Starting With the BlackBerry Messenger version 6.1, you can use the animated gif images as BBM profile picture. This is cool way to personalize your BBM and show off something new to your BBM contacts. Many BlackBerry users call this BBM profile image as BBM Avatar, so don’t get confused. Also other thing to keep in mind is, the animation will only show up when you highlight the profile picture. It will not show as continuously animated.

There are certain file restrictions posed by RIM and keep the following requirements in mind while using the animated gifs.

• Animated Avatars are supported only by BlackBerry Messenger 6.1
• Maximum file size: 32KB
• Supported file types: GIF
• Image must be in dimensions of a square, for example 30px x 30px, 40px x 40px, etc.
• 30px x 30px minimum
• 333px x 333px maximum
• 100px is optimal

Well, we have made it easy for you. Browse the growing gallery of animated BBM Avatars which are optimized and meet above requirements. If you have one created and would like to share with BlackBerry community then feel free to send it to us.

>> Browse gallery of free Animated BBM Avatars

Original Post: Get the tons of free animated BBM Avatars! | Add to del.icio.us | 3 comments
Post tags: Avatars, BBM, Wallpapers

The Need for Speed Undercover game comes free out of the box with PlayBook got a small update to version 2.1. I am sure all BlackBerry PlayBook owners would have tried this out when first checking the new tablet features and apps. If you still have this game installed on your BlackBerry PlayBook then you should receive the update notification or visit the following link to download from the App World.

>> Download Need for Speed Undercover

Original Post: Need for Speed Undercover for PlayBook updated to v2.1 | Add to del.icio.us | 2 comments
Post tags: Games

The Board of Directors of BlackBerry maker Research In Motion today announced that acting on the recommendation of its Co-Chief Executive Officers to implement the succession plan they previously submitted to the Board, it has unanimously named Thorsten Heins as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Heins was also appointed to RIM’s Board. The Board acted after conducting its own due diligence. Both appointments are effective immediately.

Mike Lazaridis, former Co-Chair and Co-CEO, becomes Vice Chair of RIM’s Board and Chair of Board’s New Innovation Committee. Jim Balsillie, former Co-CEO, remains a member of the Board. RIM Board Member Barbara Stymiest has been named the independent Board Chair. Prem Watsa, CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings, has also been named to the Board. For more information, please see the official RIM press release.

Original Post: RIM Names Thorsten Heins the new President and CEO | Add to del.icio.us | 3 comments
Post tags: RIM

Cut The Rope, popular game is now available for the BlackBerry PlayBook. You can download it from the BlackBerry App World. For those who aren’t familiar with this game, you have to swipe your finger to cut ropes holding candy in best hopes to get it into the mouth of Om Nom which is a green creature waiting to be fed. As you progress along the game, the levels become more difficult and test your sequence and timing of cutting the ropes. It’s fun, family game to play. The game is currently available in the BlackBerry App World for just $2.99!

>> More information/download of Cut The Rope HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Original Post: Cut The Rope now available for the BlackBerry PlayBook | Add to del.icio.us | 4 comments
Post tags: PlayBook Games

Foursquare for BlackBerry has been updated to version 3.5.1 which includes several bug fixes. So if you had any issues with this app before and stopped using it, it’s a good time to get back and you’ll have a better experience checking in to your favorite places.

Fixes included in v3.5.1 are:

• Fix to venue screen "switch focus" issue when transitioning from partial to full load of the venue and it’s details.
• Fix to list/delete specific to user adding and quickly deleting a list.
• Update to list items styling so the background is consistently light grey rather than white.
• Improved performance on friend management screen when there exists 100+ friend requests.
• Fix scroll issue with venue history list.
• And lots more quick fixes

> > More information/download foursquare for BlackBerry

Original Post: Foursquare for BlackBerry updated to v3.5.1 | Add to del.icio.us | 4 comments
Post tags: FourSquare, Free Apps

At CES 2012 this year, RIM is putting more weight on showcasing Apps and Software. Along with the press release, RIM has showcased BlackBerry OS 7.1 at the CES 2012.

