A new version of BlackBerry Media Sync has been made available by RIM updating the software to version 3.0.

Media Sync 3.0 allows BlackBerry users to sync their desktop iTunes or Windows Media Player music with via USB "simply and quickly".

In addition to an improved interface, Media Sync 3.0 adds the ability to sync images to and from a device as well as add folders for syncing from a PC to a handset.

As far as pictures go, the software includes an option to optimise pictures for the phone with a "smart memory management" tool that shrinks down files to around 2% of the original size.

BlackBerry Media Sync 3.0 is available for PC and Mac via BlackBerry Desktop Manager for OS 4.6 and over but supports OS 4.2 and over, it's available for free via www.blackberry.com/mediasync.

Tags: Phones BlackBerry RIM Software updates BlackBerry Media Sync iTunes Windows Media Player

BlackBerry Media Sync 3.0 released originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:11:59 +0000

While BlackBerry maker RIM has launched a variety of its consumer-aimed 8000 series Pearls, a next-gen version has yet to emerge - until now.

There images, leaked by CrackBerry, show the new handset in all its angular glory, and from the finished state of the phone, suggest an imminent launch.

The 3G BlackBerry Pearl 9100 follows previous models by offering a smaller BlackBerry form factor with a SureType keypad.

Specs are yet to be revealed, but we'll keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry BlackBerry Pearl 9100 RIM Rumours

BlackBerry Pearl 9100 revealed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:39:05 +0000

Seesmic, the Twitter client for the Mac, and recently PC, has announced that it is going mobile with BlackBerry and Android apps.

Leaving out the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android users will be able to get their Twitter feeds on their phone from Friday.

"Seesmic for BlackBerry groups all your Twitter timelines into a simple and clean interface", says Seesmic, with features for both apps including the ability to create and view saved searches, view Twitter lists that you've created on twitter.com, shorten urls and send photos, and configure notification alerts for Direct Messages and @Replies.

The news follows an earlier announcement this week that the company was launching a Windows 7 version.

The preview version, which is free, of Seesmic for Windows supposedly "combines the best features from our ever-popular social application and provides it to you in a native Windows environment".

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Android BlackBerry Seesmic Desktop

Seesmic BlackBerry and Android apps released originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Here are the nominations for Best Mobile Phone in The Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009.

The following products were chosen because we feel they represent the best phones on sale in the last 12 months that are available in the UK.

The nominations are:

HTC Hero

iPhone 3GS

Palm Pre

BlackBerry Bold 9700

HTC HD2

A notable commendation should also go to the Sony Ericsson W995 and the Nokia N900.

Now in its 6th year, the Pocket-lint Gadget Awards, thought to be the longest running in the UK, pick the best gadgets and gizmos from the last year released in the UK.

Pocket-lint's vigorous vetting process means that all the gadgets up for nomination have to have been seen by a member of the Pocket-lint team (so far over 600) and have to have been available in the UK between December 2008 and December 2009.

The awards, voted by a panel of leading gadget journalists from around the world, including the staff from the Pocket-lint team, will decide the real must-have gadgets of the year, rather than those simply deemed cool or anticipated, being the definitive guide for consumers looking to buy gadgets.

Winners will be announced at an Awards evening in London on Monday 7 December.

If you would like to order tickets to the event please visit our awards event page.

Public voting will start on Wednesday 18 November.

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Related links:

• Link - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC Apple Palm BlackBerry Sony Ericsson Nokia

Best Mobile Phone 2009 nominations originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

A new BlackBerry-flavoured rumour has emerged suggesting RIM is not planning on putting all its future eggs solely in the touchscreen basket.

While RIM's first touchscreen handset, the Storm, got mixed reviews for its click-touch screen, the second gen version, the Storm 2 (available now) is said to have a greatly improved touchscreen interface.

However, this maybe a step too far for many BlackBerry-using diehards who favour RIM's smartphones for their QWERTY keyboards.

If the rumours are to be believed, RIM is busy prepping a touchscreen slider that will offer consumers "the best of both worlds".

The rumour has gained pace with a recent research note from Kaufman Bros analyst Shaw Wu who says the new handset, "resembles a cross between the Storm 2 and one of RIM's non-touch QWERTY devices".

"It's currently in the prototype stage and is likely to ship sometime in 2010", reports Electronista quoting Wu's research.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM Rumours BlackBerry 9900 Mr T

New sliding touchscreen BlackBerry rumoured originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:40:01 +0000

As most BlackBerry users will know, BlackBerry themes are available to change the range of smartphone's homescreen looks including options to select different designs for the background image, as well as the icon and cursor style.

