Author: Donny H.

  • BlackBerry Story Maker – Make Your Own Movies On The Go with BlackBerry 10

    BlackBerry Story Maker lets you make your own movies on the go

    It has been a whirlwind of news and new features at the BlackBerry 10 global launch event. By now you’ve seen the stunning new BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 devices, and you know they are ideal for creating, viewing and sharing rich photo and video content. BlackBerry Story Maker lets you create your own mini movies in a few easy steps, then share them with your social networks.

    All you have to do is select the photos, videos and music you’d like featured in your movie, add a few titles (perfect for giving it a funky name), then choose from the premade filters and effects to give it that professional polish. It’s designed to make you feel like the director of your own Hollywood flick.

    Vivek walks us through how you can make your own films on the fly:

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    When will you make your silver screen debut? What will you call your first feature film?

  • Capture the Perfect Moment with BlackBerry Picture Editor

    Presenting BlackBerry 10

    With the new Time Shift Camera on the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10, you’re bound to capture some amazing shots. With BlackBerry 10, we built in BlackBerry Picture Editor, so personalizing the moment is simple and easy.

    In Picture Editor you can enhance, add filters, crop, transform, and give your photos your own personal touch. When you’re done, it’s easy to share that moment with your friends and social networks. It’s all at your fingertips and built right in to BlackBerry 10.

    I caught up Vivek for a quick demo. Check it out for yourself in this video:

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    BlackBerry Picture Editor – making that perfect moment that much better. All you budding photographers out there – what will be the first picture you take using your BlackBerry 10 device? Share it with us in the comments below.

  • BlackBerry Remember Keeps You Organized as You Keep Moving

    BlackBerry Remember on BlackBerry 10

    We’re showing off some very cool, never-before-seen BlackBerry 10 software features live at the global launch event in New York City. BlackBerry Remember is a place for you to keep on top of all your files, tasks and notes – and the best part it is integrated right into the BlackBerry Hub. You can flag messages, assign due dates, take voice notes, add attachments, and pull in contacts. It also integrates with your Evernote account to bring all your notes into one simple BlackBerry Remember app.

    As a blogger, this is my dream app. I’ve got everything I need at my fingertips, and it helps me stay on top of interviews, stories and projects.

    Here’s Vivek to show it off to you:

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    Are you someone who could use a built-in app to keep you on top of your information? Let us know how you will be using BlackBerry Remember.

  • First Look: BBM Video Chat on BlackBerry 10 featuring Screenshare

    Vivek and Thorsten present BlackBerry 10

    The BlackBerry 10 launch event has already brought some amazing news. Now we’re looking at the new BBM Video Chat featuring Screenshare technology. This brings BBM, or BlackBerry Messenger, to the next level and highlights the essence of BlackBerry 10 – real-time communication. Here at the event, Vivek made the first public BBM Video Chat live from New York City to London, England, meeting face-to-face with Andrew Bocking, SVP, Software Product Management at BlackBerry.

    Imagine also being able to share your screen with friends and family as you walk them through a photo album – or with colleagues as you walk through a document or presentation – all while still staying on the call. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

    To see it in action for yourself, checkout this walkthrough with Vivek:

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    What do you think about BBM Video Chat featuring Screenshare? Who will be the first person you video chat with?

  • BlackBerry 10 – Re-designed, Re-engineered, Re-invented

    BlackBerry 10 – Re-designed, Re-engineered, Re-invented

    We’re here at the BlackBerry 10 Live event where Thorsten Heins just announced amazing new BlackBerry 10 devices, the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10. Now it’s time to recap some of the things that make the BlackBerry 10 software a truly unique and elegant experience. To show it off, Vivek has taken the stage to demo some familiar elements of BlackBerry 10: the very cool Time Shift Camera, BlackBerry Flow, the BlackBerry 10 Keyboard, and of course the heart of BlackBerry 10, the BlackBerry Hub. Check them all out in the videos below.

