Hey everyone! It’s been a huge week for both The BerryFix and the BlackBerry World. First, we had PlayBook OS 2.0 drop on Tuesday, starting the week off with a bang. We have had tons of features on the new OS already and there are more on the way. Then we had updated galore, for both the PlayBook and BlackBerry Smartphones. TheBerryFix.com also broke our existing daily and weekly site traffic records this week. And all of this happened as my first full week as Editor-in-Chief! It’s looking like a great time to be a reader of TheBerryFix and a BlackBerry user, as well. Listed below are all the top stories from this week, in case you missed any or want to re-read some of the big news.

PlayBook OS 2.0 News

• BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 is Now Available!!!
• BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Video Walkthrough
• Interview with Michael Clewley, Senior Product Manager at RIM, about PlayBook OS 2.0
• BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 brings Easy-Reader function to the Browser
• Taking at look at the new BlackBerry Video Store on PlayBook OS 2.0
• PlayBook OS 2.0 brings a new look to App World
• RIM debuts BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 with some new commercials

Apps (New & Updated)

• Blaq Twitter Client for BlackBerry PlayBook updated to v1.7 with new features
• Google+ for BlackBerry released by Smarter Apps
• MyWorld from Wikitude lets you create your own Augmented Reality World
• Foodspotting for BlackBerry is available now in App World
• BlackBerry Messenger updated to v6.1.0.70 in App World
• WordPress for BlackBerry PlayBook is now available in App World
• Canabalt for BlackBerry PlayBook is a fun side-scroller, and it’s free
• Profile Scheduler now available for BlackBerry Devices running OS 7.1

BlackBerry School Lessons

• Using the Calendar on PlayBook OS 2.0
• Setting up Email and Social Network accounts on PlayBook OS 2.0
• Using Email Signatures on BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0

Rogers is offering a new version of the BlackBerry Curve 9630 to its customers. This new version comes in an exclusive Red color and is available now directly from Rogers. The Curve 9630 is available right now from Rogers for just $0.01 with a new three-year contract. This price applies to all three color choices: Red, Black, or White. So, if you’re looking to grab a new Curve 9630 and you’re a Rogers customer, this is a deal you don’t want to pass up. Hit the link below to pick up a Red 9630 for yourself or a friend.

• Check out the Curve 9630 at Rogers

Earlier today, we posted an article discussing Netflix and their unwillingness to develop and application for BlackBerry Smartphone or the PlayBook. Many BlackBerry users were upset by the Tweet that @Netflixhelps put out and they responded asking Netflix to consider supporting the BlackBerry platform. The above Tweet from @Netflixhelps was the response that we got, and it’s a good sign. Netflix says they want to be on “every screen that’s relevant to users,” and I don’t think they realized just how many BlackBerry users were looking for a Netflix application. Hopefully we will see Netflix “change their plans” and begin to support BlackBerry products.

We just saw Smarter Apps release Google+ for BlackBerry Smartphones earlier this week and there’s already an update available. The update, version 1.0.56, brings along some bug fixes for the application. It’s nice to see an app developer that’s on the ball and squashing bugs, even only a few days after launch. You can grab the app for Free from the link below.

• Download Google+ for BlackBerry from App World

Last year we heard RIM discuss the evolution of the PlayBook and a 4G LTE model was discussed, as well as 3G and HSPA+ models. There hasn’t been any additional discussion of a 4G model and RIM seems to be pretty happy with the current WiFi-only model. However, Mobile Syrup has gotten ahold of a document which shows a 4G LTE model may be coming this April. This document also goes on to show that BlackBerry Mobile Fusion will have a full-on launch in March 2012.

This all sounds well and good; however, I’m a little skeptical about RIM going 4G LTE on the PlayBook. Earlier this year, we saw a 2012 RIM roadmap and an LTE version of the PlayBook was no where to be found. Instead, we was what RIM is calling the PlayBook 3G+, which is slated to have HSPA+ wireless connectivity. Things are rapidly changing in the world of mobile technology, so we very well could see a 4G LTE PlayBook in early April. Only time will tell…

*Update: Netflix has responded to the BlackBerry users requests for BlackBerry Support. You can find the post with all the information HERE.*

Netflix made official last night what many BlackBerry users have feared. Netflix has “No current plans to support BlackBerry devices, incluing(sic) the PlayBook.” This Tweet by @Netflixhelps comes in response to a massive influx of Tweets from BlackBerry users asking when the PlayBook will gain Netflix support. This means that all BlackBerry Smartphone and PlayBook users will have to either watch their Netflix movies and TV shows on their computers or some other mobile device that doesn’t bear the BlackBerry name.