Now RIM has announced that BlackBerry owners can make their own BlackBerry theme with the release of BlackBerry Theme Studio 5.0 making it "pretty easy" to customise a BlackBerry with a unique theme.

"All you need", says RIM in a blog post, "is a bit of creativity and some skills with graphics software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects or BlackBerry Composer".

The blog is offering a comprehensive walkthrough of the main interface of BlackBerry Theme Studio 5.0 with a step-by-step how-to on DIY themes promised soon.

In the meantime BlackBerry users can download BlackBerry Theme Studio (a Windows app) for free from www.blackberry.com/themestudio.

UPDATE: The step-by-step guide is now live.

Tags: Phones BlackBerry RIM Mobile phone apps

BlackBerry users offered the option to create their own themes originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:39:31 +0000

Hungry? Restaurant-recommendation company Urbanspoon has rolled out a BlackBerry application. It joins the company's iPhone application, which has proved rather popular on Apple's handsets.

The app detects your location and allows users to select a type of food and a price range, before giving a one-armed bandit "spin" to pick a suitable restaurant that matches your selections. BlackBerry handsets equipped with an accelerometer can be shaken to spin the wheels.

Ethan Lowry, co-founder of the company, told TechCrunch that Urbanspoon worked with Xtreme Labs to create its app, adding: "It's one of the snazziest BlackBerry apps there is". Android is apparently the next target for the company, and Windows Mobile and webOS were mentioned as on the horizon but still some way away.

The app is free, and available to download now.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone applications Restaurants Urbanspoon BlackBerry RIM

Urbanspoon comes to BlackBerry originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:13:46 +0000

RIM, the maker of the BlackBerry handsets, is hoping to appeal to gamers in the future with an announcement that it will be supporting the OpenGL ES technology in its handsets.

The news, which was announced at the company's developer conference in San Francisco, means that games developers will be able to bring the latest 3D mobile games they've been making for the iPhone to the BlackBerry platform.

"With OpenGL ES support, Java developers will have the ability to build 3D games and graphics for BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry OS 5.0 and higher", RIM said in a statement.

EA?Mobile, has already started developing games for the platform, which is expected to be enabled on the new?BlackBerry Storm 2?first.

However more interesting to non-gamers, the average BlackBerry user, is that it should open up other applications like Google's newly announced Google Maps Navigation. At the recent Droid launch event in NYC, Google told Pocket-lint that it could be possible to port the GPS app to the iPhone because of the OpenGL support.

This announcement would mean that Google could add BlackBerry to that same list.

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Tags: Phones Gaming RIM BlackBerry iPhone EA Mobile phone games BlackBerry Storm 2 Google Google Maps Navigation

3D gaming coming to a BlackBerry near you originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:48:01 +0000

Xobni?has offered further details of what the mobile version of its Outlook plug-in will offer and suggested a launch date to delegates at the BlackBerry Developer Conference in San Francisco on Monday.

"Xobni for mobile will be more like your automatic address book made up of all the thousands of people you may have communicated with over the years", the company has said.

According to the firm, who already offers a way for?Outlook?users to sieve through their contacts, the typical user "has 5-10x the number of contacts in their email inbox versus their Outlook address book".

Features outlined at the conference include Xobni Rank, which lists contacts in ranked order depending on the freshness and depth of your relationship, says the company.

According to Xobni (inbox spelt backwards by the way) the app will quickly find anyone you’ve ever communicated with, along with the context of your relationship, in ranked order.

"Most people know more than one Mike. Xobni Rank delivers every Mike you know in ranked order based on how often and how recently you communicated with him. So, the Mike Zander, whom you just spoke with yesterday and email one time per week will be listed above the Mike Andler, who was CC’d in an email once by your coworker".

Although originally slated for a summer 09 launch date, the company has said that it looks more likely to be early 2010 before the app will be available.

We will keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Xobni BlackBerry BlackBerry App World

Xobni mobile details teased at BlackBerry Developer Conference originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:41:19 +0000

Vodafone has announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is now available to buy. If you want to get the handset for free, then you'll need to sign up to a ?35 per month, 2-year contract or a ?40 per month, 18-month contract. Business customers can purchase business price plans from ?30 per month.

T-Mobile has also announced it will be offering the new RIM handset, but its pricing comes in a wee bit higher at free from ?45 per month.
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The Bold follow-up is a slimline QWERTY handset with HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity, BlackBerry's push email service, a 3.2-megapixel camera, on-board GPS, media player, 3.5mm headset jack, plus 32GB of memory storage via an interchangeable microSD card.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones RIM BlackBerry Vodafone BlackBerry Bold 9700 Video

VIDEO: BlackBerry Bold 9700 now available from Vodafone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:11:51 +0000

T-Mobile has announced it will be offering the BlackBerry Bold 9700 online and via telesales from 6 November and in T-Mobile stores across the UK from 10 November.