The OS 7.1 includes new features and some nice enhancements to the overall operating system. The introduction of BlackBerry Tag on NFC capable BlackBerry smart phones,  Mobile hotspot, updated BlackBerry Apps such as BBM, BlackBerry Travel and BlackBerry Traffic; FM radio for BlackBerry Curve 9360 and 9380 are few additions coming with OS 7.1

Press Release

RIM Showcases New BlackBerry 7.1 OS at CES 2012

New BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel Updates Also Released

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA–(Marketwire – January 09, 2012) – (CES 2012) – A wide range of software improvements await BlackBerry® 7 smartphone customers at the BlackBerry® booth (South Hall 3 Booth # 30326) at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2012). Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM)(TSX: RIM) is showcasing the new BlackBerry® 7.1 OS as well as updates to the BBM^TM (BlackBerry® Messenger), BlackBerry® Traffic^TM and BlackBerry® Travel^TM apps. The new OS and app updates make seizing and sharing the moment even easier.

BlackBerry 7.1 will begin rolling out from carriers around the world beginning today and over the coming weeks(1). The new releases of BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel will be available on BlackBerry® App World^TM beginning today.

"BlackBerry 7 delivered a next-generation platform for our customers around the world and the range of software updates announced today build upon the strengths of that platform to further enhance the mobile experience and make life easier, from managing daily tasks to planning big adventures," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

Life Is Better Shared

The BlackBerry 7.1 OS incorporates a new feature called BlackBerry® Tag that can change the way BlackBerry users share information and content. By simply tapping their NFC enabled BlackBerry® smartphone against another NFC enabled BlackBerry smartphone, users can make sharing easier than ever. They can instantly invite a friend to BBM, exchange contact information, documents, URLs, photos and other multimedia content, and they can also pair their BlackBerry smartphone with an NFC enabled Bluetooth® device.

Support for BlackBerry Tag is just one of a number of enhancements in the updated BBM app (version 6.1) being released today. Additional features allow users to personalize their experience even more with support for animated avatars (animated GIFs)(2), a dozen new and fun emoticons to spice up conversations, and the ability to customize chat bubbles with different colors. In addition, the new BBM app allows users to add customized personal messages of up to 160 characters in their online Profile, more than double the length supported in previous versions. Users can also now set the picture for their BBM avatar directly from the camera app – simply snap a picture and select "Set as BBM Display Picture" from the menu.

Make Things Happen

With BlackBerry 7.1, users can be productive from virtually anywhere. They can now turn their BlackBerry smartphone into a mobile hotspot that can be shared by up to 5 Wi-Fi® -enabled devices, including laptops and tablets(3). The 7.1 update also supports carrier implemented Wi-Fi calling services (UMA/GAN where available), allowing users to make Wi-Fi calls from their BlackBerry smartphone that don’t eat into their airtime minutes.

Getting to any location is now so much easier with the new BlackBerry Traffic (version 3.0), a free app from RIM that is being released today. BlackBerry Traffic determines a user’s estimated time of arrival (ETA) based on current traffic conditions, and now includes hands-free turn-by-turn voice guidance.

Planning, booking, managing, and sharing travel activities are also easier than ever thanks to the updated BlackBerry Travel app that is being released today. The new version adds support for contextual deals, such as offers for hotels and car rentals, or for arranging limo services to and from the airport. BlackBerry Travel can automatically keep track of a user’s bookings and schedule and quickly notify them if their flight is delayed or cancelled, and can then help them find a new flight right away. The automatic trip scanning feature pulls the travel details into the app, allowing the user to see all their travel updates in one place.

Seize the Moment

Sometimes it’s nice when someone (or something) does the thinking for you. The Universal Search capability has again been enhanced to help users find what they are looking for. It now includes an auto-suggest feature that intelligently filters Bing® search results to offer users a variety of relevant Web sites based on their search terms.

Love a good deal? Now finding and taking advantage of them is so much easier thanks to BlackBerry® Maps – an essential app that comes preinstalled on BlackBerry smartphones and has been enhanced in the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update. When users launch the new BlackBerry Maps application they can discover special offers, coupons, and discounts from nearby vendors. Users can immediately act on the deals presented to them by clicking to call the vendor or clicking to get the best route to the location where the deal is offered(4).

Customers with a BlackBerry Curve 9360 or 9380 smartphone will find a nice surprise with the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update in the form of an FM radio. The FM radio circuitry is already built in to the Curve 9360 and 9380 models and BlackBerry 7.1 provides users with a new app that allows them to tune in and enjoy local FM radio stations. Listening to the FM radio does not require a data plan or use data services.

For more information about the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update, visit www.blackberry.com/bb7. For more information and to download the new versions of BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel visit BlackBerry App World at www.blackberry.com/appworld.

