Engadget

Foursquare adds NFC to its BlackBerry app, hopes you'll touch base

Mat Smith — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:02:00 EST

Hot on the heels of a recent update for its Twitter app, BlackBerry users can now grab a refreshed version of everyone's favorite check-in network. While there's no news of the beleaguered phone manufacturer offering up free Butterfingers (yet), the geographical social app has cranked up the app's load speeds and also transplants its notifications to your BlackBerry inbox. It's all looking to be a pretty tasty NFC carrot to dangle in front of BlackBerry World attendees later this week in Orlando. If you're Florida-bound (and even if you're not), you can grab the update from the source below.

Foursquare adds NFC to its BlackBerry app, hopes you'll touch base originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter and Facebook for BlackBerry get BBM connected, BBM gets some animated avatars

Brian Heater — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST

BlackBerry fans of the world over rejoice: some of your favorite social apps have just become slightly more connected to your favorite smartphone ecosystem. RIM announced today via its official blog that the 3.0 versions of Facebook and Twitter for BlackBerry have become BBM connected, meaning, among other things, that you can share status updates, tweets and the like with your BBM contacts. The Canadian smartphone maker also used the opportunity to announce a handful of additional updates to fellow BlackBerry App World apps like BBM itself, which is getting BlackBerry Tag integration and, hold onto your BlackBerry hats, new animated avatars. You can find all of the relevant updates by clicking the source link below.

Twitter and Facebook for BlackBerry get BBM connected, BBM gets some animated avatars originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter for BlackBerry 3.0 brings easier photo-uploading, automatic link-shortening, BBM integration

Dana Wollman — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:04:00 EST

Listen up, you BlackBerry users, you: RIM's just released a new version of its Twitter app, and though the list of new features is hardly earth-shaking, they should all be welcome additions to those of you who've been making do with version 2.0. On board we've got automatic link-shortening, for starters, along with BlackBerry Messenger integration (read: the ability to link your Twitter account with BBM). So far so good, right? You can also upload photos to pic.twitter.com directly from your device's camera, or as you're composing tweets. Finally, Twitter says it's made it easier to share websites from within the browser. So long as you've got BlackBerry 5 installed as your OS, you can get your download on at the link below. Still haven't upgraded from 4.6? Sorry, folks, you're stuck with version 2.0.

Twitter for BlackBerry 3.0 brings easier photo-uploading, automatic link-shortening, BBM integration originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flurry's analytics: Apple's App Store revenue still leading, but Amazon Appstore close behind

Darren Murph — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 11:26:00 EST

Not like we haven't seen this dog-and-pony show before, but Flurry's latest round of analytics -- which measured revenue of 11 million daily active users from mid-January through the end of February 2012 -- shows Amazon's Appstore pulling in a shocking amount of revenue given the short life that it has lived. Apple's strength in sales has been well documented, but the latest report shows that for every $1 generated in the iTunes App Store, $0.89 is being spent in the Amazon Appstore. Looking more broadly, the numbers show that just $0.23 are generated in the Google Play halls for every $1 spent in the App Store, but that's hardly a new phenomenon; the ease of sideloading (amongst other factors) has raised complaints from Android developers for years now. Flurry's conclusion is that Google's core strength simply isn't in running a store -- something it's about to do once more with Android slates -- while both Apple and Amazon excel in doing just that. Curiously, Windows Phone and BlackBerry were left off of this report, but we're hoping to see those cats thrown in the next 'go round. After all, RIM sure seems certain that its developers are making out just fine.

Flurry's analytics: Apple's App Store revenue still leading, but Amazon Appstore close behind originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zinio finally hits the PlayBook, becomes your Berry own magazine stand

Edgar Alvarez — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:34:00 EST

Zinio's had a comfortable spot sitting on the Android and iOS stores for months, but up until now, it'd been steering clear of a certain App World. Fast forward to today and the digital magazine service is staying true to its tweet, at last making its way to that 7-inch BlackBerry slate. The PlayBook flavor brings along the usual traits, including over 5,000 mags in 33 different languages, multiple device syncing, as well as full subscriptions or à la carte issues . Early adopters have already taken the app for a spin, giving it mixed reviews, and you can do the same directly from your two-dot-oh slab or via the source link below.