The Bold follow-up is a slimline QWERTY handset with HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity, BlackBerry's push email service, a 3.2-megapixel camera, on-board GPS, media player, 3.5mm headset jack, plus 32GB of memory storage via an interchangeable microSD card.

T-Mobile is offering the BlackBerry Bold 9700 from free on ?35 per month contracts with BlackBerry email charged at an extra ?5 and unlimited internet yet another ?5 per month, bringing the total to ?45.

Vodafone is also offering the new Bold 9700, from free on ?35 per month 2-year contracts or for ?40 a month on 18-month contracts.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry T-Mobile RIM Tariffs BlackBerry Bold 9700

T-Mobile to offer BlackBerry Bold 9700 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:45:03 +0000

RIM is advertising for a Canadian-based WebKit developer, following its acquisition of Torch Mobile (a company that developed the WebKit-based Iris Browser). Both bits of evidence irrefutably point to the fact that RIM knows the BlackBerry browser is a bit rubbish and is trying to fix it.

WebKit is a rendering engine that's used, most notably, in Apple's Safari (both on desktop and in the iPhone) and Google's Chrome browsers. It's also used in Symbian's S60 browser which can be found on Nokia, Samsung and LG handsets. Android's browser is based on WebKit, too, as is the Palm Pre's.

It's essentially the industry standard, and should help to make the BlackBerry browser more of a joy to use than its predecessor. For now, though, there's no official acknowledgement of the switch, let alone any kind of release date for a newer version of the browser, so sit tight for now and we'll let you know when we hear anything more concrete.

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Tags: Phones Software BlackBerry RIM Webkit Browsers Safari Chrome Symbian Palm Pre

RIM advertises for "WebKit Developer" originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:24:36 +0000

The BBC has announced it has made a deal with Stitcher.com to make its BBC World Service content available to users of the mobile phone-based application across the globe.

As many of you will know, Stitcher is a free mobile phone "Smart Radio" app, available on a number of handsets, including the iPhone, the Palm Pre and BlackBerrys.

The BBC World Service programming joins a wide range of audio content available including news, sport, talk and entertainment which is streamed on-demand.

BBC World Service will "provide a selection of English language podcasts, with programming such as Global News, Digital Planet, Global Arts & Entertainment and Africa Today", says the corporation.

Tags: Audio Media streaming Internet radio Stitcher BBC BBC World Service Mobile phone apps BlackBerry iPhone Podcasts iPhone apps Phones

BBC World Service content available on Stitcher app originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:58:50 +0000

It may have been all about the thunder before it became the Storm series, but that hasn't stopped RIM looking to the lightening for its new Storm 2 advertising campaign.

Focusing on the addition of Wi-Fi, the more responsive screen and hundreds of apps, the advert promises "the perfect Storm" this time round for the revamped model.

The Storm 2 is available on Vodafone in the UK and Verizon in the US - hit play to see the new advert now.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM Advertising Video Storm 2

VIDEO: BlackBerry Storm 2 ad promises "the perfect Storm" originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:47:32 +0000

Google has said that it has no plans at present to offer?Google Maps Navigation?on other platforms like the iPhone?or BlackBerry?handsets for the time being, but hinted that might not always be the case.

"It's currently only available for the Android 2.0 OS," Michael Siliski, product manger for Google Maps?told Pocket-lint, however when pushed further did confirm that the iPhone 3GS would have the graphics power and OpenGL support to offer the software, perhaps suggesting an updated app could be in the works.

The new offering, called Google Maps Navigation, aims to take on GPS offerings from TomTom and Garmin by offering a fully functional GPS device in your phone. Users will be able to speak their directions to the handset rather than having to type them in and access maps and Points of Interest via the "cloud", suggesting mapping updates and new features needed to be downloaded will be a thing of the past.

With an Android 2.0 requirement, that currently limits the new service to the Verizon Droid handset, launching on 6 November in the US, is perhaps another reason why the Google Maps Navigation is US only for the time being.

We will keep you posted.

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Tags: Car And GPS Phones Google Google Maps Navigation GPS GPS software iPhone iPhone 3GS BlackBerry Motorola Droid

Google Maps Navigation "could" run on iPhone 3GS originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:37:06 +0000

Verizon?has finally confirmed that it will be offering the?BlackBerry Storm 2?handset from Wednesday 28 October in the US.

