RIM has finally launched BlackBerry Podcasts for phones running BlackBeery OS 4.2 or later. BlackBerry podcasts provides audio and video podcasts to its subscribers from popular providers. The audio and video podcasts can be downloaded via WiFi or mobile internet services and played back on the BlackBerry media player.
“BlackBerry Podcasts offers an enriched and streamlined multimedia experience,” said Alistair Mitchell, Vice President, Multimedia Integration. “The new BlackBerry Podcasts app and service makes it easier than ever to discover and download a wide range of content directly from a BlackBerry smartphone, and users can even subscribe to their favorite podcasts and receive an alert when new content is available.”
One can browse the BlackBerry podcast library with respect to channels, keywords, category and top downloads and then subscribe. Before subscribing, you can listen to the sample podcast and then, if you like it, you can subscribe. You can download the podcasts and save it on the phone's microSD card and listen to it later whenever you want. The push technology of BlackBerry notifies you when there are new releases in your subscribed channels.
PRESS RELEASE
New app and service offer access to audio and video podcasts from leading content providers
Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today launched BlackBerry® Podcasts, a free application and service that allows BlackBerry® smartphone users to easily discover, acquire and enjoy podcasts from leading content providers. BlackBerry Podcasts gives users access to free audio and video content that can be downloaded over Wi-Fi® or over cellular networks* and then enjoyed through the BlackBerry media player.
“BlackBerry Podcasts offers an enriched and streamlined multimedia experience,” said Alistair Mitchell, Vice President, Multimedia Integration. “The new BlackBerry Podcasts app and service makes it easier than ever to discover and download a wide range of content directly from a BlackBerry smartphone, and users can even subscribe to their favorite podcasts and receive an alert when new content is available.”
With BlackBerry Podcasts, users can search the Podcast Catalog by keyword, category, channel or top downloads, and subscribe or simply preview a particular podcast before subscribing. Downloaded episodes can be stored on a microSD card, to be enjoyed at any time. BlackBerry Podcasts also leverages the push technology of the BlackBerry platform to notify users when new content from a subscribed channel becomes available.
Rich and Growing Catalog of Content
RIM is working with a growing range of leading content providers to bring a wide variety of podcasts into the Podcast Catalog. Content providers currently include: Above and Beyond, Bloomberg, CBC, Corus, Discovery Networks, How Stuff Works, HBR, NPR, PRI, Reuters, Speed TV, TVO, The Onion, Wizzard Media, Resident Advisor Podcast and many more.
“Offering Reuters multimedia content on BlackBerry Podcasts provides our core audience and beyond with access to the news they want, when they want it.”
- Ilicco Elia, global head of mobile for consumer media at Thomson Reuters.
“This launch is an exciting moment in digital media and The Onion is pleased to be amongst the first content providers for Blackberry Podcasts. Reaching a wider audience through new channels will always be a priority to us.”
- Dan Ryan, National Sales Director for The Onion
“We are very excited to be working with RIM to integrate our content with BlackBerry Podcasts. BlackBerry smartphones are fantastic multimedia devices and with the continued popularity and rapid growth of podcasts, this is a great opportunity for BlackBerry users to find new and compelling content that they can tailor to their own preferences.”
- Chris Spencer, CEO, Wizzard Media
“Collaborating with an outstanding industry leader like RIM is a brilliant example of how TVO is leveraging innovative relationships to increase our educational impact and reach through digital channels. I’m especially excited that math and science literacy – both high priorities for TVO – are central to the fun and safe mobile learning experiences we’re creating for BlackBerry users with young learners.”
- Lisa de Wilde, CEO, TVO
“As a producer and distributor of some of the most loved shows on public radio, PRI has to serve our fans where they spend their time. We know the BlackBerry platform is huge for them. We’re delighted to work with RIM to offer podcasts from 'PRI’s The World' and 'This American Life' to our morning news show 'The Takeaway' on BlackBerry Podcasts.”
- Michael Skoler, Vice President of Interactive Media, Public Radio International
“We’re pleased to work with RIM on this initiative. CBC’s podcasts are among the most popular in Canada and through BlackBerry Podcasts, Canadians can expect to find an extensive line-up of CBC Radio and Television podcasts available, with new episodes added regularly.”
- Bob Kerr, Director of Business Development, CBC Digital Programming & Business Development
“Our world is all about mobile. BlackBerry Podcasts is a great way for users to be able to access ExploreMusic content when they want it and wherever they happen to be. Corus is thrilled to be part of the app.”