Zinio finally hits the PlayBook, becomes your Berry own magazine stand originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolphin Browser arrives in BlackBerry App World, now with developer's permission

Zachary Lutz — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:56:00 EST

Everybody loves happy endings, so it's with this in mind that we bring you news of the official "sanctioned" arrival of Dolphin Browser within the BlackBerry App World. At version 7.2, this app isn't quite as fresh as its native Android counterpart -- which sits at version 7.5 in the Play Store and offers Sonar voice features -- but it still brings its webzine and gesture-driven mannerisms that many appreciate. As you may recall, this isn't the first time that the Dolphin Browser has graced the App World, but this time around, it was submitted by MoboTap -- so yeah, they know it's in there. If you happen to have a PlayBook and would like to try the alternative browser, be sure to hit up the source link.

Dolphin Browser arrives in BlackBerry App World, now with developer's permission originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is your Android app on BlackBerry App World without you knowing?

James Trew — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST

In our review of PlayBook 2.0, we were eager to check out how well Android apps worked on the platform, and one of the first we reached for was the Dolphin HD browser. Curiously enough, it turns out Dolphin's makers MoboTap had no idea their app was available via BlackBerry's App World. The discovery came after we were notified by developer Steve Troughton-Smith that Dolphin HD had been submitted to App World by white label store Handster (owned by Opera). We reached out to MoboTap who confirmed they didn't authorize any submission by Handster, with a spokesperson telling us "We do not condone Handster submitting our Dolphin Browser app to BlackBerry's App World for us and are currently working to take it down and assure Handster will not submit our app for us again. We will assess developing for BlackBerry when the time is right." Dolphin HD may be a free app, but the question remains: why is Handster submitting it without permission? Has your app been submitted to App World without your knowing?

Update: We received the following statement from Handster regarding their policy:

Handster aggregates over 8500 developers with 55.000 apps and serves them for distribution to Handster/Opera appstores, as well partner distribution network consisting of LG, Ericsson, Alcatel Lucent, MTS and number of other partners. Recently we also signed a deal on providing aggregated content for RIM.

By the Handster standard distribution agreement, we can distribute apps via our main store and our partner network. Most of the developers use this agreement. Handster serves as hub, where you can publish app and cover multiple channels. As a result, developers generate higher revenue and more downloads for their products.

Before publishing any app to new partner channel, we sent notification email to all developers, with information about the partnership. Except notification email, there is usually prior press release and about the coming partnership. We also asked if there are any objections to distribution of apps in the channels, but so far getting only positive feedbacks from the developers.

But of course you should consider that in some cases notification email is not read, or responsible person changes and doesn't notify new people at the developer company of all channels. We contacted Dolphin team to clarify the issue, and expecting soon resolution.

Our partnership with RIM opens new distribution channel to Android developers, by allowing to receive revenue stream from Blackberry devices, without additional efforts. The team established complex process on verification of apps, conversion of APK to BAR files, retesting on Playbook devices and submission integration. These processes are quite complicated for each individual developer to implement.

Continue reading Is your Android app on BlackBerry App World without you knowing?

