News and Rumors

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Back in October of last year, a couple concept videos from RIM leaked into the community. These videos showed various concepts that could possibly become reality on BlackBerry devices in the future. Anywhere from seamless integration from BES admin to the end user, to controlling your home security system and more from your Smartphone.

This time around, another video has surfaced via the BlackBerryDE YouTube account. The video is dated 2011, so it may just be one of many more of these first concept videos that have yet to release. In the video, it shows off the future of the customer experience as a young woman uses mobile technology to find her wedding outfit, and buy and communicate with online and offline retailers. The video shows that customers and businesses can use mobile technology to work together more easily and quickly to respond to the customers needs.

What do you think about these concepts? Let us know in the comments!

The popular free photo editing app, Photo Studio, has just been updated to v0.9.9 for both BlackBerry Smartphones and the PlayBook. Photo Studio is created by the KVADGroup, and is compatible for BlackBerry Smartphones running OS 5.0 and higher, as well as PlayBook OS 2.0 and higher. Here is the changelog for this updated version:

• 27 new amazing effects!
• New “Summer Frames” pack
• Color Splash editor (available as BETA for devices with touch screen)
• New user interface with lightbox for your photos and so on
• Fix for processing portrait photos (OS 6 and higher)
• Now you can configure some of the effects (Grayscale, Draft and Sketch)
• Widescreen frame is added to default pack of frames

BlackBerry has once again won the hearts of the South African youth as it remains the "Coolest Brand" in the Sunday Times Generation Next 2012 brand Survey Awards. In addition, BlackBerry also topped the list of " Coolest Cellphone" and "Coolest High-Tech Gadget". We already know BlackBerry is the coolest smartphone out there and its nice to know our friends in South Africa agree.Winning the eighth annual Generation Next Brand Survey Awards " Coolest Brand", marks the second year in a row that BlackBerry has dominated smartphone popularity in South Africa.

“BlackBerry smartphones are designed to look cool and stylish, yet are packed with excellent features such as social networking and instant messaging”, and “The brand also offers a choice of smartphone models, ranging from full-featured entry level devices right through to premium smartphones, giving users a wide range of choices suitable to their lifestyles and budgets.” says Lanie Visser, RIMS Marketing Director for South Africa.

It's nice to see BlackBerry moving in another positive direction. Take a look at the full press release here.

The free Google+ app for BlackBerry, made by Smarter Apps, has just been updated to v1.0.59. This update is mandatory for the app to function correctly. Apparently Google keeps changing things around on the G+ side, and these kind of updates are necessary to continue using the G+ network. While you all are at it, be sure to follow BlackBerryOS on our Google+ account page for all the latest and greatest in BlackBerry!

Thanks Guido!

[Mobile? Click Here for Video]

The web based Twitter client, Twimbow, has announced they will release their first mobile app on day one for BlackBerry 10 OS smartphones when they launch later this year. Twimbow is a web application that helps any social media user to engage their network of friends more effectively, by organizing and enriching their conversations online. Twimbow also has a feature where you can organize your contacts by certain colors, allowing you to filter out what is most relevant and important to you.

Twimbow has laid out the 5 reasons why they are going to start their app with the BlackBerry 10 OS in a blog post. These reasons include:

1. BlackBerry 10 is the most open OS available for smartphones, way more than Android (and capable of running Android apps as well). The set of tools developers can use is incredible and you can basically port any app to that OS very easily.
2. HTML5 performance: as many tests already confirmed, HTML5 performance on BlackBerry 10 is far superior than iOS or Android. It is actually outstanding. Given that Twimbow is a rich HTML5 app, porting it to BB10 is very easy and can offer incredible performances to our users
3. BB10 is capable of running an HTML5 app as a native app, with a deep integration with the OS (notifications, BBM integration, UI etc.) and taking advantage of the real multi-tasking capabilities of the BB10 OS, something not available in other smartphones.
4. the opportunity to be in the BB App World for the BB10 launch is huge, so we want to be there.
5. some of the countries that are very important for Twimbow are historically very important for BlackBerry as well. An example? Indonesia, #2 country in terms of Twimbow registered users and now #1 in terms of daily users.

Source: Twimbow

The makers of the much anticipated DJ mixing app coming to the BlackBerry PlayBook, have announced on Twitter that their app, Pacemaker, will be ready to download via App World on June 14th. Pacemaker is also launching exclusively to the BlackBerry PlayBook platform. Sorry iPhone and Android users, suckaz. If you haven't heard much about Pacemaker, check out this video of "God's Will" demoing the app in a performance at BlackBerry World 2012.

Official OS 5.0.0.1096 has been released for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 from Redington. If you have a Curve 8520 get out that USB cord and give your device a fresh new OS, and as always, be sure to let us know about your findings and fixings in the comments below!

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RIM recently released the BlackBerry Music Gateway, and although its stayed under the radar this little device has a lot to offer. The 60mm x 37.5mm devices will allow you to " Experience music your way". Through Bluetooth and NFC technology, the BlackBerry Music Gateway will seamlessly stream your music from your BlackBerry smartphone or computer. Yes, it even works with other alternate phone brands.

The device will set you back about $50 bucks, but has the NFC feature exclusive to BlackBerry devices. Which means you can tap to connect to the device through NFC. Some additional features include, wireless playback, device remote control through paired phone, easy connections, and compatible with most online services. If you're looking to purchase BlackBerry Music gateway you can find it at the BlackBerry Store Front.

A dull grey building, with no signs in Canada that is owned by RIM, has the locals wondering what exactly is going on inside this newly built structure. The building is located at a remote location far from RIM's Waterloo campus, and no one really knows what's going on there. A new HQ or a company "think tank" have been among some of the guesses.

RIM's Corporate Communications Manager, Rebecca Freiburger, stated that “a number of people from varying business units are housed there," and that "it was decided a sign was unnecessary, as there isn’t a need for visitors to know its location." Although RIM has remained coy with inquiries regarding the building, there are other clues that may give us a little more information. According to research done by TheRecord, a report from Colliers International listed the building as RIM's headquarters.

Over the years RIM has always remained quiet about their real estate investments, and have spent quite a bit of money on it. Whatever this building is being used for, it's clear that RIM has something to do with it. Is it a secret testing lab for BB 10? A secret research center for future devices? We will probably never know, but it's always fun speculating.