Happy New Year, everyone. Because of extenuating circumstances — i.e., the holidays — we’ve missed News From The Wire for the past few weeks. Instead, we ran with the news on the BBGeekcast. Now that we’re back to normal, full weeks, we’re also back with the news in text form. It’s CES week, so you know there are a few tidbits worth noting in the BlackBerry world. And, as is our bread and butter, we’ve heard a new device’s release is imminent.
BlackBerry Pearl 9100 caught on video
Two devices will capture our attention over the next month: the Pearl 9100 and the Tour2. There was a fleeting hope that RIM would announced the 9100 at CES this week, but it appears that won’t happen — these kinds of announcements usually come early at trade shows. Still, it looks like we’ll see it before long. CrackBerry caught a video of it in action, and judging by the post on the screen — a CB post from two two days ago — it was recently shot. Could we see an end of January release?
BlackBerry introduces PowerPoint projection tool
It sounds like this device has been a long time in the making: a box that allows you to project Microsoft PowerPoint presentations from your BlackBerry. It’s pretty straight forward. You hook up the device to a projector via VGA or S-Video cables, and then to your BlackBerry via USB. You need to install Presenter firmware, which will only work with devices running OS 4.6 or higher — that rules out the old Curve series.
You can find more information on the BlackBerry Presenter at http://www.blackberry.com/presenter.
Tip of the week: Assign speed dial keys on your BlackBerry Storm.
Why no OS 5.0?
One question we addressed during last week’s podcast was RIM’s broken promise to release OS 5.0 on all compatible devices by the end of the year. That, combined with the frequent outages in December, caused a lot of disillusion among BlackBerry users. Things seem back to normal with the network, but we’re still lacking official 5.0 releases.
Apparently, though, it’s not RIM’s fault. They released a statement attempting to absolve themselves from blame, placing it firmly on the carriers.
RIM began rolling out BlackBerry OS 5.0 late last year through our carrier partners for supported devices, including the BlackBerry Bold 9700, BlackBerry Storm and BlackBerry Storm2. We continue to work with our carrier partners to make BlackBerry OS 5.0 available to users on new and other supportable in-market BlackBerry smartphones.
Kevin from CrackBerry agrees and wants to shift the blame. I’m not so sure. Yes, RIM held up its end of the bargain by delivering the OS to carriers, but if it isn’t up to standard then what’s the point? True, the carriers might be acting unreasonably in this situation, but there’s no evidence of that. Delivering buggy software might be better than delivering no software at all, but from the carriers’ perspectives there’s no difference.
BlackBerry App World has expensive apps, problems
Is it any surprise that BlackBerry App World has the highest prices among smartphone app stores? On paid apps it is way out front, beating the Windows Mobile App Store by $1.10 per app. That counts only paid apps, though, but even with free apps bringing down the average App World still holds the top notch by almost 50 cents. It’s tough to count the Windows Mobile App Store anyway, considering it hosts just 540 of them, compared to 3,462 in App World and 110,000 in the iPhone App Store.
People also seem to have more complaints about App World than they do other app stores. Rod at RIMarkable runs down seven areas where he finds App World lacking. Hopefully RIM improves the experience as we move closer to App World’s one-year anniversary.
Don’t miss from BBGeeks
Just a quick rundown of some stuff we’ve written this week.
- Our favorite BlackBerry Bluetooth headsets. The BBGeeks staff sat down with a few headsets and determined our favorites. We cover the spectrum, from the stylish to the functional to the lightweight to the best value.
- Grooveshark releases BlackBerry app. We love BlackBerry music applications, and Groovesharks, though paid, promises an excellent listening experience.
- Sneak peak at the XTop Mobile productivity app. If you find it difficult to get psyched over productivity apps, check out this one. If you’re still not excited, you probably never will be.
- Another option for a prepaid BlackBerry. I’m not sure if the idea of a prepaid BlackBerry will work well, but we’re now up to three carriers who offer a plan. Is it worth it?
- Pong BlackBerry Curve case reduces radiation. If you fear cell phone radiation, this case can bring you peace of mind, if nothing else.
How to get your parents to stop using the BlackBerry and pay attention to you
In the Toronto Star this week, a 14-year-old girl writes about how she got her parents to curb their BlackBerry habit. It’s a cute story of rules and fines, all of which puts money in the girl’s pocket. Even better, since she’s implemented her rules — which include fining her parents a dollar each time they pick up the BlackBerry, and double at the dinner table — she’s seen a change for the better in her parents’ habits. There’s also a cautionary tale about texting and driving within.
New OS releases
We saw two OS 5.0 releases this week, two leaks and two official — though possibly not from your own carrier.
If you plan to install any of these OS versions, make sure to backup your device first. If you install a leaked OS, understand that it could irreparably harm your system. The leaked ones come with no guarantees, and unless you know what you’re doing you should wait for an official version.
Leaks:
OS 5.0.0.419 for the Tour 9630. Tempting for sure, but still better to wait for the official release.
OS 5.0.0.436 for the Storm 2.
Official:
OS 5.0.0.411 for the Bold 9000. From Bell Mobility.
OS 5.0.0.411 for the Curve 8900. Check your own carrier for an update, but this post has links to Vodafone Spain, Vodafone DE, and Optus Mobile Pty Limited.
This post originated at BBGeeks.com – home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.
BlackBerry News From The Wire for the Week of 1/4/2009
This post originated at BBGeeks.com – home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.
BlackBerry News From The Wire for the Week of 1/4/2009