The written musings of a long-time Apple //e and Macintosh tech nerd. Opinions are my own.
Blogger Don Nguyen has posted a leaked BlackBerry Storm 4.7 OS upgrade package. On his site, Mr. Nguyen writes:
“After so many requests and the OK from my source, I am officially leaking the new Blackberry Storm OS.”
I’m not sure who he has gotten the “OK” from, so if you plan on loading this update on your brand spankin’ new Verizon BlackBerry Storm, you do so at your own risk. The directions for applying the update can be found over on CrackBerry.com forums.
[Via CrackBerry.com…]
I recently purchased a BlackBerry Curve 8330 for Sprint. One of the must-have software packages for me is DataViz Documents To Go; which was recently released for the BlackBerry platform. But you need Device Software 4.5 or later. My Curve has 4.3.0.127.
There seems to be some confusion about the 4.5 software. It has been officially released for many of the current BlackBerry devices. My research shows that it has been released for some of the Curves, including the CDMA Curve for Verizon. I just can’t seem to find the official Sprint edition.
Threads on some discussion forums indicates that any BlackBerry Curve 8330 can be upgraded with the multilingual release. Reading through these threads though, it seems like some of the carrier specific features, like No Force Roaming, aren’t in the generic release. Go figure.
So I’ll have to do some more poking around to figure out whether or not BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 is officially supported on Sprint’s devices.
For the bold and the daring, there is a thread on SprintUsers.com that talks about loading over carriers version of 4.5 on your Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330. With my BlackBerry kung-fu not as good as my Palm OS kung-fu, I’m not sure I’m ready to pull the trigger on an official unofficial upgrade just yet.
UPDATE 1:
I found this article on BlackBerryCool.com and they are reporting that OS 4.5 is official on Sprint, yet when I run the “Windows Update”-like upgrade checker at BlackBerry.com I get the message that my device is running the latest software; 4.3. Ugh!
UPDATE 2:
After a few hours of poking around on the Internet with Google and on the BlackBerry.com and Sprint.com websites, I have finally come to the conclusion that BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 is not (officially) available for the Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330.
While searching for an answer, I stumbled across the BlackBerry Device Software v4.5 Availability page on the BlackBerry.com website. When I entered my device’s PIN number, I received the following message:
“BlackBerry® Device Software v4.5 is not supported by your wireless service provider.
You will be redirected in 10 seconds to our Product Update form to receive notification when the software is available.
If you are not automatically taken to the form, please click here“
So, it seems that us BlackBerry Curve owners on Sprint who don’t want to roll the dice with one of the unofficial upgrades still have to wait this out. I do hope that Sprint gets around to releasing the upgrade soon.
Mark/Space has updated their Missing Sync for BlackBerry software to now include support for the latest RIM BlackBerry devices; the Blold and the Storm. The latest edition of the Missing Sync for BlackBerry is 1.0.3.
“The Missing Sync for BlackBerry is popular with BlackBerry-to-Mac users because of its reliability and range of sync features, and it is the only Mac synchronization software that works seamlessly with the BlackBerry Bold and the new BlackBerry Storm.
The Missing Sync allows for easy syncing of contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and more between the Bold, Storm – or any other BlackBerry handheld – and Mac OS X computers.”
For more details and Mac and BlackBerry system requirements, visit the MarkSpace website.
Pricing and Availability
The Missing Sync for BlackBerry is available now for $39.95 (software download) or $49.95 (physical CD shipment). Existing customers can upgrade to the latest version of the Missing Sync for BlackBerry for $29.95. Upgrades from other Missing Sync platforms (Palm OS, Windows Mobile, iPhone, Symbian, and Sony PSP) is allowed. For business customers, there are volume license for 5, 10, and 25-packs.
Famed New York Times writter David Pogue has weighed in on the new Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry Storm – and it ain’t pretty. Mr. Pogue writes:
“Research in Motion (R.I.M.), the company that brought us the BlackBerry, has been on a roll lately. For a couple of years now, it’s delivered a series of gorgeous, functional, supremely reliable smartphones that, to this day, outsell even the much-adored iPhone.
Here’s a great example of the intelligence that drives R.I.M.: The phones all have simple, memorable, logical names instead of incomprehensible model numbers. There’s the BlackBerry Pearl (with a translucent trackball). The BlackBerry Flip (with a folding design). The BlackBerry Bold (with a stunning design and faux-leather back).
Well, there’s a new one, just out ($200 after rebate, with two-year Verizon contract), officially called the BlackBerry Storm.
But I’ve got a better name for it: the BlackBerry Dud.
The first sign of trouble was the concept: a touch-screen BlackBerry. That’s right — in its zeal to cash in on some of that iPhone touch-screen mania, R.I.M. has created a BlackBerry without a physical keyboard.