Is your Android app on BlackBerry App World without you knowing? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New privacy policy standards agreed to by world's major app store owners

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST

The California Attorney General has struck a deal with the world's major app store operators that will see new privacy policy standards put in place. Apple, Google, Microsoft, HP, RIM and Amazon have all agreed to require any software that uses personal information to provide a privacy policy that can be viewed in the store before an app is downloaded. The agreement will bring the various markets in line with the California Online Privacy Protection Act, which requires developers provide such a policy. In addition to providing links to the relevant documents in an obvious and consistent location, the companies will have to offer a simple way for users to report devs that violate the rules. For more details about the deal check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading New privacy policy standards agreed to by world's major app store owners

New privacy policy standards agreed to by world's major app store owners originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citrix Receiver comes to PlayBook, RIM maintains enterprise credentials

James Trew — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST

RIM has always been a business thoroughbred, and this lineage continues with the release of Citrix Receiver for its PlayBook slab. Currently in beta, the remote access / virtualization tool is available via the BlackBerry App World, and boasts a smorgasbord of features sure to keep even the most tortured of Sys-Admins happy. Like? The ability to control which of your company's applications are available, multitasking, single sign-on access, and of course secure access to your enterprise systems. This ain't the first slate to offer up the service -- HP's now-defunct TouchPad had it months ago -- but at least it's keeping the enterprise happy while dodging that consumer-focused firestorm.

Citrix Receiver comes to PlayBook, RIM maintains enterprise credentials originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM officially trots out BlackBerry App World 3.0

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:39:00 EST

Better late than never, ey? RIM finally got with the program and rolled out their official version 3.0 upgrade to BlackBerry App World. The updated application portal had already been available to Beta Zone members early last month and was slated for an August 22nd debut, but apparently missed that release window. We've already seen the cosmetic improvements the Waterloo-based company's brought to the app hub, with a redesigned home screen, refreshed icons, MyWorld downloads folder and the ability to share apps via your choice of social messaging service. The service still lacks the compelling selection of rival OS app markets, but hopefully the company's renewed focus'll bring more devs to its OS club. If you're rocking a BB handset, drop us a line below and let us know your take on RIM's refresh.

RIM officially trots out BlackBerry App World 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry to run Android apps on future QNX devices?

Lydia Leavitt — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:08:00 EST

One of the biggest gripes from BlackBerry users is the lack of apps, which is why RIM hopes to boost sales by adding Android compatibility in future devices -- DroidBerry, anyone? According to Bloomberg, sources familiar with the matter say RIM may add support for Android apps on future QNX-based devices, enabling access beyond RIM's relatively limited App World. The feature is said to go live in the QNX-powered PlayBook tablet by the end of the year, but there's no word yet whether the 2012 line-up of QNX phones will get a Google-friendly makeover. Rumor has it that anyone who bought the most recent batch of BlackBerrys won't get to have a taste of Gingerbread, Honeycomb or any other mouth-watering Android flavor for that matter. Guess they'll have to settle for plain old vanilla.

BlackBerry to run Android apps on future QNX devices? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast's Xfinity app debuts on Blackberry, updated on iOS

Richard Lawler — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:30:00 EST

It may not have live TV streaming yet, but Comcast has been at the forefront of expanding the cable TV experience to phones and tablets with its Xfinity app and pushed further recently, updating the iOS version and releasing an edition for Blackberry phones. On Blackberry it brings the usual set of features, including Comcast.net email access, remote DVR scheduling and trailers for VOD selections. On iOS, v1.60 adds a "previously played" button that can return the TV to previously watched channels, or start playing VOD content on the mobile devices right where you last left off. Check the official blog for more details or just download from iTunes or Blackberry App World.

Comcast's Xfinity app debuts on Blackberry, updated on iOS originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM to unleash redesigned BlackBerry App World 3.0 on August 22nd

Billy Steele — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 02:54:00 EST

Hot on the heels of releasing its new device arsenal, RIM is prepping to roll out a brand spanking new BlackBerry App World. Scheduled to launch Monday, version 3.0 features a retooled interface for quick perusal of apps, games and themes -- if the beta release is any indication. Another added feature is the My World storage folder that keeps all of your downloads on the home screen and lets you wirelessly reinstall them should you accidentally delete one or upgrade devices. Sure, there are rumblings that the BB music service will be a part of this release, but as Reuters reported, that announcement isn't expected until early September. Although, this update would complete the new smartphone trifecta rather nicely: new device, new OS and new app store. Well done, RIM, now if you could just get your advertising in order, you'll be all set.