The handset, which is the follow on from the original BlackBerry Storm that launched in 2008, will cost $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new 2-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.

It will come with the latest BB 5.0 OS, feature Wi-Fi, an improved 3.25-inch touchscreen display as well as 3G, EV-DO Revision A, UMTS/HSPA (2100 MHz), and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM connectivity.

There will be 256MB of flash memory, 2GB of onboard memory and a microSD/SDHD memory card slot to expand things further.

Elsewhere users will get a 3.2-megapixel camera, GPS, and a 3.5mm stereo jack for music listening.?

The news comes as RIM and Verizon announced that it would be offering a software update to the original Storm.?

The new OS, version 5.0, will offer improved typing and selecting, stability and user interface enhancements and the promise of a faster browser with gears support for use with offline applications. The software update isn't expected on the Vodafone network in the UK until 2010 according to reports on Electricpig.co.uk.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry BlackBerry Storm 2 RIM Verizon BlackBerry Storm

Verizon confirms BlackBerry Storm 2 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:26:37 +0000

The inPulse "smartwatch" wristwatch for BlackBerry has been officially launched by Allerta, a Waterloo, Ontario-based company working with RIM on the new hardware.

As with similar wrist-based Bluetooth efforts, the inPulse connects wirelessly to the phone and offers alerts for incoming emails, SMS and calls.

"inPulse extends the functionality of your BlackBerry smartphone, so when you're in a pinch you can check your inPulse instead of fumbling around with your phone", says Allerta.

What's being described as a "limited first edition" (which hopefully doesn't mean "buggy") inPulse watch can be pre-ordered now for $149 over at www.freeupyourhands.com.

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Related links:

• Link - inPulse website

Tags: Phones Mobile phones accessories BlackBerry Watches BlackBerry inPulse smartwatch Allerta Bluetooth

BlackBerry inPulse smartwatch unveiled originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:37:09 +0000

Vodafone has announced the new BlackBerry Bold 9700 is now available on a pre-order basis over on its site. The operator has revealed a delivery date of 28 October.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is the improved version of the original Bold, launched back in 2008, and offers HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS and a 3.2-megapixel camera.

The cheapest option in terms of monthly cost is a ?35 a month, 2-year contract that offers 600 anytime minutes and unlimited texts and crucially an unlimited BlackBerry Internet Service as well as unlimited Vodafone Mobile Internet.

To get the same deal on an 18-month contract, and the handset for free, customers will have to fork out ?40 a month.

Related links:

• Shop - Vodafone

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM Vodafone BlackBerry Bold 9700

BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vodafone pre-order originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:17:18 +0100

We've seen white Bolds, pink Bolds and yellow Bolds but now BlackBerry's popular smartphone has been given a serious case of the blues by Katherine Hughes of Republic Fashion.

The Blackberry Royal Blue Edition is all about Everton football club and mixes diamonds with sapphires via some blue python snake-skin.

The "1878" on the handset marks the date that the Liverpudlian club was founded (although fans will know it was then called St. Domingos).?

The handset is on sale now from www.republica-fashion.com to minted Everton fans for ?5995.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry Football Goldstriker Everton

Everton-themed blinged BlackBerry launches originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:27:01 +0100

UK online retailer eXpansys is offering the just-launched BlackBerry Bold 9700 on pre-order for ?419.99.

This price is for the SIM-free handset-only, so the smartphone can be used on any network. As far as networks go for the Bold 2, Vodafone is due to offer the device from November on ?35 a month contracts.

eXpansys suggests the new BlackBerry - an improved version of the original Bold, launched back in 2008 - has an "expected release date" on 9 November.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 offers HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS and a 3.2-megapixel camera. As supplied from eXpansys it will come with a mains charger, data cable, stereo headset and carry case.

Related links:

• Shop - eXpansys

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry BlackBerry Bold 9700 RIM eXpansys

eXpansys offers BlackBerry Bold 9700 for £420 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:43:31 +0100

RIM has a new flagship handset by the name of the BlackBerry Bold 9700. It may have only just launched, but Pocket-lint has already managed to get a few hands-on pictures of the device.

As you can see, it closely resembles its predecessor, the original BlackBerry Bold. It has the same layout,? the same keyboard and the same faux leather battery cover. It differs, though, as it's quite a bit smaller than its older brother.

The screen is 'fractionally' smaller, RIM told us, but most of the size savings have been made by stripping out extraneous plastic from the frame of the device.? There's no longer any Chrome surround, for example.

