BlackBerry 10
Created by BlackBerry (the company) the BlackBerry 10 OS is used exclusively on BlackBerry phones. Version 10 is a completely new OS compared to BlackBerry 7 and earlier.
by: BlackBerry
Hands-On: BlackBerry Q5
BlackBerry announced the Q5 today and we spent a few moments checking it out. Here are our initial impressions.
BlackBerry Announces BBM Channels
BlackBerry today announced a new piece of its BlackBerry Messenger platform called BBM Channels. It acts similar to social networks in that users can subscribe to channels, which are based on certain topics or brands, and receive updates when the channels have new content. Users can create their own channels and push updates to select groups of followers or users in a manner similar to Twitter. BlackBerry imagines that it will be best-used by companies and brands looking to connect with fans.
from BlackBerry
BlackBerry 10.1 to Hit Z10 Handsets This Month
BlackBerry today announced that the BlackBerry 10.1 operating system will be distributed to the Z10 smartphone beginning today. International variants will receive the update first over the coming weeks, followed by U.S. variants by the end of May. BlackBerry 10 makes it easier to manage Hub conversations, personalize notifications (vibrate, sounds, and indication light), and click-to-call BBM contacts. It also improves image capture with the camera and provides other bug fixes. Last, the 10.1 update will also enable Skype on BlackBerry Z10 handsets. (Skype is available for all BlackBerry devices beginning today, too.) The update will be available on a carrier-by-carrier basis.
BlackBerry Announces the BlackBerry Q5
Blackberry today announced a new, mid-range BlackBerry handset with a QWERTY keyboard called the Q5. The device will come in pink, white, black, and red. It features a 3.1-inch touch screen, camera, and the BlackBerry 10.1 operating system. The device will ship in select markets, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America, beginning in July. BlackBerry did not specify that the Q5 would come to the U.S.
Sprint and Verizon Announce Summer Q10 Launches
Verizon Wireless today announced that the BlackBerry Q10 will be available for preorder in the coming weeks, and will reach store shelves in June. Verizon didn't announce pricing. Sprint followed Verizon' announcement to say that it would launch the Q10 in "late summer." Sprint didn't announce pricing, either. Both variants will include LTE 4G support.
Twitter and LinkedIn for BlackBerry 10 Updated
BlackBerry today said that the Twitter and LinkedIn apps for its BlackBerry 10 platform have both been updated with new features. Twitter for BB10 now offers more up-to-date content in the Universal Search bar, and fits more content onto each screen. The app also supports automatic caching, so content is available faster when users first start up the app. LinkedIn sees a much more significant update compared to Twitter. With the new version of LinkedIn, BlackBerry 10 users will be able to import their local BlackBerry contacts into the LinkedIn app. The app has been given a visual overhaul, making it easier to refresh content with pull-down gestures, and receive tactile feedback via haptics. LinkedIn for BlackBerries makes it easier to search for companies and lets users see how they may be connected to those companies. Last, the inbox gains several new abilities, such as archiving and deleting messages, and improved inbox search. Twitter and LinkedIn for BlackBerry 10 are both free to download from BlackBerry World.
BlackBerry Makes Skype Available to Q10
BlackBerry today announced that owners of its BlackBerry Q10 smartphone may download Skype from the BlackBerry World app store. Skype requires BlackBerry OS 10.1. The Q10 ships with BBOS 10.1 installed, and is launching in Canada and other select markets this week. The Q10 isn't expected to reach the U.S until late May. For the time being, BlackBerry Z10 owners will not be able to access or download Skype because the Z10 runs BBOS 10. BlackBerry said that it will update the Z10 to BlackBerry OS 10.1 next month. More details about the minor operating system bump will be provided by BlackBerry during its developer conference scheduled to take place the week of May 13.
T-Mobile to Accept BlackBerry Q10 Preorders April 29
T-Mobile USA today said business customers interested in the BlackBerry Q10, which will support T-Mobile's LTE 4G network, can order the device online beginning April 29. Exact availability and pricing details, however, will be shared at a later date.