RIM to unleash redesigned BlackBerry App World 3.0 on August 22nd originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 02:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry Bold 9930 review

Tim Stevens — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:01:00 EST

It's been something of a long time coming, this emboldened Bold. We got our first glimpse of the thing in February, spent some quality time with it back in June, and since then have sat around eagerly awaiting its release. Now, here it is. From a distance, or at a quick glance, it looks little changed from 2008's Bold 9000. But get closer, pick it up, and the difference is astonishing.

RIM has gone to great pains to talk up this device's high-end design, its luxurious stylings, its sophisticated aesthetic. We're far from Vertu territory here, but the first time this phone hits your palm you know a lot of people spent a lot of time making it feel just right -- even if it still looks just the same. Of course, it's what's inside that counts, so join us as we find out whether the soft and hard bits beneath the surface can do the business too.

Gallery: BlackBerry Bold 9930

Continue reading BlackBerry Bold 9930 review

BlackBerry Bold 9930 review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM BlackBerry App World 3.0 beta adds home screen search, social media features

Zach Honig — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:51:00 EST

How better to celebrate your billionth download than with a brand new app store? RIM just rolled out App World 3.0 beta to its Beta Zone users, bringing with it a redesigned home screen created to "let you quickly find what BlackBerry app, game or theme you're looking for." Seems a bit overdue if you ask us, but better late than never, as the idiom goes. There are also new home screen icons for Games and BlackBerry Themes -- the store's two most popular categories. (Yes, Themes really is one of the two most popular categories... behind Games, we hope.) You can also flick between app summaries, screenshots, and reviews from one screen, and share links to your favorite apps over Twitter, Facebook, email, SMS, and BBM. You may find it difficult to get too excited about an app store update, but for those of us who use BlackBerrys despite the occasionally less-than-stellar app experience, anything RIM can do to streamline the procurement process is more than welcome.

RIM BlackBerry App World 3.0 beta adds home screen search, social media features originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World hits one billion downloads, finally

Billy Steele — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:08:00 EST

Discovered a world of possibilities lately? Someone has, as the BlackBerry App World has just soared past the one billion download mark. It took a smidge over two years for the company to claim the milestone, if you count both smartphone and PlayBook tablet purchases. Android Market took about the same amount of time to reach the mark, but has soared to greater heights since, while Apple has averaged nearly a billion downloads per month in each of the last six months. A number of factors have likely led to the relative snail's pace in the BB storefront, including the outfit's rocky relationship with developers. In what can be seen as a morale booster, the company has begun a video series that allows seasoned RIM aficionados to offer their rationale for working with the mobile OS. Perhaps this will, in theory, help expedite the milestone conquering -- only time will tell.

BlackBerry App World hits one billion downloads, finally originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nielsen: majority of US app purchases are games, iOS users play twice as long

Joe Pollicino — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:14:00 EST

Apparently, folks in the US love gaming on their mobile devices and really don't mind forking over dead presidents to do so. That's according to a recent 30-day study by Nielsen pertaining to apps across mobile platforms. The company found gaming apps to be the most popular in that period, citing that 64 percent of users played and 93 percent would pay to play. The average amount of time spent gaming was 7.8 hours, although iOS users took the award for most dedicated by nearly doubling that to 14.7 hours. Android loyalists followed with 9.3 hours of fun times, but those with BlackBerry, Windows, and "feature phones" kept things closer to business hitting under five hours each. Also notable, is that people rocking Berries and dumbphones usually opted for pre-installed games over downloads. You'll find the full breakdown by hitting the source link, and we'll get back to besting our Real Racing 2 lap times.

