘T’ (i.e. Mr T, Talladega, etc.). Nonetheless, a staple point phrase given by former RIM co-CEO, Jim Balsillie, was that the latest BlackBerry product would always “leapfrog” the competition.Perhaps Jim himself was the one to give the very first BlackBerry its codename? All jokes aside, how do you think RIM goes about giving codenames to its products?

The Bard’s Tale for BlackBerry PlayBook Now Available (September,2012)

We previously told you that inXile Entertainment would soon be releasing the popular game The Bard’s Tale soon on the BlackBerry PlayBook. That day is here as it is now available for purchase on BlackBerry App World for $5.99.The Bard’s Tale is a full-scale massive 3D epic role-playing game. You are the Bard, a selfish rogue weary of pointless sub-quests and rat-infested cellars. Through magical song you summon characters to join you in battle, heal your party, and take damage on your behalf.Features of The Bard’s Tale include:50 enemy types (not counting bosses!)A vast world to explore with towns, wild forests, rivers, castles, towers, secret dungeons, snowy mountains, caverns, haunted tombs and moreA full cast of bizarre NPC’sOver a dozen special boss enemies to defeat16 magical characters to discover and then summon at will to aid youOver 150 unique items of weaponry, armor, instruments, tokens, artifacts and loot!More Song & Dance numbers than any other game, including a zombie dance-off!Over 14 hours of outstanding voice-acting from top Hollywood talent, including Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride) as the Bard, and the inimitable Tony Jay as the NarratorThat’s not all! You get these great new additions in the BlackBerry version:Autosaveâ€"option to save automatically when you near a save-book in game.Time-Saversâ€"optional in-app purchases are available to pump up your Bard and save you time! (Note: All such items are attainable through normal game-play, with time and persistence, just as in the original console release.)Includes the original classic game The Bard’s Tale I: Tales of the Unknown! 2 & 3 coming soon! (Supports Bluetooth keyboard and mouse)Buy The Bard’s Tale for $5.99 in BlackBerry App World >>Note: This game is huge in file size. Installation over Wi-Fi can temporarily require as much as 3.2GB of free space on your device (for compressed download + uncompressed install). 

Can BlackBerry 10 Compete Against the iPhone 10?! (September,2012)

Here’s some mid-day humor for you. Picking fun at the addition of a fifth row of icons on the Apple iPhone 5, alas we see the first photo of the iPhone 10! I’m not sure if people could handle such a phallus looking object, literally.Could the iPhone 10 be BlackBerry 10′s biggest competitor in the mobile space? It’s hard to say at this point, but one thing is certain. You could totally use the iPhone 10 for some very practical, real-world things as: a baseball bat, walking cane, spear, and potentially more.BlackBerry 10 on the other hand will just remain a badass mobile tool.

Verizon Wireless CFO: ‘Don’t Count RIM Out Yet’ (September,2012)

Yesterday was Apple’s big day, where they officially announced the new iPhone 5, iPod Nano, iPod Touch, and more. Although, some are skeptical about Apple’s dominance in the mobile space.When asked about Verizon keeping its options open to different operating systems in light of the Apple versus Samsung case, Verizon Wireless Chief Financial Officer Francis J. Shammo said to not count RIM out yet.“Don’t count RIM out yet, they could come back to the marketplace with an innovate product.” This innovative product he’s referencing is BlackBerry 10. RIM is doing their best to make BlackBerry 10 an advanced platform for mobile devices and beyond.Additionally, Shammo felt that Microsoft still has potential to make a mark with its Windows Phone operating system. ”Obviously Microsoft has a hold in the enterprise space and there really is no reason why they – if this is a good product, there is no reason why they can win in that space,” said Shammo.This is great news for RIM. Having the CFO, of the largest wireless carrier in the US, saying to not rule out RIM is huge. Once BlackBerry 10 is released it will most certainly be interesting to watch how the carriers let BB10 and Windows Phone 8 battle it out.via Street Insider 

BlackBerry’s ‘BBM’ Recognized in Collins English Dictionary (September,2012)