- Alan Cross, Curator, ExploreMusic and Senior Program Director, Corus Interactive and Integrated Solutions, Corus Entertainment
RIM is also offering a BlackBerry Channel on BlackBerry Podcasts, which provides "how to videos" and other content related to BlackBerry products and services, such as The BlackBerry Connection newsletter.
Availability
BlackBerry Podcasts is available free* on BlackBerry App World™ (www.blackberry.com/appworld) for BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry OS v4.6 or higher.
Submission Portal
Content providers wishing to learn more about the service and wishing to submit podcast feeds for consideration are invited to use the online submission portal accessible via www.blackberry.com/podcasts.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
* Wireless data charges may apply for customers with limited data plans.
After so many leaks and rumors, RIM finally made its mind and announced the launch of its new BlackBerry 9300 Curve 3G. This new smartphone will run on BlackBerry OS 5, not 6. It has a 2MP camera with video recording, the new BlackBerry Messenger can be seen on the phone. It has 320x240 TFT LCD screen. The device can run on BlackBerry OS 6, but this is depending on carrier support. T-Mobile already said that it would support BlackBerry OS 6 on this.
The press release is as follows:
New addition to the globally popular BlackBerry Curve series is fast, easy-to-use, richly-featured and BlackBerry 6 ready
Waterloo, Ontario - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the new BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G, an exciting addition to the globally popular BlackBerry Curve series of smartphones. Designed to provide the growing mass of smartphone purchasers with a distinctly powerful, approachable and affordable choice, the BlackBerry Curve 3G supports high-speed 3G (HSDPA) networks around the world and gives users the exceptional communications features they need to accomplish more than ever, when they’re at home, at work and everywhere in-between.
“The majority of people in the worldwide mobile phone market have yet to buy their first smartphone and the BlackBerry Curve 3G is designed to provide an extremely attractive and accessible choice that will help convince many of them to make the leap,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “The new BlackBerry Curve 3G is a perfect choice for happily busy people who are looking for a user-friendly 3G smartphone to help them make the most of their day and to stay connected with their friends, family and co-workers.”
The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone features a comfortable full-QWERTY keyboard for fast, accurate typing, optical trackpad for fluid navigation, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi®, as well as dedicated media keys, so music lovers can easily access their tunes while on the go. The new smartphone also features a camera that can record video and a microSD/SDHC slot that supports up to 32 GB memory cards for media storage. Support for 3G networks makes browsing faster, streaming music smoother, and gives users the ability to talk on the phone while they browse the web, instant message with BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™) or share their location with friends on popular social networking sites.
The BlackBerry Curve 3G ships with BlackBerry® 5 and is BlackBerry® 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry® smartphones that was announced last week. It retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy to use. BlackBerry 6 is expected to be available for the BlackBerry Curve 3G, subject to carrier certifications, in the coming months.
The new BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone (model 9300) will be available from various carriers and distribution partners around the world beginning in August. Check with local carriers for details about availability and pricing.
For more information about the new BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone visit www.blackberry.com/curve3G. For more information about BlackBerry 6, visit www.blackberry.com/6.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com orwww.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend," "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by RIM in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that RIM believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause RIM's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM's forward-looking statements. RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.
There are some leaked details about the new version of BIS, the BlackBerry Internet Service 3.2. The details are as follows:
- Everyone who has used the BlackBerry Internet Service before would be happy with the feature of syncing your address book with your Google or GMail account. Now, BIS 3.2 brings you the pleasure of syncing the calendar entries also. So keeping track of your meetings becomes more easy and you may be relaxed to know that your data will be safe on two different servers.
- As it is rightly said, with great powers comes great responsibilities, BlackBerry is saying, with great features comes great security. So now, the security in the service has increased. In the olden versions, you were asked for a 6-character password. But in BIS 3.2, you are asked for 8 to 16-character password. And this has to a combination of lower case and upper case alphabets with numbers, complete security eh??
- You dont have to worry about entering your log in details everytime you try to access the mailboxes from your devices. The new service takes care that the first time you provide it with the details, it is saved in a place and from the second time, its automatic log in. Saves time and headache.
- People who use WAP were not able to see the passwords they entered with the old version. But in the new version, its corrected and people who enter the password can now see what they have entered and whether it is correct or not.
- The new version has it necessary that the Windows Live account be re-validated every 365 days, failing which, the usage may be stopped. But the user will not be affected by this, unless its not validated.
With the new BlackBerry OS 6 news making rounds to be seen on the Storm 3, one of the main attractions of the OS would be the browser. So lets take a look at what it is new and what it can do.
To make the online search experience better and to allow the user easily enter URLs on the browser, the new browser has a single text entry field on its homepage. You can do both the tasks with this single text box. Keeping in mind the fact that mobile browser users will have a specific task to do in their mind, the BlackBeery has designed the browser in this way, it seems.
