Smartphone Round Robin Aftermath: What the Other Site Editors Thought About BlackBerry Smartphones
By Kevin Michaluk | 03 Feb 2010 13:36 | 12 comments

Smartphone Round Robin Aftermath

The Smartphone Round Robin is finally into the wind down phase. With so many platforms and devices participating this year the event has run a little long and has been a bit confusing to follow, but the content has been nothing less than stellar. If you're in the market for a new smartphone or are just curious to know how the experts perceive each competing platform based on their own favorites, do yourself a favor and check out all of the reviews. You'll be glad you did.

Going into this year's Round Robin I honestly wasn't sure how BlackBerry would be received by the editors of the other sites that comprise the Smartphone Experts Network. We put the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and Storm2 into the challenge, which while definitely being better BlackBerrys than their predecessors and all-around solid smartphones, were not leaps and bounds different than the BlackBerry Bold 9000 the editors looked at last year. I was pleasantly surprised though by just how well-received BlackBerry was again this year in the Round Robin. Sure it got beat up a little bit here and there (web browser needs improving, BBM needs to be available on other platforms, etc.) but for the most part every editor had more than one or two nice things to say about BlackBerrys. Read on for some highlights!

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Ultimate Twitter Client Roundup Part 3: TweetGenius
By Adam Zeis | 03 Feb 2010 12:28 | 36 comments


So far we've checked out UberTwitter and Seesmic for BlackBerry in our Ultimate Twitter Client Roundup, and now we move along to TweetGenius. The first true "premium Twitter client" for BlackBerry, TweetGenius raised the bar with its smooth UI and animations, as well as its features and ease of use. It caught a lot of flack for being a paid app, but true Twitterholics coughed up the dough and have been loving it ever since. Check out the video for a look at all of the cool features. If you're ready to step it up and want to purchase TweetGenius, head over to tg1.beejive.com.

Classic Card Game Mille Bornes Now Available for BlackBerry
By Adam Zeis | 03 Feb 2010 12:22 | 19 comments

Mille Bornes Mille Bornes

One of my all-time favorite games is the classic card game Mille Bornes. I used to play it on family vacations for years, and although it has a pretty big learning curve, it is loads of fun to play. The premise is a road race where you take your "car" through a 700 mile trek, while your opponent(s) play hazards to hinder your progress. You are scored various points along the way, and the game requires multiple hands to win. Mille Bornes has been ported to BlackBerry by On Queue Software and while it doesn't have the greatest graphics, it still gets the job done and provides a load of entertainment. Mille Bornes is available now for all devices at ShopCrackBerry.com for $2.99.

WTF?! Even Jeopardy Doesn't Know That Research in Motion is the Company That Makes BlackBerry Smartphones...
By Kevin Michaluk | 03 Feb 2010 09:59 | 115 comments

Wow. This is kind of messed up. Jeopardy, the famous game show that has all the answers and who in Alex Trebek undoubtedly has the smartest game show host in the world, somehow messed up royally last night on a question that to most of us CrackBerry users out there should seem pretty dang simple. Our own Adam Zeis was watching it live and nearly spit his drink on the floor as it unfolded....

Under a category of "Non-Edible Fruit" came the question you can watch in the video above. Luckily, both the contestant and Jeopardy got the question wrong, which means she got the answer right, but seriously.... it's RESEARCH IN MOTION that makes BlackBerry Smartphones, not BlackBerry! BlackBerry is a brand. This little mishap raises a great point though, which is that I'm guessing most people DO think that BlackBerry is the company that makes BlackBerry Smartphones or at least did think that when they first learned about BlackBerry and/or bought their first BlackBerry Smartphone. RIM really has done very little that I have ever noticed to build awareness of their corporate brand, instead putting their efforts into that of the BlackBerry name. Which makes sense I guess... BlackBerry is a much better name than RIM.

Since these days RIM pretty much brands every single product they make under the BlackBerry name (there were exceptions to this in RIM's pre-BlackBerry days) it almost makes more sense and would be less confusing to the world if RIM just went out and changed their corporate name to BlackBerry. Why fight what everybody else seems to get wrong. What's even more disturbing here is that Alex Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario, which is just a few hours away from RIM's headquarters in Waterloo! If Jeopardy and Alex Trebek let something like that slip through the cracks, then I'm not sure what to think. What do you think? RIM or BlackBerry? That is the question!

