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Looks like we're kicking off the week with some BlackBerry Desktop Manager news. First, lets talk about the image above. What you're looking at is BlackBerry Desktop Manager version 5.0.1.18 (not currently available) which shows off a new icon that adds an exciting feature to the desktop software - IP Modem (also in .16). The new feature allows you to easily setup your BlackBerry so you can tether it as a modem to your laptop. Be aware of your carrier's tethering charges. Also displayed is a new icon Email Settings that will allow you to create filters or change email forwarding right from your desktop.Â
While Desktop Manager 5.0.1.18 software is not available yet, over the weekend version 5.0.1.16 leaked onto the interwebs for all to enjoy by our German friends at benezblog. This version may not be the latest and greatest out there, but does include the new IP Modem feature. You can follow the links below to download.
RIM has always had a habit of putting userguides in all their downloads, leaked or official you'll always manage to find one within the packaging--even if it may be the incorrect one. Often times before, if you reviewed the files in the OS as well such as the BlackBerry.alx file you'd learn the codenames of unrealeased devices rather easily.
For a while now, RIM was seemingly wise to this fact and has since stopped listing unreleased devices within said files but this time they have moved on to sliding in the userguide for the 9520/9550 (Storm 2) in the packaging for all to view. Check it out, nothing out of the ordinary in there but it does clearly outline the WiFi inclusion into the OS. Big up's to blackBerry-pimp for spotting this one.
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The past two days have been heavy on OS leaks, we have seen Tour, Bold and Storm leaks all pop up everywhere on the net and the forums are full of people not entirely too sure what's going on so we decided to do a little bit of a OS round up for you all just to set a few things straight in the OS department here. First, these are NOT official OS builds and in such, you WILL find glitches, general weirdness within them but more on the disclaimer later--lets have a look at what popped up in the past few days.
It is easy and even fun to make ringtones for your Palm Pre from your existing MP3's.
The Pre can make a ringtone from any song on the Pre. Just tap Launcher>Sounds>Ringtone Add in the lower-left and choose a ringtone.
The problem is the the ringtone will choose the first 30 seconds of the song. You invariably would not choose that part and it is often fading up so the first part can't be heard.
But you can easily choose just the part of the song you want and set the volume you want if you know the tricks!
Here are the key things you need in an audio file editor to do this: 1. An easy way to cut out just the right section, about 30 seconds long 2. An easy way to fade-in or fade-out, adjust loudness, etc. 3. It should be free and easy with no learning curve.
For Windows or Macs, Audacity is all of the above. Here is how easy it is to customize MP3's into good ringtones.
Let's start with an easy one. Take the Older Phone ringtone that came with your Pre and make a new version that is loud enough to hear. The first thing is to find and edit the Older Phone mp3 file.
1. Connect your Palm Pre to your computer as a USB device using the USB cable. 2. Use Windows Explorer or an equivalent to find files in your Pre. 3. Open the Subdirectory "Ringtones". 4. Right click on Older Phones and click copy. 5. Go to your computer's hard drive, right click a subdirectory you want to use and choose paste. 6. Open Audacity and choose the Older Phone file to edit.
Editing the file is easy. For instance the installed Pre ringtones are too soft. To make "Older Phone" louder, click Effects>Amplify. Try a level and listen to it. Click Edit>Undo if you don’t like it. Try highlighting just sections and making changes. When you are done, save it as "Older Phone 2" so as not to confuse the two.
Safely remove the USB device and you should have a new ringtone, Older Phone 2, on your Pre. Check out your new ringtone on your Palm!
You can do the same with any mp3 that you have on your computer. Just use your audio editor to find your music subdirectory on your computer and choose one of your songs. If you imported your music using iTunes they may be hidden. (Real or others programs let you keep your own music.) You want to clip out about 30 seconds to make your ringtone. Then copy the new ringtone you create using the USB Drive feature above to the Pre ringtones subdirectory.
