Jumat, 22 April 2011

BerryReview.com Giving Back to the BlackBerry Community

BerryReview.com Giving Back to the BlackBerry Community


BlackBerry PlayBook MicroHDMI Cables Cheap at Amazon

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 04:55 PM PDT

 HDMI Cable Micro

I tried my local RadioShack and BestBuy and didn't have much luck picking up a MicroHDMI cable for my BlackBerry PlayBook. RadioShack was sold out of them but wanted $29.99+tax for them when they were back in stock. BestBuy only had MiniHDMI cables which are not compatible.

Thus I went in search for cheaper options on Amazon. It was nice to see that there are quite a few options from Amazon at sub $10 prices! They range up to the latest v1.4 cables with Ethernet, 3D, Audio Return and more but other than 3D I think most of those features are not going to help much on your PlayBook.

Here are some of the options I found:

This one was also interesting since it let you use any length HDMI cable you already have lying around:

Let me know if you spot better deals in the comments!

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 7:55 pm. | BlackBerry PlayBook MicroHDMI Cables Cheap at Amazon | Leave a comment |


Looking to Buy PlayBook Accessories RIM Has A Decent Deal

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:44 PM PDT

starter4_1_350Nikolaus let us know that RIM has a starter bundle deal over at www.shopblackberry.com for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The deal includes the Rapid charger Dock and the convertible case for $94.99 you save around $25 if you were to purchase them separately.

Product description:

The BlackBerry® Charging Pod for your BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet offers a rapid charge rate that's up to two times faster than the standard BlackBerry charger1, and it keeps it sitting upright on the perfect angle for watching videos, photo slideshows, or browsing the web. When it's not charging, the BlackBerry® Convertible Case protects and gives you a multi-angled stand for your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Fold the case back and pick one of two ideal typing angles—you've got quick external access to everything you need.

They have other bundles on sale but this one is one of the ones that look more attractive.

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Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 5:44 pm. | Looking to Buy PlayBook Accessories RIM Has A Decent Deal | One comment |


RIM Improves BlackBerry Beta Zone With Feature and Issue Trackers

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:20 PM PDT

Submitting a Vote

I have always wanted RIM to release a public feature and issue tracker for their OS, devices, and apps. While they have done something like that for developers they did not have much else other than forum threads. Rich let me know that RIM has rolled out three new features in the BlackBerry Beta Zone that allow you to prioritize and vote on features and issues for each beta program. While its not totally public and not all encompassing it is a great start!

Here are the new features in the BlackBerry Beta Zone:

Feature Request Tracker

  • We've added an interface where users can now vote on feature enhancements submitted by the beta community via the discussion forums
  • On programs where the feature is enabled, you can find it under the "Feature Requests" tab

Issue Tracker

  • We've also built in a feature where users can vote on the top issues for a given program
  • On programs where the feature is enabled, you can find it under the "Current Issues" tab

Keycode Listing 

  • You can now retrieve program-specific keycodes for your device PIN through My Account > Keycodes
  • Click the "Get Latest Keycode" link beside each program to generate a new keycode
  • A keycode will then be sent to your current email address

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:


Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 5:20 pm. | RIM Improves BlackBerry Beta Zone With Feature and Issue Trackers | Leave a comment |


Conan O’Brien Apples New iDea

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:00 PM PDT

Conan O'Brien is a funny guy and he is known for doing tech jokes. His latest one mentions the PlayBook and what Apple is going to do to counter the PlayBook.  The video can be found directly at this link or watch on your playbook below. Unfortunately the video won’t work on the BlackBerry.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: CB

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Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 5:00 pm. | Conan O'Brien Apples New iDea | Leave a comment |


How To Perform a Hard Reset on the BlackBerry PlayBook

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 01:18 PM PDT

BlackBerryPlayBookMusicControls

One of our readers, Devin, let us know about a cool tip for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Since the BlackBerry PlayBook does not have a removable battery it makes it impossible to perform a true hard reset of pulling the battery like you can on BlackBerry smartphones. Just to confirm what I mean by a hard reset. This key combination will perform a hardware reboot instead of a software reset on the BlackBerry PlayBook.

To perform a hard reset on the BlackBerry PlayBook:


Hold down the volume up key, volume down key, and power button at the same time and hold it for about 15 seconds. TIP: Its easier if you hit the volume up key then the volume down key and then the power key.

