BLACKBERRYHOOKED

BlackBerry Bold 9930 And Torch 9850 To Be Launched By Sprint On August 21

2011-08-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

The recently announced BlackBerry Bold 9930 and BlackBerry Torch 9850 smartphones are scheduled to be launched by Sprint on August 21.

According to our source, both devices will be launched on the same date.

The Bold 9930 comes with a 640 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard and equipped with a 5 megapixel camera and supports NFC, WiFi and Bluetooth. The Bold 9930 will cost $249.99 (without taxes) and paired up with an ‘eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement.

The Torch 9850, features a 3.7-inch (800 x 480) touchscreen, has a 5MP camera and comes packed with 768MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, will cost $149.99 (without taxes, with an upgrade or a new contract, and after a $50 mail-in rebate).

Virgin Mobile Canada To Get BlackBerry 9900 This Summer

2011-05-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

BlackBerry users in the Canadian Market will soon be able to get up close and personal with the newly released Blackberry 9900 but, they will not be able to do so until this summer.

Dubbed the Blackberry Bold Touch, this device comes in two models; the GSM HSPA+ 9900 and the CDMA/Ev-Do 9930.

The 9900 and 9930 comes with a 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 640×480 pixel resolution, a 5-megapixel camera with 720p HD video recording, GPS, 768MB of RAM, 8GB of on-board storage plus WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, a 1.2GHz Snapdragon Processor, a digital compass and Blackberry Balance which separates personal content from business data on the users device and NFC (Near field communication) support.
Source

Digicel To Get BlackBerry 9780?

2011-04-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

It has been brought to our attention that leading caribbean mobile provider, Digicel Group, will soon be getting the Blackberry 9780, also called the Blackberry Bold 4.

The information surfaced on the software download site for Digicel Group and you can check for yourself Here

Just click the drop down box and surely enough, you will see that the software for the Blackberry 9780 is there on the site. This means that Digicel, more than likely, will get the 9780.

Software Download for Digicel Group
To view software for a BlackBerry product, please select a product from the drop down menu and click Select :

Software For BlackBerry® Bold™ 9780 smartphone

BlackBerry Handheld Software v6.0.0.863 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 6.0.0.863
Consisting of:
Applications: 6.0.0.285
Software Platform: 6.5.0.54
File name: 9780M_PBr6.0.0_rel863_PL6.5.0.54_A6.0.0.285_Digicel_Group.exe
File size: 163.81MB
Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

BlackBerry Protect Helps you Locate Lost or Stolen Device

2010-07-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

The guys over at Inside BlackBerry have introduced a new security feature for you Blackberry Smartphone called, BlackBerry Protect. This software allows you to "wirelessly backup, restore and locate your BlackBerry® smartphone. In the event that your BlackBerry smartphone is misplaced, lost or stolen, BlackBerry Protect provides features like: remote device wipe, remote device lock, ‘Lost and Found’ screen, locate device on a map, remote activation of the BlackBerry smartphone loud ringer, and wireless device backup and restore."

Here is a excerpt from Inside BlackBerry " How, when and where can users get the BlackBerry Protect application?

BlackBerry Protect is not yet generally available; it is currently in beta phase and will be launching first in limited beta through BlackBerry Beta Zone later this week via invite codes. If you’re a member of Beta Zone and don’t receive a download code, don’t worry, you will be able to try it out when it reaches open public beta later this year. If you aren’t a member of BlackBerry Beta Zone yet, it’s not too late – sign up for a BlackBerry Beta Zone account now and try out other apps available in open beta!

Can you walk us through BlackBerry Protect and give readers a preview of the functionality?

I’ve love to! The easiest way to explain the product is to walk through a few ‘real-life’ scenarios.