It runs version 5.0 of the BlackBerry OS, like the Storm 2, but also incorporates a bunch of tweaks and improvements on previous editions of the device. It certainly felt snappy to use, but that was a fresh handset so it'll be interesting to see how well it holds up when there's gigabytes of emails stored on it.

The Bold will be launched in November for ?35 per month on Vodafone. There might be other operators offering the handset too - we'll bring you those finer details when we've got them.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry BlackBerry Bold 9700 Photos

PHOTOS: BlackBerry Bold 9700 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:19:48 +0100

RIM has announced a successor to its original Bold, launched way back in May of 2008, with the news that the Bold 9700 will soon be here. The handset closely resembles its predecessor, complete with fake leather battery cover and full QWERTY. However it's a little smaller and has a trackpad rather than the original's trackball.

There's a 480 x 360 display, 5.0 BlackBerry OS, Marvell Tavor processor, 256MB of memory, A-GPS, Wi-Fi and a 3.2-megapixel camera. RIM reckons the battery life will last 2 days, though, which would be impressive on a smartphone. It also has a microUSB port and 3.5mm headphone jack.

There's no word on what networks it'll be available on, or how much it'll cost but it'll be available from the start of November. We'll be getting some close-up photos and a first look at the device shortly, so if you have anything you'd particularly like us to check out, feel free to comment below.

UPDATE: Further to a news story on FoneHome, we've been able to independently confirm that Vodafone will be offering the new Bold from November at a ?35 per month price point. Thanks to BobbyG for the comment.

Related links:

• News - Coming-soon BlackBerry watch revealed

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry BlackBerry Bold 9700 RIM

BlackBerry Bold 9700 announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:32:03 +0100

An interesting accessory to work with RIM's range of popular smartphones is being prepped - a wristwatch.

Rather than a fully-fledged watch phone, the likes of which we've seen hit the market from LG, the BlackBerry watch is designed as an accessory to use when your phone is out of reach, similar to Sony Ericsson's Bluetooth watches.

Revealed by CrackBerry's sources, the "inPulse smartwatch" as it's been dubbed, will offer a bright OLED display and is said to have been developed by a new BlackBerry accessory company from the ground up.

Due "soon" it's "designed to show you notifications and previews of messages arriving on your BlackBerry" while there's also talk of BlackBerry apps to work with the watch.

We will keep you posted.

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Related links:

• Feature - The 7 sexiest watch phones

Tags: Phones Mobile phone accessories BlackBerry RIM Watches Rumours OLED

Coming-soon BlackBerry watch revealed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:40:05 +0100

It's being reported that Facebook has rolled out an update to its BlackBerry client. Version 1.7 is now available and can be found and downloaded on both on the BlackBerry App World and on blackberry.com/facebook and m.facebook.com.

The new features list isn't very long, and revolves mainly around the news feed. You can now set the news feed as your landing page when you start the app, and the desktop version's "filters" are also present, meaning that you can view just status updates, for example, or photos, or links.

There's a menu option that allows you to view your own profile now, too, as well as a number of caching improves that'll mean your handset's memory won't be battered by the app. Lastly, you'll no longer have to wait while your Facebook feeds are updated - they get pre-fetched.

If you're living in BlackBerry-land then give it a try and let us know what you think of Facebook version 1.7.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry App World BlackBerry Facebook Mobile phone apps

Facebook for BlackBerry gets updated originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:24:27 +0100

Xobni is a plugin for Outlook which allows you to make more of your connections with people. Building on the theory that you're likely to email - at some point - almost everyone you know, it builds up an address book for you - tying that address book in with services like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Earlier in the year, news of a BlackBerry edition of the software appeared. The mobile version promised the same functionality and options but on a mobile device. It was originally promised for "the summer", but the release of the mobile app has now slipped to "early next year".

In a chat with Eric Grafstrom, Xobni's VP Sales and Business Development, Pocket-lint learnt that the company will also be bringing apps on more mobile platforms. Some are easier than others, though, said Grafstrom, and not much development has apparently taken place outside of the BlackBerry ecosystem yet.

The team are also working on making it easier for big companies to roll out Xobni on lots of computers at once, but desktop users?shouldn't expect too many changes over the next 6 months or so. "More customization might be offered, more data sources, but no major new features", said Grafstrom.

And what do Xobni make of Wave, Google's attempt to rid the world of email? "It's interesting", said Grafstrom. "We've played with it, but we've not started developing for it yet. We have no near term plans in that area".

Xobni is a free download for Microsoft Outlook, and there's a paid version too which allows you to refine searches, view appointments and get better contact suggestions. The upgrade costs $30, one-off.