    Time Shift Camera – Always capture the best shot

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    BlackBerry Flow – Keeps you moving forward

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    BlackBerry Keyboard – An unmatched typing experience

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    BlackBerry Hub – The single place for you to manage your conversations

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    There you have it – a recap of the exciting core features of BlackBerry 10. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

  • Meet the All-New BlackBerry Z10 – First BlackBerry 10 Device [VIDEO]

    BlackBerry Z10 in black

    This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the BlackBerry Z10 has taken the stage and we’re pleased to introduce it to you. It is a gorgeous device in black and white, and it’s designed to showcase the elegance of BlackBerry 10.

    When introducing the BlackBerry Z10, Thorsten Heins said, “This is the most beautiful BlackBerry we have ever launched. I can’t wait for you to try it out. We knew a large beautiful display was important. This is the window into the BlackBerry 10 experience.”

    I would definitely call this the best BlackBerry smartphone to date! The BlackBerry Z10 is has a specially designed screen for precise touch input, so typing on the BlackBerry keyboard can be faster and more accurate. The BlackBerry Z10 screen uses the latest technology to ensure images are sharp, clear and incredibly vivid.

    BlackBerry Z10 in white

    The device and BlackBerry 10 software were designed together. At the core of the BlackBerry Z10 is BlackBerry Flow (something we’ve been showing off for a while); what this means is that you don’t have to seek information on your device. Instead, it’s delivered to you within thumb reach, so you can take action quickly and easily.

    “Whatever you’re doing, you’re only one swipe away from the heart of all your activity.”

    Of course, showing is better than telling, so I caught up with Nawdesh, a member of the BlackBerry product management team, to show me around BlackBerry Z10.

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    Nawdesh mentioned he loves the camera, and I definitely agree – the Time Shift camera feature is one of the coolest aspects to BlackBerry 10, plus the video camera can shoot stunning full HD videos. When it comes to viewing movies and photos, we’ve created a cinematic experience thanks to that gorgeous screen.

    After using it for the past few weeks, I can say another great feature is the texturized backing and smooth edges on the device. It’s designed to let you have the ideal grip while holding it, but it can also tuck easily into a pocket or bag.

    The wait is over, #TeamBlackBerry – what do you think about the new BlackBerry Z10? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

  • Introducing the BlackBerry Q10 – First BlackBerry 10 QWERTY Device [VIDEO]

    BlackBerry Q10 - the first BlackBerry 10 device with QWERTY

    The news here at the BlackBerry 10 global launch event keeps coming. Just moments ago, Thorsten Heins introduced the new BlackBerry Z10, and now we’re having a look at the BlackBerry Q10. The iconic-looking device is built with high performance materials and premium finishes. Typing is fast, accurate and familiar on the larger ergonomic BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard.

    Even though I love the keyboard, perhaps my favorite feature is the stunning touchscreen display – the largest ever on a BlackBerry QWERTY device. If you’re a fan of a physical QWERTY device experience, you’re going to love the BlackBerry Q10. All your information is displayed beautifully on the screen, and you can take action and respond to it as you choose thanks to the powerful and elegant BlackBerry 10 software.

    BlackBerry Q10 - the first BlackBerry 10 device with QWERTY

    To get a closer look at the BlackBerry Q10, we met with Vijai from the product management team to walk us through the device. Watch this video below to get up close and personal with this new BlackBerry device.

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    The battery is designed to get you through your day smooth and efficiently. The browser is fast, the media experience is rich, and it’s all because of the built-in power of the BlackBerry 10 OS. Additionally, meticulous detail has been put into the design. The BlackBerry Q10 features a unique glass-weave material that is meant to be not only thinner and lighter, but stronger than plastic.

    No matter what device you prefer – all-touch or QWERTY – these new BlackBerry 10 devices provide the best typing experience in the industry. Are you a QWERTY fanatic? Let us know your thoughts on the BlackBerry Q10 below.