BlackBerry Protect Setup

First, the user would need to download and install the BlackBerry Protect application on their BlackBerry smartphone. After completing the initial registration, you’ll be given the option to backup the data on your BlackBerry smartphone. You will be able to decide what you want to back up – contacts, calendar, memos, tasks, browser bookmarks, and/or text messages. You will even be able to choose how often your BlackBerry smartphone is automatically backed up (i.e. daily, weekly, and monthly). Also, once the first back up is completed, only incremental data is backed up (i.e. new data since the last backup) to reduce data usage. Remember to always check with your wireless service provider to determine any additional charges that may be incurred through your use of the wireless network.

Misplacing your BlackBerry Smartphone (Loud Ring Feature)

So, I love my BlackBerry smartphone but for some reason I often seem to misplace it around my house (you’re not the only one — Ed.). This is why ‘loud ring’ is one of my favorite features of BlackBerry Protect. When this happens, I simply log into the BlackBerry Protect web portal where I can activate the loud ring feature – this makes my BlackBerry smartphone ring loudly for one minute, even if I had the profile set to silent. It also changes the default profile to ‘loud’, so I can call my BlackBerry smartphone to try to locate if I didn’t find it while it was initially ringing.

Dealing with a lost BlackBerry Smartphone (Lock, Lost and Found screen, Locating and Wiping Features)

In another situation, let’s say that I was out running errands, and when I got home I couldn’t find my BlackBerry smartphone. I realize I must have left it at one of the stores I was at. In this case, I want to be sure that if someone finds my BlackBerry smartphone, they can’t access any of my personal information on my device, and I want to try to locate the device so that I can hopefully get it back.

First, I would log onto the BlackBerry Protect web portal, where I would lock my BlackBerry smartphone and set a password.

Next, I would set the ‘lost and found’ screen with a message and contact information in case the device is found – this way they know who owns the device and can get ahold of me to let me know they found it.

Next, still from within the BlackBerry Protect web portal, I can use the ‘view current location feature’, which will use the built-in GPS functionality in most BlackBerry smartphones to help show me the current location of my BlackBerry smartphone. This will give me a good idea of where to find it.

In the worst-case scenario, if I can’t find my BlackBerry smartphone and no one has called to say they have found it, I can use the Remote Wipe feature to delete all the information off the device, including the data stored on the device and on the Micro-SD card.

Getting a new BlackBerry Smartphone (Restore from Backup Feature)

Once I have a new BlackBerry smartphone, I can wirelessly restore all my backed up data from my old device onto my new device. So, even though I’ve lost my BlackBerry smartphone, all of my information can be transferred to my new BlackBerry smartphone."

BlackBerry DeskTop Software 6 in Beta Testing Mode

2010-07-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.0 is scheduled for release this summer, says the guys over at Inside BlackBerry. They have started sending out invitations for beta testers today and the major changes to the software is said to be an overall effort to make it a part of the BlackBerry 6.0 experience.

You can sign up to be a BlackBerry Desktop Software beta tester by going to http://blackberry.com/beta

BlackBerry 9800 Set-Up Video; Shows Off OS 6.0

2010-07-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Had to share this video with you, check out the animation. :)

BlackBerry Tips: How To Keep Your Phone Moving Faster

2010-07-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

BlackBerry tip: Every action on your BlackBerry is logged, which in time will slow your BlackBerry down... At least once a week, hold the ALT key and press the letters LGLG while on your home screen. You will see the logs. Then click the Blackberry menu button and select "clear log" this keeps phone moving a lot faster!

Use BBM Flags Show Your Support for you Team in South Africa

2010-06-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

If you want to show your friends/BBM buds your which team you support for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, then what better way than to have that country's flag flying high on your BBM status? This could come in really handy especially if your team actually wins the wourld cup :)

Here is how.

RIM Reveals App World 2.0 Details

2010-06-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Based on information from phonescoop, RIM has revealed the details of the newest version of the BlackBerry App World, the application dubbed App World 2.0. The App World 2.0 is said to have features such as carrier billing that allows you to bill directly to your carrier account. The App World 2.0 still gives you the option to pay using your Paypal account or credit card.