Thanks Devin for the tip! Feel free to share your tips by emailing us or sharing them in the comments!

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 4:18 pm. | How To Perform a Hard Reset on the BlackBerry PlayBook | One comment |


BlackBerry News Feeds Gets Small Update in Beta Zone

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 12:58 PM PDT

News Feeds

Normally we would not mention such a small update to a Beta Zone app but BlackBerry News Feeds is quite popular. They have just updated the app that replaced Viigo to v 1.0.1.5 from the previous 1.0.1.2 in the Beta Zone. You can pick up the update at this link. Sadly they have not released a change log but report back what you find in the comments!

Kudos to Nikolaus, Tashanna, and Terrence for the tip!

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 3:58 pm. | BlackBerry News Feeds Gets Small Update in Beta Zone | Leave a comment |


RIM Explains Android and Java on PlayBook Along with Native SDK

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 11:13 AM PDT

PlayBook Java

RIM has been kind of hush on the details about the upcoming Android and Java app players for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Developers have been clamoring for more details and RIM has just provided some more insight along with details on the native SDK. In a nice Q&A RIM has detailed things like saying that the Android Player will support Android 2.3 at launch and "we intend to update the player based on market needs." They also confirmed for the Java player that the "application player for BlackBerry Java-based apps will allow developers to take their existing assets from BlackBerry 5.0 and BlackBerry 6 development and leverage them in the new player."

Check out the full Q&A below and ask RIM your questions at this link: (Kudos to LaoWang for the tip!)

1. What was announced?
Research In Motion® Limited (RIM®) has announced that it will expand the platforms supported by the BlackBerry Tablet OS by adding two new application players for BlackBerry Java-based and Android apps. This will enable developers to leverage existing assets by allowing supported applications to be easily ported over to the BlackBerry Tablet OS via 'application players'. RIM has also reinforced its commitment to provide the developer community with a powerful set of tools for native application development on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

2. What is the timing or availability?
The application player for Android apps will be available sometime this summer, followed later in the year by the application player for BlackBerry Java-based apps. The BlackBerry Tablet OS Native SDK will enter into beta this summer. More details will be shared at BlackBerry World™ in May.

3. What are "application players"?
The application players are run-time environments that, once installed on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, allow supported BlackBerry Java-based and Android platform apps to be downloaded and run on the tablet. The players allow end users to run supported apps provided that those supported apps have been submitted and approved through the BlackBerry App World™ storefront.

4. How will users get the apps?
The application players, as well as the supported BlackBerry Java-based and Android apps, will only be available from BlackBerry App World on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

5. Will the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet support the Android Marketplace?
No. Android applications supported by the BlackBerry Tablet OS can only be downloaded from BlackBerry App World. The application player for Android apps can only run supported Android applications that have been signed and submitted to BlackBerry App World.

6. Does the Android application player support Android apps that use native libraries?
The application player will not support any Android applications that use native libraries.

7. What version(s) of the Android apps does the Android application player support?
The application player for Android apps will support Android 2.3 apps at launch and we intend to update the player based on market needs.

8. What version(s) of BlackBerry Java-based apps does the BlackBerry Java-based application player support?
The application player for BlackBerry Java-based apps will allow developers to take their existing assets from BlackBerry 5.0 and BlackBerry 6 development and leverage them in the new player.

9. What do I have to do to port my BlackBerry Java-based and Android apps?
BlackBerry and Android developers of supported applications will be required to re-package and code sign those apps and can then submit them to BlackBerry App World. In some cases developers will have to recompile their apps.

10. Will the performance of my app suffer because it's running inside a player?
We do not anticipate any performance issues from applications running on the application players.

11. Should I stop my current BlackBerry PlayBook development and wait until this is ready?
Developers should continue building with the existing BlackBerry PlayBook development options, including BlackBerry® WebWorks™ and Adobe® Flash® and Adobe® AIR® BlackBerry Tablet SDKs to take advantage of the richest set of APIs, background processing capabilities, and extended services via the BlackBerry tools.