Homepage
To further enhance the experience, you can save your bookmarks directly to the homepage.
Save Bookmarks
One of the other aspects which makes the web experience on a PC good is the tabbed browsing feature on all the browsers. Now, in BlackBerry 6 Browser, you have this feature. You can open up different webpages on different tabs. Along with this, the WebKit renders the pages really well with enhanced graphics, even in the tabbed browsing environment. To switch between the tabs, you just have to tap on the tab in the top right part of the screen.
Tabbed Browsing
If you have a lot of RSS feeds subscribed or you do that a lot, the new browser has simplified this process just for you. The browser has an integration with the Social Feeds app, making it very easy to add RSS feeds subscription. To do this, you just open the website, tap the tab next to the tabbed browsing tab and you get a drop down menu. Amongst other options, you get an option to subscribe to RSS feeds. Its that easy.
RSS Feeds
After Apple introduced the pinch to zoom concept in its iPhone Safari browser, it has become a defacto feature for other browsers that came afterward. BlackBerry 6 Browser being no exception. Yes, the new browser has this feature. You can just pinch to zoom. This being an option only for the touch screen phones. The non-touch screen phones, that which come with a trackpad, can hold down the ALT key and use the trackpad to do the same operation. And also, there is a auto font size adjustment feature which adjusts the font of the text in the webpage you are viewing automatically so that your browsing experience will increase.
Pinch to zoom
There are talks going on in the tech town about Storm 2 getting the BlackBerry 6 OS. This is not yet confirmed. Its still a doubt whether the phone will be fortunate enough. And it can also not be decide whether Storm 2's browser will get a WebKit update or the new browser itself. Its just a wait and watch game.
Technically, BlackBerry phones are PDAs as well as a phone working on push technology. With a usual phone with internet access, one will have to check the mailbox regularly or frequently, or keep a mail client active at all the time, which may lead to low battery backup. But with BlackBerry, you don't have to worry.
BlackBerry phones use the push technology, where all your emails, calendar entries, documents or any other data directly to your phone via the internet. This is possible due to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), responsible for the forwarding of all the mentioned items. All the BB devices are assigned a PIN (Personal Identification Number) and are integrated with the BES.
This BES actively monitors the users mailbox at all times. When it sees a new item in the mailbox, it pushes it to the network operation center of RIM, which further uses the network service provider's services to push the item to the user's phone.
All the data which moves around the BB devices and servers and operational centers, are encrypted. BB uses the triple Data Encryption Standard (DES), and more recently the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Encryption is done to hide the personal info that is essentially trasmitted during a transaction. BB uses highly complicated algorithms to achieve this type of encryption and its very hard for a person to intercept the data.
This unique kind of operation is what caused the popularity of the BlackBerries. With this technology improving over time, BlackBerry is committed to change the way that the corporate world functions.
With a lot of countries like the UAE, Saudi, India and middle eastern countries warning Research in Motion, the makers of BlackBerry, that their services would be blocked in the countries, Kuwait has said that it wont ban BlackBerry services. The authorities say that they are following the situation continuously, but are not planning to impose a ban due security concerns.
Mohammad al-Baseeri, communications minister here said "At the moment, I can tell you that there is no intention to stop BlackBerry services in Kuwait". But then he said that he was waiting for answers from RIM on the security risk concerns tossed by the neighboring countries. It is also quoted that he said "We are in direct and indirect talks, and contact, with Saudi Arabia, UAE and the BlackBerry maker to follow up on the solutions presented by the company."
Commandos, one of the very popular war-genre games of the 90's for the PC, now comes to BlackBerry. Compatible to most of the BlackBerry devices, this is a must have game. The graphics are lifelike and the game play definitely gets high ratings. The game play experience of the PC is still felt while playing this game. The game has the effects enough to keep you drowned in it and forget the world around you.
The story is of the World War II. In 1940, during World War II, the allies train a group of soldiers to carry out special missions: “The Commandos”. Take control of the Green Beret, the spy, the sniper and the sapper. Infiltrate, dodge enemy soldiers or shoot them from a distance, deactivate mines and destroy targets to successfully execute missions in Germany, France, Norway and North Africa.
BlackBerry is up with the launch of its newest smartphone, the Torch 9800. The phone is magnificent to look at and has a big touch screen. Now, it wouldn't be good if you accidentally dropped it from your hands. Right? Its true that BlackBerry would have made arrangements for this. But its never bad to have some extra protection to that phone.