BlackBerry Says Skype to Be Available Next Month
BlackBerry today said that it expects Skype for BlackBerry 10 to be available at about the same time the Q10 smartphone goes on sale. The Q10 is scheduled to hit stores in late May. Skype is one of many significant apps still not available to the BlackBerry 10 platforms.
from BlackBerry
BlackBerry Q10 to Arrive Late May with $249 Price Tag
The BlackBerry Q10 will reach AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless stores by late May, according to various reports. Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal both report that the Q10's price tag will be $249, but none of the U.S. network operators have announced firm availability and pricing details. The Q10 will be the second BlackBerry 10 device to reach the market after the Z10. It differs from the Z10 in that it has a smaller screen and a QWERTY keyboard.
Facebook and Twitter for BlackBerry 10 Updated
BlackBerry today announced significant updates are available to both the Facebook and Twitter applications for its BlackBerry 10 platform. New features in Facebook for BB10 include the ability to search for nearby friends; the ability to save photos from Facebook to the BlackBerry and improved photo tagging and; the ability to view and respond to events thanks to improved Events tools; and the ability to share more Newsfeed content from Facebook to email, BBM, SMS, or Twitter. Speaking of which, Twitter for BB10 now offers the same Connect Tab available to other platforms, and lets users see more of the content that's embedded within Tweets. Twitter also lets users see how many times one of their Tweets has been favorited. Facebook and Twitter for BlackBerry 10 are both free downloads, and will be available in BlackBerry World in the next day or so.
Former BlackBerry CEO Mike Lazaridis to Leave Company
BlackBerry today announced during its quarterly earnings call that former co-CEO Mike Lazaridis would retire from his seat at the company's board of directors effective May 1. Lazaridis founded BlackBerry with Jim Balsillie, which was called Research In Motion during their leadership tenure. Both Lazaridis and Balsillie left their co-CEO roles in January 2012 and were replaced by now-CEO Thorsten Heins. "With the launch of BlackBerry 10, I believe I have fulfilled my commitment to the Board," Lazaridis said. "Thorsten and his team did an excellent job in completing BlackBerry 10. We have a great deal of which to be proud. I believe I am leaving the company in good hands. I remain a huge fan of BlackBerry and, of course, wish the company and its people well." Lazaridis and Balsillie were often criticized for not recognizing the threat represented by the Apple iPhone, and later, Android smartphones. Sales of BlackBerry handsets fell rapidly during their last year as co-CEOs as consumers flocked to smartphones running Apple's and Google's operating systems instead. BlackBerry launched its brand new operating system, BlackBerry 10, earlier this year. The first BlackBerry 10 device, the Z10, reached AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless all within the last week.
from BlackBerry
BlackBerry Adds More TV Content to U.S. Store
BlackBerry today announced that owners of BlackBerry 10 devices in the U.S. now have access to more television programming in the BlackBerry World storefront. BlackBerry recently signed PBS, Univision, and Viacom to its list of content providers, each of which oversees a wide variety of channels and programming. According to BlackBerry, content from Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, PBS, and others can be purchased directly from BlackBerry 10 handsets. The BlackBerry Z10 is already available from AT&T, and will become available from T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless this week. Pricing for the content varies.
BlackBerry Aims to Bring Balance to Android and iPhone
BlackBerry today announced that it plans to offer businesses a solution that will allow them to separate work and personal data on devices running Android and iOS. BlackBerry offers a similar product to BlackBerry smartphones called BlackBerry Balance. The idea is to segregate business and personal information so that it may be kept secure. The new product is called Secure Work Space for iOS and Android, and is managed through BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10. The product offers secure apps for email, calendar, contacts, tasks, memos, browsing, and document editing. BlackBerry is previewing the service now, and will offer it to its business customers through a BES 10 upgrade. It will be available by the end of the second quarter.
