Blackberry has just released its latest operating system for its new devices and, well, let’s just say they’re doing everything they possibly can to keep up. Here are 8 key features of the new OS 6.

1. Universal Search–Much like the iPhone‘s Spotlight search system, a visit to the “Address Book” is no longer necessary. Simply type in a name and the new OS will gather results from your Phone Book, Media, Apps, etc.

2. Enhanced Playback–Album Art and Info can now be viewed on an interactive media carousel to flick casually through albums and navigate in a more fluid manner (rather than point and click from endless lists).

3. Social Networking Feeds–Are you such a hardcore networking fiend that it becomes a hassle going back and forth to Twitter, Facebook, and whatever else you use? The Blackberry 6 fixes that with a a social activity generator that will merge Facebook and Twitter with your Events and Calendar to make for easy planning, communicating, and invitations.

4. RSS Feeds–Blog rolls and web feeds become as easy as a flick of the finger. Simply key in the web address you’d like to follow and choose your favorite feeds. It’s all right there with no data entry or tedious searching.

5.Visual/Fluid Interface–The interface for the new OS may just be the most appealing part. Utilizing floating tiles and optimal screen space, the new interface keeps all interactivity feel fluid and organic.

6. Blackberry Messenger–Yes, Blackberry Messenger has always been a feature that many people can take or leave, but Blackberry 6 takes it up a notch to create a clear and sharp interface with multiple media options. Definitely a must have for communicating with other Blackberry users quickly and effectively.

7.Simultaneous Postings–There are plenty of extra apps and computer programs that do this job fairly well, but Blackberry 6 OS takes care of all posting for you. One status update may (if you wish) update every social networking app that you use–a nifty, time-saving trick.

8. Awesome Web Browser (finally)–Yes, it’s been a long time coming, but finally the Blackberry got its hands on a usable web browser that doesn’t only serve to generate headaches. This browser actually feels like a real internet experience, featuring easy magnification and multiple tabs.

There’s plenty more to know about the new operating system, but these are by-far the coolest. And remember, if you’re in the market for a refurbished Smart Phone, come check us out over at TheBlueDot.net. And if you’re looking to upgrade to a newer model, or just have unused phones lying around your house, trade them in for CASH ($$$) with TheBlueDot!

__Alex

Related posts:

1. What’s Next for the Blackberry Phones?
2. Cell Security in the New Business Age
3. Three Reasons You Need a Wifi Cell Phone

That’s not to say that there is a dwindling demand for the 3G–far from it. In fact, many people who decided against the Apple iPhone to begin with are now becoming new users by purchasing a refurbished iPhone 3G. Surely, when the next upgrade is released, the same fate will fall upon the iPhone 4G, but for now demand is still significant for both models.

The BlueDot now offers a used cell phone trade-in program where you can sell used cell phones.

Several price-watch companies such as The BlueDot are urging those looking to recycle their old used iPhone to search for the best–and most realistic price. Know that your phone is still in high demand, and if it is in tip-top condition, could fetch a pretty penny.

If you have an iPhone that you’re looking to trade in for cash, visit our Home Page to get a price quote!

–TheBlueDot.net

Related posts:

1. We buy your used cell phones for cash
2. Google’s Android in favor of iPhone
3. A Brief History of The Cell Phone: From Zack Morris to the iPhone

If you used phone does not have any trade-in value we will recycle the phone for you free of charge.

Let your friends and family know about us. Do not let your used phone gather dust in your drawer. The longer you wait the less your phone will be worth over time.

Fill out a trade in form for your used cell phone here – http://www.thebluedot.net/tradein

Related posts:

1. iPhone 3G is the Most Recycled Phone
2. Recycling Machines Will Pay You For Your Old Cell Phones
3. API Report Shows Importance of Buying Refurbished Cell Phones

“When your finger or hand touches a spot on the phone’s lower left side — an easy thing, especially for lefties — the signal can significantly degrade enough to cause you to lose your connection altogether if you’re in an area with a weak signal.”