Didn’t think that BlackBerry Messenger, aka BBM, was that popular? When Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won the 100m final at the 2012 London Olympics, he said on a live TV interview, ”All I gotta do is thank a few people on my BBM with my congrats and that’s pretty much it.”Other celebrities have spread the awareness of BBM’s popularity with music artists Tinie Tempah and Sean Kingston having both mentioned BBM in their respective songs, ‘Miami to Ibiza’ and ‘BBM’.BBM garners nearly 60 million users. This is roughly 70% of all BlackBerry users will utilize the BBM feature. As such, with the global awareness of the term BBM it has officially entered modern-day vernacular, leading to the announcement that it will be included in the latest edition of the Collins English Dictionary.BBM’s inclusion in the Collins English dictionary “recognises its status as one of the world’s most popular mobile social networks,” said T.A. McCann, the vice president of BBM at  Research In Motion. ”In recent years, the term ‘BBM’ has transcended its technological origins to become a brand that is part of the everyday language of millions of people all over the world,” McCann said.“The service itself continues to evolve, with ‘BBMers’ able to share content, create groups and even post status updates to other social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter directly from the BBM app. We’re honored that a word used daily by millions of our customers has been officially welcomed into the English language.”So how cool is that? RIM’s iconic BlackBerry product now has two words officially recognized in dictionaries. What other words/phrases/acronyms should be included in the dictionary? Give us your suggestions in the comments!via DS

Facebook for BlackBerry 3.2.0.12 Now Available in App World (September,2012)

RIM let us know they have announced that Facebook for BlackBerry Smartphones version 3.2.0.12 is now available in BlackBerry App World. The latest updates to Facebook for BlackBerry makes it easier to connect with friends, plan events, celebrate birthdays and share your news while on the go.The new Facebook for BlackBerry version 3.2.0.12 includes:Enhanced Birthday Feature:Customize how your BlackBerry smartphone will integrate birthdays into your calendar. Receive a friendly daily reminder, with the ability to directly write on a friend’s wall to wish them Happy Birthday.Improved Event Management:View Facebook event information and RSVP to events, as well as post comments to an event wall, view profiles of invited guests and receive event notifications.Updated Navigation Grid:Quickly and easily access key features such as your News Feed and Profile with updated icons. The Profile icon is now your current profile picture for a personalized touch.You can catch the update available now in BlackBerry App World here.

Official: BlackBerry Torch 9850 OS 7.1.0.649 from China Telecom (September,2012)

BlackBerry Torch 9850 users are getting an OS update today. China Telecom has officially released OS 7.1.0.649 for the Torch 9850. If you’ve already installed the leaked version , then there is no need to re-install this version. Nevertheless, let us know how it performs for you.Download Torch 9850 OS 7.1.0.649 from China TelecomThanks Roy!Make sure you join our community to share your thoughts on this!How to: load an OS on your BlackBerry

OrganizeMe! for the PlayBook Updated to Version 2.0.1 (September,2012)

A couple of weeks ago we told you about a pretty cool app called OrganizeMe! which is an awesome Springpad client for the PlayBook. The application has been updated to version 2.0.1, including some bug fixes and improvements. Here’s the change log:added: links inside notes finally workadded: reworked display of photo objectsbugfix: close-button is completely visible again in attachments dialogbugfix: saving tasks is now possible againbugfix: saving appointments is now possible againupdated: french localizationOrganizeMe! is currently available in App World for just $2.99.

BlackBerry 10 Screen Resolution is Better than iPhone 5 (September,2012)