  • Research In Motion is Now BlackBerry

    Research In Motion is now BlackBerry

    In a bold move (if I do say so myself), we’ve renamed the company to reflect our brand. Research In Motion (RIM) is now officially named BlackBerry. Seconds ago on stage at the BlackBerry 10 global launch event, Thorsten Heins made the announcement to press and advocates from around the world.

    “From this point forward — we are BlackBerry. One brand. One promise. Our customers use a BlackBerry, our employees work for BlackBerry, and our shareholders are owners of BlackBerry.”

    To explain this move further, I sat down with Frank Boulben, CMO, earlier this week in New York City. Check out the interview below.

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    As we wrote last week, RIM was founded in 1984 – that’s almost 30 years of heritage built into the BlackBerry brand. Reflecting on this change, I believe Thorsten put it best when he said:

    “We are now, more than ever, a company united in our vision for mobile computing and it all starts today with our renaming and with the global launch of BlackBerry 10.”

    It’s a new day, a new name and new products. We are BlackBerry – please share your thoughts on the change with us in the comments.

  • 10 Minutes to BlackBerry 10 – See the Excitement from Around the World [VIDEO]

    10 Minutes to BlackBerry 10

    We are only minutes away from showtime here at the new BlackBerry 10 launch event in New York City and in cities around the world London, Dubai, Toronto, Paris and Johannesburg. The press has filed in and the anticipation is building. The show is about to kick off with a montage of guests and interviews from excited fans, analysts and media from around the world. It has definitely been a spirited journey and a fantastic build-up to launch – check out a few of the stories being highlighted.

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    [ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

    There you have it – I definitely echo the host’s sentiment when he said, “I hope after today Lil’ E can get some sleep.” Stay tuned – all your BlackBerry 10 launch news is coming up next. Are you excited? Be sure to leave us a comment telling us your journey to BlackBerry 10.

  • Because You Believed – Our Journey to BlackBerry 10

    Our journey to BlackBerry 10

    As I sit here in New York City preparing for and anticipating the BlackBerry 10 launch tomorrow, I just wanted to take some time to reflect and thank Team BlackBerry. It has been a roller coaster year for all of us, yet your dedication and belief in us did not waiver. BlackBerry 10 is built just for you, and it’s literally right around the corner.

    The messages and notes of encouragement that we receive from the millions of you who follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and read the Inside BlackBerry Blog daily, do not fall on deaf ears. We hear you loud and clear, and your words are shared with employees across the company and around the globe – all the way up to Thorsten Heins himself. Simply put, you are the fuel behind BlackBerry 10, giving all of us that extra boost of energy when we need it most.

    Seriously…what reason could you have to not love @BlackBerry #BB10? Fast, functional, flowing…FANTASTIC! #BB10Believe #TeamBlackBerry@ChazBerryJam
    A phone is not a phone anymore; it’s a portal to social networks, media and work. That is the future of #mobilecomputing. @BlackBerry #BB10@lombaki
    @UK_BlackBerry January 30 is not marked on my calendar. It is etched into my brain. #BlackBerry10 #BeHere@BB10VW

    You’ve been on this journey with us – from the first previews at BlackBerry World 2012, to every stop of the epic (and I don’t use that term lightly) BlackBerry Jam World Tour. We’ve teased, previewed, showcased, and sneak-peeked a lot. And although we had fun dropping hints, tomorrow is the day you get to finally experience BlackBerry 10.

    It wasn’t too long ago when you stood up and declared, “I’m Proud to Be #TeamBlackBerry”. We are honored to have such a dedicated group of fans in our corner. That fighting spirit I wrote about just months ago has brought us here. We will (try to) go to sleep tonight, and tomorrow the sun will rise on a new day for the company and BlackBerry fans alike. We’ve re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented our products with BlackBerry 10 – and we can’t wait to share it all with you tomorrow.