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Tags: Software Email Xobni Outlook BlackBerry Phones Mobile phone apps

Xobni coming to more mobile platforms originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:26:09 +0100

We all knew there was a Storm coming, not because of the feeling in our bones, but because Carphone Warehouse did such a good job of telling us. We've finally got our hands on the new BlackBerry Storm 2 and grabbed a gallery of photos to show it off.

The SurePress "clicky" touchscreen hasn't been totally obliterated, but is entirely new. Rather than the former mechanical click it is now an electromechanical system. You still have to press to confirm actions, but when there is no current running through the screen – i.e., when the phone is turned off – then it is solid.

This also means that rather than the screen acting as one single button, it can now act as multiple buttons, so typing is faster and more natural. The Storm 2 will ship with version 5 of BlackBerry's OS.

The other specs read-out fairly typical for a modern smartphone, you get a 3.25-inch display, HSPA, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 3.2-megapixel camera with LED flash around the back.

We'll be getting our hands on the Storm 2 for a full review soon. Until then, sate your lust (or satisfy your curiosity) with this gallery.

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News -?Vodafone and RIM make BlackBerry Storm 2 official

Video -?VIDEO: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets official promo

News -?Blackberry Storm 2 unofficially official

Tags: Phones Mobile phones RIM BlackBerry BlackBerry Storm 2 Photos

PHOTOS: BlackBerry Storm 2 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:21:41 +0100

After months of rumours, leaked pics and reviews before it even got official, RIM has finally announced the Storm 2, the successor to its first touchscreen phone.

As well as an improved SurePress screen, and BlackBerry OS 5, the 2 benefits from the addition of Wi-Fi.

It will launch in the UK in time for Christmas on Vodafone and will be free for those prepared to sign up to ?35 per month, 2-year contracts.

Hit play on the video above for a quick look at the new handset, in the first official promo vid.

Related links:

• News - Vodafone and RIM make BlackBerry Storm 2 official

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM Advertising Video Vodafone BlackBerry Storm 2

VIDEO: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets official promo originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:19:51 +0100

Vodafone and RIM have finally announced the forthcoming launch of the BlackBerry Storm 2 across seven European countries - and South Africa.

The second-gen touchscreen smartphone is said to "significantly improve the BlackBerry touchscreen platform with new technology and new features". It will run BlackBerry OS 5.

With chrome accents, a glass lens and stainless steel backplate, the HSPA Storm 2 offers a 3.25-inch, 360 x 480 resolution display, a 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus, flash and video recording.

The Storm 2 gets a new version of RIM's "SurePress" tech that gives tactile feedback when the touchscreen is pressed, while typing on the virtual keyboards is said to be easier, more comfortable and more accurate.

The new SurePress technology will mean the user can type a letter with one thumb even while their other thumb may still be touching or resting on another letter, which means multi-key actions such as Shift or Alt -key combinations will be possible.

There's 256MB of flash memory, 2GB on-board memory expandable via microSD cards up to 16GB, media player, syncing with iTunes and Windows Media player, as well as Voda's music store pre-installed.

Other specs include a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and Wi-Fi, while battery life is said to be 6 hours of talk-time.

In the UK Vodafone's cheapest deal sees the BlackBerry Storm 2 free from ?35 per month on a 24-month contract that includes 600 minutes talk-time, unlimited BlackBerry Internet Service, unlimited text messaging, as well as unlimited access to VMI (Vodafone Mobile Internet) and broadband.

Vodafone's pre-order process is up and running with delivery said to be on 26 October.

As far as the original Storm goes, RIM has informed Pocket-lint it will still be available and it will continue to be supported with software updates.

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Related links:

• VIDEO - BlackBerry Storm 2 gets official promo

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry Vodafone Storm 2 BlackBerry Storm 2

Vodafone and RIM make BlackBerry Storm 2 official originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:56:09 +0100

RIM will officially launch the BlackBerry Storm 2 in both America and the UK on Thursday.

The news, broken by?Wall Street Journal tech reporter Walt Mossberg, ahead of an official announcement from RIM, means we get some of the details ahead of an expected official launch on Thursday.

Those details are thin on the ground for the brief review, however the conclusion is that:"Overall, I found the Storm2 worked well in my tests". ?

According to Mossberg "the browser is still inferior to Apple’s, Google’s and Palm’s. And the traditional BlackBerry interface cries out for a major overhaul in a touch device like this, especially when you add a lot of apps".?

Mossberg does confirm that "Battery life was decent, with 5.5 hours of claimed talk time, and typing was much improved, though I doubt it will satisfy lovers of physical keyboards".