For the sole protection of safety of your BlackBerry Torch 9800, Wrapsol has come with a protective film, the Wrapsol Ultra. The pre-order has begun and the ordered protective films will start shipping only 2 after the phone's launch. The drop protection film is available for other BlackBerry devices as well.
Wrapsol Protection Film for BlackBerry Torch 9800
The press release for Wrapsol Ultra is as follows:
WRAPSOL ULTRA FOR BLACKBERRY TORCH 9800 NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
Wrapsol Offers Complete Device Protection for Latest Smart Phones—BlackBerry Torch, Motorola DROID X and Samsung Galaxy S Family
Weymouth, Mass., August 9, 2010—Wrapsol, LLC. has begun taking pre-orders for its Wrapsol ultra protective film system for the highly-anticipated new BlackBerry Torch 9800 at www.wrapsol.com/torch. Wrapsol ultra is a simple-to-install protection system that helps prevent scratches and dings, damage caused by skids across concrete floors and from falls of up to six feet. Wrapsol ultra systems for the BlackBerry Torch ($29.99) are expected to ship shortly after the smartphone’s August 12th, 2010 release date.
Wrapsol for the BlackBerry Torch is the latest in a line of Wrapsol ultra systems for today’s hottest smartphones including the Android-based Motorola DROID X (Verizon Wireless), Samsung Vibrant (T-Mobile) and Samsung Captivate (AT&T Wireless) as well as Apple’s iPhone 4. Custom cut to fit each individual device, Wrapsol ultra adheres in about a minute for nearly instant protection against damage from everyday use and off-the-counter and out-of-pocket falls.
Wrapsol systems are available for dozens of devices at www.wrapsol.com and major retailers nationwide.
About Wrapsol
Wrapsol LLC is a leading maker of protective adhesive solutions for today’s most popular consumer electronics devices and mobile phone handsets including the Apple iPhone, Google Nexus One, BlackBerry Torch, HTC Incredible, Motorola DROID X and Samsung Galaxy S family among others, the Apple iPad, Asus netbooks, the Amazon Kindle e-reader and the Sony PSP and Nintendo DSi gaming systems. Using patent-pending technology created by the inventors of protective films for paint and bumpers in the automotive industry, the Wrapsol and Wrapsol ultra lines guard against dings, dents, cracks, scuffs and scratches with an optically clear film that keeps devices looking like new. More information about Wrapsol and its product lines can be found at www.wrapsol.com.
Friday was a very sad day for Blackberry lovers in Saudi as the services were blocked. People were seen selling their devices for half price on the streets of Saudi. This was done as RIM did not respond to Saudi's government's warning that it should allow access to its encoded data sent out of the country to its server in Canada. This caused a lot of havoc in the corporate market in Saudi. But now, its not clear whether this was due to the ban or due to the servers being tested. Some say that it was a glitch due to the testing of the servers, but, some newspapers reported that the services were banned and there was no communication possible from or to the devices.
Reportedly, the services were back the next morning and it is assumed that it was just a glitch. But nevertheless, the fear of the services getting blocked still haunts Blackberry owners here. The services would be shown a green signal by the authorities only if RIM issues the authorities monitoring rights. And, this situation is expected in other countries like the UAE and India for the same reasons.
Blackberry lovers in some parts of the world like the middle east and some countries in Asia are not really happy from a few days. This is because the concerned countries' governments are planning to ban the Blackberry services in their countries due to security risks. Now, this is a well known fact.
The reason being, Blackberry uses a proprietary encoding technique for all the data transaction happening through its devices. These data are stored in a server located in Canada. The governments have asked Blackberry to cooperate in making the situation better by letting the authorities tap the encoded data and examine. This is necessary due to the increase in terrorism worldwide.
The governments of the concerned countries have warned Blackberry that they would ban its services if the company doesn't agree to this. But Blackberry has said that it can't help the authorities in this because the encoding algorithm used by it is of very high security and even if it wanted, it couldn't hack the system. This, obviously, is not an answer that the governments want.
Recently, Bruce Schneier, a security expert, chief security technology officer for BT said "I could design a good hundred ways to gain access". Officials with Canada's RIM did not respond to a request for comment. Security experts around the world say that attacking the network's most vulnerable points, the Blackberry smartphone itself and the Blackberry server, would be a solution. These points, the two extreme end points for the communication to take place, are supposed to provide would-be hackers access to unscrambled data.
Tyler Shields, who works for the Burlington, Massachusetts based security firm Veracode, released a spyware program earlier this year for attacking Blackberries via the handset. "I wanted to demonstrate that Blackberry handhelds are susceptible to spyware", said Shields. So now, if RIM doesn't nod to the governments, they may hack the networks themselves or ban the company's services completely very soon.