  • Five Reasons to Tune In to BlackBerry 10

    Media quotes from BlackBerry 10

    The BlackBerry 10 launch event is just two days away! We can’t hide our enthusiasm, as evidenced by all the BlackBerry 10 content on the Inside BlackBerry Blog. While we’ve given product and feature demos to show you how great we think BlackBerry 10 is, don’t just take our word for it — check out some of the accolades BlackBerry 10 has been receiving from tech blogs and online media:

    1. “RIM invited developers to a “porting party” to bring their apps to BlackBerry 10 before launch. Experts of the OS were constantly on hand to help with the process…RIM was able to reach its goal of approving an astounding 15,000 apps over the course of one weekend.”Mashable

    2. “The new BlackBerry 10 looks very good…It’s loaded with great stuff. In fact, its keyboard is so terrific that I wish every manufacturer had it…”Gizmodo

    3. “What we found [with BlackBerry 10] was a mobile OS that has a lot of charm, and that actually felt pretty far along in terms of its level of completion…the camera features, including the ability to select better frames for individual faces and components of a shot, feel amazing in practice, and they have a clear use value instead of seeming like novelty gimmicks.”TechCrunch

    4. “The most significant feature in BlackBerry 10, from an enterprise perspective, is probably BlackBerry Balance, which lets corporations create two separate on-device “personas,” one for corporate data and one for personal information. BlackBerry Balance isn’t exactly new–we’ve know about Balance for more than a year–but the version of Balance in BlackBerry 10 has many new features and a polished interface.”CIO

    5. “Combined with gesture support, RIM may have indeed simplified the smartphone user experience in several key ways.”BGR

    You’ve heard it from us, and now you’ve read some the media reviews on BlackBerry 10. Give us your thoughts in the comments below.


    Every BlackBerry 10 detail, update, and feature, as soon as it’s released: BlackBerry.com/BlackBerry10. Test out BlackBerry 10 features hands-on, watch exclusive video interviews with the minds behind BlackBerry 10, and receive product and carrier updates straight to your inbox. Sign up today!

  • New BlackBerry World for BlackBerry 10 to Include Extensive Catalogue of Songs, Latest Movies and TV Shows

    Last week we told you all about how BlackBerry World will not only be home to the great apps and games for BlackBerry 10, but for music and video content as well. Today we’ve released more details on some of the great media partners you can expect to see in BlackBerry World. Here’s more information from the release!

    The new BlackBerry World will include an extensive catalog of songs as well as movies and TV shows, with most movies coming to the store the same day they are released on DVD, and next day availability of many current TV series. The competitive offering will feature content from all major studios, music labels and top local broadcast networks.

    The video download and rental section in BlackBerry World will initially be available in the US, UK and Canada. Varying by region and distributor, customers will have access to movies from the following studios and independents: 20th Century Fox, Entertainment One (eOne), Lionsgate, MGM, National Film Board of Canada, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (US), Starz Digital Media, STUDIOCANAL, The Walt Disney Studios, Universal Pictures (UK), Warner Bros. Customers will also have access to TV shows from the following broadcasters and studios: ABC Studios, BBC Worldwide, CBC/Radio-Canada, CBS, DHX Media, ITV, National Geographic, NBCUniversal (UK), Nelvana, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (US), Starz Digital Media, Twentieth Century Fox Television, Univision Communications Inc, and Warner Bros.

    With a great lineup of media partners lined up, we’re more excited for BlackBerry 10 than ever. Let us know what shows, bands and movies you’re looking forward to seeing in BlackBerry World.


    Every BlackBerry 10 detail, update, and feature, as soon as it’s released: BlackBerry.com/BlackBerry10. Test out BlackBerry 10 features hands-on, watch exclusive video interviews with the minds behind BlackBerry 10, and receive product and carrier updates straight to your inbox. Sign up today!