Meanwhile in the UK the Guardian is reporting that?"Vodafone will have the handset as an exclusive in the UK, but only for a few weeks. RIM is understood to have demanded that the device be available to other operators after Vodafone joined Orange in successfully ending O2's?exclusive two-year deal with Apple for the iPhone in the UK".

Expect the official details and our thoughts when the phone officially launches.

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Related links:

• And via - The Guardian
• UPDATE! - Vodafone and RIM make BlackBerry Storm 2 official

Tags: Phones Mobile phones RIM BlackBerry BlackBerry Storm 2

Blackberry Storm 2 unofficially official originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:03:54 +0100

The BlackBerry Storm 2 will launch on Verizon wireless in the States some time this week, reports The New York Times.

This latest news, still as-yet unconfirmed by BlackBerry maker RIM, follows the recent news Pocket-lint brought you that Carphone Warehouse was prepping to offer the touchscreen phone here in the UK.

In the UK it's Vodafone that will offer the new and improved Storm 2, as it did the original, a situation echoed in the US with Verizon confirmed for the sequel handset after it shifted around a million of the first-gen model.

The New York Times' report suggests that the Storm 2 will still offer a SurePress clickable touchscreen, as the Storm did, a feature that has been improved on the next-gen device, rather than dropped, as had been reported. From the NYT:

"This week, Verizon and RIM are trying again with a Storm do-over, the Storm 2. Among its many improvements, the new phone gives the user the sensation of pushing a physical button when pressing a number on the glass touch screen".

We will keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM Verizon Storm 2 Rumours

BlackBerry Storm 2 to launch on Verizon this week originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:40 +0100

RIM's BlackBerry Storm 2, the follow up to its first ever touchscreen handset the Storm that launched in 2008, appears to be due an imminent UK release with the Carphone Warehouse now promoting the device in store.

Following the news that a promo poster for the device appeared in the window of a Carphone Warehouse store in Cornwall, yet another posted has now revealed a little bit more information - a rough idea of pricing.

From the promotional material in the shop window - this time round in Walton on Thames - it seems the smartphone will be available on Vodafone contracts from ?30 a month, perhaps a little less than might have been expected.

Specs for the new handset are rumoured to include a 3.2-megapixel camera, HSDPA, OS version 5.0 and a completely revamped 360 ? 480 resolution capacitive touchscreen without the original Storm screen's clicky functionality.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry Vodafone BlackBerry Storm 2 Carphone Warehouse RIM

Vodafone to offer BlackBerry Storm 2 from £30 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:55:27 +0100

In the States RIM is to offer two of its popular smartphones in white, Engadget reports with hands-on pics. The BlackBerry Bold and Curve 8520 are to get the pale paint jobs for AT&T and T-Mobile respectively. Here in the UK, we've seen the Bold in yellow and pink, and the Curve 8520 in violet, but there's no news yet on the white models for us.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM

RIM offers white BlackBerry Bold and Curve originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:42:17 +0100

Amosu has released video footage of what it says is the world's most expensive BlackBerry - and with a price point of ?120,000 - it's almost certainly the case.

The limited edition diamond "Curva" gets 4459 brilliant cut diamonds set in 18 carat gold, as well as a global concierge service for the owner.

Apparently only three Curvas will ever be made, which is arguably three more than the world needs.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry Amosu Video

VIDEO: The world's most expensive BlackBerry originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:22:29 +0100

The Carphone Warehouse will be stocking the BlackBerry Storm 2 as powered by Vodafone, an eagle eyed tech fiend has spotted.?

The picture, posted to Twitpic via a friend based in Newquay, shows a placement card for the yet to be officially announced handset in a Carphone Warehouse store with the words:

"I'm not on display, please ask a sales consultant for a demonstration".

RIM, the company behind the BlackBerry range, has yet to confirm when the new Storm 2 will be out although his picture suggests it won't be long.?

Earlier in the Summer, spy pictures of the handset showed up in Germany running on the Vodafone network.

Although not confirmed in this set of images, previous rumours have suggested the phone will get a 3.2-megapixel camera, HSDPA, a 360 ? 480 resolution capacitive touchscreen and OS version 5.0.?

Vodafone announced the BlackBerry Storm at the beginning of October in 2008 giving it plenty of time to sell to would be Christmas shoppers looking to treat themselves.

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Related links:

• Via - http://whatsupmarcus.blogspot.com/

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 Carphone Warehouse Photos

BlackBerry Storm 2 on Vodafone via Carphone Warehouse coming soon originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:49:59 +0100

Following its teaser video the other day, DoubleTwist has announced a new version of its software for Mac that allows users to avoid iTunes and load up music, videos and other media onto their mobile phones. The update brings the addition of the Amazon MP3 store.