Continue reading Nielsen: majority of US app purchases are games, iOS users play twice as long

Nielsen: majority of US app purchases are games, iOS users play twice as long originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seesmic Twitter app drops BlackBerry support, RIM's frown sags even lower

Zach Honig — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:44:00 EST

The third-party app experience has always seemed like an afterthought for RIM. Lousy selection and a half-baked install process are just some of the issues plaguing BlackBerry owners and developers, but there's no blow stronger in the app world than when a dev drops support for a platform, after dedicating the resources necessary to bring a product to market in the first place. That's exactly what Seesmic has done with its popular social media app -- effective June 30th, the company will drop support for BlackBerry, "in order to focus development efforts on (its) most popular mobile platforms." It goes so far as to suggest that users "try out Seesmic for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone 7," which would of course mean replacing that BlackBerry with another, more app-friendly device. The move doesn't necessarily indicate that other devs will follow suit, but if jumping ship does become a trend, it could put a significant damper on RIM's future earnings, to say the least.

Seesmic Twitter app drops BlackBerry support, RIM's frown sags even lower originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry Bridge not available for PlayBook users on AT&T, unofficial workaround available

Donald Melanson — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:04:00 EST

We're not sure why this was never mentioned before the BlackBerry Playbook launch, but it looks like AT&T customers opting for RIM's new tablet won't be able to take advantage of one key feature, at least officially. For reasons yet unknown, AT&T appears to be blocking folks from downloading BlackBerry Bridge to their BlackBerry smartphones, with the speculation being that it doesn't like the free tethering the Playbook enables. As the folks at CrackBerry have discovered, however, AT&T is only blocking the Bridge app, not the actual Bridge process -- which means you can still download the app though unofficial means and Bridge your AT&T BlackBerry to your Playbook. Here's hoping AT&T figures out a workaround of its own sooner rather than later.

Update: We just heard back from AT&T, and it's looking like you'll need to have a bit of patience here as the kinks are worked out. Here's the direct quote from a company spokesperson:

AT&T is working with RIM to make the BlackBerry Bridge app available for AT&T customers. We have just received the app for testing and before it's made available to AT&T customers we want to ensure it delivers a quality experience for our customers.

BlackBerry Bridge not available for PlayBook users on AT&T, unofficial workaround available originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter for BlackBerry 1.1 sheds beta tag, blossoms into official app

Brad Molen — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:05:00 EST

My, how apps seem to grow up so fast. It wasn't too long ago that Twitter for BlackBerry 1.1 came out as a limited beta, but it's already time for the young app to leave the nest. After enduring a hard two months of beta testing, this renovation effectively adds a few new features and UI enhancements including geotag support, push notifications for mentions, hashtag autocomplete, and a groovy "pull to refresh" shortcut - much akin to the iOS and Android versions. That's not all, folks: updated graphics and support for 5 new languages were thrown in as well. If you're ready to get your tweet on and have a BlackBerry running OS 4.5 or higher, take a little journey downwards to the source and get that update.

Continue reading Twitter for BlackBerry 1.1 sheds beta tag, blossoms into official app

Twitter for BlackBerry 1.1 sheds beta tag, blossoms into official app originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM adding BBM app gifting to BlackBerry App World

Sean Hollister — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:12:00 EST

So you've got this hot new "super app" off BlackBerry App World, and want to share it with a friend? You could message them the name of the program, but that's so 2010. Soon, BlackBerry's going to have its very own "Gift This App" functionality through BBM, which will let you take advantage of that handy new carrier billing to debit the cost of the item and wing it to your recipient. RIM envisions the functionality used by parents who want to limit their children's access too, by taking full control of their purchases and subscriptions from their own remote handset. Now, we'll just sit back, relax and wait for RIM to ping us with a release date. PR after the break.

