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T-Mobile will give you $250 if you trade in your old BlackBerry for a new one
If you hadn't heard, BlackBerry chief John Chen isn't happy with T-Mobile -- he believes the carrier fired a shot across the bow when it enticed BlackBerry users to switch phones in a recent promotion. To mend that bruised relationship, the magenta network is launching a limited-time trade-in offer that gives loyal users a strong incentive to upgrade. As of February 21st, T-Mobile will give you $200 for your existing BlackBerry, and $250 if you're upgrading from a T-Mobile BlackBerry to a BB10 device like the Q10 or Z10. The payout is the same regardless of the device's age, so long as it's in good condition; if you're still rocking a Curve 3G, you'll get the full amount. Market share trends suggest that there won't be too many people upgrading to new BlackBerrys, but the olive branch is welcome all the same.
Evernote for BlackBerry 10 updated with sharing, offline notebooks and more
Yearning for more from BlackBerry 10's Evernote experience? You got it. The service just updated its native BB10 app with improved performance, more security and a small collection of overdue features. Namely, Evernote has given users the ability to share notes from within the app, both to friends and with other apps installed on the device. The reverse works too: data from other Apps can be shared and saved to Evernote using BB10's regular share dialogue. Premium users can also save their notebooks for offline use, and the introduction of a new lock feature secures content with a four-digit passcode. Oh, and the team has enabled Universal Search too, which lets users search their Evernote account from anywhere on the device. Game changing features? Maybe not, but we won't scoff at the update. Check out the company's official blog for more details.
Twitter for BlackBerry 10 scores BBM integration and timeline photo previews
It's no secret that Twitter for BB10 still needs a lot of polishing, and the latest attempt to make it shine brings BBM integration and other new features. Now, you can automatically update your status on the platform's famous messaging service simply by tweeting through the refreshed app. The latest version also brings thumbnail previews that show attached images right on your timeline. Other than that, it comes with a built-in reply box and a fresh option to report spam or abuse that show up when you tap on a tweet. Unfortunately, if you read the app's reviews on BlackBerry World, you'll see a lot of users complaining that their apps have stopped working after they downloaded the update. So, no matter how sweet these changes are, it might be wise to proceed with caution or just wait until the developers issue a fix.
BBM Channels launches today for BlackBerry smartphones
BlackBerry's tentative step into the world of feed-based social networking, BBM Channels, is at last leaving beta. As of 3PM Eastern, those with BlackBerry 10 and classic BlackBerry OS devices can use the Tumblr-like service for themselves, subscribing to content feeds from both major providers and their friends. Android and iOS users, meanwhile, will have to sit tight -- BlackBerry says that Channels support for their platforms is arriving in the "coming months."
Cracking up: a brief history of BlackBerry's fall from smartphone dominance
BlackBerry is in dire straits. The smartphone maker was riding high in market share and profits just a few years ago, but it's now having trouble securing rescue money. It's yet again pinning its hopes on a new CEO who's tasked with saving a struggling industry giant. How did BlackBerry decline so quickly, though? And what might happen to the company when seemingly every option is on the table? As it turns out, BlackBerry's descent into trivial market share figures and sustained losses stems from a mixture of hubris, sluggishness and misplaced effort -- and there's no clear solution in sight.
BlackBerry's upscale P'9982 visits the FCC sporting AT&T-ready LTE
BlackBerry's luxurious Porsche Design P'9981 reached the US, but it wasn't really for the US -- it originally sold to British and Middle Eastern business tycoons. If a new FCC filing is any indication, the as yet unannounced P'9982 may be a different story. The upscale smartphone has just passed through the FCC carrying AT&T-native LTE and HSPA data, suggesting that it's built with American use in mind. It's not clear as to when and where the BlackBerry 10 device might launch, though. Tbreak has heard from BlackBerry partners in Dubai that the P'9982 may be unveiled before November 20th, but we don't know much more; there's a chance that AT&T support exists purely to accommodate travelers. Even if that's true, US buyers willing to import the premium smartphone will at least get the first-class cellular service they expect.