Many BlackBerry users have become enraged by Netflix’s response, often Tweeting or writing derogatory or hateful messages to Netflix. We ask you, our BerryFix readers, please don’t be hateful in your emails and Tweets to corporations. Hateful speech only makes our community look bad, it does nothing for our cause. Instead of a hateful response, write or Tweet kindly that you know Netflix has currently made this decision, but you would ask that they reconsider. And if you can live without your Netflix subscription, especially if you can get that content from somewhere else, cancel your subscription. Having thousands and thousands of BlackBerry users canceling at one time would send a bigger message to the company than all those hateful Tweets and Emails.

Via: The Verge

The team at Kisai Labs has put out a massive update for Blaq, the #1 Twitter app for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The update brings Blaq to v1.7 and adds some awesome new features to an already top-notch app. The new features in v1.7 include:

• Portrait Mode – Auto-correct and spell check
• LED notifications: New Tweets – White, Mentions – Blue, DMs – Green, Followers – Yellow
• TweetMarker support – Never lose your spot again! TweetMarker bookmarks your position in any client supporting it (must be enabled in Advanced Options > Services)
• Toggle Real-time streaming – This has been a HUGE request. Granted. Tap the real-time indicator to toggle.
• Favorited tweets – Swipe from the top bezel then tap the star
• Dedicated help section to make it easier to learn the ins and outs
• Saved Searches – Easily tap the star in your search field to add a new saved search. Tap a saved search then untap the star to remove it. It’s that simple!
• Tons of bug fixes

Blaq is the favorite Twitter client for PlayBook of all those here at TheBerryFix.com and it’s definitely worth the $1.99 price tag. The app is available in App World and the $1.99 will get you all the awesome updates that the Kisai Labs team has planned for Blaq in the future. Tap the link below on your PlayBook to grab the update.

• Download Blaq for BlackBerry PlayBook in App World

In addition to the BBM Music update, RIM has also updated BlackBerry Travel. The updated version is v2.0.40.99. This version brings mostly bug fixes and minor changes, but the big changes are:

• Special discounted rates for major cities in Europe, exclusive to BB Travel
• Easily make limo reservations upon arrival

If you’re already a BlackBerry Travel user, especially if you travel in Europe, you’ll want to grab this update. And if you haven’t used BlackBerry Travel yet, what are you waiting for?

• Download BlackBerry Travel in App World

RIM has posted an update to their popular social music service, BBM Music. The update brings the official version of the app to 1.1.0.17. There is no change log with this update, so it’s safe to assume that it contains mostly bug fixes and speed improvements. The other thing users have noticed after this install is a set of BBM Music Tips that pop-up after installing. The tips tell you some of the best practices with using BBM Music, like using WiFi to stream music and save on data consumption. You can grab the update in App World by clicking the link below.

• Download BBM Music in App World

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Clewley, Senior Product Manager at RIM, over Video Chat on the BlackBerry PlayBook. Since I did the interview over PlayBook Video Chat, that’s one of the first things I’ll discuss. The Video Chat app on PlayBook OS 2.0 is second-to-none in terms of quality and features. Michael pointed out that Video Chat was one of RIM’s main focal points for the release of OS 2.0 and that auto-detection of Video Chat contacts in your address book is one of the biggest new features in this release.

There were three other areas that Michael stated RIM’s focus was on for PlayBook OS 2.0: the Messages App and its Social Integration, BlackBerry Bridge, and the PlayBook Web Browser. First, the Messages App. RIM worked very hard to develop the messages app and make it fit well with social. The integration of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn messages is a huge feature of OS 2.0.

Then there’s BlackBerry Bridge. Michael stated that Bridge was a huge focus in OS 2.0. He highlighted the BlackBerry Remote feature which allows you to use your BlackBerry Smartphone as a keyboard and mouse for the PlayBook. Also, in terms of Bridge functionality, Michael discussed Open On, a feature that lets you open Emails, Webpages, etc. on the PlayBook from your BlackBerry SmartPhone.