  • The Pursuit of “App-iness”

    No two people have the same exact taste when it comes to buying jeans, cars, or even mobile apps — and I believe this is a good thing. Since we all have unique ways of using our BlackBerry devices, we have different app needs. But buying lots of apps can get expensive, so how do you determine which apps will add something to your mobile life? Here are three criteria I use when choosing a mobile app:

    • Price: The value of the right app is endless, but that doesn’t always mean the best apps are free. I like to focus on what the app allows me to do instead of how much it costs. This helps me to consider what value I can receive from the app, and how much I’m willing to pay to get the most out of the apps on my BlackBerry device.
    • Word of Mouth: When perusing the reviews in BlackBerry World, I tend to skim the highest and lowest ratings and focus on 3-star or 4-star reviews. Why? Because I feel these reviewers are posting well-thought out, detailed responses. They want the app to succeed, but they also acknowledge any perceived shortcomings and usually offer feedback for how the developer can make the app better.
    • Usefulness: Like many people I talk to, I also use my BlackBerry device for work, and so I tend to choose apps that will be the most useful to me while on the job. But I also like to have fun. So whether you classify “useful” as a powerful utility or a heart-stopping game, download what you’re going to use, and use what you download.

    Using these criteria, I’ve downloaded many great mobile apps from BlackBerry World that suit my needs for both work and play. How about you? What criteria do you use when choosing your apps? Let us know how you plan for your pursuit of “app-iness” in the comments below!

  • Updating Your BlackBerry Apps: Why It Matters

    update-apps

    When you blog about BlackBerry devices, your family and friends automatically assume you’re a “tech guru” and know everything about every BlackBerry device ever created — not to mention how to program your grandparents’ VCR. You’re the person in the group who knows just a little more than everyone else, and now by default, you are the expert. That said, I do know a little something about BlackBerry apps.

    A friend recently asked a question that prompted this post. He asked, “When should I update my apps, and when should I just ignore the “spark” (spark) prompting me to update?” I answered, “As soon as possible!” Here’s why:

    • Updates may improve app and device stability. If your app is experiencing periodic “crashes” or issues with a feature, the developer may be aware of it and may have fixed it in an updated release. Staying current may just solve the issue you’re having.
    • Updates may improve app and device security. Keeping their apps secure is one of the most important things to a developer since their reputation may depend on it. By making sure your app is up to date, any new security issues may be identified and patched.
    • Updates may add exciting new features. App updates aren’t always “all work and no play“– updates may also contain new features you’ll find useful or even crucial to your usage.
    • Updates may improve app and device speed. There may be times where an app update simply increases the efficiency of an app or service, making the app run faster. Who wouldn’t benefit from some additional speed?
    • Updated apps may be the first step of a support call. In the event you have to connect with our support team, many times the first thing they ask you to do is to update the app or your BlackBerry smartphone OS; you might as well save the step before you call.

    spark One last thing before you go running for your BlackBerry device to start downloading updates: Perform software updates over Wi-Fi whenever possible. Downloads will typically happen faster, and if you have a limit on your monthly data plan, you may save some room later in the month to download kitten pictures.

    Do you update your apps when you see the spark? Share your reasons why or why not in the comments below.

  • Growing Up BlackBerry

    Growing Up BlackBerry

    In 1984, a leap year which began on a Sunday, Research In Motion (RIM) was founded in Waterloo, Ontario. Best known for the development of the BlackBerry product line, RIM, now in its late twenties, has grown up with users born that same year.

    During that time, RIM has put smartphones, software and the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet in the hands of users all around the world. Mobile access to email, apps, communication and information that matters most are things that BlackBerry customers have grown accustomed to regardless of when they grew up.

    Since RIM is still in its late twenties, I’d like to hear from loyal #TeamBlackBerry members under 30 years old. How has mobile technology changed in your lifetime? And what do you expect from your new BlackBerry 10 smartphone?

    Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!

  • How to Spot a Genuine App Review

    How to spot a real BlackBerry app review

    Recently, I read a story that both shocked and upset me. A study conducted by Gartner found that by the year 2014, 10-15 percent of social media reviews will be falsified information. As you can tell by the App World Wednesday posts I write, I’m a guy who spends a lot of time in the newly-named BlackBerry World.