BlackBerry Z30 hits Verizon in November for $200
Verizon gave no details when it announced plans to offer the BlackBerry Z30, but it's finally narrowing things down... well, mostly. The 5-inch BB 10.2 flagship is now poised to reach Big Red sometime this November (the carrier isn't being more specific) for $200 on contract. It's billed as a US exclusive, although BlackBerry's Vivek Bhardwaj tells CNET that there's nothing precluding more deals. In other words, rival carriers just weren't eager to sell the Z30 -- possibly due to their challenges selling the Z10. While we'd prefer both an exact release date and more network choices, it's clear that Americans won't have to wait much longer if they want the most powerful BlackBerry possible.
BlackBerry starts selling unlocked Q10 and Z10 phones through its US site
It has been possible to snag an unlocked BlackBerry Q10 or Z10 in the US for a while if you've been willing to search around, but you now won't have to. BlackBerry has quietly begun selling unrestricted GSM variants of the two smartphones through its US site at prices of $449 for a Z10 and $549 for a Q10. Either device remains LTE-capable, and both should play nicely with AT&T and T-Mobile. The direct sales aren't likely to attract many converts, but they should help American fans who may have a tough time finding a BlackBerry in stores.
BlackBerry Z30 reaches the FCC with Canada-ready LTE
BlackBerry hasn't said exactly when the Z30 will reach North America, but we now know that it's getting close -- a GSM variant with compatible LTE has reached the FCC. The smartphone supports 4G on both the 1,700MHz and 2,600MHz bands, suggesting that it will soon launch through bigger Canadian carriers like Bell, Rogers and Telus. We'll still have to wait for an American model, however. Despite the US-friendly 1,700MHz LTE, this Z30 is missing both the 700MHz LTE needed for AT&T as well as the 1,700MHz 3G that T-Mobile would want. The promised Verizon model also hasn't received FCC approval. The news won't satisfy everyone wanting a big BlackBerry, but those who want to explore the Z30 in depth can check out both the Canadian phone and its just-launched European counterpart at the source links.
T-Mobile dropping BB10 devices from brick-and-mortar stores
The bad news for BlackBerry just keeps on coming; two days after the company entered a buyout agreement, it's confirmed that T-Mobile will no longer sell BlackBerry devices in its brick-and-mortar stores. We'd heard as much earlier this month when rumblings hit the Crackberry forums, but additional confirmation came today, with one T-Mobile employee reporting: "My manager told me...that all BlackBerry 10 devices will now only be available via direct ship." It's hardly a surprise that the carrier would be pulling the plug -- lackluster sales of BB10 devices contributed to an expected net operating loss of more than $950 million in Q2. Still, one additional nail in the coffin's gotta hurt for the (former) Canadian phone maker.
BlackBerry's budget 'Americano' phone reportedly caught on camera
There have been rumors that BlackBerry would introduce a touch-only parallel to the Q5, and we may have just glimpsed that smartphone in the wild. Both BBin and CrackBerry have photos of what's reportedly the "Americano," the first device in the low-end C-series. The handset appears to be a smaller, more rounded counterpart to the Z30. There's nothing to support claims that the "Americano" will use the Q5's Snapdragon 400 processor and 5-megapixel camera, but there is a Verizon logo hinting at the possibility of a US launch. We also haven't heard of a release date for the phone, assuming it's released at all. We won't be surprised if it launches relatively soon, however; when BlackBerry is discounting the Z10, there may be a hole in the lineup before long.
Evernote releases native app for BlackBerry 10
Evernote's had a presence on BlackBerry 10 since the early days of the OS, but today the cloud-based service is taking things a bit further. As of now, BB10 users can download a native version of Evernote, which offers a more streamlined, intuitive experience than what's currently available via the Evernote integration inside the built-in Remember app. Note-takers will still be able to save and sync stuff, naturally, but they'll be able to do so directly from an Evernote-made app and with a UI that makes it easier to take advantage of what the service has to offer. Better yet, Evernote for BlackBerry 10 won't cost you a nickel, so head to the source link below if this is one you've been waiting for.