12. What is the BlackBerry Tablet OS Native SDK? What does it allow?
The BlackBerry Tablet OS Native SDK will allow developers to build high-performance, multi-threaded, native C/C++ applications with industry standard GNU toolchains. The BlackBerry Tablet OS Native SDK also allows developers to:

  • Create advanced 2D and 3D applications and special effects by leveraging programmable shaders available in hardware-accelerated OpenGL ES 2.0
  • Take advantage of the QNX POSIX library support and C/C++ compliance for quick and easy porting of applications built in POSIX-based environments
  • Integrate device events like gesture swipes and touch screen inputs
  • Integrate the BlackBerry Tablet OS environment into existing code management and build systems using industry standard Eclipse CDT (C/C++ Development Tools)
  • Leverage work done in standard C/C++ to make it easier to bring applications to the BlackBerry Tablet OS
  • Find and fix bugs quickly with provided debug and analysis tools

We are very excited about the opportunities that are opening up for developers on our tablet and smartphone platforms. With millions of smartphone users and a remarkable level of excitement for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, from consumers and enterprise, we know developers are primed to bring innovative and exciting applications to the BlackBerry platform.

Please join RIM at the BlackBerry World conference in Orlando on May 3-5, 2011, where we will share more information on our evolving platform.

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 2:13 pm. | RIM Explains Android and Java on PlayBook Along with Native SDK | Leave a comment |


BlackBerry PlayBook OS 1.0.1.1705 Rolling Out

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 11:07 AM PDT

BlackBerry PlayBook OS Update

Since RIM is rolling out the new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 1.0.1.1705 you may need to perform the trick we just mentioned to force an update through Desktop Manager. There is no word on what specifically this new OS update brings but let us know in the comments. I am loving the fact that RIM is making the PlayBook a living device with constant improvements out the gate instead of waiting months or even a year between updates like other platforms.

Let us know if you spot anything new in this update! Thanks to everyone who sent this in! Thx to BBSync for the screenshot.

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 2:07 pm. | BlackBerry PlayBook OS 1.0.1.1705 Rolling Out | 9 comments |


How To Force The Latest OS Update on Your BlackBerry PlayBook using Desktop Manager

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 11:04 AM PDT

BlackBerry PlayBook OS Update

RIM is once again doing their rolling updates with the BlackBerry PlayBook OS updates. Some of you may have noticed your device is not getting notified with the latest update and I can kind of understand RIM trying to stagger out the 300mb downloads. Scott over at BBSync got a bit creative and found a way to get his PlayBook to perform an OS update to the latest release using a bit of trickery with BlackBerry Desktop Manager. It is not as simply as hitting check for updates and you MUST perform a backup of your PlayBook to not lose your information!

Here are the instructions for the trick:

  1. Open BlackBerry Desktop Software on your PC
  2. Do full backup on your tablet
  3. Go to Device > Update
  4. You will get a message "No Update Available"
  5. Press ok, leave your PlayBook connected via USB
  6. Press the Power Off app then select Restart
  7. Once the PlayBook boots up, you will be prompted to do the update
  8. Make sure to finish the whole upgrade process before doing a restore of your information!

Let us know how it works for you!

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 2:04 pm. | How To Force The Latest OS Update on Your BlackBerry PlayBook using Desktop Manager | 11 comments |


Stock Playbook Apps: Calculator

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 11:00 AM PDT

Calculator, sounds essential right? Hell I think it was included on my Palm Pilot ten years ago. But its an app missing on the iPad. But RIM didn’t just throw a simple boring calculator app on the Playbook. They created a calculator app that looks nice and is simple to use, but is packed with power features and convenient mart features.

The default calculator mode is simple and familiar. But even here you can see a really cool RIM innovation–a previous calculations log. Its a ticker tape looking portion on the left side of the screen that keeps a history of previous calculations. Its one if those things that I never thought of before, but now that I have it, I cant imagine a calculator app without it.

In the pull down menu you can choose a scientific calculator, for a those nights at the bar where you try to impress ladies with complex math.

Or a unit converter for those international travels.

But by far the coolest feature in the calculator app is the tip calculator. Just type in the total bill, the amount of people, the desired tip percentage (be generous now), and whether you want the app to round up (to make splitting easier) and WHAMO! You can now split the bill without too much hassle. This is one of those features that  are super useful and should give Playbook owners a reason to whip it out in over dinner.

People may be making noise about apps, but the Playbook’s preloaded apps are awesome. Let’s give RIM some credit where its due.