BlackBerry Z10 Preorders for Verizon Begin March 14
Verizon Wireless today announced that interested customers may preorder the BlackBerry Z10 beginning March 14. The Z10 costs $199.99 with a new contract and will be available online and in stores on March 28. Verizon is selling the Z10 in both black and white; the white model is exclusive to Verizon. Verizon also reiterated that it will sell the QWERTY-equipped BlackBerry Q10 later this year, though exact availability and pricing details have yet to be announced. AT&T also recently announced the Z10's availability. AT&T began accepting preorders for the Z10 earlier this week, and it arrives in AT&T stores March 22.
WhatsApp Lands in BlackBerry World for BB10
BlackBerry today announced that WhatsApp, the popular messaging application, is now available to BlackBerry 10 devices, such as the Z10. Similar to Apple's iMessage or Samsung's ChatOn, WhatsApp is an over-the-top messaging service that uses mobile data connections to pass messages back and forth to other users. It allows smartphone owners to cut down on potential carrier-based messaging fees. WhatsApp for BlackBerry 10 integrates with the native contact application and offers push notifications on the lock screen when new messages arrive. It is a cross-platform service, so BlackBerry 10 device owners will be able to use WhatsApp to chat with friends or family who use Android, iOS, or Windows Phone devices. The app is available for free from BlackBerry World.
Solavei Drops BlackBerry Z10 Price to $689 Sans Contract
Solavei today lowered the price of the BlackBerry Z10 from $999 to $689. The Z10 is being sold off contract via GSM Nation. Those who purchase the Z10 can pair it with Solavei's no-contract SIM card service.
Twitter and LinkedIn Updated for BlackBerry 10
BlackBerry today made available updated versions of the Twitter and LinkedIn applications for BB10. The new version of Twitter (pictured) includes a number of improvements, such as the ability to take or add photos from within the tweet composition screen, as well as insert location data. The new app also makes it possible to see tweets in conversation view, edit the profile picture or header, view Direct Messages from the Me tab, delete tweets from any screen, and block spam users/messages. The new version of LinkedIn for BB10 adds the ability to message contacts directly from their profile page, search for and save job recommendations, filter the LinkedIn Today feed, and view full-screen images of LinkedIn profiles. BlackBerry says that it may take up to 24 hours for both apps to appear in BlackBerry World. They are both free to download and use.
BlackBerry Pushes Big Bug and Battery Fix to Z10
BlackBerry today made available to the BlackBerry Z10 a new system update that resolves performance issues across a number of apps and services. First, the new system software improves the performance of third party apps and helps them run smoother. The email, calendar, and contacts apps have been updated with fixes for Gmail calendars and general improvements to how the apps behave within BlackBerry Hub. Once the system update is installed, the camera should perform better in low light, and the browser should exhibit smoother video playback. Last, the software update promises to improve battery life with more than 60 individual tweaks to the BlackBerry 10 software. The system update, version number 10.0.10.85, measures 150MB and BlackBerry recommends that users install it via Wi-Fi.
BlackBerry to Cease Sales In Japan
BlackBerry will not sell its new Z10 and Q10 handsets in the Japanese market, reports Reuters. The company's share of the Japanese market has shrunk from 5% to 0.3%, and the smartphone maker can no longer justify the cost of modifying its software to accommodate the Japanese language. BlackBerry will also stop selling its older handsets, though it will continue to provide support for its existing user base. "We are in the process of launching BlackBerry 10 globally in key markets and we are seeing positive demand for the BlackBerry Z10 in countries where it has already launched," said spokeswoman Amy McDowell in a statement provided to media. "Japan is not a major market for BlackBerry and we have no plans to launch BlackBerry 10 devices there at this time. However, we will continue to support BlackBerry customers in Japan." The Z10 and Q10 are the first smartphones to run BlackBerry 10, the company's new operating system. They won't go on sale in the U.S. until later this year.