It's essentially a desktop front-end to the web store, but the integration - as you can see in the video above - is pretty nifty. Tracks can be purchased with just an Amazon login and will automatically download into your library complete with metadata, ready to be dragged over to your device.

The software works with BlackBerry, Palm Pre, and Android handsets, as well as the Sony PSP and "hundreds of other devices". It's available now, but the version with the Amazon MP3 store won't be out until 13 October. Grab it now, and it'll auto-update then.

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Related links:

• News - doubleTwist parodies Apple's 1984 ad
• Via - MacRumours

Tags: Audio doubleTwist Mac software Apple BlackBerry Palm Pre Android PSP Video

DoubleTwist builds OS X app for Amazon MP3 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:59:36 +0100

It's a little way off yet, due on 20 November this year, but if you want to show your support for the Children in Need appeal, then skins company Wrappz has you covered.

It is currently offering a variety of polka-dot decorated skins for a range of popular gadgetry. There are themed skins on sale for various iPods, the iPhone, Nintendo DS and Wii, PSP and PS3, as well as a fair few other popular mobile phones.

Pricing is ?4.99 for the skins for smaller gadgets and ?12.99 for larger items. Wrappz will donate a not-at-all bad ?3 and ?6 respectively to the cause for each skin sold.

Related links:

• Shop - Wrappz

Tags: Audio Skins Gaming Nintendo Wii Phones iPhone accessories BlackBerry BBC Wrappz Children in Need

Children in Need Wrappz available originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:56:26 +0100

The iPhone has iTunes. Android has Amazon MP3, at least in the States and Nokia has Comes with Music, but until now BlackBerry and Windows Mobile users were sat in the cold.

BlackBerry's now been invited into the warm confines of the party, leaving poor old Windows Mobile still outside. 7digital, alongside announcing that it's launching in the States, has revealed that its previously-planned application for BlackBerry users to download music is now here.

The app is free, and works on the BlackBerry Bold, BlackBerry Curve 8900 and BlackBerry Tour in North America. By the end of the week, 7digital tells us, the company will have it working on the BlackBerry Storm and BlackBerry Curve 8520, too.

It's available in the UK, the USA, Germany and Spain, and should launch shortly in Canada. It's been built by DevelopIQ, and works on both Wi-Fi and 3G. In the latter case, when you buy a track it'll download a 64kbps version over 3G, before upgrading it automatically to a 320kbps one when you next connect to a Wi-Fi network.

It can run in the background, unlike an iPhone application, and it can also stream audio over Bluetooth to devices. DevelopIQ is working on push functionality that'll allow any tracks bought on your PC to be pushed automatically to your BlackBerry over Wi-Fi, too.

The app is available now from BlackBerry App World.

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Related links:

• News - 7digital launches in USA and Canada

Tags: Audio Phones Mobile phone apps RIM BlackBerry 7digital Music downloads

BlackBerry music app unveiled by 7Digital originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:47:54 +0100

The date for the availability of the new, free software for Mac using BlackBerry owners has been confirmed as 2 October.

The free download claims to make it easy to sync data between Mac applications and BlackBerry smartphones.

The solution will syncs contacts, calendar appointments, tasks and notes from Mac applications like iCal, Address Book, Microsoft Entourage and others, as well as add and remove applications, schedule automatic backups, encrypt backup files and install software updates.

In addition BlackBerry Media Sync will mean Mac users can sync their BlackBerrys with iTunes - as long as Apple plays along, that is.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager software is designed to run on Mac computers with Mac OS 10.5.5 and higher and supports BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry OS 4.2 and higher.

The free download will be available from www.blackberry.com/mac from 1.00pm EDT on the 2nd.

Related links:

• PHOTOS - Mac BlackBerry Desktop Software screenshots revealed

Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Software BlackBerry Mac software

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac due 2 October originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:05:39 +0100

Rumours of a new BlackBerry handset that offers a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, as well as a touchscreen display, have emerged.

The Storm 3, BlackBerry 9900 or "Mr T" as the device is apparently codenamed within RIM, is described as is "a QWERTY keyboard slider the size of a Storm with a full touchscreen".

The only other info the report provides about the new phone is that the ON/OFF and SEND/CANCEL buttons will be touch-sensitive and on the screen.

The BlackBerry Storm 2 is expected to launch in both America and the UK before the end of the year, suggesting that Mr T, if all true, is more likely for 2010.

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Related links:

• Via - BerryReporter
• And - Electronista

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM Rumours Mr T

Touchscreen BlackBerry with sliding QWERTY keyboard rumoured originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:51:11 +0100