In today’s keynote from Apple, where they announced the new iPhone 5, the company revealed the screen resolution. Despite the iPhone 5′s screen being a ‘retina display’ it will only support 1136 x 640 at 326PPI.The iPhone 5′s retina display is still not at a 16:9 aspect ratio. Additionally, the new iPhone 5 screen resolution creates fragmentation in their line-up. However, Apple says if an app is not set to the new resolution standard it will be centered and black borders will encompass it to make it look normal.In case you weren’t already aware, we wanted to reiterate the fact that the first BlackBerry 10 all-touch device (L-Series) will sport a significantly higher screen resolution than the iPhone 5. The L-Series will have a screen resolution of 1280 x 768 with 356PPI.Eventually, RIM plans to have their all-touch devices sport a 1280 x 720 resolution, which will help thwart fragmentation for apps across the L and N-Series. While it is debatable if your eyes can actually tell the difference between the two (L-Series screen versus iPhone 5′s retina display), one thing remains true. As pointed out in our opinion piece, most HD content is available at 720p. The iPhone 5 will not be able to display it proportionally, unlike the BlackBerry 10 all-touch device(s).This is just one of many reasons to wait it out until BlackBerry 10 smartphones release in Q1 2013. While it seems Apple is taking a page right out of RIM’s history with minimal innovation, BlackBerry has once again snowballed into an aggressive player in the mobile space. Do you think BlackBerry 10′s higher screen resolution will matter to the average consumer? Sound off in the comments!

Twitter for BlackBerry 3.2.0.7 Now Available in Beta Zone (September,2012)

Research In Motion has issued another update to Twitter for BlackBerry 3.2 in the BlackBerry Beta Zone. The new version 3.2.0.7 of Twitter for BlackBerry has the following changelog:Duplicate Tweets in timelineIf you save a picture that was embedded in an email (not attached), you are unable to Tweet photo later. States “Could not process image”Duplicate list created – can’t be deletedUser name is clipped and Thai characters visible on the background when typed English User Name and Password on the Text box fieldIf you’re already enrolled in this beta program you can get the update from Beta Zone here.

WATCH: Hilarious iPhone 5 Parody Video (September,2012)

The Apple iPhone 5 is going to be announced today. If the leaks are at all credible, the iPhone 5 looks hardly like a big update from its predecessors. It is my opinion that we’re seeing the decline of Apple. An almost repeat of history, as Apple hasn’t been very innovative over the last few years (are they riding the high horse like RIM?).Nonetheless, as we pick on other mobile brands in similar fashion as they do to BlackBerry, we thought you should see this video before the iPhone 5 announcement. Mondo has created this hilarious iPhone 5 parody video. Check it out and let us know what you think. On a BlackBerry? Click here for mobile YouTube videoThanks Stephen!

BlackBerry is First Smartphone for Physical Access Badge Replacement with HID Global (September,2012)

Near Field Communications (NFC) enabled BlackBerry smartphones have been leading the way in mobile payments and RIM is bringing that leadership into the enterprise. BlackBerry was first to be certified for Visa mobile payments, first to be certified for MasterCard for mobile payments, and now BlackBerry is first for physical access badge replacement with HID Global; the world’s leading provider of physical access technology.Late last week HID Global announced the availability of Secure Identity Servicesâ„¢, a comprehensive suite of web-based services for managing physical access credentials (read the HID press release for more info). Secure Identity Services is the enterprise’s first all-in-one web-based solution for credential provisioning and management. The platform provides businesses with the tools to create, use, and manage identities for traditional badges on plastic cards, for tokens, and for digital credentials on NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones beginning with models on the Verizon Wireless network: the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and the BlackBerry Curve 9370.RIM has been dedicated to mobilizing and securing solutions to the challenges that organizations face since the launch of BlackBerry in 1999. Concerning physical access, RIM began with the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader, which provides secure access to your BlackBerry smartphone and computer, and have now RIM has worked closely with HID Global to bring this expertise to physical access credentials.Check out more on RIM and HID Global’s team-up in the Inside BlackBerry Business blog post here.

Talk Oktoberfest Bavarian Phrasebook App Released for BlackBerry (September,2012)

S4BB Limited let us know they have released a brand new application series on occasion of the Oktoberfest in Bavaria, Germany this month: Talk Oktoberfest Bavarian Phrasebooks! Each Phrasebook contains over 50 useful phrases divided over 6 categories in spoken and written Bavarian. From ordering a drink to flirting, thanks to Talking Oktoberfest Bavarian, you have the right sentences always at hand. Thanks to the integrated search function you’ll be able to find the right sentence in the blink of an eye. Once cached, the sentence can be played without the need for an internet connection.Talk Oktoberfest Bavarian is available for $1.99 at BlackBerry App World and compatible with all BlackBerry Smartphones running OS 6.0 and up & Tablet OS 2.0 and up. The following source languages are available:Cantonese/ 廣東話 Dutch/ Nederlands English French/ FrançaisGerman/ DeutschJapanese/ 日本語Mandarin/ 普通话Thai/ ภาษาไทย