Apple has acknowledged that this is a reoccurring problem with their new device. They chalked the problem up to faulty software, but Consumer Reports seems to doubt that. The side rail on the housing of the phone is designed to be an antenna. Placing your fingers on it can disrupt your signal. Realistically, where else are you supposed to put your fingers? Apple has announced a software update to be released in the coming weeks, but has yet to fess up to any hardware issues.

The magazine offered a potential quick fix to those who have already purchased the phone and are experiencing problems. “An affordable solution for suffering iPhone 4 users: Cover the antenna gap with a piece of duct tape or another thick, non-conductive material. It may not be pretty, but it works.” Somehow, I don’t think that will go over well with consumers who just shelled out top dollar for the latest, greatest technology.

The magazine did give the phone high marks for its display and the phone’s camera, calling it the best they’ve seen on any phone. It also offers high praises for the devices improved battery life over its predecessor and several of the new features including the front facing camera.

The magazine says they will not recommend the device until “a permanent—and free—fix for the antenna problem” is delivered by Apple, until that time, they recommend purchasing the older, 3G model. If this influential publication’s review isn’t a wake-up call for Apple, I would expect a lot of angry consumers.

Related posts:

1. Apple’s Next iPhone Found in a Bar
2. iPhone 3G is the Most Recycled Phone
3. A Plea to the eBay Consumer

Refurbished technology has come to be important for many reasons–amongst which are ecological and economic concerns–but many have considered the possibilities of utilizing this process for the sake of art. Artists and innovators have taken the old 1980′s technology and gadgets and turned them into something eye-catching and perhaps inspiring. Here are some brief examples of modern spins on outdated technology:

Let’s start off with the example I’ve already provided: the Sony Walkman.

This revolutionary piece of technology, popularized in 1980, gave birth to the idea of “the mix tape.” Music lovers could fashion their blank tape to hold their favorite tracks, or artists that inspire some kind of mood worth sharing. Then, with the rise of cheap CDs and MP3′s, the era of the mix tape had come to a bitter and tragic end.

Next comes the Commodore 64. Initially sold with a 64kb memory, many argued that this was the largest amount of hardware memory anyone would ever need. It was a popular product in 1982, especially because it could be easily plugged directly into any home television set. What was once used to play simplistic games like Asteroids and Paper Boy can now–through the miracle of refurbishment–play such modern games as Guitar Hero.

In 1985, we were introduced to the latest in home entertainment: The VHS Player. The video cassette player was meant to be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it wasn’t too long before hints of its early extinction began to arise. The Laser Disc was gaining some attention, but not nearly enough to pose a significant threat. But when CDs replaced cassette tapes, the dark future of the VHS player began to come into focus. Obviously, you’re never going to get rid of all those old VHS tapes lying around your house. The future is currently in the semi-capable hands of Sony and their Blu-Ray discs–but here’s something to pass the time anyway…

VHS Hack!

It should be no secret where Nintendo has taken us over the past 20+ years. Their products have captured the imaginations of so many and pulled through several major trial and error periods. The NES system of 1986 has such high staying-power that refurbished and re-built versions of it are still being sold as “new” quality almost everywhere on the internet today, despite the breakthrough of the Nintendo Wii and buzz around Nintendo‘s next generation system.

Typically, when one thinks of “refurbished” technology, they think “used” or “of lesser quality than new.” The truth is that most refurbished technology turns out to be better or more reliable than the new products themselves. People who professionally refurbish gadgets and hardware learn to weed out the bugs, restore run-down elements, and build it back up to last. This goes for everything from an old 1986 Nintendo Entertainment System to a 3G Apple iPhone.

–Alex Gross

Related posts:

1. 3D Technology comes to Smart Phones
2. New Video Chat Cell Phone Technology Developed for the Deaf
3. Solar Powered Cell Phones

Micro USB Connector

For the last few years the GSM Association has been trying to get a charging standard across all mobile phones. Finally, the new standard has emerged with microUSB being the new way to connect a charger to your mobile phone.