Follow me past the break to hear more about PlayBook OS 2.0 and the future of the BlackBerry PlayBook.

The third focus that Michael pointed out for OS 2.0 is the Web Browser. The Browser on OS 2.0 is the “top mobile tablet browser”out there and is in direct competition with the leading desktop browsers. Michael also pointed out that Reader mode is one of the functions that RIM wanted to add in order to make the user experience top-notch. I asked about the bookmarks function of the browser and Michael assured me that refinements are coming, but the focus for this release was performance and functionality.

Another big thing on people’s minds was why RIM decided to launch OS 2.0 at 5 AM EST instead of a normal hour like 8 AM or 5 PM. He said that this decision was made so that it could launch globally on February 21. 5 AM in the US and Canada still allowed it to be the 21st worldwide, which was the launch date goal. I went on to ask about the server performance for the launch and Michael said that their servers handle “terabytes upon terabytes” of data every day and they had been preparing for weeks for this launch to ensure it went off without a hitch.

I asked about BBM on the PlayBook and Michael said they don’t currently have a timeline for release, but that it is coming. He said that they are working to bring a BBM experience to the PlayBook that users expect from RIM and that when they have that experience nailed down, the app will launch.

We also talked about apps on the PlayBook. Michael discussed the App World overhaul and that the new featured apps and categories pages will make it easier for users to find the highest quality apps and games for their tablet. We also discussed the BlackBerry Video Store, which is currently US only. Michael stated that support for more countries is in the works and RIM will push that support when it is ready. I asked about apps like Netflix and Kindle, and Michael told me that RIM is constantly engaged with major application vendors but that “the release timelines are up to the app vendors at the end of the day.”

When asked about the transition from OS 2.0 to BlackBerry 10, Michael responded that they have a plan and are working to make it happen. He made sure to note that Playbook OS 2.0 is the base platform for BlackBerry 10 and all the current developer tools and apps will be carried over when the BlackBerry 10 transition happens. After the launch of BlackBerry 10, RIM plans to roll-out a unified version of the software for both Smartphones and Tablets.

Another thing RIM improved upon in OS 2.0 is the Docs To Go application. This release brought lots of editing improvements to the entire Docs to Go suite. Sheets To Go got formulas support and you can now edit text in PowerPoint presentations right on the PlayBook. Docs To Go is a big, free feature that RIM offers with the PlayBook that other tablet manufactures don’t directly offer.

The last thing Michael and I discussed was the integration of PlayBook OS 2.0 with BlackBerry Mobile Fusion and BlackBerry Balance. This is a huge selling point for RIM’s enterprise customer base because IT administrators can control access with BlackBerry Mobile Fusion and their employees can utilize BlackBerry Balance so they can use their BlackBerry tablet for both work and play.

I asked many questions and I got many answers about the PlayBook, OS 2.0, and App World. I tried to ask the questions that I have heard consistently from our readers here at TheBerryFix.com. I hope you enjoyed this interview and you can look for more features like this in the future. Be sure to ask us any questions you may have, either by Twitter, Comments, or Email, and we will get the answers to the questions you want.

The team over at Smarter Apps has heard and answered the calls from BlackBerry users who are looking for Google+ on their BlackBerry Smartphones. They have developed and released an application for BlackBerry and they’re calling it Google+. The app allows you to access and use many of the features of your Google+ account, including:

• View your stream, post to your stream, checkin, upload photos to your stream
• View your photos and photos from people in your circles
• Add, edit, delete people and circles
• View and edit your own Google+ profile
• Support for all BlackBerry OS 5 and above devices except the BlackBerry PlayBook

They are also hard at work adding additional features to the app. Some of the features coming in a future release include:

• Instant Upload
• Google+ Messenger

Google+ from Smarter Apps is available for free in App World. The app is based directly on the current version of Google+ for other platforms, so you’ll get a great and consistent experience. Grab it from the link below and get started +ing.

• Download Google+ from Smarter Apps

The team over at Wikitude just let us know that a feature they’ve been working on for some time, myWorld, has just officially launched for BlackBerry Smartphones. The myWorld section in Wikitude allows you to use all the power of the Wikitude Augmented Reality Browser to put together your world in Wikitude. Using this app, users can quickly and easily add new venues that they encounter into the Wikitude database. The app is available for free in BlackBerry App World and there is a Press Release from Wikitude following the break.