Hello? Isn’t the thumb keyboard the defining feature of a BlackBerry? A BlackBerry without a keyboard is like an iPod without a scroll wheel. A Prius with terrible mileage. Cracker Jack without a prize inside.”
I have to agree with Mr. Pogue’s assessment of the missing keyboard. I just recently purchased a BlackBerry Curve, the Bold isn’t available on Sprint yet, and the main feature for me was the keyboard. (And the fact that it is smaller and lighter than my Palm Treo 755p.)
I’ve been a long time customer of Palm’s PDAs and Treo smartphones. The time has come for me to receive a company issued phone; a Palm Centro.
Rather than carry a personal Treo 755p and a Centro, I have decided to take this opportunity to play around with a new personal day-to-day device. (The Centro will be a business only device.) Later this week I will be switching to a RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 on Sprint’s EVDO network.
I’m not sure what to expect, but I do know that I will be looking forward to learning the finer details of these popular business devices.
Astraware has announced that My Little Tank, a casual-style arcade game, has been updated and enhanced for Palm OS and Windows Mobile and has released a three new versions of the game for iPhone/iPod touch, BlackBerry, and Symbian S60-based phones.
My Little Tank is a fun arcade blaster in which players can navigate through the original 60, and now 20 additional, action-packed, increasingly challenging levels as they shoot enemy tanks, defend their base, and destroy enemy radar stations and bases. Lovingly crafted miniature terrains include snow, swamp, plains, and deserts. The game also includes a range of power-ups to aid players in winning each mission.
The new edition of My Little Tank for iPhone/iPod touch, includes a choice of control options including an onscreen virtual d-pad, swipe to move the tank, and accelerometer-based directional tilt.
A demo video of My Little Tank for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch can be found here. My Little Tank can be purchased from the Apple App Store for $4.99.
In addition to the new iPhone/iPod touch edition, Astraware has also released new versions of My Little Tank for BlackBerry and Symbian S60 phones similar to the versions for Palm OS and Windows Mobile devices.
For more details about My Little Tank, check out the Astraware website.
Earlier today, DataViz released Documents To Go Premium Edition for BlackBerry. The latest version of Documents To Go includes support for the AT&T BlackBerry Bold, which also went on sale today.
Documents To Go is my one “must have” application on my Palm Treo 750 and 755p. I use the software everyday. If you want to turn your phone into a productivity powerhouse, you will want to have this page on your device.
Here is today’s press release and some screenshots from the new BlackBerry edition of Documents To Go.
DataViz®, Inc., a leading provider of mobile office compatibility solutions, today announced the availability of Documents To Go® Premium Edition and PDF To Go® for BlackBerry® smartphones. The award winning mobile Office suite Documents To Go enables a full set of features for viewing, editing and creating native Microsoft® Word, Excel® and PowerPoint® files and attachments1 including support for Office 2007, on BlackBerry smartphones. DataViz is also introducing PDF To Go, which allows users to view native PDF files on their BlackBerry smartphones. Documents To Go Premium Edition offers advanced functionality over the Standard Edition, which was selected by Research In Motion (RIM) to be included on BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry® Device Software 4.5 or higher, including the BlackBerry® Bold™, BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip and BlackBerry® Storm™2 smartphones.
The native PDF viewer, ‘PDF To Go’, will be offered as a free bonus application for customers who purchase Documents To Go Premium Edition. The PDF viewer provides a clear and crisp viewing experience (rendering stays true to the desktop file) and contains multiple zooming, word wrap for easy readability and support for password protected files. PDF To Go together with Documents To Go Premium Edition, enables BlackBerry smartphone users to gain immediate access to Adobe® PDF and Microsoft Office files as it does not require a desktop or server conversion to take place. In addition, users can edit their Office documents with confidence as DataViz’s acclaimed InTact Technology™ will ensure that all original file formatting is retained once a file has been edited on their BlackBerry smartphone and forwarded on.
Documents To Go Premium Edition – Key Features
Below is a partial list of features available with Documents To Go Premium Edition for BlackBerry smartphones. For a complete list and to view a comparison chart between Standard Edition and Premium Edition, visit www.dataviz.com/dtgforbb.
Pricing and Availability
Documents To Go Premium Edition is available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and can be purchased as a non-expiring license for $69.99 USD or as a one year subscription for $49.99. Previous and new customers who purchase Premium Edition will receive PDF To Go as a free bonus application. Current owners of Documents To Go Premium Edition for Palm OS, Windows Mobile, Symbian Series 80 or Symbian UIQ can cross-grade to a non-expiring license of Documents To Go Premium Edition for $49.99. Volume licensing is available for 5 or more users with discounts starting at 10 users. Customers can purchase directly from DataViz, Handango.com and the network of DataViz resellers and distributors worldwide.