BlackBerry 10 App Switching, Active Frames, and More Demoed (Video) (September,2012)

While we’ve seen some leaked images of the BlackBerry 10 app switcher and active frames, we haven’t seen them live. A new video has leaked out from a BlackBerry 10 World Tour event.In the video, the presenter is showing the new BlackBerry UI including Active Frames, App Switching, Clock and Stopwatch App, and more. Check it out below and let us know what you think. Thanks Martin! via MacBerry.de

BlackBerry Enterprise IM for BES Released by RIM (September,2012)

Research In Motion has released new Enterprise IM clients for Microsoft Office Communications Server, IBM Lotus Sametime, and Novell GroupWise Messenger. The Enterprise IM nearly resembles BlackBerry Messenger.BlackBerry enterprise instant messaging clients allow organization’s end users to take their messaging with them while they’re on the goâ€"regardless of the enterprise communication platform they use.In order to run these IM clients, you must be on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server or it will not work. You can download them from BlackBerry App World:Enterprise IM for Microsoft Office Communications ServerEnterprise IM for IBM Lotus SametimeEnterprise IM for Novell GroupWise MessengerThanks @rr_yy!

Pick Your Favorite Developer for the 2012 BlackBerry Developer Community Awards (September,2012)

BlackBerry Jam Americas is only 2 weeks away and now is your time to vote for your favorite BlackBerry developer. RIM has announced the 2012 BlackBerry Developer Community Awards, a community-based recognition program that relies on you.There are six categories to nominate your favorite developer. The finalists will be selected on September 18th and polls will be opened for voting. The winners will then be announced on September 26th. The awarding ceremony will take place at the BlackBerry Jam Americas TweetUp, located in the BlackBerry Social Lounge from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.Here are the categories:Must-Follow BlackBerry Developer on TwitterMust-Read BlackBerry Developer BlogMust-See BlackBerry Developer EvangelistMost Helpful BlackBerry Team Member on TwitterMost Helpful Contributor to the BlackBerry Developer ForumsBest Open Source ContributionHere’s how to nominate:Through the online form, orvia Twitter. (Just send a tweet that mentions @BlackBerryDev, the #BBDevAwards hashtag, and the category.)And here’s the timeline:Now â€" September 16th: Open nominationsSeptember 18th â€" September 25th: Open votingSeptember 26th: Winners announced at BlackBerry Jam Americas TweetUpIf you have any further questions or for more details check out the BlackBerry Developers Blog post on it here. Now go start nominating your favorite developers!

The Story Behind BlackBerry 10 Screen Resolutions (September,2012)