1. The BlackBerry 7.1 OS update is subject to carrier certification. Please check for availability with your service provider.
2. The animated avatar feature is supported on BlackBerry smartphones running OS 5.0 and higher.
3. Mobile hotspot feature requires BlackBerry 7.1 and may require an additional data plan. Please check with your service provider.
4. Please check with your service provider for availability of this feature.

Original Post: RIM Shows off BlackBerry OS 7.1 at CES | Add to del.icio.us | Leave Comment
Post tags: BBM, BlackBerry Traffic, CES, OS 7.1

PlayBook OS 2.0 is currently available to download in Beta Zone while it is expected to be officially release sometime in next month.

Via – Inside BlackBerry

Original Post: Use BlackBerry as a Keyboard, Mouse with BlackBerry Bridge On PlayBook OS 2.0 | Add to del.icio.us | Leave Comment
Post tags: BlackBerry Bridge, CES, OS 2.0, PlayBook

Along with the release of BlackBerry OS 7.1, RIM has officially released the BlackBerry Messenger version 6.1.0.49.

This new version includes following new features.

• Support for Animated Avatars – display pictures can now be animated!
• Enjoy a new selection of Emoticons
• Double the space to update your Personal Messages
• Customize the colour of chat bubbles for your contacts
• Simpler display picture update from the camera app – snap a picture and display it on BBM right away

You should be receiving the update notification in the App World or visit blackberry.com/bbm to get the latest version of BlackBerry Messenger.

Original Post: BlackBerry Messenger v6.1.0.49 Officially Available For Download With New Features | Add to del.icio.us | One comment
Post tags: BBM, OS 7.1

App Locker is a security application that provides a feature to lock any Build-In or Third Party application. Besides that, it also enables you to hide your files to protect your privacy.

With App Locker, all of your applications that include Facebook, BBM, Message, and or any build-in and third party application can be locked.

Moreover, you are able to hide any folder, picture, movie or song in your BlackBerry device to prevent unauthorized access.

To make you more convenient, App Locker is designed with 3 Lock Options for you to select which lock option suits you. It includes Lock Immediately, Lock After Backlight Off and Lock After Device Lock.

App Locker Full Features:
1) Lock any Build In or Third Party application on your device automatically.
2) Allow you to hide folders, images, movies or songs to protect your privacy.
3) Automatically Lock/Protect your BlackBerry applications even after restart.
4) Disable/Enable feature is available.
4) Keep your privacy and security.
5) High level password protection.
6) User friendly

The App Locker is priced at $4.99 however it’s on 40% sale for a limited time and you can get it from App Store for $2.99.

>> More info/download App Locker for BlackBerry

Original Post: Lock Any BlackBerry App with App Locker | Add to del.icio.us | Leave Comment
Post tags: 3rd party apps

Music Store 1.1 for BlackBerry is available in the Beta Zone.

Music Store for BlackBerry allows you to discover and buy music directly from your device and have your new music integrated into your media library for convenient playback. You can even pull up your new tunes from universal search. Easily share song or album recommendations with your contacts through BBM, email, SMS, Facebook, and Twitter, right from the app.

Features of Music Store 1.1

• The Music Store powered by 7digital/Zdigital offers over 13 million songs, and tracks are available at prices starting as low as $0.79 with bitrates up to 320 kbps (DRM free).
• Music Store content is stored in the cloud via your 7Digital/Zdigital music locker for easy portability across devices and to help against accidental loss.
• Browse by top songs, top albums, new releases, and genres by artist or album
• Preview a 30-second sample before you buy
• Choose from multiple content delivery options – Over The Air (OTA) and Wi-Fi 
• Tell friends about your favorites via BBM, email, SMS, Socials Feeds, Facebook, and Twitter
• Bookmark a song and come back to it whenever you’re ready for a preview or download
• Integrated with BlackBerry smartphone features and functions, including Universal Search and Media Library
• Use promotional voucher codes to get free tracks or discounts

It is supported on BlackBerry OS 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 with some known issues for 7.0 OS, but feel free to give it a shot if are beta zone member and see this app on your eligible program list.

You can join the BlackBerry Music Store 1.1 beta program to download and test

Original Post: Music Store 1.1 Powered by 7digital Hits Beta Zone | Add to del.icio.us | One comment
Post tags: Beta Zone, Music Store