For more information on Documents To Go Premium Edition and to download a free 30 day trial, please visit: www.dataviz.com/dtgforbb.
As promised, the new RIM BlackBery Bold has gone on sale today at AT&T. Of the new corporate-minded device, AT&T writes:
“Get the fastest BlackBerry on the fastest 3G network. The global BlackBerry® Bold™ smartphone is designed to give business professionals both cutting edge functionality and performance under one bold intuitive design. It comes fully-loaded with integrated GPS for AT&T Navigator and Wi-Fi for access at thousands of AT&T hotspots nationwide, including Starbucks. The BlackBerry Bold smartphone has a brilliant color LCD screen for exceptional definition and clarity. Pictures are vibrant and sharp while videos play smoothly and web pages, documents, presentations, and messages come to life with exceptional quality and contrast. Get more speed and more power with the BlackBerry Bold.”
The BlackBerry Bold’s features include:
The complete list of the Bold’s features and technical specifications can be found on the AT&T website.
Pricing
The new BlackBerry Bold retails for $549.99 without a contract commitment from AT&T. When you sign up for a 2-year service agreement, the price drops down to $399.99. Additionally, AT&T is offering a $100 mail-in rebate which brings the cost of the device down to $299.99. To take advantage of the mail-in rebate, customers will have to sign up for a $35/month data or messaging plan. That shouldn’t be a deal breaker for most customers as a BlackBerry without the data service isn’t very useful.
Information Week has an interesting little article on their website about how non-iPhone users can obtain new software for their smartphones.
“Sure, iPhone users have access to the iPhone Apps Store, but where are the rest of us supposed to get great content for our cell phones? Turns out, all over the place.
Long before the iPhone Apps Store was a gleam in Steve Jobs’ eye, each major wireless network operator offered up numerous third-party applications to their customers through a variety of storefronts.
The carriers have their own developer programs, application testing procedures, and delivery systems to get apps into the hands of users. InformationWeek took the time to speak to the carriers and get the scoop on how you can find games, music, and location-based services applications for your phone. “
Keep reading Smartphone Apps for the Rest of Us…
Other Sources of Software
While you can go through your wireless carrier’s portal for software, there are even more places you can go for software.
Palm Software Connection… (Palm OS, Windows Mobile)
PalmGear… (Palm OS)
PocketGear… (Windows Mobile, BlackBerry)
Handmark… (Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, iPhone)
Handango… (Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Symbian OS, Android)
MobiHand… (Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Symbian OS, iPhone, Android)
Don’t forget the vendors! Many software developers sell their software directly from their own websites. If you really like a vendor’s software, buying it directly from a vendor’s website ensures that they get the most compensation for their work.
UPDATE:
An anonymous Smartphone Fanatics reader has pointed out another great source for mobile software, MobiHand.com.
In a press release issued earlier today, Research In Motion announced that the new BlackBerry Bold will be launching on AT&T’s 3G wireless network on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.
“The BlackBerry Bold smartphone’s design and performance live up to its name. The elegant smartphone features a lustrous black exterior, satin chrome-finished frame and stylish, leatherette backplate with a stunning half-VGA (480 x 320 at 217 ppi) color display for eye-popping visuals and a newly designed full QWERTY keyboard for exceptionally fast and easy typing. On the inside, the BlackBerry Bold features built-in GPS and Wi-Fi®, a powerful new 624 MHz mobile processor that provides impressive performance, more storage memory than ever before — 1 GB on board and up to 16 GB via its microSD/SDHC expansion slot — and a rich set of multimedia capabilities, including an advanced media player for music, videos and photos and a 2 megapixel camera with built-in flash, zoom and video recording, as well as an optimized Web-browsing experience with desktop-style depiction.”
“The BlackBerry Bold is the best BlackBerry smartphone ever, backed by the nation’s fastest 3G network and the hands-down best international coverage of any carrier,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility. “The BlackBerry Bold is the complete package, providing customers with an absolutely outstanding mobile experience whether doing e-mail, browsing the Web, viewing streaming video or simply making a phone call. And it is being introduced in the U.S. only from AT&T.”
The new BlackBerry Bold will sell for $299 with a qualifying 2-year service agreement that includes voice and data.
Read the full RIM press release…
I have to say that I’m really interested in the BlackBerry Curve, and what can only be it’s successor, the Bold. What I like most about them is the hardware keyboard and the navigation ball on the face of the device. Being a long time Palm Treo customer, I really rely on having that hardware Qwerty keyboard. I just can’t seem to get used to the soft keyboard that has been implemented on Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch. I’m all about the keyboard.
The other feature that I really like is the placement of the trackball. With the older BlackBerry devices that I’ve used, I really hated the fact that the scroll wheel was always on the right side of the device with me being left handed.