BlackBerry 10 is going to be a revolution in terms of Research in Motion’s BlackBerry smartphones: new platform, new developer tools, new user interface, and pretty much new everything else. The new set of developer tools are simply head-and-shoulders above what they used to be, a blessing for most developers.  Yet to avoid fragmentation and more work for developers, RIM has decided to enlighten developers on their plans for the screen resolutions of future BlackBerry 10 smartphones.We know from the state-of-the-art screen of the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha that the first BlackBerry 10 L-Series smartphone will have a screen resolution of 1280 x 768, giving an aspect ratio of 15:9.  RIM has also revealed that the BlackBerry 10 N-Series QWERTY keyboard smartphone will have a screen resolution of 720 x 720, giving a simple aspect ratio of 1:1.In an effort to standardize the screen screen resolutions of future BlackBerry smartphones, RIM has stated that pure touchscreen BlackBerry 10 smartphones will use the 1280 x 720 standard screen resolution.  This makes sense for a few reasons.  First, it’s the same aspect ratio of your HDTV, 16:9.  Second, most of the high-definition content available comes in at 720p, which matches the 1280 x 720 screen resolution that RIM is aiming for.  As for the N-Series, its pretty much matching the horizontal dimensions of the L-Series so that most apps will only have to adjust vertical proportions of the user interface.Now, you might be wondering why the first BlackBerry 10 smartphone has a different, and particularly higher screen resolution.  The primary reason for this is because the design and components of the first L-series smartphone were finalized before any of this 720p standard was set in stone.Despite all this, the user experience shouldn’t suffer in the least.  The difference between 720 and 768 horizontal pixels is pretty negligible, (about 2.6 mm) on the Dev Alpha’s screen.  Also, RIM’s native and web development tools typically sort out this difference for you if you use relative dimensions in creating the user interface.  As for games, they can run at 1280 x 720 on a 1280 x 768 screen without too much hassle.  In general, most people will hardly notice the difference between the two screens side by side anyway.Of course, porting games over to the N-Series from the L-Series specifications will be challenging because of the completely different aspect ratio to contend with.  Then again, games aren’t the first priority of those interested in a BlackBerry with a (non-slider) full QWERTY keyboard.This is good news for both developers and consumers.  Developers don’t have to re-jig their app’s user interface for every BlackBerry device out there, and this in turn means consumers should be able to get the app they want across any of the available BlackBerry smartphones.You can check out RIM’s official developer blog on BlackBerry 10 screen resolutions here.

Dev Alpha OS 10.0.6.670 Now Available for Developers (September,2012)

A new BlackBerry Dev Alpha OS update has been released for Developers! OS 10.0.6.670 is now available and though we don’t know for sure what’s new, we can assure you it brings some bug fixes and minor improvements. Make sure you download this build and let us know if you find anything new.via CB

Free WWF Seafood Guide Now Available for BlackBerry (September,2012)

Are you a seafood lover, but are worried about putting the enviroment and sea life population in danger? There’s a new app that’ll help you with that. WWF Indonesia has created a Seafood Guide application with which you can find and pick the best seafood without putting in danger its population by providing fish stock condition, fishing area information, and how it is produced. The application is currently available in App World free of charge.Download WWF Seafood Guide >>via TechinAsia

How to Check Storage Left on your BlackBerry (September,2012)

Your BlackBerry storage is and should always be very important to you. If you have too many apps or files and the storage is too full, your BlackBerry’s performance could suffer a noticeable decrease. It is always good to keep an eye out on your storage, and here’s how to do it:1. Go to Options and select the Device option from the menu.2. Scroll down until you find the Storage option and select it.
3. This screen shows your BlackBerry’s internal and external storage. The Application Storage is the space you’ve got left for installing apps. The Built-in Media Storage is the space you’ve got left for files and media on your BlackBerry. The Media Card Storage is the space you’ve got left on your external microSD card.Make sure you always keep an eye on these, specially the Application Storage and delete apps that you don’t use to make room for other new apps. If you have any questions or suggestions leave them in the comments below!

Get Your Adventure on with “The Odyssey HD” (September,2012)

Adventure game enthusiasts, this one’s for you.   The Odyssey HD is out for the BlackBerry PlayBook, giving you a chance to relive the mythical story of Ulysses and become a hero all from the comfort of you living room couch.  For only 2.99$ (it’s on sale for limited time!), its up for grabs in the PlayBook’s App World.   Word on the street is that its quite a good game.Check out the full description below:Step into this epic point-and-click mythical adventure game and see what it takes to be the Greek hero Odysseus (Ulysses)! Get ready to embark on a journey filled with danger, mythical creatures and ancient Gods. Thrilling moments and unexpected twists as well as the evil presence of legendary creatures dominate this mythical game throughout.You will have to step into the shoes of Odysseus (Ulysses) and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It took him ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten- year Trojan War. Become a part of Homer’s original myth and educate yourself during the process.Beware, this is no simple task. You will have to escape from the Goddess Calypso’s island, blind Cyclops Polyphemus, face the witch-Goddess Circe, go to the land of the dead in search of an oracle, avoid the Siren mermaids, pass between the six-headed monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis and visit the Sun God’s island. Finally, you will have to murder the suitors and get together with your beloved wife, Penelope and your fearless son Telemachus.• Huge and classic point-and-click adventure game.• Be part of Homer’s epic story and educate yourself by playing.• Face ancient Gods, Sirens, Cyclops and other monsters.• Beautifully hand drawn cartoons (HD), humorous dialogues and challenging puzzles.• Short animation synopsis for educational purposes.• Fully translated into English, German, French and Greek.Pictures: Courtesy of CB Forums