Continue reading RIM adding BBM app gifting to BlackBerry App World

RIM adding BBM app gifting to BlackBerry App World originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World 2.1 gets in-app payments, too

Nilay Patel — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:12:00 EST

Well, isn't that just an adorable quirk of corporate timing? RIM just announced that BlackBerry App World 2.1 is now live with support for in-app payments using the BlackBerry Payment Service, matching Google's similar Android Market announcement earlier today. Users should see the 2.1 update rolling out over the course of the day, and devs have had the appropriate SDK since January 5, so progs that use the service should be arriving shortly. Ah, commerce -- ain't it grand?

BlackBerry App World 2.1 gets in-app payments, too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just got a BlackBerry? The best apps, accessories, and tips

Jacob Schulman — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EST

So you just got a BlackBerry, huh? First off, welcome to the world of glorious hardware keyboards and the holy grail of mobile messaging we mortals call BBM. Once you get past the novelty of sending the obligatory "mypin" texts to everyone you know, you're probably thinking to yourself -- what now? Luckily for you we've compiled a list of our favorite apps and accessories, as well as some veteran tricks of the trade, so head past the break for a crash course in doing more than just playing BrickBreaker on a BlackBerry.

Hey Android friends, we got you covered, too! Did you get an iPad? Check out our guide here! Found an iPhone in your stocking? Read our list of must-haves!

Continue reading Just got a BlackBerry? The best apps, accessories, and tips

Just got a BlackBerry? The best apps, accessories, and tips originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM promises to soothe BlackBerry app developers' woes, says 'we're so there'

Donald Melanson — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:12:00 EST

There's no question that the BlackBerry App World hasn't been quite the runaway success RIM hoped it would be, but the company is far from ready to throw in the towel, and it's now promising some new measures to woo new developers and make the lives of current ones a bit easier. Some of those initiatives have already been rolled out -- like new payment options -- while others including a free analytics service will become available to developers in the coming weeks and months. As RIM's head of application development, Alan Brenner, explains to The Wall Street Journal, RIM has been working for the past two years to make BlackBerrys more developer friendly, and he now says that "we're so there." They may not be quite as close as they think, however, as the WSJ also spoke to a number of developers who used words like "horrible" to describe the current state of things, while leading mobile game developer PopCap Games even went so far as to say that "RIM today is not really on our radar."

RIM promises to soothe BlackBerry app developers' woes, says 'we're so there' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World crosses the 10,000 app mark

Donald Melanson — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:53:00 EST

It's been over a year since it hit 2,000 apps, but it looks like BlackBerry App World has finally hit its biggest milestone yet -- RIM has announced via Twitter that it's now "10,000 apps strong and growing." For those keeping track, that still leaves it well behind Apple's App Store and the Android Market, which by some estimates boast roughly 250,000 and 70,000 to 100,000 apps, respectively, and each of which also took less time to hit the 10,000 app mark. Even still, the fact that a smartphone platform "only" has 10,000 apps speaks quite a bit to how far we've come in just a few short years.

BlackBerry App World crosses the 10,000 app mark originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World 2.0 leaves beta, includes cheaper apps and new payment options

Paul Miller — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:45:00 EST

The latest version of BlackBerry App World is now available to all, and it includes a number of welcome additions. First off, RIM has dropped the $2.99 minimum from paid apps, so now BlackBerry developers can release $0.99 and $1.99 apps just like everybody else. It's also easier to buy those apps now, with credit card and carrier billing becoming available, and the new BlackBerry ID function lets you both perform those credit card payments and to easily move all your apps over to a new BlackBerry device when the time comes. RIM has also enacted a few new app discovery mechanisms for hunting down those "Super Apps" (BlackBerry users know what we're talking about), but it's not all gravy: the developer revenue split is down to 70 / 30 from RIM's original exception-to-the-rule 80 / 20. PR is after the break.