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This is a good example of how great donation ware gets better. BBFileScout has been updated recently as BBRocks pointed out to me. Lots of new stuff was included with this version's changelog including a name change for the application itself, BBFileScout from here on out will just be named FileScout. For those of you out there who have used the app on occassion know how great it is, and for those of you who don't now is the time to download this awesome file explorer for your BlackBerry. New changes include:
‘BBFileScout’ is now called ‘FileScout’ The double ‘BB’ was removed from the application name cause of legal concerns – actually this change requires, that you have to delete your current BBFileScout installation [Options - Advanced Options - Applications] (reboot might be required) before you can install FileScout v1.2.0.0. I am sorry for this inconvenience.
New Option: ‘Check for Updates’ – allows you directly from FileScout to check, if a new Version of the application is available.
Renamed ‘Stack’ to ‘vClipboard’ in the hope that this is easier to understand for most of the users how copy and move operations can be performed.
New “Search for text†function in the integrated text editor (incl. “Find next†function and case sensitive/case insensitive switch)
New keyboard shortcut: + (M)odify Image
New Thumbnail Option: ‘Do not try to reload broken images’ – when you have specified a ‘Thumbnail-Store Directory’ FileScout can also store the information about broken images – so the next time folders with broken images are opened there will be no warning message for the same files again.
If ‘Confirm Delete of files & directories’ is enabled, and you want to delete multiple files you have a new checkbox in the confirm dialogue: ‘Do not ask again for this selection?’ – once this is checked, all files of the selection will be deleted without additional confirmation.
Some great changes there but please keep in mind, you must be running OS 4.3+ to use this application. As always, this application remains donationware meaning if you download it, use it and love please donate to help keep the development going.
Folks at Engadget just posted several images of a completely ripped apart BlackBerry Storm 9550 to unveil everything that's inside. Their take on it:
... we've got a handful of new pictures showing off that piezoelectronic technology doing its thing. Basically, as we understand it, those four "buttons" which are pictured are more like sensors than buttons. When the device is on, they communicate with the screen and presses on the screen can simulate that familiar "click" that Storm users know all too well. However, when the device is powered off, the screen stays put, as there isn't an actual mechanism to move the screen like there was in the original Storm.
It'll be interesting to get the official low-down on how all this is working one day, but one thing is for sure, it definitely looks to be taking RIM's SurePress technology to a whole new level. Be sure to jump over to Engadget to see plenty more pics.
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WATCH LIVE GAMES on your iPhone and iPod Touch. MLB.com At Bat 2009 offers fans one live streaming game per day (blackout and other restrictions apply). The application will detect your network connection and deliver the highest quality video possible.
Hit the Jump for more Details...
****************************************** MLB.TV subscribers: Beginning July 21, you can watch ALL REMAINING regular season games LIVE in MLB.com At Bat 2009 Version 1.3 (blackout and other restrictions apply, visit mlb.tv on your desktop for details). ******************************************
MLB.com At Bat 2009 also includes MLB.com Gameday Audio, MLB.com Gameday, In-game Video Highlights and Condensed Games.
Gameday Audio Listen to every regular season and Postseason game LIVE, including all home and select visiting team feeds and no blackout restrictions.
Gameday Follow every pitch with exclusive pitch type, location and speed data, plus real-time box scores, play-by-play and player stats.
In-game Video Highlights Watch the best plays of the game moments after they happen.
Condensed Games Watch a 10-12 minute video recap featuring every payoff pitch, 90 minutes after the game ends.
Don't miss a pitch this season with MLB.com At Bat 2009.
Golfshot: Golf GPS is the ultimate golf app. GPS Rangefinder with distances to: • Front, Center and Back of Green • And up to 40 professionally-mapped targets per hole.
GPS Aerial view with QuickPoint positioning – touch a target anywhere on the hole and get distances to that point and from that point to the green.
Note: GPS distances will require a GPS-enabled phone (3G and 3G S)
Hit the Jump for more Details...
ORIGINAL IPHONE AND IPOD USERS GET:
Non-GPS iPhone and iPod touch users get the ability to view hole distances from their selected tee-box, and plan their approach shots with QuickPoint positioning – touch a target anywhere on the hole and get distances to that point from your selected tee-box and from that point to the green.
EVERYONE GETS:
15,000+ courses worldwide mapped and ready to play! GPS Aerial View requires a Google Maps image of the course. View available courses and request more for free at www.golfshot.com
All golf holes rotated and sized to fit perfectly on screen. Zoom in to view even greater detail.