Revised BlackBerry Bridge App Loses BBM, SMS for Now
BlackBerry today made Bridge version 3.0 available to BlackBerry 10 devices. Bridge is a utility that connects a BlackBerry smartphone with the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. According to BlackBerry, the company focused on bringing a few key features to the BB10 platform. Bridge 3.0 can share the smartphone's internet connection with a PlayBook, control the PlayBook remotely, and share bookmarks and files between the two thanks to the new "Share" framework built into BB10. However, some important features available to older versions of the app have been removed. Specifically, BlackBerry Messenger, SMS, and email are no longer possible to use via BlackBerry Bridge, though they will be added back in later this year. Blackberry Bridge 3.0 for BlackBerry 10 smartphones is a free download from BlackBerry World.
BlackBerry Changes Tune on Q10 Arrival
BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins indicated recently that the Q10 BlackBerry 10 smartphone may not reach U.S. store shelves until May or June. Speaking to the Associated Press, Heins said the device will arrive eight to 10 weeks after the Z10. The Z10 isn't going on sale until mid-March or later, which puts the Q10's release closer to the end of the second quarter. BlackBerry had first suggested that the Q10 might reach U.S. stores as soon as April, but that appears unlikely. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless have all indicated plans to sell the Q10, but T-Mobile USA has not. The Q10 differs from the Z10 in that it has a physical QWERTY keyboard.
BlackBerry to Update BB10 Android Runtime to Jelly Bean
BlackBerry today announced that it plans to update the Android runtime within its BlackBerry 10 platform to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Currently, the runtime is at Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread. BlackBerry 10 can run repackaged Android applications, and in fact, about 40% of the 70,000 apps available in BlackBerry App world are ported Android apps. The runtime within BB10 is what makes them work. By updating the runtime to a more modern version of Android, it will help developers looking to port their Android 4+ apps to the BB10 platform. BlackBerry also announced a preview version of the BlackBerry 10.1 native SDK for the Q10. The current SDK supports the Z10. This additional SDK will allow developers to create apps customized for the Q10 hardware, which includes a physical keyboard. It can be downloaded from BlackBerry's developer portal. The Z10 and Q10 are expected to reach the U.S. in March and April, respectively.
U.S. Carriers Detail BlackBerry 10 Launch Plans
All four of the major U.S. wireless network operators have committed to support the new BlackBerry 10 platform and Z10 and Q10 smartphones from BlackBerry. Here is a breakdown of what the carriers have announced so far.
- AT&T: AT&T will offer both the Z10 and the Q10. RIM said the Z10 is expected to go on sale in mid-March, with the Q10 following in April the earliest. AT&T did not announce pricing for either handset, nor exact sales dates.
- Sprint: Sprint has only committed to selling the Q10 "later this year," though RIM says it will be April. Sprint has not announced pricing details, though it will offer unlimited LTE 4G service to the Q10 when it goes on sale.
- T-Mobile USA: T-Mobile announced plans to sell the Z10, but not the Q10. It has not announced pricing details, but its variant of the Z10 will support its LTE 4G network.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon plans to offer both the Z10 and Q10. Verizon did not announce exact availability, but it did price the Z10 at $199 with a new contract. It will also be the only carrier selling the white Z10.
from AT&T / Sprint / T-Mobile USA / Verizon
Hands-On: BlackBerry Z10 and Q10
Here is a first look at the BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 smartphones. Both phones run the new BlackBerry 10 platform and will reach U.S. carriers in mid-March.