AT&T's myWireless App Gives You Quick Access to Your Wireless Account Information
By Obi | 03 Feb 2010 07:40 | 67 comments

myWireless

If you have a BlackBerry on AT&T, you may want to check out their new app released to keep you up to date on your wireless account. myWireless gives access to your bill, usage details, and your devices's current and available features. You can even break it down by phone number if you have an account with multiple lines. Hit the jump for details and link to mobile download.

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SBSH Calendar Pro Now Available After Lengthy Beta
By Bla1ze | 03 Feb 2010 07:03 | 47 comments

SBSH Calendar Pro Now Available

Having been available as a beta for users for a while now SBSH has made their Calendar Pro app available for all. The SBSH Calendar Pro app is a more robust, feature rich calendar compared to what is included with your BlackBerry out of the box.

Advanced features such as colored time slots, built in task manager functions as well as multiple viewing options make calendar pro a great alternative if you need something a little more advanced then what RIM offers in the BlackBerry OS. SBSH Calendar Pro is a little pricey in my opinion but that said I'm not much of a calendar user. Others may find a great value in the $14.95 price point and a free trial is available in case you are on the fence. All devices OS 4.5+ are supported here.

Storm Unlock - A Free Device Security Application
By Bla1ze | 03 Feb 2010 06:36 | 21 comments

Storm Unlock- A Free Device Security Application

BlackBerry Storm owners this one is for you. Storm Unlock from MMMOOO is a lock / unlock solution for your device. Rather then making use of a password, you can simply create a pattern for locking and unlocking your Storm. Storm Unlock is now available as a free OTA installation. A nice, simple app for free. Can't beat that.

BlackBerry Accessory Roundup: Win a Free Blackerry Charging Pod!
By Adam Zeis | 02 Feb 2010 16:48 | 1217 comments

This Week's Featured Item: BlackBerry Charging Pod for Bold 9700

BlackBerry Charging Pod BlackBerry Charging Pod

Kevin tackled our inaugural accessory roundup last week so this week the honor is on me... One of the accessories I cannot live without is the BlackBerry Charging Pod. It has just one job, but it does that job amazingly well. It's not new to the accessory scene, but it has to be mentioned in an accessory roundup. Hit the jump for more on the charging pod and check out some of the newest BlackBerry accessories.

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Iconify v0.8.3 Public Beta Released - Quickly Access Your Contacts & Websites Via Homescreen Icons
By Bla1ze | 02 Feb 2010 15:06 | 48 comments

Iconify v0.8.3 Public Beta Released

A new application has just been made available for public beta. Iconify, comes to us from the same developer of FileScout, Matthias. The basic principle of Iconify is to allow you to create quick access links to all of your favorite contacts and websites, making you and your BlackBerry more efficient then ever.

With Iconify you can make homescreen icons for one of 3 methods of communication. IconifyDial, which allows you to pick and create icons for calling your contacts. IconifyMail, which allows for quick access emailing, SMS, pin messaging. And finally, IconifyWeb which allows you to create instant weblinks to your favorite websites. All of which are user customizable with pictures, web icons.

Since this is a free, public beta user feedback is greatly appreciated. At this time all devices with OS 4.3+ are supported and you can read the full break down of Iconify and it's options via the site or in the CrackBerry forums as well you can take a look at the user manual. After having used the app for a few days now, I can definitely say its made things a whole lot easier for me, so be sure to check it out.

ROK TV UK Beta Now Available - Watch Free Mobile TV from Your Device
By Adam Zeis | 02 Feb 2010 13:29 | 40 comments

ROK TV

ROK TV UK has released a beta app that allows users to view free TV streams over a mobile device. The service currently offers BBC One, BBC Two, E4 and Rok Tube with more channels to come in the future. ROK TV is currently only available in the UK (US service is coming soon) and works with your standard data service and/or Wifi. The free viewer is available for download at www.rok.tv. If you try it out be sure to leave a comment and let us know how its working for you.