FEATURES
• 15,000+ Courses
• GPS Rangefinder with large numbers, front, center and back of green, and up to 40 points per hole
• GPS Aerial view with QuickPoint technology
• Assign ideal layup distances for your approach clubs
• Track your distance for any shot.
• Includes Golfshot: Scorecard - an easy and efficient scorecard that automatically generates PGA Tour quality statistics and allows golfers to share and compare their rounds.
SCORECARD FEATURES
• Keep score for up to four golfers • Simple score entry • Rotated full-round traditional scorecard view • Optional handicap play with your USGA golf handicap • Automatic course handicap calculator • Net score and stroke score display • View statistics during and after your round • Get email and online scorecards • View, edit and enter past round scorecards
AMAZING STATISTICAL GRAPHS
• Automatically created for each round • Know your performance and track your improvement • Find gaps in your game • Compare against friends, Tiger, anyone!
STATISTICS INCLUDE
• Fairways Hit, Missed Left & Right • Greens in Regulation • Recovery Scrambling • Sand Saves • Putts per Hole and per GIR • Scoring Averages on Par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s • Scoring Percentages
New course data is loaded for free by Golfshot. View courses at www.golfshot.com/courses
User Guide available at www.golfshot.com/userguide.pdf New in this version Languages English Requirements Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch Requires iPhone OS 2.2 or later Version 1.0 Link ID Date added 57142 2009-07-24 18:59:56
TouchSports Tennis 09. The first of a series of Casual Sports games for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
“A pretty significant leap forward in terms of iPhone sports gaming.” - PocketGamer”
Grab your iPhone & iPod touch and get ready for a Tour de Force of high-impact 3D sports action. Featuring arcade style game play, action packed character animation, and a dynamic camera system that brings you into the action. TouchSports delivers.
Hit the Jump for more Details...
With our “Pick it up and Play” control system, you’ll serve, smash, and perform the most incredible moves with touch game play and tilt action. Three levels of difficulty ensures players of all types will enjoy TouchSports Tennis 09 from the first serve.
Put down your racket and grab your iPhone, TouchSports Tennis ’09 is here! New in this version Decreased difficulty in easy mode. Improved help system. Other fixes and improvements. Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish Requirements Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch Requires iPhone 2.1 Software Update Version 1.0.6
AT&T has officially released OS 4.6.0.297 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000. Head on over to the BlackBerry download page and get on it - Visual Voice Mail is waiting for you. You should also be able to run the wireless upgrade via Settings > Advanced Options > Upgrade. This is an official carrier OS, but if you're not on AT&T you'll have to delete the vendor.xml file before installing.
The basic idea behind it is that much like Safe Mode on a PC, booting your device this way allows you to uninstall any "bad" applications by loading the bare essentials upon startup. You simply perform a battery pull and then hold the Back key until the Safe Mode dialog appears. Just a good tip in case you ever find yourself in my shoes. Check out the full RIM Knowledge Base article here. doesn't work on the current Tour OS.
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Well this can't be good. It looks like RIM among others such as Apple, Dell, Lenovo and even Sony may be paying off some heavy royalty fees to the Pennsylvania-based BTG International Inc. It seems BTG is claiming that said companies among others are currently infringing on patents designed by them for use in memory chips from Samsung.
The complaint filed with the U.S Trade commission claims that BTG designed the chips in a manner where in they can can store multiple pieces of information per cell without becoming larger or more expensive and are now demanding that U.S. authorities stop the import of all the products outlined in the filing. The US trade commission has said it will launch an investigation to get some further answers.
*UPDATE* - It's been pointed out at this time the Storm 2 has this feature built right in so users will not even have to download the app to use it, that version is at 2.0.0.13 but, it's not know at this time if that will be standard across future devices as of yet.