Companies such as LG, Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Research in Motion (Blackberry), HTC,  NEX, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments have all starting moving to the Micro USB standard. By 2012 all cell phone devices will be required to use the Micro USB cable. Luckily the new Micro USB connector is said to withstand 10 times the amount of plugins and pullouts of other chargers already on the market.

Compatible Micro USB Cell Phones

Mini USB Connector

The mini usb connector is often confused between different devices. Devices such as the HTC have a slightly different looking port however all standard Mini USB connectors do fit HTC Mini USB compatible devices. The majority of Blackberry phones and Motorola phones as well as Garmin and TomTom GPS units also use Mini USB connections.  HTC, Motorola, and Blackberry have all recently moved over to the the newer Micro USB standard mentioned above.

While the HTC port looks slightly different than the standard Mini USB port, Mini USB connectors fit all HTC devices that are compatible with Mini USB. Just not the other way around. For example, HTC Original Mini USB Cables will not fit into a Blackberry. Mini USB Blackberry cables will fit into Mini USB HTC devices however.

Samsung M300 / M520 Connector The Samsung M300 / M520 connector is a term used frequently in the cell phone industry who are looking for this style connector.  This is the connection port used prior to the newer Micro USB standard Samsung cell phones now use.

The following phones are compatible with the Samsung M300 / M520 charging port:

LG VX8500 Connector The LG VX8500 connector is a term used frequently in the cell phone industry who are looking for this style connector.  This is the connection port used prior to the newer Micro USB standard LG cell phones now use.

The following phones are compatible with the LG VX8500 charging port:

Related posts:

1. Mini USB Vs Micro USB Tutorial
2. New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Charger for Cell Phone Batteries

Is there any conceivable way to keep our devices alive without the chore of plugging them into our walls or cars?

Fortunately, we’ve got our best men on the job.

Communication Technology company Qualcomm has developed a pad that would emit a small amount of energy which would charge mobile devices without the need to plug them in. Each phone or device would be equipped with a special sustainable battery which would act as a beacon for this direct energy. This cuts out the “plugging in” step, but one would still need to have an easily accessible docking station to charge their device.

But what if this energy field were all around us? What if every time we entered a building (or enclosed area), every electronic device we were carrying instantly began to charge. Scary thought?

Not according to Intel. Our energy innovators have come a long way since Nikola Tesla–who incidentally dreamed up this who concept in the late 1800′s. The concept of energy fields is working its way back onto the table, but it’s been “on the table” since 1940, so let’s not count our chickens.

Why Tesla? Why now? Well, we are an energy-hungry society. Our newest and coolest devices, the iPhone, iPad, and Sprint EVO are severe power hogs–and at the rate we are advancing, we need a stronger energy source…and fast!

–Alex

(theBlueDot)

Related posts:

1. Nokia Files for Patent of Self Charging Phones
2. Your Shoes May Soon Be Powering Your Cell Phone
3. New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Charger for Cell Phone Batteries

The good news is that if you bought your iPad early, you are grandfathered in to the old rates and are not required to switch over to the new plan.

The bad news: it looks like iPhone users aren’t off the hook. In an effort to weed down the number of iPhone customers holding on to their previous Unlimited Data Plans, AT&T is offering a service called “tethering” for $20 per month.

Tethering is a service that turns your portable device into a modem to provide internet access for their laptop. Put simply, if you’re in an area with no wireless internet, simply plug your iPhone into your laptop and enjoy an AT&T sponsored broadband connection. So, that’s the catch–give up your sweet Unlimited Data Plan and opt for the very-useful tethering feature.

Statistics show that on average 98% of AT&T’s customers user less than 2 Gigs per month–so, don’t be so quick to judge. Hypothetically, this change seems economically feasible…yet slightly questionable.

My opinion (since you’re obviously looking for it)?

–Keep your Unlimited Data Plan and hook up with CLEAR for your laptop wi-fi. It’s cheap, efficient, and the customer support is wonderful.

(alex)

The Blue Dot.net

Related posts:

1. Apple Releases iPad
2. Google’s Android in favor of iPhone
3. Three Reasons You Need a Wifi Cell Phone