BlackBerry 10 to Reach U.S. Stores in March
BlackBerry today announced that AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless will all be offering details regarding preorders for the Z10 and the Q10 in the next 24 hours. RIM did not say when they will go on sale in the U.S., but the Z10 is launching in the U.K. tomorrow, and in Canada on Friday. RIM said pricing and availability will be announced individually by carriers around the world closer to their actual launch. None of the U.S. carriers have announced a launch date, but the Wall Street Journal reports that neither the Z10 nor the Q10 will reach store shelves before the middle of March. According to RIM CEO Thorsten Heins, the delay is due to the testing processor needed by American wireless network operators. "They do the best they can," said Heins. "Would I have loved to see it earlier? Absolutely. Make no mistake everyone's trying to pull the date in."
from BlackBerry / Wall Street Journal »
BlackBerry 10 to Launch with Marquee Apps and Content
Research In Motion today announced the initial batch of companies, apps, and studios that have given their support to BlackBerry 10. Some of the apps that will be available at launch include: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Foursquare, Whatsapp, Angry Birds, Where's My Water?, Plants vs. Zombies, New York Times, The Economist, ESPN Scorecenter, MLB At Bat, Cisco Webex, Bloomberg, Evernote, SAP, Citrix, Soundhound, The Weather Channel, Delta Airlines, and USA Today. Music studios that have voiced support for BB10 include Sony Music, Warner Music, and Universal Music. Movie studios and video content companies that have committed to BB10 include ABC, BBC, CBS, FOX, MGM, Nickelodeon, Pixar/Disney, Warner Bros. and others. These new apps, tracks, and video clips can all be discovered and downloaded from the new BlackBerry World content store directly on BlackBerry 10 handsets and from desktop browsers.
from BlackBerry
White BlackBerry Z10 Exclusive to Verizon for $199
Verizon Wireless today announced that it will sell the BlackBerry Z10 and the Q10 for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. Both devices will be available in black and white, but the white Z10 will be exclusive to Verizon for an unknown amount of time. Verizon did not announce when the devices will go on sale.
BBM Adds Free Video Chats for BlackBerry 10 Phones
Research In Motion today revealed that its popular BlackBerry Messenger application will include the ability to conduct real-time, two-way video chats (between BB10 devices), in addition to instant messaging conversations and VoIP calls via Wi-Fi. BBM will also be able to share screens with other BB10 devices.
RIM Debuts BlackBerry 10 Operating System
Research In Motion today formally introduced all the core features of BlackBery 10, its brand new operating system. BlackBerry 10 is a wholly new platform built on a QNX core with a new gesture-based user interface. BlackBerry 10 is centered on two key ideas: BlackBerry Hub and BlackBerry Flow. BlackBerry Hub is the central repository for all incoming messages, including email, SMS, IM, BBM, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and so on. It can be called up at any time from within any other application. BlackBerry Flow represents the gestures themselves and how the operating system responds to finger movements across the screen. The new platform supports up to eight applications running at any one time, which are accessed in a new feature called Active Frames. The Active Frame panel makes it easy to see what apps are running and switch between them quickly. RIM has reengineered the touchscreen keyboard to be faster and more intuitive. For example, the touchscreen keyboard in BlackBerry 10 learns how users type. It tracks where they hit particular keys as well as what words they use to improve typing accuracy. The browser has been fully rebuilt to support HTML5, in addition to Adobe Flash. It has features such as pinch-to-zoom. The camera application is faster and more feature-rich. It includes touch-to-focus/shoot, different shoot modes (normal, burst), scenes (action, night), and TimeShift for capturing the best shot of peoples' faces. The gallery application has been given far more advanced editing capabilities, including crop, rotate, red-eye reduction, filters/effects, and easy sharing to social networks. BlackBerry 10 adds an app called Story Maker, which can be used to piece together video segments with titles and credits to create mini movies. Last, BlackBerry 10 brings peace of mind to business customers with BlackBerry Safeguard and BlackBerry Balance. Safeguard can be used to encrypt user data, manage online privacy, and find or lock a lost/stolen device. BlackBerry Balance is RIM's work-personal life management tool that keeps business and personal data segregated from one another on the device. BlackBerry 10 is first available on the Z10 and Q10, which will ship in the coming weeks.