We've been hearing for a while now that RIM was working on a plugin for Gmail users that was going to bring a bunch of additional features when it came to handling Gmail on your BlackBerry. Finally, it is now available for all users to download--if you can get the link working right, RIM seems to be having issues with the links issued via BIS accounts, but have an alternate page as well. The new plug includes some great new features for Gmail users such as:
Add and remove labels and stars on email messages Report spam email messages Perform local and remote searches Archive email messages View related email messages as a single conversation (threaded view)
Synchronization only happens from your BlackBerry to your Google Mail account, meaning some changes made through your Google Mail account won’t sync to your BlackBerry(One way synch). In order to get the download link if you already have a gmail account set up on your BlackBerry you will need to delete and re-add your account and a PIN message will be sent to you with the link. The enhanced plugin is available for all device 4.5 OS+ and the official BlackBerry forums has a great getting started guide available. Visit blackberry.com/gmail from your BlackBerry's web browser to download.
It's getting close to September, and we know hope that BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac is only a few weeks away. We got a good look at most of the included features, and now BGR has posted a great walkthrough of the entire package. It shouldn't be long before we see the full release of the software, but if you need to get your fix, head over to BGR and check it out in the flesh.
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Nice to see some OS love for the BlackBerry Pearl flip, this time coming in for Alltel customers. If you have an 8230 you might want to check this one out as you may see some improvements with it. This is an official OS release. If Alltel is not your carrier, be sure to have a look at our OS upgrade guides. You can still install but keep in mind that version of the OS may not be supported by your carrier yet (if you call in for support they'll tell you to downgrade to the latest supported OS).
If you are not wanting to wait around for AT&T to release OS 4.6.0.297 because you have an itchy upgrade trigger finger, then OS 4.6.0.292 might just be the fix you were looking for. Telecomunicaciones Movilnet C.A. has made it available for users to download - check it out if you do so wish.
Now RIM has launched a web portal for it at http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/ that allows you to browse apps from your desktop computer. When you find an app that you like in the catalogue, you can email yourself the link to complete the purchase and download via the App World client on your device (you can't purchase or download from the site). It's not a full desktop solution, but it's much handier than trying to browse apps in the on-device client. Overall the solution looks really nice - good job RIM!
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BGR dropped the word that RIM may soon be loading up both Flash and Silverlight on BlackBerry devices. Flash is one of the most sought after features, and the inclusion would surely make for loads of happy campers. As of now, there are no workarounds or even 3rd party apps that cleanly allow Flash video on BlackBerry. No word of a release time or any solid details really, but I suppose its something else to look forward to down the line (knowing RIM make that way down the line).
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12 Slideshow Pictures - most are same as Scenic Sliding Dock at around 3 Minutes intervals 6 NON customizable icons - Message - Clock - Browser - Memo - Media - Calendar
Plazmic has released a new update to their content developers kit which now includes support for the 9630 Tour and Curve 8520. It requires you to download the patch and the CDK in order for it to function. Now, go get your theme on all you theme devs with an official CDK release.
Seinfeld producer and writer Peter Mehlman’s latest entertainment venture just launched with Melham interviewing athletes like Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkillis, and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Running exclusively on YouTube, the amusing Narrow World of Sports is sponsored by our friends at Palm, and it’s good to see they’ve got the guts to put money into something as off-beat as this, and presumably the sense of humor to appreciate it.
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Either one of the most awesome iPhone developed concepts yet, or MIT professor and Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter pilot Missy Cummings has just given the iPhone’s Skynet/Matrix/Cylon decedents the origins of the flying hunter/seekers they’ll be using to wipe us out.
In case there were still any doubters, you can click the image above for some more photos posted by benezblog of a Storm 9520 (Vodafone's version) with a newer OS build proudly showing off WiFi. Sweetness.
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Unofficial Google Voice client for the Palm Pre. This app lets you choose contacts from your device or dial a number and call or text them using your Google Voice number. This app is currently under development, and it has a lot of bugs. See the screen shots and my blog (in signature) for more information.
View the entire changelog in the forum thread.
EDIT 8/6 (v0.5.0):
add cancel button to voicemail/reply
blue dialer/sms backgrounds
shorten splash screen time
use 64x64 icon instead of 48x48
catch "back" gesture on popups so doesn't freeze
add "type a number or choose contact..." text to dialer
added google voice mobile website view
voicemail reply actions call/sms/cancel
clear text message after being sent successfully
set numeric on sms, few fields on options screen
fixed return from mobile view bug where does not update the nav bar
data saves automatically without button press on options screen
call voicemail button to listen to messages
options screen organization
refresh button for history/voicemail
customizeable pause time (1 to 3, default 2)
minor SMS GUI changes
new manual refresh button for history/voicemail
screen goes blank when return from options screen
KNOWN ISSUES:
BUG: always uses voice dial, dialType radio button does not work
lack of error checking on options screen
missing confirmation boxes on web dial and sms sent
large voicemail transcript does not scroll
License: this application is NOT open source. Do not distribute!
