News and Rumors

On the heels of BlackBerry App World getting a makeover, the Mac is now fully supported to use the interface. This means you Mac users will now be able to download and install apps directly to your device from your Mac computer. Who else thinks this was long overdue?

• Head over to BlackBerry App World now
• Discuss App World on the Mac in the forum

RIM announced today the availability of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK v 2.1 for BlackBerry Smartphones. This update comes shortly after the introduction of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK v 2.1 for Tablet OS and brings similar functionality and APIs to the BlackBerry Smartphone OS.

The new capabilities that WebWorks developers can now leverage include NTML & BASIC Authentication support, Camera API, Top Banner Indicator API, Enhanced Push APIs and improved rendering speeds for some applications. The APIs enable web developers to deeply integrate with the BlackBerry Smartphone OS and thereby build feature rich apps that offer more immersive and interactive end user experiences. Other benefits developers can derive from the new application functionality and APIs are better app monetization, diversified development approaches, support for standardized security and better integration with the widely popular BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) Social Platform.

If you are a developer head to the BBOS forum and let us know about what you think about this new developer content.

• Developers can learn more about the new APIs here
• Download the latest WebWorks SDK for BlackBerry Smartphones

RIM is extending the BlackBerry DevCon Americas early bird registration to hopefully build up the event. If you haven't registered yet, get in before the early bird deadline expires and save yourself some cash. Here is the full update from RIM:

• Register for the Event here
• Discuss Devcon Americas in the Forum

Recent numbers put out by comScore shows that RIM continues a steady slow decline this year in the US Smartphone Market share. RIM has suffered a 1% drop from 25.7% to 24.7% since the last report given by comScore ending in April 2011. It will be interesting to see how the numbers change when Verizon starts to sell three of the upcoming BlackBerry Smartphones in their stores later this year. Let's hope RIM can climb back up on top with this rekindled Verizon partnership.

• Discuss the comScore report with us in the Forum
  

First hand impressions of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet from attendees of the Meet The PlayBook events in Toronto, Washington D.C., Chicago and Atlanta. Have you gotten a PlayBook? Let us know your first impressions in the comments!

• Discuss this with us in the BBOS Forum