BBM Music Service Provider, Omniphone, Sees Tremendous Growth (September,2012)

Omnifone, a provider of cloud-based digital music services to RIM for BBM Music and others, have reported its first annual profit today. Omniphone reported operating cash flow of $6.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 30. Revenue rose 118 percent to $47.2 million.“Profitability and the increase in revenue are a result of the successful launch of three global services in just 12 months, including Sony Music Unlimited, rara.com and RIM’s BBM Music,” the company said.“We have experienced fantastic momentum on all fronts over the past year and have achieved profitability as a result,” said Omnifone CEO Jeff Hughes. “The growth of smartphones, connected devices and the availability of high-speed connectivity has led to an increased demand for cloud-based music services, opening up a land grab opportunity for the digital music industry.”While Research In Motion has been relatively mum on the success of BBM Music, perhaps they’re secretly doing quite well. Nonetheless, it is great to hear about the success of a company who has been directly influenced by BlackBerry users.via Hollywood Reporter

Could the Philippines be the Next ‘BlackBerry Nation’? (September,2012)

The current ‘BlackBerry Nation’ title holder is undoubtedly Indonesia. There was even an unintentional mosh pit during the release of the BlackBerry Bold 9790. Imagine if users across North America and Europe still lined up the streets to get their hands on the first BlackBerry devices.However, it seems Indonesia may have a new contender for the title. The same trend is beginning to show within the Philippines. While the iPhone and Android devices are popular, they have yet to beat the popularity of BlackBerry with its cheap monthly plans.For example, Globe offers the BlackBerry Curve 8520 handset for PhP 6,990 (US$ 168) as a prepaid kit. The cheapest BBM-only prepaid plan goes for PhP 99 per month (US$ 2.38). Messaging or social plans are at PhP 299 per month (US$ 7.20), while a full-fledged BIS plan with mobile web, email, chat and social apps cost PhP 599 monthly (US$ 14.40), good for both prepaid and contract plans.Can the “texting capital of the world” become the new ‘BlackBerry Nation’? There is growing concern BlackBerry may see a bite in usage as Indonesian carriers reportedly plan to introduce unlimited cross-platform messaging plans. Nevertheless, one thing remains true, if you’re in the need for a powerful messaging tool, nothing beats a BlackBerry with BBM.via e27

Kim Kardashian Shows Off Her Gold BlackBerry Bold 9900 (September,2012)

That exclusive gold BlackBerry Bold 9900, which can currently be won from BlackBerry UK, has made its way to America. Kim Kardashian tweeted late last night that she “Can’t sleep…setting up my new black & gold blackberry!”RIM cannot get any better free press than that. Now I ain’t sayin’ she’s a gold digger, but she ain’t messing with no broke berries. Currently, there doesn’t seem to be a price tag for this gold Bold 9900. However, if you’re really interested in purchasing one like it for yourself at £999, you can hit up Amosu.Thanks Cam!

Top Entertainment Apps for PlayBook and BlackBerry (September,2012)