Other enhancements include improved search for more relevant results, BlackBerry ID, the will allow user to create a master account that they can then transfer from device to device and carrier to carrier, hence help to manage their BlackBerry account. In conjunction with BlackBerry ID is QR barcode support, which will allow developers to put QR barcodes on advertisements or other areas where users can scan the code, which will link their device directly to the application in question.

Player For Youtube Updated

2010-06-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

As the name suggests, player for youtube is an application that allows users to player youtube videos on their Blackberry devices, available free on blackberry appworld.

The player allows you, among other things, to view most popular, most viewed and top rated feeds. You can stream videos using wi-fi or wap, bookmark videos and click on youtube videos from other blackberry apps.

The new features include; embedded video player instead of launching browser, log into youtube and manage favourites, higher quality videos, options screen for more videos and performance tweaks.
Download free

China Mobile to Get BlackBerry 8910?

2010-06-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

The BlackBerry 8910 aka the Atlas, is said to be releasing on China Mobile.

Not yet officially realeased by RIM, the device is said to have similar features to the BlackBerry 8900. TFT Display, 65K colors, 480 x 360 pixels, 2.4 inches, Card slot, 256 MB ROM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 512 MHz processor among other features. RIM seems to have quit making devices with a trackball since the introduction of the optical trackpad, so it was quite a surprise to find that this device actually carries a trackball. Sort it out RIM!

View demo now!

iLock For BlackBerry

2010-06-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

iLock for BlackBerry allows it's users to lock particular applications on your BlackBerry. Currently, the security features on your BlackBerry either allows you to lock the device itself, denying unauthorized persons any access at all, or if you wish to give persons access to some data or application, this leaves all your personal files completely at risk.

This is where iLock comes in handy, the iLock application gives you the option to set passwords for each file or folder. Brought to you by MMMOOO, to use the application you need to be running OS 4.5 or higher and requires 52.7 KB of space.

After downloading iLock, you will be required to enter a password of your choice, you have the option of securing each application on three lists; core, third party and own. This list will be updated each time a new app is downloaded or you can manually enter the app to be secured, from your SD Card, system or store.

Download iLock for BlackBerry

New Version BlackBerry AppWorld 1.1.0.35 Now Out

2010-06-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

The BlackBerry Appworld v1.1.0.35 is now officially out, as users have been reporting that they have received the notification to upgrade their Blackberry Appworld. The new version is also available on blackberry.com and appworld itself, in case you have not been pushed the notification as yet.

We are not quite sure what changes have been made as yet, but the word is that RIM have ironed out some of the bugs of the previous version.

Download BlackBerry Appworld 1.1.0.35

Airtel India Gets BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9100 and 9105

2010-06-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Indian mobile carrier, Airtel has realeased the BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9100 and 9105, being one of the first mobile carriers to get both versions of the BlackBerry Pearl 3G.

While many other carriers have released either the 9100 or the 9105, not many have released both.

Free World Cup Coverage App For BlackBerry Released By Associated Press

2010-06-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press has released an application, AP's 2010 World Cup Coverage, that allows football fans to follow their favourite team throughout the world cup. The application allows you to get live scores, view match schedules and team standings.

The application also allows you to view star player profiles, vote for your favourite player or team and view pictures and videos.

AP 2010 World Cup Coverage is available in the most widely used languages globally, namely; English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.
To download this app:
1. Go to m.getjar.com on your Blackberry.
2. Select quick download code at the bottom of the page.
3. Enter the code: 38918 to start downloading.

You can visit AP 2010 World Cup Coverage for more information.

Bell Now Offers BlackBerry Pearl 3G Online

2010-06-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

Telecomunications provider, Bell, is now offering the BlackBerry Pearl 3G online. Currently, the Bell version of the BlackBerry Pearl 3G is available in black only and will set you back $49.99 with a new 3 year contract, $179.95 on a 2 year, $279.95 on a one year and $329.9 without a contract.

What might be an added bonus for potential subscribers is that the BlackBerry Pearl 3G from Bell lacks any carrier branding. Head on over to Bell to check out the BlackBerry Pearl 3G.

BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9100 - Premium Clear Snap-On Cover Hard Case Cell Phone Protector + Crystal Clear Screen Protector + USB Data Charge Sync Cable for RIM BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9100

Preview: Blackberry 9800 and Blackberry OS 6.0

2010-06-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

The video above previews the blackberry slider 9800 and the newest operating system from RIM, OS 6.0.

Watch and enjoy.

Google Maps Delivers Better Biking For BlackBerry

2010-06-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Following in Android's path, biking directions joins Google Maps for BlackBerry.

BlackBerry-carrying cyclists seeking direction for their two-wheelers are now privy to the same directions database introduced three weeks ago for Android smartphones.

In addition to requesting biking directions, you can also activate the Bicycling layer in maps to check out cycler-centric trails.

As with the Android version, the cycler-friendly Google Maps for BlackBerry 4.2 update only applies to handsets in the U.S.

In addition to devising safe bike routes, the map app update also refreshes the search results list, adding images and place ratings, in addition to some welcome quick-link buttons that you can tap to get directions or place a call. You'll also be able to e-mail or text details about a place or map location to friends.

Navigate to m.google.com/maps to download Google Maps for BlackBerry 4.2. Google notes in a blog post that it's worked out the permissions kinks some users discovered with the BlackBerry Enterprise Server installation on a handful of version 5.0 smartphones.

Source

BlackBerry Bold Slider Now Appearing in App World Purchases?

2010-06-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Many developers have reported that the Blackberry Bold 9800 now shows in there list of purchases in the BlackBerry App World. If true, then this is even more reason to believe that such a device exists and its release is iminent.

Reports are that the 9800 on AT&T and running on OS 6.0. Read review the Bold 9800.

Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9650 Now Available Online

2010-06-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely, Verizon has officially released the new BlackBerry Bold 9650 as at June 2, 2010. The Bold 9650, which is Verizon's version/answer to the Bold 9700 is not too dissimilar to the Tour 9630.

Features include;
GSM and CDMA networks(CDMA EVDO 3G for Sprint), 2.24-inch LCD display with a 480×360 resolution, a 3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash and autofocus, image stabilization and video recording, full QWERTY keyboard, built-in GPS navigation, Bluetooth, and WiFi 802.11b/g connectivity, 512MB of internal memory and supports microSD/SDHC cards up to 32GB

Click here to purchase the Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9650.

Blackberry Bold 9650 Premium Black Leather Carrying Pouch+Rubberized Black Snap-on Hard Case Cover+Premuim Universal LCD Screen Protetor+Premium Rapid Car Charger Combo For Blackberry Bold 9650

First Images- BlackBerry Curve 9300

2010-06-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

For some time now we have been hearing about the BlackBerry Curve 9300 also called the Kepler, still very little is known about this device. It is rumoured to have 3G and WiFi capabilities, which was substantiated by a UAProf document. Then, rather surprisingly, there was a leaked OS even though the 9300 has not yet been released.

Currently, the specs are; a 256 MB RAM, 256 MB Flash memory, OS 6.0 ready, 2Mpx camera without flash, Screen resolution of 320 × 240, 802.11n WiFi + UMA and 3G HSDPA support,a 624 MHz processor, The battery 1150 mha, GPS.

Source

How To Reload OS On A Nuked BlackBerry

2010-06-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

A NukedBlackBerry is one that is stuck in a permanent reboot cycle and is completely, completely unusable. With a Nuked Berry, essentially the device turns on (red LED comes on for a few seconds), then you see the white screen with the hourglass of death, and then the display shuts off, the device shuts off, a few seconds go by and then it starts up and does the same thing again and again and again (it’ll do it for hours if you let it).

Over the past year I have arrived at this Nuked Berry scenario a few different ways: from installing a BlackBerry theme that wasn’t appropriate for my device/OS version; from installing beta software that was majorily glitchy; and one time during an OS upgrade the installation failed (I think I had too many apps
installed and the device ran out of memory when trying to reload the backed-up apps). And while a “battery pull” works for solving most of little glitches that may occur when using your BlackBerry from day to day, that’s not the case with a Nuked BlackBerry.

