CrackBerry.com - International News

BlackBerry Experience Pods start to roll out in the Philippines

James Richardson — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:44:18 +0000

These new pods are pretty swish. BlackBerry Philippines are rolling out BlackBerry Experience Pods across the country in order to promote their product range. Currently BlackBerry 10 is not yet available in the Philippines, however the word on the street is that they will have their official launch event this week. Even once BlackBerry 10 does roll out it is quite clear that BlackBerry 7 devices are still huge in the Philippines and that will continue for some time until the current user base has made the transition over to BB10.

The German government adopts the BlackBerry Z10 for its security features

James Richardson — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:02:46 +0000

The word on the street is that the German government are giving the BlackBerry Z10 some big loving. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel along with other agencies is reportedly now using the Z10 due to its security features. Although half of staff are thought to be using Samsung Android devices a further 5000 will be rocking the BlackBerry Z10 which is fantastic news for the new handset and operating system.

The BlackBerry Z10 gets officially announced in Indonesia - Will be in stores next week

James Richardson — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:02:17 +0000

The BlackBerry Z10 has today had its official launch over in Indonesia. The country has long been a big market for BlackBerry and is also one of those places where many users still rely on good old 2G to keep them connected - as we saw last year when the BlackBerry Curve 9220 was released. The BlackBerry Z10 will be available next week for customers to purchase and the devices will be stocked in the BlackBerry Lifestyle Outlets that Indonesia is lucky enough to have.

Traveling to another country? You need to download Navita Translator for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:28:53 +0000

If you are travelling overseas with your BlackBerry 10 smartphone then Navita Translator has to be one of the most useful applications you can be equipped with. The app itself isn't new, and we have featured it many times on older BlackBerry devices, but of course it is new to BlackBerry 10.

Hockey fans - NHL GameCenter now available for Blackberry 10

James Richardson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:59:51 +0000

What I know about Hockey I could write on the back of a postage stamp! But I do know a great app when I see one and NHL GameCenter falls right into that category. For some strange reason it seems that the new BlackBerry 10 application is not available for users in America. I'm slightly baffled why as I thought hockey was pretty big over there. Anyway, that may just be a small glitch.

The BlackBerry Z10 is coming to Vodafone India real soon - Register your interest online

James Richardson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:14:22 +0000

We posted earlier in the week that the BlackBerry Z10 was going on sale in India and judging by the amount of comments that the article received there are certainly some mixed feelings when it comes to the price of the new BlackBerry 10 smartphone. With India being an unlocked market the full price of the handset is required up front unlike in many other regions.

My Vodafone app now available for UK BlackBerry 10 customers

James Richardson — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:43:41 +0000

Vodafone UK have been pretty quick of the mark with this one. My Vodafone is now available to download from BlackBerry World and if they are your network of choice it's one app you should really have on your BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

BlackBerry may have downsized for Mobile World Congress this year but they are there - loud and proud.

James Richardson — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:28:12 +0000

If you are into smartphones and tablets in general you may well have seen from other sites that Mobile World Congress (MWC) is currently taking place in Barcelona, Spain. In previous years BlackBerry have had two large separate areas at the expo but as we detailed a couple of months ago things are a little different for them this time around. Due to the HUGE global launch of BlackBerry 10 that started on January 30th, BlackBerry made the decision a long time ago to not go big at MWC this time around. They are there though and as you can see from the images they have a nice demonstration booth for visitors to the show to come and use BlackBerry smartphones and the PlayBook tablet.

SayIt for BlackBerry 10 updated - Ask it anything you like

James Richardson — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:54:33 +0000

We first got hands on with SayIt back in Amsterdam when we were at BlackBerry Jam Europe and even then it was pretty sweet. The app has just received an rather nice update (to Version: 1.4.0.26) and as well as fixing a couple of bugs and improving battery life the big change is with what you can now ask SayIt. The voice recognised personal assistant has now become much more like Siri that our iPhone friends have. You can pretty much ask SayIt anything and it will calculate your question and then speak and present you with the answer - clever stuff.

India's largest music website comes to BlackBerry 10 - check out Gaana

James Richardson — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:39:14 +0000

With the BlackBerry Z10 launching in India yesterday, along with it came a whole host of region specific applications for BlackBerry 10. I just happened to notice Gaana in BlackBerry World and it looks to be pretty decent for you music lovers out there. My knowledge of Indian music is some what limited but after downloading the free Gaana app I thought it was well worth sharing.

The BlackBerry Z10 gets priced in India. Is it too expensive?

James Richardson — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:58:21 +0000

It seems that over in India the pricing for the BlackBerry Z10 that has been announced today is getting some stick from consumers. I've seen numerous people on Twitter and in our own comments/forums stating that the Rs 43,490 ($800) price for the new BlackBerry 10 handset is too expensive. If I have done my calculations correctly that equates to roughly the same price as the Z10 is here SIM free in the UK.

