BlackBerry gets some love from Apple and Microsoft

Posted by: Peter Murphy on Jul 25 2008 - 31 views

Most of us think of the BlackBerry as a business phone, the tool of dour, number crunching wheelers and dealers in standard garb, suit and tie. This though does not exclude these device users from an appreciation of music, or the need for instant messaging, and some new applications for the BlackBerry have just been released that will make that device an even better, and even, dare I say it, a funky tool.

So firstly, iTunes sync for BlackBerry, now don’t get me wrong this doesn’t work for all BB devices and will not sync DRM tunes but it’s a step in the right  direction to putting a smile on a few faces. Most of us don’t think of the  BB as a music phone.

The Media Sync Software works with the BlackBerry Curve, Pearl, and the 8800 series of smartphones. The upcoming BlackBerry Bold and touch-screen Thunder are expected to have the software preloaded.

You can download the software here and it’s free.

via informationweek

Secondly, Something that largely seems to have gone under the radar of most people, even though Doug brought us news of the Windows Live update, it seems we’ve missed the release of Windows Messenger for BlackBerry. I missed it as well and I’m pulling it of of a local site, Mr.Gadget, where a couple of mobile devotees do their thing.

The client that will make the Windows Live Messenger service available to BlackBerry smartphones is now available for download. The Live Messenger for the BlackBerry can log chats, show user status, use emoticons, display pictures, and even send and receive files, just like the usual Live Messenger for computers and Windows Mobile smartphones. The Windows Live Messenger client is available in different languages including, but not limited to, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Hebrew, and German. Unfortunately, that’s about the extent of what arrived this July—the Windows Live Hotmail for the BlackBerry which would use push technology isn’t out yet, although hopefully, it follows suit.

via Mr.Gadget

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CrackBerry.com reviews the BlackBerry 8220 (the flip!)

Posted by: Brandon Steili on Jul 23 2008 - 18 views

Yea … you’re seeing that right. Months and months before this thing even thinks about hitting the streets the folks over at CrackBerry.com already have one in hand and have written up a hardware review. Think about that for a second … this thing hasn’t even been “officially announced” yet! Talk about getting your hands on a pre-release.

Anyway - click on through to CrackBerry.com and check this thing out … they even took the time to go down to a Rogers store to check out the flip phone competition. Very cool look at what is bound to be a VERY popular BlackBerry.

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Brighthand reviews the Blackberry Curve 8830

Posted by: Brandon Steili on Jul 22 2008 - 42 views

While definitely not something that’s “right up my alley” the Blackberry Curve has always seemed to pique my curiosity. I’m not sure what it is about the Curve … but something about the device calls out to me. Of course I’m perfectly happy with my iPhone and have absolutely no intentions of letting it go in favor of the Curve - I guess I’m just admiring from a distance as it were.

Anyway, in case you’re one of the folks with a decent sized phone budget, and a fan of the RIM … Brighthand has posted a nice (not in depth) review of the Curve from a very day-to-day perspective.

The BlackBerry Curve 8330 for Sprint is not a fancy device, nor is it extra special in any real particular way. However, it is solid, well built, and has the kind of ability to just blend into day-to-day activities without requiring too much in the way of tweaking and modifying the default setup.

Check out the full review at Brighthand

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SplashData Launches SplashMoney for BlackBerry

Posted by: danc on Jul 08 2008 - 108 views

In the same week that SplashData prepares to release iPhone versions of three of their products they are showing a little Blackberry love, as well.

Earlier today they announced a version of their SplashMoney personal finance application for BlackBerry smartphones. With SplashMoney, BlackBerry users now have the ability to instantly download their most recent banking account activities through a wireless connection and synchronize with a Windows PC. SplashMoney allows users to securely record transactions, track account balances, generate reports and budgets, and manage finances while on the go.

According to their press release

SplashMoney may be used as a stand-alone application on a BlackBerry or Windows desktop computer, and is optimized for two-way synchronization between the two. Changes made to both mobile and desktop versions will be retained and merged into one up-to-date file upon synchronization, rather than the most recently updated version overwriting the other version.

Those concerned with online privacy issues (as everyone should) will be glad to know that SplashData has built-in secure password protection using 256-bit Blowfish encryption to protect against malicious hacking or
other threats.

"Managing finances on the go has never been more important, with many families using multiple credit cards and checking accounts," said MorganSlain, SplashData CEO. "SplashMoney makes it easier than ever to get an instant overall picture of your finances and delivers a complete end-to-end
financial management solution of unparalleled integration, simplicity and value."

SplashMoney is available now for $29.95 at www.splashdata.com. It is also available as part of the SplashWallet Suite, which includes SplashID, SplashPhoto and SplashShopper as well as SplashMoney at a 50% discount. A full functioning 30-day trial version is also available for download.

Tags: Splashdata, SplashMoney, Blackberry

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More BB9000 news — iTunes sync!

Posted by: Ragart on May 15 2008 - 176 views

Just a quick tidbit of news, but apparently (from CNET) BlackBerry 9000 users might be able to sync their tunes through iTunes. So they can get up to 16GB of sweet, sweet music in Apple juice format on the shiny new Blackberry Bold! Get your straws ready, it’s slurping time! (that made no sense)

 

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Astraware Games Coming to BlackBerry

Posted by: weiganla on May 14 2008 - 473 views

Right after RIM announced it was creating a $150 million fund to support BlackBerry software development, Handmark (the parent company of awesome game studio Astraware) released plans to launch a couple of lifestyle programs and several Astraware games for BlackBerry. Coincidence? Hmm.

The two Handmark programs will be available May 28. Bible Translations features wireless access to 16 translations of the Good Book. Ringtone Junkie is a ringtone manager that also includes unlimited access to its basic ringtone catalog.

Game fans will have to wait a little longer. The press release promises games in Q3 including squishy shoot-em-up Platypus. Astraware’s flagship gamepacks Solitaire, Sudoku, Casino, and Boardgames will show up in Q4.

RIM is obviously trying to extend into the non-business market, but I had my first experience with a BlackBerry Pearl yesterday and I really, really don’t get the appeal. A friend was missing calls because the ring volume was too soft, and it took me about five minutes to figure out how to fix it. I might have done it in four if the darn trackball wasn’t slowing me down. RIM wants me to play games on that thing? I’d rather chew off my own thumb.

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