 

 

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Posted by David for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 2:00 pm. | Stock Playbook Apps: Calculator | Leave a comment |


WordPress for BlackBerry Upcoming Interface Update

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 10:59 AM PDT

 01 02

The WordPress for BlackBerry team shared some screenshots of an upcoming user interface update to the app. Nothing crazy new in this update but they have streamlined and cleaned up the interface. According to them:

We have cleaned the user interface from unused elements, and completely redesigned it using points and not pixels, so lists and texts within the app should adapt their size using the predefined dimension of the device.  In particular, lists are now better on higher resolution devices.

Check out the screenshots and let us know what you think!

03 04 05

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Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 1:59 pm. | WordPress for BlackBerry Upcoming Interface Update | Leave a comment |


Stock Playbook Apps: Weather

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 08:00 AM PDT

Its funny that one of the main complaints about the Playbook in relation to the iPad is apps. Because when it comes to the stock preloaded apps, RIM provided some slick apps that are missing from the preloaded iPad experience.

The Playbook weather app is a great example. This is  no brainer. I check the weather multiple times a day. A weather app is a must have. But there is no weather app on the iPad. RIM had some common sense. But they didnt just provide a stupid weather for a few days app. The Playbook weather app is simple, pretty and packed with features. It automatically detects where you are and by default shows you the weather in your area, no setup required. Want to know the hourly forecast? no problem either, one button at the bottom.

People say RIM has lost its way and havent figured out that users want a simple and pretty user experience. But if the stock Playbook apps are any indicator of where RIM is going, the future for RIM is bright.

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Posted by David for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 11:00 am. | Stock Playbook Apps: Weather | 6 comments |


News360 Native App for the PlayBook Now Available

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 06:30 AM PDT

Article-(Bezel)The guys behind News360 let us know that their Application for the PlayBook is in App World Now. In the mean time they wanted to share some screenshots of the application running on the PlayBook. The application is a native app for the PlayBook meaning it has better integration.

You can pick up the application at this link, the app is available for free.

So far the application is very responsive and I really like the design.  Check out the full description below.

News360 for BlackBerry® PlayBook™ aggregates more than 1000 different news sources around the web to bring you news stories in a concise and useful stream. The semantic analysis technology behind News360 allows you to get background information and dossiers about all the companies, people and locations that make the news.

  • Enjoy English-speaking news streams, live, from respected sources around the globe and around the corner
  • Read the hottest stories from an ever-expanding range of sources, political, cultural and social, collected by sophisticated linguistic algorithms
  • Dive deeper into the details about people, companies and brands, with hyperlinks to detailed dossiers
  • Share fascinating news via Facebook, Twitter and email

Thanks to Nick for letting us know.

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Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 9:30 am. | News360 Native App for the PlayBook Now Available | 11 comments |


Winners of the @BlackBerry #PlayBookHaiku Contest Announced Today! 10 PlayBooks to be Won!

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 05:08 AM PDT

PlayBookHaiku_Twitter_Contest

Last week the twittersphere was overloaded with terrible haikus from desperate nerds (like myself) trying to win one of 10 16GB BlackBerry PlayBooks.

I think my entries were pretty awesome but considering #PlayBookHaiku was the top worldwide trend for a while, my chances of winning are pretty slim. I actually debated whether or not I should post this article and remind you that round 2 will be starting next week. Maybe you'll all still forget by Monday when the contest opens up again.

Today is the day where the 10 winners of the first round are revealed! Here's what it says in the official rules:

"Winners will be announced on the @BlackBerry Twitter page.  To claim your prize, look for your Twitter username on the @BlackBerry Twitter page on Thursday, April 21st, 2011… If you see your username identified as an eligible Winner, @BlackBerry will contact you via Twitter direct message and you will be asked provide complete contact information (full name, email address and mailing address)."

Did any of the BerryReview faithful win? Let us know! Also, keep reading for some of my awesome haiku submissions…

Multitask with ease, Present and browse for answers, Easy promotion

Beware the PlayBook, Ultra efficient tablet, Brand new addiction

Seven inches flat, Portability is king, Take it anywhere

Stereo HD, Multimedia titan, Competition crushed

PlayBook in pocket, The take anywhere tablet, Won't leave home without

Unobscene gestures, Allow slick navigation, But watch out for trees

I know, I know, those are terrible. What were your best entries?

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Posted by jforce for ©BerryReview, April 21, 2011, 8:08 am. | Winners of the @BlackBerry #PlayBookHaiku Contest Announced Today! 10 PlayBooks to be Won! | 8 comments |


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