This past Thursday marked the beginning of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and BlackBerry is proud to be one of this year’s sponsors.  Want to follow all the buzz and celebrities, read fanreviews of movies showing in your area or watch new releases on-the-go?  BlackBerry has pulled together a list of the top entertainment apps for your BlackBerry smartphone or BlackBerry PlayBook to help keep you in the know.  To find out more about the BlackBerry sponsorship at TIFF you can visit www.blackberry.com/ tifffestival .The official BlackBerry TIFF app is 2012’s interactive guide to the Toronto International Film Festival. Featuring a complete list of films with screening times and locations, you can build your personal list of must-see favorites. The app provides addresses, maps and directions for all venues as well as daily Festival highlight photos. Available from BlackBerry App World, join the conversation and follow the buzz of what’s happening and where at TIFF!The official BlackBerry Video Store app for the BlackBerry PlayBook gives users access to a video catalogue filled with thousands of movies and television shows, with new releases to be made available for purchase or rent the same day they come out on DVD. Available for US and Canadian residents the BlackBerry Video Store app can be downloaded for free from BlackBerry App World. Watch new releases or download old favorites when you’re on the go with the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet’s vivid display. With a built-in HDMI connection you can also easily plug your BlackBerry PlayBook into your HDTV to enjoy videos at home!Available in both English and French, the ultimate Cineplex app connects movie lovers toshowtimes for every theatre in Canada as well as the latest entertainment news, exclusive trailers, footage and interviews. Scene members can sync their cards to earn points or check balances on-the-go. Available fromBlackBerry App World , the Cineplex app allows you to buytickets for Cineplex theatres on both your BlackBerry smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook.  Connect with Canada’s only entertainment rewards program with the BlackBerry Cineplex app!The official Flixster app brings together movie reviews from Rotten Tomatoes with maps, phone numbers, ticket info and showtimes for theatres in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia straight to your BlackBerry smartphone or BlackBerry PlayBook. Available from BlackBerry App World, the app allows you to browse for movies by title, director, or actor in a DVD catalog of over 50,000 movies. No more waiting in box office lines with ‘the top movie app for Facebook’, Flixster also allows you to purchase movie tickets directly from movietickets.com!Discover high-quality trailers and fan movie ratings with the Fandango app. Find theatres closest to your location using BlackBerry’s GPS and the app will connect with BlackBerry Maps to navigate you to the theatre. Tickets for more than 16,000 movie screens can be purchased by signing into a Fandango account or securely store credit card information to your device â€" it’s your choice! Available from BlackBerry App World, Fandango allows for ultimate browsing with its “Now Playing, “Opening This Week” and “Top Box Office” movie carousel.Get the latest entertainment news and gossip with the E! News Now app for BlackBerry. Access breaking entertainment news and videos you can’t live without. The app delivers over a dozen video reports daily, bringing you the latest scoop on your favorite celebs, hottest red carpet events and the most anticipated films. Available from BlackBerry App World, the E! News Now app gives you the inside take on what’s happening on and off screen at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

White BlackBerry Bold 9900 Coming to WIND Mobile (September,2012)

WIND Mobile of Canada will soon be releasing the BlackBerry Bold 9900, but this time around in white. According to the leaked slide, the white Bold 9900 will cost roughly $99.99 on WINDTab or $549,99 outright.The white Bold 9900 will apparently release on September 11th. Any of you you WIND users interested in the white BlackBerry Bold 9900?via MobileSyrup

Thorsten Heins to Give Opening Keynote at BlackBerry Jam Americas (September,2012)

Research in Motion (RIM) is set to host their “BlackBerry Jam Americas” conference in San Jose on September 25th-27th, drawing thousands of developers to learn everything about making apps for the new BlackBerry 10 platform.   RIM’s CEO, Thorstein Heins will not only be attending the event, but also giving the opening keynote much like in similar events like “BlackBerry Dev Con Europe” a while ago.  This will conclude RIM’s world-wide tour showcasing the tools for the new platform, catering to devs to bring as many apps as possible to the launch of the first BlackBerry 10 smartphone in about 5 months.Apps from BlackBerry 7 and older won’t work with the new BlackBerry 10 platform. This is why the event is quite important for RIM, as they need populate BlackBerry App World with as many high-quality apps as possible in order to compete with the likes of the industry giants, Apple and Google.Despite not being the most captivating speaker of all time, Thorsten Heins has come across as a very straight-talking, confident and capable CEO.  His tenure as CEO has strengthened the perception of RIM’s management, which was seen as weak and deluded prior to his promotion.The opening keynote is where RIM usually announces or unveils new BlackBerry products or services, so the event could make for an exciting watch when Thorsten is onstage.  With only weeks away from the event, do you think Thorsten Heins will reveal the BlackBerry 10 smartphone?   Let us know what you think in the comments below!