from BlackBerry
RIM Reveals Z10 and Q10, the First BlackBerry 10 Smartphones
Research In Motion today announced the Z10 and Q10, the first two smartphones to run its brand new BlackBerry 10 operating system. The Z10 and Q10 share many features, though physically they are somewhat different; the Z10 is a candybar touch phone, and the Q10 is a monoblock QWERTY device with a smaller touch screen. Both devices are powered by 1.5GHz dual-core processors with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. They also support removable microSD cards up to 32GB. The Z10 and Q10 each carries an 8-megapixel main camera with LED flash that captures 1080p HD video, with a secondary camera rating 2 megapixels with 720p HD video capture. Wireless support includes 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy, NFC, and GPS, in addition to 4G mobile hotspot. They also include microUSB and microHDMI ports, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Z10: The Z10 features a 4.2-inch LCD touch screen with 1280 x 768 pixels, making a pixel density of 356 pixels per inch. It is 9mm thick.
- Q10: The Q10 is a more traditional-looking BlackBerry smartphone in that it has a smaller, 720 x 720 pixel screen and a physical QWERTY keyboard.
RIM's Music and Video Store Has Major Studio Support
Research In Motion today announced details about the music and video content that will soon be available in BlackBerry World for BlackBerry 10 devices. The company said that most of the major music and movie studios are behind the content store, which will offer DRM-free music downloads and video rentals/purchases. According to RIM, most movies will be available the same day they are released on DVD, and television programming will be available the day after its airs. Shoppers will be able to preview tracks and make purchases with a number of payment options. The music and video content will first be available in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, with other regions expected to follow later in the year. RIM recently relaunched the web version of BlackBerry World, and the new BlackBerry World app, music, and video store will be part of BlackBerry 10 devices at launch.
from RIM
RIM Makes BES 10 Available to Business Customers
Research In Motion today officially launched BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10, its smartphone management tool for companies and governments that use BlackBerries. The new version of BES works with RIM's forthcoming BlackBerry 10 platform, and can also manage devices running Android and iOS. The service adds a number of other features, including the ability to manage internal corporate apps and public apps from BlackBerry World, easier over-the-air activation for end users, and more IT policies. BES 10 also includes RIM's BlackBerry Balance tool, which helps businesses segregate the work and personal information stored on corporate BlackBerries. For example, BlackBerry Balance can be used to wipe the corporate data from an employee BlackBerry, while leaving their personal pictures, music, and settings intact. BES 10 can be downloaded from RIM beginning today. RIM is prepared to launch BlackBerry 10 on January 30.
RIM CEO Says It May Sell Hardware Division
Research In Motion CEO Thorsten Heins indicated that the company might sell its hardware business after it launches the BlackBerry 10 platform. Speaking to German publication Die Welt, Heins said the company's on-going strategic review could result in a sale of the hardware business or licensing its BlackBerry 10 platform to other hardware companies. Heins has suggested as much before. "The main thing for now is to successfully introduce Blackberry 10. Then we'll see," he said. RIM has spent the last year focusing on relaunching its BlackBerry platform. BlackBerry 10 is a wholly new operating system that uses gesture-based controls to flow through the user interface. It is based, in part, on the QNX core that makes up PlayBook OS. RIM is prepared to launch BlackBerry 10 on January 30, with its first new smartphones to follow soon thereafter.
RIM Rebrands App World Ahead of BlackBerry 10 Launch
Research In Motion today relaunched the web version of its application store with the new name "BlackBerry World." The revised storefront simplifies the look and feel, making it easier to browse and search for content. Beginning today, the web store can be used to download and install apps, and RIM said music and video content will be added later. RIM plans to update the device-based BlackBerry World experience, too, beginning with PlayBook tablets and eventually its BlackBerry smartphones. RIM is relaunching its BlackBerry smartphone platform on January 30, where the first new BlackBerry 10 handsets will be revealed.