The GOOD NEWS is that this problem likely won't affect you unless you're out and about looking for trouble and you can always fix a Nuked Berry (at least from my experience!). You just need to know a couple of little tricks and have 45 minutes of free time…

The Nuked Berry Problem
The fundamental problem with the Nuked Berry scenario is that because the device is stuck in a permanent reboot sequence or loop, when you attach it your computer via USB cable it simply connects and disconnects over and over and over again (you’ll just keep hearing that USB detected/unplugged noise) as the BlackBerry turns on/off. This makes using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software to reload your OS impossible as the device is only detected for a couple of seconds before the device shuts off (and is now undetected).

Requirements/Disclaimer
Before reloading the operating system on a Nuked BlackBerry, you need to make sure you have taken care of some basics:

* you are using a Windows Computer
* have BlackBerry Desktop Manager installed
* have the BlackBerry Operating System you want to install/reload onto your Nuked BlackBerry installed

You can download the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager (version 5.0) from the BlackBerry.com website, and you can find the latest Operating System available for your device from your Carrier’s website.

Keep in mind that during this process you don’t necessarily have to reload the same version of the OS that’s currently running on your Nuked BlackBerry.
First on my computer I open Control Panel > Add/Remove Software and uninstalled the current Operating System for the device. From there I went to my service provider's website and downloaded and installed the correct OS.

And now for the disclaimer, aka Bad News. With the process I’m going through here, any 3rd party applications you have installed on your BlackBerry will be lost. This install gives you a clean slate, which is a heck of a lot better than a Nuked Berry. So once you’re up to speed, you will have to install all your favorite apps once again.

The following process doesn't just work for Nuked BlackBerrys. You can also use it to clean the slate/reload/update the OS on a BlackBerry that's in fine working order.

Step #1: Make sure your BlackBerry IS NOT connected to your computer. Locate and Open the App Loader application. You won't have a shortcut to this program on your start menu. You need to locate it manually. Open your file browser, go to your C Drive (operating system drive) and navigate your way through the folders to Program Files > Common Files >Research In Motion > AppLoader. Once you are in the AppLoader directory, double click on the Loader application shortcut. Once Loader opens, you can click Next and then proceed to Step #2. As you may have noticed, we skip Desktop Manager altogether.

Step 1: Browse your way into the AppLoader Directory, and Open the Loader Application

On the loader homescreen, click next to continue

After you click next, Loader Waits for you to Connect the Device.
Proceed to Step #2

Step #2: We need to connect the BlackBerry to the Computer via USB cable. But here's where the tricky part comes in with the Nuked BlackBerry. Do you see in the image above where it says COM1? What we want to do is plug in the BlackBerry, and when COM1 switches to say USB-PIN:UNKNOWN we immediately click Next. This catches the BlackBerry and takes it out of the constant reboot cycle and allows you to then reload the Operating System.
Tip: The USB-PIN:UNKNOWN option will display for a few seconds when the BlackBerry is first connected/flashing its LED in red. With a Nuked BlackBerry, That occurs when the device is in the initial start-up part of it's reboot sequence. The easiest way to get that to happen (vs. waiting for that step in the reboot sequence where you have a tenth of a second to hit Next before you lose your chance) is to simply pull the battery from the BlackBerry. With the battery pulled, connect the BlackBerry to the USB connector and as SOON as you see USB-PIN:UNKNOWN hit Next. You have to be quick still, but using this method you are in control of the timing. From there you can put the battery back in and battery cover back on (Make Sure you install the battery or else when the OS update is completing and the device disconnects from the computer to reboot, it will lose the power provided by the USB connection and you will get an error and have to do it all over again!).
** If you don't get it right the first time, try again (unplug from USB, pull battery, connect and hit Next while USB-PIN:Unknown is showing). You have to be fast and the timing is key, so it may take you three or four tries.