BlackBerry introduces the BlackBerry Z10 Smartphone in India

Bla1ze — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:57:59 +0000

As we noted earlier, the celebrations are ongoing for the launch of BlackBerry Z10 in India. If you can't check out the webcast, BlackBerry has now issued a press release outlining the details of the launch. If you're just looking for the region specific highlights, we've got those:

More than 9,000 apps from Indian developers across a variety of categories will be available including: PVR, HDFC, Tap Cricket, Gold’s Gym, Hungama, Map My India, Zomato, Jet Airways, Myplex, Juno for Tally, Ride smart, Track my car, Measure treasure, Blood Bank for BlackBerry, and My native language.
Support for content in 8 Indian languages – Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Devanagiri (Hindi), Gurmukhi(Punjabi), Gujarati, and Bengali – as well as support for third-party solutions for Indian language input.
The BlackBerry World storefront is now open for music purchases and offers one of the most robust catalogues offered today.
The BlackBerry Z10 will be available in over 2000 retail outlets across 50 cities in India and will support carriers respective 3G or HSPA+ networks, including connectivity support for global roaming. The BlackBerry Z10 smartphones will also come in White and Black with retail pricing starting at Rs 43,490 ($800)

If you prefer to read through the full press release, you can jump below where we've laid it all out for your viewing pleasure.

BlackBerry India wants your BBM love stories

James Richardson — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:34:26 +0000

All eyes in India may well be on today's BlackBerry Z10 launch which is taking place in just a few hours, but BlackBerry are also getting loved up about BBM. Over on their Facebook page, BlackBerry are offering the good people of India the chance to win dinner for two and in addition, the romantic liaison will be filmed and premiered exclusively on the Facebook page.

BlackBerry 10 launch in India - Watch the live webcast!

Bla1ze — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 05:23:19 +0000

February 25th marks the launch of BlackBerry 10 in India and to help celebrate the occassion, BlackBerry will be holding a webcast of the event hosted by BlackBerry Brand Ambassador, Ranbir Kapoor. The event itself will kick off at 7:30PM IST and you can tune in via the BlackBerry India Facebook page. We'll be checking out the launch as it happens and following up with any details that might follow as well. Will you be tuning in?

Watch the BlackBerry 10 India launch event

Via: BBIn

BlackBerry Internet Service - MTN gives the facts regarding unlimited plans and BBM

James Richardson — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:41:40 +0000

There seems to be some confusion about whats happening with the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) at the moment so it's time to set the record straight. The BlackBerry Internet Service (BlackBerry Messenger/BBM, email, social networks and instant messaging, browsing, BlackBerry World etc) will remain alongside BlackBerry 10. Also, that the packages for BlackBerry Internet Service (available from carrier partners), will remain, especially in emerging markets). MTN in South Africa has publically stated below that they will not discontinue support for BlackBerry Internet Service. The coverage reads as if BlackBerry Internet Service is being discontinued entirely. This has been reported by more than one news site over the last day.

IM+ Pro for BlackBerry 10 gets updated - Skype chat is back in business

James Richardson — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:39:49 +0000

We told you that the popular cross platform instant messaging client IM+ Pro had been released for BlackBerry 10 earlier this month. Although an Android port the app seems to work pretty well on the Z10. Well, it does now anyway since an update hit my device. Previously the Skype chat feature didn't seem to want to work. That's now fixed so you can chat with your Skype friends around the world after updating to version 1.64.8116.0.

Keep up to date with the top stories in the UK capital with the London Evening Standard for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:22:46 +0000

The London Evening Standard will not be everyone's cup of tea due to it being a regional app. However, many of us like to catch up with the top stories from other cities around the world so if you fancy keeping up to date with what's going on in London then you may as well take advantage of the free London Evening Standard App for BlackBerry 10.

It's a double celebration - The BlackBerry Z10 launches in Singapore

James Richardson — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:41:15 +0000

We posted a short while ago that the BlackBerry Z10 had launched in Italy and South Africa. Time for some Singapore love now as the BlackBerry Z10 launch event has just finished and we were lucky enough to get some images live from the event.

Many countries in South East Asia have a huge BlackBerry following so it makes sense to release BlackBerry 10 in these regions first. The event also signifies ten years of BlackBerry in Singapore so a double celebration.

You can catch the full press release below along with a couple more photos from the event.

The BlackBerry Z10 goes on sale in Italy and South Africa

James Richardson — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:49:07 +0000

The BlackBerry Z10 has gone on sale in yet another couple of countries in the last day or two. South Africa was first with the Z10 launching on Vodacom and then Italy followed suit where you can pick up the new BlackBerry 10 smartphone on Vodafone.

BlackBerry UK take the Z10 on tour

James Richardson — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:47:08 +0000

Here in the UK, BlackBerry are in full swing with their Z10 marketing, but the next few weeks will see them step things up a notch as the Z10 is going on tour. BlackBerry will be setting up stands in a selection of shopping centres (malls) up and down the country in a bid to show off the wonderful new Z10 and generate some extra interest from shoppers. And who can blame them as BlackBerry 10 is so beautiful.