Here is a little bit of a treat for all you new 8520 Curve owners out there, a fresh new OS for ya's to load up. enjoy folks!
*OS Disclaimer - This is an unofficial release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). Follow the links below for more information and instructions. *
PAC-MAN, the world famous arcade classic, returns in this faithful rendition for your iPhone! Who can forget the countless hours and quarters spent avoiding pesky ghosts while chompin’ on dots and gobbling up the fruit for bonus points? Relive the retro arcade action! Play Original, Normal or Easy Mode and guide PAC-MAN with three new control modes. Dodge pesky ghosts by tilting or rotating your iPhone in Accelerometer Mode. Navigate through the mazes by touching the onscreen Directional Pad in D-Pad Mode. Chomp on dots with the swipe of a finger in Swipe Mode. Munch fruits and other items for big points! Chomp all of the dots to advance to the next stage. Go for high scores and high levels! Gain an extra life at 10,000 points! Gobble blinking Power Pellets to weaken ghosts temporarily and eat them up before they change back. Avoid Blinky, the leader of the ghosts, and his fellow ghosts Pinky, Inky and Clyde, or you will lose a life. Lose all your lives and it’s game over!Hit the Jump for more Details...
New in this version Languages English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Swedish Requirements Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch Requires iPhone OS 2.2 or later Version 1.0.5 Link ID Date added 55095 2009-07-10 10:46:11
While it's not really any secret any more, it's nice to see some documentation with the listing on it. Boy Genius posted up the unreleased IMEI list from AT&T's supply chain and the BlackBerry 9700 (Onyx) is sitting there all nice and pretty. Even before this documentation went up there was no doubt the 9700 was heading to AT&T, considering last week AT&T seeded the devices to field testers to put through their paces on the network. Once certification is reached by field testers it's upward and onward for launch. You can read PhoneGeeks review of the field test Onyx in the CrackBerry forums and new Onyx pics after the jump.Hit the Jump for more Details...
I came across this article on Mashable.com yesterday and was stunned when I read it. According to TwitStat, UberTwitter is the most popular Twitter client for BlackBerry devices. I hadn't really thought about it before, but if I had I would have surely picked TwitterBerry given its age and ease of use. I guess UberTwitter has won over the BlackBerry nation thus far. UberTwitter accounts for 1.26 percent of Twitter users, edging out TwitterBerry's 0.87 percent. SocialScope, still in private beta, sits at 0.35. Clients like TinyTwitter and TweetGenius also made the list but they just didn't have a great showing.
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Pandora for BlackBerry has been updated from 1.1.0 to 1.1.1 and fixes various networking issues. Users will be prompted to update when logging in. The update repairs issues that some users on certain devices were experiencing including HTTP 502 errors. Not all devices were having the same issue. From Pandora release notes:
Fixed HTTP 502 issue (and other networking-related issues such as the "connection closed" problem on the 8350i)
Fixed volume going to "full" after an audio system alert (phone, email, IM) on Storm
For listeners who use the low end of the volume scale, the jump from 3 bars to 4 bars isn't as jarring anymore
To download visit www.pandora.com from your device. Thanks to everyone that sent this in!
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Kayak.com has released a great application that allows you to search, book and compare pricing on airlines and hotels all from within one application on your BlackBerry. I tested the application out just to see how well it would function and what type of results I would have with it, and I'm pleased to say it works great.
Best part for me was it actually included Canadian listings and recognized all major Canadian airports. The application is very light weight and looks nice considering, now I have nothing against using say--Worldmate, but some features of Worldmate are paid features that also get downloaded when even using the free version so it makes it a heavy application. This is a great alternative with a little bit more functionality added, Kayak supports all BlackBerry devices 81xx series and up.
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