RIM Licenses 4G Patents from InterDigital
Research In Motion today amended a licensing agreement it has with InterDigital to include 4G technologies moving forward. The two companies added LTE and LTE-Advanced to the agreement, and extended it by several years. None of RIM's BlackBerry 7 smartphones include LTE 4G. RIM is prepared to reveal its first BlackBerry 10 devices, which are expected to support 4G mobile broadband, later this month. Terms of the extended agreement with InterDigital were not disclosed.
FCC and Other Gov Groups Back Smartphone Security Service
The government today introduced a new tool that it hopes smartphone owners will take advantage of in order to protect their smartphones and personal data. The Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Trade Commission, National Cyber Security Alliance, CTIA-The Wireless Association, and Lookout announced the Smartphone Security Checker, a web-based check list that smartphone owners can use to secure their devices. The FCC and its partners make a number of basic recommendations to help protect consumer info that's accessible on smartphones. They suggest smartphone owners set pass codes; avoid rooting or jailbreaking; use security apps that allow for remote location, locking, and wiping; keep the phone's software up to date; and only download apps/content from trusted sources. "With less than half of smartphone owners using passwords to protect their devices, this new tool will be of particular value," remarked FCC chairman Julius Genachowski. "[It] is a perfect time to remind consumers to take simple steps, like setting a password, to protect themselves from mobile security threats." The web site lets Android, BlackBerry, iOS, and Windows Phone users customize their security settings. The Smartphone Security Checker is free to use.
RIM's BlackBerry 10 SDK Goes Gold
Research In Motion today announced the "gold" version of its BlackBerry 10 software developer kit (SDK). This is the final build of the SDK for developers, which can be used to write applications for RIM's forthcoming BlackBerry 10 platform and handsets. To-date, the SDK has been in various stages of beta release. The gold SDK includes all the components, APIs (application programming interfaces), and other tools needed to create native BB10 applications. The SDK is available in several different configurations, including HTML5 WebWorks, Adobe AIR, C/C++, and Qt. RIM is hoping to stock the BlackBerry World application store with as many apps as possible ahead of BlackBerry 10's launch. RIM plans to fully reveal BlackBerry 10 on January 30.
BlackBerry Messenger 7 with Voice Calls Graduates from Beta
Research In Motion today made a final release of BlackBerry Messenger 7 available to BlackBerry smartphones. The software has been in beta testing since mid-November. This new version of BlackBerry Messenger adds the ability to make voice calls over Wi-Fi. The calling feature connects BBM users to other BBM users for free. The app supports a split-screen function that lets customers talk and text at the same time. The app includes a presence indicator so users know when their contacts are available for a voice call. Calls can be rejected with a text message, and the service works with accessories, such as Bluetooth headsets. The new BBM for BlackBerry 7 is a free download from BlackBerry World. RIM has not said if this feature will be included in BBM for its forthcoming BlackBerry 10 platform.
RIM Updates BlackBerry 10 SDK and Other Developer Tools
Research In Motion today made a number of announcements concerning its forthcoming BlackBerry 10 platform at a developer conference being held in Asia. First, RIM has published a new version of its software developer kit (SDK) for BB10. The new SDK includes better tools for developing for BB10 from Mac computers, and also makes improvements to Visual Studio and BlackBerry's WebWorks tools. RIM is now accepting apps for its "Built for BlackBerry" program, which certifies apps at a higher level of quality and makes developers eligible for specific financial commitments from RIM. RIM also announced that it has teamed with Appcelerator to help developers port their apps from other platforms to BlackBerry 10. RIM is seeding a second test device to developers that includes a physical QWERTY keyboard. The existing developer device has only a touch screen. Last, RIM has renamed BlackBerry App World to just BlackBerry World. When the new app store relaunches with BB10, it will also include music and video content. RIM plans to launch BlackBerry 10 full at an event on January 30, with devies to follow in late February. RIM's first two BlackBerry 10 smartphones are currently being certified by more than 50 wireless network operators around the world.