    The thought of “reviewers” moving in and writing fake reviews to either help or hurt certain apps makes me crazy. While our apps group does its best to police any fake reviews in BlackBerry World, we as consumers and developers can stay sharp and zap fake reviews ourselves, too. Here are five ways to become an app review super-sleuth:

    1. Consider the Source. Does the app you’re looking to download have only three reviews from users “FredFlintstone”, “WilmaFlintstone”, and “BarneyRubble?” You may want to take those reviews with a grain of salt.
    2. Help the Cause. Make sure you’re signed up for a BlackBerry ID and that you’re writing your own honest and fair reviews. Suggest changes the developer can make in a helpful way.
    3. One of These Things is Not Like the Others. If an app has a ton of stellar reviews, then one one-star review stating the app is terrible, you may be looking at a fake review or simply someone who didn’t understand the app. The same thing goes for many bad reviews and one great one.
    4. Trust, but Verify. If an app is poorly reviewed, take a look at some of the other apps the developer has done as well as their reviews. If the app is a rare miss for the developer, there’s a good chance they’ve developed an improved app to replace it.
    5. Contact the Developer. Almost all of the BlackBerry World developers have a way to contact their support team if you have a question. If you’re concerned about the app’s features or price, connect with the developer before you download the app. A good app developer will look to customer feedback for making their product better rather than just sit back and read negative reviews.

    I’m a firm believer in spotting and calling out fake reviewers, and in promoting fairness to our developers who bring great apps to all of us. Help the cause and tell us how you spot fake reviews. And remember to contact BlackBerry World Support if you see something that doesn’t look right.

  • BlackBerry App World Web Storefront is now BlackBerry World

    BlackBerry App World is now BlackBerry World

    Hey #TeamBlackBerry, if you were up at the wee hours of the morning today, you may have noticed a change to the BlackBerry App World web store. It is now simply called BlackBerry World. The naming change reflects a shift in the type of things you can purchase from the store as we transition to BlackBerry 10 and beyond.

    As we mentioned back at BlackBerry Jam Americas, BlackBerry World will have much more than just apps – it will now be home to Videos and Music as well. BlackBerry World is going to be the one-stop shop for all of your mobile entertainment needs.

    With BlackBerry World, there are various ways to browse, download, buy, and manage apps using a BlackBerry smartphone, BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, or desktop or laptop computer,— inspiration is at your fingertips. And if you find something you love and want to tell the world, you can easily share it with your friends over BBM, Facebook and Twitter. Also, you can simply tap smartphones together and invite your friends to download it — just like that.

    The change will happen on the web storefront first and will be rolled out to the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet and BlackBerry smartphones in the coming weeks. (NOTE: Please be aware it may take up to 24 hours for the changes to appear.)

    If you’re asking “what about the BlackBerry World conference?” – worry not, the BlackBerry World conference isn’t going anywhere. Renamed the BlackBerry Live conference, we’ll be on the ground May 14-16 in Orlando, Florida to celebrate all things BlackBerry 10.

    A few sneak peeks into what BlackBerry Live will bring this year:

    • BlackBerry 10 platform demonstrations
    • Meet the BlackBerry leaders behind BlackBerry 10
    • Hear what’s next for BlackBerry
    • And more!

    Check out Luke’s post on the Inside BlackBerry for Business Blog for more information.

  • Relationship with Your Ringtone

    BlackBerry ringtones

    “To vibrate or to ring, that is the question…” –Shakespeare, if he owned a BlackBerry smartphone

    Downloading the “Somebody That I Used to Know” ringtone seemed like a pretty solid choice at the time, and even assigning it as my primary ringtone seemed like a fine idea – until I got a call in the middle of a BlackBerry 10 launch planning meeting, and my ringer had been set to full volume. That wasn’t a good way to find out that not everyone is still a fan of that song.

    So, it might be time to change my ringtone to something more generic. There are a ton of options in the BlackBerry App World storefront, but I’m finding myself wondering if I need a ringtone at all. When my BlackBerry Bold smartphone isn’t in my pocket or holster where I would feel it vibrate, I’ve got BeBuzz configured to let me know who’s calling me.

