Amazon brings Kindle to BlackBerry phones: TechVi Now Morning Edition
Amazon has released another way to read its Kindle e-books, this time on RIM's BlackBerry. Microsoft looks to keep Windows Mobile alive under a new name and Google kills something it just acquired. Find out more on TechVi Now.
RIM adds dev tools for 3D gaming and themes
The new features to the BlackBerry Application Platform include OpenGL ES for games and BlackBerry Theme Studio for personalization. RIM seems to be targeting consumers with these new moves.
BlackBerry Storm 2: Biz centric touchscreen phone, or iPhone wannabe?
RIM has been patiently putting together the followup to the BlackBerry Storm, aptly named Storm 2, and while we're waiting patiently for the device, we're starting to see reviews from Walt Mossberg at the WSJ, and others. Is the follow up the device everyone wanted in the first place, and more to the point, how is RIM trying to change the game with its new screen? We talk to Seth Porges of Popular Mechanics, and Harry McCracken of Technologizer about the device.
Guests:
Which smartphone are you buying?
It's been a rather eventful June thus far, with Apple unveiling the iPhone 3GS, Palm releasing the Pre, and today RIM announced the BlackBerry Tour. Each phone has its own ups and downs, but which phone is going to end up in your pocket?
We ask John Biggs of CrunchGear, and Jason Hiner of TechRepublic their takes on the latest crop of smartphones. John's phone of choice looks to be the iPhone 3GS, while Jason is eying the Pre. Both of our panelists think the real news this summer is that those cheaper, free with contract feature phones look to be going the way of the dodo, especially with a $99 iPhone on tap.
Guests:
Engadget gets unofficial hands-on with the Blackberry Storm 2
Engadget has and unofficial hands-on experience with the upcoming Blackberry Storm 2 which abandons the SurePress click screen of the original Blackberry Storm. The new phone sports a fixed capacitive screen, ala the iPhone and other smartphones, dual mode GSM/CDMA and a 3.2 megapixel camera.
Blackberry apps to get “push” technology
BlackBerry maker RIM announced a new API allowing application developers the ability to integrate real-time updating into their apps via "push" technology. BlackBerries have always been known for their push email, but the move allows other data to be pushed to the device on-demand, rather than requested. Using "push" technology over background processes should save a significant amount of battery life compared to traditional "polling" methods.
Obama’s super-berry on the way
The texter-in-chief will be using a BlackBerry 8830 made with custom software for staying connected; software that likely forgoes RIM's Canadian servers.
BlackBerry Storm 2 on the way?
SlashGear says they've got it on record that Verizon will be launching a Wi-Fi sporting BlackBerry Storm 2 in September.
RIM adds app store, Conficker under-delivers on destruction
RIM has always done one thing extremely well: Push email. Businesses love them, and their success has definitely spilled over into the smartphone-adoring set, btu with the unveiling of RIM's new App World, their term for an App Store, RIM obviously has a different fruit on its mind other than BlackBerries. Should the company continue to go down the "me too, Apple!" route, or should they continue to walk the business line? We ask CNET UK editor Rory Reid and Obsessable editor C.K. Sample III their take on the saga. Plus, the two talk Conficker's failure to live up to the hype, and how us being scared is, "letting the terrorists win."
RIM launches BlackBerry app store
Yes, BlackBerry users have had the ability to install 3rd party apps for years, but the iPhone's centralized approach is coming to RIM's smartphones in the form of App World.