Flipboard arrives for BlackBerry 10, but you can't use it yet (update: counterfeit app)
Bored, BlackBerry toters? Flipboard is now on BlackBerry World to save your commute, but wait: there's a rather big catch. It'll only work with BlackBerry 10.2 OS (since it's an Android port), and that version isn't out yet, unless you're okay with a leaked copy. If so, you'll be able to use its magazine-style interface to share on up to 12 social networks, save stories for later perusing, curate your own editions (with help from your friends) and more. There are also customized versions for 15 countries, including the UK, Australia and Canada. If and when you get the right OS, you can grab it at the source and starting maxing out on content -- including this very tech site. Update: It turns out the app -- while a fully-functioning Android version -- was in fact a counterfeit, according to N4BB. That means an illegitimate company managed to slip the version past BlackBerry World gatekeepers, and Flipboard had nothing to do with it. That seems like a rather large oversight on BlackBerry's part, considering the stature of such an app, but it's now been pulled from the store. If you managed to grab it, it goes without saying that it's not a good idea to install it on your device.
BlackBerry Beta Zone app released for early adopters on BB10
Well, it looks as if Twitter isn't the only one announcing something beta-related today. BlackBerry has (quietly) released Beta Zone for BlackBerry 10, an application geared toward folks who are game to try stuff before it's ready for prime time. The firm's newly outed app gives members an easy-to-access hub where they can download the latest software arriving on the platform in beta. As you'd expect, Beta Zone for BB10 won't cost a dime to download, though you will need to have an account before being able to access any of those rough-hewn apps.
Mobile Miscellany: week of August 19th, 2013
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought a free TV streaming service for Bell subscribers, the arrival of NFL Mobile to BlackBerry 10 and little bit of Windows Phone love from General Motors. These stories and more await. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of August 19th, 2013.
Facebook app update brings Chat, quicker scrolling and more to BlackBerry 10
Heads up, BB10 users: your Facebook app is in need of an update. As in, there's one waiting for you. Facebook v10.2.1 for BlackBerry 10 adds Facebook Chat, enhanced message details, quicker scrolling while in Newsfeed and an "enhanced photo experience." Moreover, you'll find added Page Admin functions as well as a "refreshed look and feel to your Pages." Naturally, the update is being provided for free, and can be picked up in the Appworld right here. Of course, it's also sporting a sterling 2 out of 5 rating, so hopefully the new features will go a ways toward improving the aforesaid mark.
Refresh Roundup: week of July 29th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
BlackBerry 10.2 resources suggest A10 smartphone may ship as the Z30
Many rumors surrounding BlackBerry's first big smartphone, the Aristo, have only made references to an A10 model number. However, we're now learning that even the A10 badge may just be a codename. CrackBerry forum member ofutur has found references in pre-release BlackBerry 10.2 code that relabel the phone as the Z30, and CrackBerry editor Bla1ze has uncovered associated tutorial resources that tie images of the device back to the Z30. There's no guarantee that this is the final name, but it's consistent with BlackBerry's use of letters to signify form factors -- the touch-only Z30 could complement the Z10 while leaving room for in-between devices. Let's hope that the company doesn't leave us waiting long for an official answer.
BlackBerry A10 for AT&T flaunts 5-inch screen in latest leak (video)
Looks like Verizon isn't the only carrier that's in line to receive the anticipated BlackBerry A10. In the latest leak from Tinhte.vn, the smartphone is shown off in a hands-on video wearing AT&T branding on the rear. A quick removal of the A10's back cover reinforces the claim of a beefy 2,800mAh battery and 5-inch HD AMOLED display (unlike the LCD panel on the Z10), along with slots for both micro-SIM and microSD cards. Touring the device, micro-USB and micro-HDMI ports are both visible on the phone's left side -- another similarity to the Z10 -- along with BlackBerry's traditional three-button volume rocker on the right, and a both a power button and headphone jack on the phone's top. You can see the comparison between BlackBerry's current flagship and the A10 in the hands-on video, but you'll need to learn Vietnamese to gain much in terms of impressions.
Unity 4.2 adds support for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and BB10
One of game development's most used engines is adding support for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and Blackberry 10 today in its latest version, 4.2. Some support was already offered in the latest version's beta run, but today Unity 4.2 drops out of beta and into primetime. That brings Unity's mobile platform support up to four: Android, iOS, Windows Phone 8 and BB10 (for both free and paid version of the engine). Of course, the implications here are what matters -- Unity powers major mobile titles like Temple Run 2 and Republique, not to mention the new Deus Ex mobile game. As for Windows 8, games like Surgeon Simulator 2013 (trust us -- look into that one) and Interstellar Marines are powered by Unity. There are also a smattering of previously paid functions going free -- head past the break for the full list.