Official OS 5.0.0.419 for the BlackBerry Tour 9630 from SaskTel
By Adam Zeis | 02 Feb 2010 13:28 | 69 comments

OS 5.0.0.419

*Update: Telus has jumped in on the fun too - we just got word that they have also officially released 5.0.0.419 for the Tour 9630. You can grab it from this link. *

It looks like SaskTel is the latest to drop an official 5.0 for the Tour 9630. The guys at BerryScoop found this one, and 5.0.0.419 seems to be the way to go as its starting to pop up as an official release from multiple carriers. If you've been holding off on the update, this release seems to be reliable thus far. Still no word from Verizon, so if you're growing tired of waiting you may want to just give this a go to tide you over.

Case-Mate Barely There Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9700
By Adam Zeis | 02 Feb 2010 11:37 | 26 comments


The Case-Mate Barely There case is one of my favorite accessories. It comes in a variety of colors, and gives a unique look to your device to set it apart from the others. It doesn't add a lot of bulk or weight to the device, and provides a good amount of protection for everyday use. This isn't a full-protection case and it really won't save you from bumps and bruises if you drop your BlackBerry, but it will keep it protected on the back and sides from everyday wear and tear. Take a look at the video for a good overview of the Barely There case.

Verizon Launches VZ Navigator 5.0 with Updated Features
By Adam Zeis | 02 Feb 2010 11:36 | 38 comments

VZ Navigator

Verizon has updated VZ Navigator to version 5.0 and included some cool new features. The app has long been the easiest navigation solution for Verizon customers, and with the latest update they hope to stay in the running and other GPS apps like TeleNav grow stronger. The update to 5.0 includes options to update your Facebook status from within the application, as well as the ability to send your location to dispatchers when using Verizon's roadside assitance. Load times have also been decreased as well as some minor updates to enchance the VZ Navigator experience.  Currently the update is available for only for the Curve 8530, while support for other devices will follow in the coming weeks. VZ Navigator is $9.99 a month or $2.99 for a day pass.

CrackBerry Poll: Do You Feel You're Actually Safer When Using Hands-Free Technology While Talking and Driving
By Kevin Michaluk | 02 Feb 2010 10:54 | 72 comments

Hands-Free Poll

While doing some house cleaning this weekend I had the television playing in the background and caught the tail end of a story in regards to bans on talking on cell phones while driving. I *think* the story I saw was referring to California, and essentially stated that despite the bans on talking on your cell phone while driving (while holding the phone in your hand) being in effect for a while now, there has been no decrease to the rate of car accidents involving cell phones. There are a few ways you can look at a statement like that: are people not using hands-free solutions still and just saying they were after an incident? are (some) hands-free solutions just as distracting as holding the phone in your hand and talking? maybe it's texting vs. talking that's the real culprit? You get the idea.

Either way, I thought this would make a good poll to see where CrackBerry Nation currently weighs in on the subject. Obviously, not all hands-free accessories are created equal and not all people are at the same level of comfort in using them. I think vehicles that have Bluetooth built in are probably the optimal solution, but not every car on the road features it. In the vehicle I currently drive I don't have native BT, so typically use a Bluetooth speakerphone (currently using the BlackBerry Visor Mount) for calls now that it's law where I live to go hands-free. But is it actually safer? It's a little yes and no for me. Once you're connected and driving and talking I guess it feels safer, but at the same time it feels like there's more going on and more room for distractions (make sure the speakerphone is on, put the radio to the right station, BT turned on the phone and paired, etc.). It's more complex than just sticking the phone to your ear and talking.

Sound Off! What's your preferred hands-free solution? My guess is a lot of people out there are not yet comfortable with their in-car hands-free solution, so if you think you have like the solution you're using, be sure to share it in the comments. Let us know what accessories / method / etc. you use in your car to talk on the phone and remain focused on driving. And if you're looking for some in-car ideas, be sure to browse our Car Kits and Mounts and Bluetooth Accessories offerings. 

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Contest Winners: Global Unlock, Eden Theme, Textender and More
By Adam Zeis | 02 Feb 2010 09:58 | 51 comments

Contest Winners

Prizes galore this week! Some unlock codes from Global Unlock Code, a very cool theme, some cases from Speck, a Seidio Extended Battery and a few apps to round out the mix. A very well-rounded week with great prizes across the board. More to come this week, so be on the lookout. Thanks again to everyone that entered, and congrats to all the winners! If you're a developer or retailer and want to run a contest of your own, send an email to editorial(at)crackberry.com

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