• Download Wikitude with myWorld in App World

Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, 24th February 2012

Wikitude “myWorld”: Build your very own Augmented Reality World

Wikitude users are now empowered to create their very own Augmented Reality World filled with their favorite places around the globe

Until now, creating Augmented Reality (AR) worlds had been a niche reserved to those with extensive programming experience. On the stage of Mobile World Congress 2012 taking place in Barcelona, Wikitude announces the launch of the myWorld feature in its Wikitude World Browser. With myWorld users now have the power of creating their very own AR World directly from their mobile device. Best of all myWorld users can allow their Facebook friends to enter their AR World as well. Available on Android, iOS and BlackBerry handsets myWorld also syncs with places created in Evernote

With myWorld, users can easily create their very own and highly personalized AR World. Places can be created in real time on their smartphone or by interacting with a world map via the Wikitude myWorld Facebook App on the web. It allows the creation of a global AR experience for themselves and their friends while either on the go, or from the comfort of their home.

“Using myWorld is a great way to help you mark and remember your favorite restaurants, concert venues and other places that have meaning to you. And the fun really gets going once you start sharing your AR world with friends. We are very excited to be the ‘first’ to put the power of creating Augmented Reality into the hands of the end consumer” commented Martin Herdina, Wikitude CEO.

Users can, add descriptions, photos and comments to their places to make them fun and informative for their Facebook friends. Evernote users are also able to sync their notes directly with myWorld so that those special places cannot only be remembered forever, but geographically placed for friends to explore.

• For more information on myWorld: www.wikitude.com/myWorld
• myWorld Facebook App: https://apps.facebook.com/wikitude
• myWorld demo video: http://bit.ly/zWno2b

About Wikitude®

Wikitude GmbH are the creators of the world’s first mobile augmented reality (AR) platform and the company behind the internationally renowned Wikitude World Browser for iOS, Android, Symbian, BlackBerry and Windows Phone devices. The AR platform has been voted “Best Augmented Reality Browser” three years in a row: 2009, 2010 and 2011. Wikitude is leading the international AR technology standardization, chairing the working group in the Open Geospatial Consortium (OCG).

Wikitude® is a registered trademark of Wikitude GmbH

More information on Wikitude here: www.wikitude.com

Wikitude Social Media Channels:

• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wikitude
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wikitude
• Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/wikitude
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/wikitude
• Google+: http://googleplus.wikitude.com/

Foodspotting was originally released for BlackBerry last year and then subsequently pulled from App World. We hadn’t heard anything from the team there until earlier this month when they announced that they planned to relaunch Foodspotting on the BlackBerry. Foodspotting is different from most social restaurant applications because instead of rating restaurants, it allows you to rate your favorite meals. The app then allows you to search for meals and you can find a restaurant based on the meal you’re looking to eat. The application is now available and here are some highlights of what it does:

• See the nearest, latest and best dishes around you
• Search for a particular food that you’re craving
• Bookmark foods you “Want” to try
• Take photos of foods you love & share where to find them
• Recommend foods others have spotted

Foodspotting is available for free and supports BlackBerry Smartphones running OS 6.0 or higher. Hit the link below to grab this one for your Berry today.

• Download Foodspotting for BlackBerry

MobileSyrup has just gotten a document and some tips that show both Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada pushing out an update tomorrow. The device scheduled for the update is the Curve 9360 and the update will be to OS 7.1. The update flyer touts some of the OS 7.1 features including NFC, Mobile HotSpot, and FM Radio. If you have a 9630 on either Bell or Virgin, be sure to check Desktop Manager tomorrow for this update.

RIM has officially rolled out their new multi-platform device management service, BlackBerry Mobile Fusion. We heard about Mobile Fusion last year and we knew it would be a pretty great step for RIM to take. What is BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, you ask? It’s an enterprise managements solution that allows IT administrators to manage not only BlackBerry Smartphones and PlayBooks, but Android and iOS devices, as well. Mobile Fusion creates a central hub for managing all your corporate devices with one easy-to-use system and it adds on right to your existing BES or BESX server system. RIM is offering a 90-Day free trial of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion. You can learn more about the software and sign-up for the trial by clicking the link below.

• Learn more about BlackBerry Mobile Fusion