Archive for: messaging
Previous rumors have pegged RIM bringing their popular and reliable (current) BlackBerry-only BlackBerry Messenger client to other platforms, namely Android and iOS. Thus far, no official date or quarter has been mentioned. But forum commenter over at MacForums may have cracked the secret. Apparently the guy’s business class went to a social media conference held by RIM at which co-CEO Jim Balsillie said to expect BBM for iOS on April 26th. Later this summer, an update is supposed to tackle a “new notification system”.
It all sounds great initially, but we remain skeptical; it’s definitely looking like one of those “salt moments”
Update: When contacted by BGR, a RIM spokesperson claimed:
RIM did not hold a conference in Toronto this week, and Jim Balsillie did not speak at any event in Toronto this week.
So there we have it, looks like BBM will not be offered to other platforms (but we can always dream).
One of the best features of Android is the versatility in which end users have in customizing their own devices. On that front, one of the more heavily customized features of Android is the stock SMS/MMS app. On one hand, it may seem like a rather simple app — you send and receive text messages. Nothing more, nothing less. But 3rd party apps such as Chomp, Handcent, and numerous other options have shown us that the standard SMS app doesn’t have to be so boring. And today, there’s another option to consider — Verizon’s own V CAST messaging app.
To people who are used to sub-par, nickle-and-dime store fronts such as Verizon’s V CAST service, don’t go discounting their messaging app with the same malice. It’s actually quite nice. As you can see above, it looks good and incorporates some handy things such as “recent calls”, group conversations, and location-based messaging. You can find it in the Android Market, though take note, only a handful of phones are supported: OG Droid, Droid 2, Droid X, LG Ally, Eris, Incredible and Fascinate. Give it a shot and let us know how you like it.
- November 15, 2010 12:25 pm
Do you use Kik messaging? If so, you’re one of 2.25 million people and growing. Mind you, Kik has only been available for about three weeks. So seeing that many people adopt it is pretty astounding.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, we should probably inform the uninformed. Kik is a cross-platform messaging app that allows Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry users to quickly chat back and forth by all sharing the same app. Besides being a cross-platform service, Kik itself is a fast, simple app — two great things for a chat app. Unfortunately, BlackBerry users are now shut out — RIM removed Kik from App World today…
Oh Mr. Blurry Cam how we love thee, for you bring us the latest in tech with that oh so lovable fuzz. Tonight’s Mr. Blurry Cam showcase is this mini-Droid looking device. It’s easy to see that it comes from Moto’s labs, red eye and all. The portrait sliding keyboard is my favorite. Though the only phones that have ever really won me over as far as portrait keyboards are concerned are newer BlackBerries and the Palm Pre Plus. But if Moto can shake out a properly spec’d portrait slider of their own, I may perhaps overlook their nannyish/bootlocker lock down ways.
…Nah, who am I kidding. The screen looks like it barely makes it to the 3″ mark if that. I’m sorry, but a sub-3″ smartphone display will not work. Especially not with the requirements that modern apps and games put on the user. The touchscreen is one of the most important smartphone parts these days and as such, needs to be perfect. Somehow I don’t think this mini-Droid would be very useful. But I could be wrong. Either way, I would love to give it some one on one time just to see if I’m right. You?
Hop inside for some 360 shots also complete with complimentary fuzz…
How about another look at the well known about BlackBerry 9800 Slider? Compliments of Engadget, this early exclusive runs through the full gamut of hardware related things and even touches on the OS 6 running underneath. Speaking of which, OS 6 on this latest piece of hardware has subtle (read: very subtle) UI tweaks. They didn’t jump out at me the first, or even second time through. We’ll see if your eyes are more eagle-like than mine.
On the hardware front, globe trotters will be happy to know that quad-band 3G is supported making this a bonified world traveling phone. And the keyboard — well, it’s a BlackBerry so it’s bound to be pretty close to awesome.
The carrier is either a blessing or a curse depending on where you live, how densely populated your city is, and how many planets are aligned at the time of your call. If that wasn’t clear enough — AT&T.
What do you guys think? Hop inside for a couple more pics or head on over to Engadget for the full show.
The BlackBerry 9300 folks. Take it in, enjoy it. Bathe in its beauty. Do you like it?
The 9300 has been known about for several months now after a UAProf xml document was combed through by the uber curious CrackBerry type. In it was the phone you see before you.
From the look of things, this is what the new low end of BlackBerry handsets will look like. (Not bad, eh?) With that, the 8520/8530 series will mosey on out to pasture as the 9300 series moves in with it’s 3G and WiFi. Yes, it finally appears the cheap “Curve” model will gain 3G.
The only gripes to be found so far are the limited 256MB of RAM and outdated 320 x 240 display. Hey, gotta cut corners somewhere if you want this thing to be cheap cheap cheap.
Soak your eyes in the gallery after the jump…
We’ve seen it a couple times before — the BlackBerry 9800/Slider. It certainly looks neat. I’d definitely pick one up even if it were exactly like these leaked images. So why rehash…?
BlackBerry fanatics, today is quite a special day. OS 5.0 may have been somewhat of a letdown, lacking in new features that the “5.0″ moniker would otherwise seem to suggest. But 6.0 has been promised to take the BlackBerry OS deeper into the mainstream consumer markets. Of course, it’s all talk until RIM actually steps up and produces. On that note, judging by the 6.0 screenshots BGR scored from one of his sources, I’d say that at least considering the UI department, RIM is finally starting to get it.
Those in the market for a high-end uber BlackBerry will want to look away from this post detailing of a new 9300 model, as quite simply, it isn’t what you’re looking for. However, if you’re on the prowl for something dependable and affordable — the tried and true BlackBerry workhorse — well then, take a seat.
The mumbo jumbo you see above you is text snagged from a recent UAProf Document hosted on BlackBerry.net. Barring extremely nerdy language, the main thing you want to walk away with is that RIM’s low end BlackBerries are moving from the 85xx line to the 93xx line. With that said, this 9300 that’s cited above has a screen resolution of only 320 x 240,so a geek lovers device it will not be.
But it doesn’t necessarily have to be. I’m sure there are still a few occupations out there that need just a bare minimum of high end features with rock solid dependability. For those businesses and individuals, the BlackBerry 9300 may just suit their needs.
Anyone still out there interested?
CrackBerry