Connect Your BlackBerry via USB. Click NEXT as Soon as USB:UNKNOWN Appears

Tip: With Battery Out, Connect BlackBerry to USB. This will give you more control in nailing the timing of connecting Next while USB:UNKOWN displays.

Step #3: With your BlackBerry now out of the permanent reboot sequence, you are essentially in the clear and well on your way to having your BlackBerry up and running again. Choose the options you want to install on your BlackBerry (BrickBreaker, BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry Maps, etc.), click next, then approve the installation by clicking "Finish." Sit back and relax while the BlackBerry does its thing. It'll take some time and go through a number of screens but eventually you will reach my favorite "The loading operation was successful" screen. Your BlackBerry will reboot itself at this point and it will take a LONG time to reboot (10 - 15 minutes or so). You can unplug it from the USB (it's not connected while rebooting) and just continue to sit back and wait. Get scared, but not too scared...it will eventually boot up.

Select the OS options you want to install

Approve the Operating System Installalation Options

Sit back and relax and let the installer do its thing

Installation Complete! Just sit back and let your BlackBerry Reboot

Step #4: That's it! You are done. Brand New BlackBerry. With your BlackBerry no longer Nuked, you can run through the Set Up Wizard (set the date/time/fonts, etc.) and from there you WILL NOW BE ABLE TO connect to the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software. Hopefully you occasionally back up your data and can now use Desktop Manager's restore function to load up your backed up data. If not, hopefully you have your contacts all synced to Outlook so you can reload your Address book from there. Once that's done, it's time to install all your favorite apps again!

Source

Leaked OS 5.0.0.748 For Pearl 3G

2010-06-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Download Leaked OS 5.0.0.748 for Pearl 3G(9100/9105)

Disclaimer: Bear in mind this is not an official release from RIM, by installing the OS you do so at your own risk. If you find yourself with a 'Nuked Berry' click here to find out how to reload OS.

Battery Ex Helps to Improve And Track your Battery Life

2010-06-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

BatteryEx is a very helpful application for monitoring your battery life, and even adding a boost to it. The application has two ways of displaying the battery level and other information. The first is by means of an icon on the homescreen of your device, in the notification area, giving you quick and easy access to your battery info. The second way of viewing the battery info is in the application title (multiple options for what you would like displayed). BatteryEx also has a built in "battery booster" which will shutdown your device's cellular radio (or WiFi) when you have no signal, essentially saving you wasted battery power. BatteryEx is available for all devices OS 4.6 and higher, and on sale for $1.99 until June 11th. There is also a free version, however you will not get the battery boost feature in this version.

Source

New Refreshed BlackBerry Bold 9700 Aka BlackBerry Onyx Delta?

2010-06-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

We've been hearing a lot of rumours from our sources regarding a device codenamed the BlackBerry Onyx Delta. While it is unusual for RIM to re-use a codename from a previous device, it kind of makes sense to us why they might in this case. When the 9700a was first outed through a UAProf document, many people were led to believe this was the rumored Slider, which we now know is the 9800. However, we've learned that the 9700a may be a completely different device.

We're told that the 9700a is going to be a refreshed Bold 9700 with upgraded hardware and features. Features include: 5MP camera, 512 MB RAM, BlackBerry OS 6.0, New webkit browser.

You're probably as confused as we are for the reasoning behind refreshing the Bold 9700. However, we think it may be likely to match the recently released CDMA Verizon/Sprint Bold 9650, which has 512MB RAM. RIM is also starting to move their devices into the 5MP camera direction, as we see with the Bold Slider 9800 and the Clamshell 9670. We're not sure why the Bold 9650 didn't include a 5MP camera, but we're certain the 9700a is to be a network neutrality device, specifically bound for AT&T like the original 9700.

Much is still unknown on the Onyx Delta, and while things point to it being the 9700a, we still can't be sure until we receive more information. We are certain, however, that the Onyx Delta is something of importance and secrecy to RIM and should it be a refreshed Bold 9700 we're told we should see it released in a couple of months.

Source