SingTel, M1 and StarHub ready for the BlackBerry Z10 - Preorders and registration now open

Bla1ze — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:01:32 +0000

With the BlackBerry 10 launch happening in Singapore, carriers SingTel, M1 and StarHub are indeed ready for the BlackBerry Z10 and as such, have opened up their preorder and registration for the first BlackBerry 10 device. Arriving on March 7th officially, to help sway your decision on preordering, each of the carriers are offering accessory packs for a limited number of preorders wherein you can get up to $155 worth of bonus items such as a BlackBerry flip shell, spare battery charger and spare HDMI cable. Interested? Hit the link below to get access to all of the carrier preorder pages for more info.

More information on the BlackBerry website

Flying Air Asia? Download the free Air Asia app for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:11:53 +0000

With BlackBerry 10 and the glorious Z10 launching in more and more regions it only makes sense that we start to see more regional specific apps. With Asia getting some BB10 love; a rather handy app is now available for travellers in and out of the region - Air Asia.

The BlackBerry Z10 launching in two more countries over the next 24 hours

James Richardson — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:23:10 +0000

While the US is still hanging strong waiting on BlackBerry 10, it looks like two more countries are due to have the BlackBerry Z10 launching in the next 24 hours. BlackBerry Middle East tweeted a short while ago that they are gearing up for the BlackBerry 10 launch in Beirut tonight. In addition, tomorrow we should see the BlackBerry Z10 go on sale with two carriers in Turkey.

EE in the UK now offering BlackBerry Bold 9900 customers the chance to switch to 4G and a BlackBerry Z10

James Richardson — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:51:50 +0000

It looks like EE in the UK are offering existing Orange and T-Mobile customers who recently took out a contract with a Bold 9900 the opportunity to upgrade to a 4G LTE contract with a BlackBerry Z10 - with no fees! Customers who have a 3G contract that is less than six months old now qualify for the early upgrade. The cost of the handset must be covered but there are no fees being implemented for the early termination of the current contract.

BlackBerry Z10 set to launch in India on February 25th

Adam Zeis — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:19:39 +0000

Less than a month after the unveiling of BlackBerry 10, the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10, it looks like the next big event is scheduled to hit India in a few weeks. BlackBerry sent out some pretty awesome invites to the event that will take place in Mumbai on February 25th.

Now boarding at Gate 5 - Easyjet for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:02:27 +0000

Coming to Europe? Fancy booking and managing your flights from your BlackBerry 10 smartphone? You can now with the new easyjet application that arrived in BlackBerry World the other day. Free to download, the app allows users to not only browse and purchase tickets, but you can also make adjustments afterwards which may come in rather handy.

Three UK now selling the BlackBerry Z10

James Richardson — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:36:55 +0000

The last of the major UK networks have now launched the BlackBerry Z10. Why they were a little late to the party I have no idea but you can now pick up the Z10 both online and in store from Three.

For the best value you may want to consider the One Plan from Three which gives users All-You-Can-Eat data. This will cost £36 per month on a 24 month contract with a one off upfront fee of £69. With Three offering Ultra Fast data later in the year for no extra charge they could well see sales rocketing.

You can catch the full press release from Three below.

Never miss a train again in the UK with myTrains for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 08:13:15 +0000

Are you in the the UK? Want to get rid of the hassle and worry of missing or finding your train? That's where myTrains for BlackBerry 10 comes in. The app from mxData (who brought us TubeMap) is rather clever and boasts a great selection of features to make train commuting in the UK just a little easier.

BlackBerry Z10 now available in France

Adam Zeis — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:58:25 +0000

The BlackBerry Z10 is trotting its way around the globe and now looks to be available in France. It started popping up at some retailers online a few days ago, but from the looks of things is now officially available on various carriers. Orange and Sosh are showing the device as in stock on their web sites with a handful of others offering it up for preorder. So if you're in France you should be able to pick one up soon if you haven't already. If you do be sure to let us know!

Discuss more in the CrackBerry forums

BlackBerry 10 and the Z10 launches in Kuwait

James Richardson — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:03:53 +0000

It was only a few days ago that we told you that BlackBerry 10 and the BlackBerry Z10 had launched in Qatar and now another Middle Eastern country has followed suit - this time Kuwait. Much the same as with all the BlackBerry 10 launch events this one was a VIP party and a few well know faces in Kuwait were there too. Ali Najim, a Kuwaiti radio personality was there to endorse the new BlackBerry. He has been a front man for BlackBerry in the country since taking a role as as an ambassador for the company in Kuwait.

I dread to think what the good folk of America will say when they see that BlackBerry 10 has launched in yet another country and they still have to wait until next month for the major carriers to sell the Z10. Good things come to those who wait - and BlackBerry 10 is well worth it!

You can catch the full press release from BlackBerry Kuwait below.