    Yet I still feel compelled to have a ringtone because it’s a reflection of who I am. It says: “I am a proud community manager who likes indie pop music and I don’t care who knows it.” It would almost seem that our ringtones – and even our smartphone choices and configurations – are an extension of who we are or what we want to tell the world.

    Is there a ringtone on your smartphone, or are you strictly a fan of leaving your device on vibrate? Do you see your ringtone as an extension of your personality, or just a random sample of notes?

  • Looking for a Study Buddy? How About Your BlackBerry Device?

    Study apps for BlackBerry

    For many students, the second semester of school has just started, which means the tough stuff is still ahead. Before being committed to months of “all work and no play” library lockdown, I wanted to share some helpful tips on how BlackBerry smartphones and BlackBerry PlayBook tablets can be used to help with both studies and relaxation. Remember, staying balanced is one of the keys to mental agility during stressful times!

    Here are some great apps available in the BlackBerry App World storefront to help students with their schoolwork (while having a little fun, too):

    • Ignite Study Flash Card by Kenneth Poon: They say we need to see a piece of information three times before it gets committed to memory. With this handy flash card app, users can memorize with ease, accessing study materials while on the go in a fun quiz format! I like that the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet app doesn’t give away answers immediately. Instead, it offers hints, which give it a fun and unique edge to standard flashcards.

    • StudyPal by Nadia Munim: Students can think of this app as a “personal trainer” for their brains. As the saying goes, this app helps with “planning your work and working your plan” in the crux of exams. For someone like me who worries about forgetting little details, a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet app that keeps important information in one place is a huge stress-reliever.
    • Hangman by Spice: Even the hardest working student needs a break sometimes! I recommend having a little fun in between cram sessions by downloading a cult-classic game like Hangman, which is a personal favorite. This version is especially fun because it includes a range of themes, such as Hollywood, Sports and Music—and because it’s available for a BlackBerry smartphone or BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

    Study apps for BlackBerry

    • My Study Room Theme by VImukti Technologies Pvt Ltd.: While you’re loading up your BlackBerry smartphone with study apps and essentials, why not download a new theme to match? Just looking at these study room wallpapers gets me in study mode!

    Study apps for BlackBerry

    Students (and parents), tell us – which apps will help you during the rest of the school year? Let us know in the comments.

  • NFC on BlackBerry Devices: Futuristic and Feature-rich

    NFC on BlackBerry

    Ever since the introduction of the first BlackBerry devices equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, we’ve enjoyed seeing how people are using NFC in the real world. Whether NFC is used as part of a mobile payment solution, to interact with a book, or as a security card, there is little doubt that the technology is becoming widely adopted. Even just this week our Secure Element Manager (SEM) solution for NFC payments was approved by Visa – a clear sign the industry is getting behind NFC.

    These case studies are all well and good, but I still have friends who ask me, “Why would I even need NFC on my smartphone? Does it do anything cool?” It’s a fair question. While there are more and more devices running NFC, the adoption of this or any new technology can happen gradually. Take Bluetooth for example. I remember the early days of Bluetooth, when it was (anecdotally) confusing for a lot of people I know. In the mobile and desktop space Bluetooth was a check box in the selling features category. It wasn’t until consumers and the industry really got behind it and understood how it was useful that it took off. Now you see Bluetooth everywhere; in mobile accessories, smartphones, and even cars.

    We continue to see the infrastructure pieces coming together that are making NFC solutions simpler and more viable to the mass market. Like Bluetooth before it, I predict NFC will improve the way people interact with their devices, making everything from exchanging contact information, files and making payments as simple as tapping two devices or tags together.

    Pretty cool, right? Also keep in mind that NFC is still growing as a technology so there are uses coming that we may not have even thought of yet. Where will NFC on your BlackBerry device take you?

    We’re always on the lookout for new and fun uses for NFC, so please feel free to share your NFC story or feature in the comments below.