Continue reading BlackBerry App World 2.0 leaves beta, includes cheaper apps and new payment options

BlackBerry App World 2.0 leaves beta, includes cheaper apps and new payment options originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter for BlackBerry launches in private beta, we check it out

Joanna Stern — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:45:00 EST

Well aware that 140-character-loving BlackBerry owners don't have the largest selection of Twitter applications, RIM's given up on leaving the task to third party developers and created its own. Released today in a private beta, the app aims to take advantage of the platform's push technology and better integrate Twitter into your message lists. Sure, we'd assume if anyone is going to be able to design a killer Twitter app for Berrys, it's got to be the Waterloo bunch -- but has it managed to create something that can replace paid apps like TweetGenius, or free, feature-packed ones like SocialScope or UberTwitter? We're told it won't be available in a public beta for another month or so, but we've got your first look after the break.

Gallery: Twitter for BlackBerry launches in private beta, we check it out

Continue reading Twitter for BlackBerry launches in private beta, we check it out

Twitter for BlackBerry launches in private beta, we check it out originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World 1.1 unleashed, makes welcome improvements to store navigation

Ross Miller — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST

If you've been using your BlackBerry in the last 24 hours or so, you've probably noticed that red star plastered on the App World icon, signaling it's time for an upgrade. Yes, RIM's version of the app store has hit version 1.1, and the bulk of the update concerns better navigation options -- new categories, top downloads for free and premium apps, and the ability to sort search results by name, release date, rating, price, and developer. Outside of that, we've also got the option to now archive apps on SD card or other memory, but unfortunately there's no option to run those programs without reinstalling to internal memory. The update is available for all countries, including the recently-introduced group of ten. Full details after the break.

Continue reading BlackBerry App World 1.1 unleashed, makes welcome improvements to store navigation

Filed under: Handsets, RIM

BlackBerry App World 1.1 unleashed, makes welcome improvements to store navigation originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World 1.1 unleashed, makes welcome improvements to store navigation

Ross Miller — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST

Continue reading BlackBerry App World 1.1 unleashed, makes welcome improvements to store navigation

Filed under: Cellphones

BlackBerry App World 1.1 unleashed, makes welcome improvements to store navigation originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon to its smartphones: thou shalt have no other app store before mine

Ross Miller — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:23:00 EST

Verizon's getting very keen on entering the app store industry, but not without some rough decrees to its smartphone partners. According to GigaOm, VP Partner Management Ryan Hughes said in an interview Friday that its shop will house content from all the major platforms under one roof, with purchases being billed through the customer's Verizon account and not requiring a separate signup / credit card entry. Convenient for consumers, and devs are also being promised a more streamlined approval process and a "competitive" revenue-sharing program, but here's where things take a turn for the worse: according to Hughes, non-VZW app stores like BlackBerry App World or Windows Mobile Marketplace won't be bundled with the smartphones out of the box, meaning consumers will have to take the initiative to download those portals for themselves. An incredibly jerk move, and an extra burden on developers who'll be having to submit two approval applications if they want inclusion on Verizon's own store. Of course, that large subscriber base is the reason it can get away with it, but let's hope we hear some better justifications other than "because we can" when the full details are rolled out at the Verizon Developer Community Conference on July 28th.

Filed under: Handsets, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile, Android, BlackBerry OS

Verizon to its smartphones: thou shalt have no other app store before mine originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon to its smartphones: thou shalt have no other app store before mine

Ross Miller — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:23:00 EST

Verizon's getting very keen on entering the app store industry, but not without some rough decrees to its smartphone partners. According to GigaOm, VP Partner Management Ryan Hughes said in an interview Friday that its VZW-branded shop will house content from all the major platforms under one roof, with purchases being billed through the customer's Verizon account and not requiring a separate signup / credit card entry. Convenient for consumers, and devs are also being promised a more streamlined approval process and a "competitive" revenue-sharing program, but here's where things take a turn for the worse: according to Hughes, non-VZW app stores like BlackBerry App World or Windows Mobile Marketplace won't be bundled with the smartphones out of the box, meaning consumers will have to take the initiative to download those portals for themselves. An incredibly jerk move, and an extra burden on developers who'll be having to submit two approval applications if they want inclusion on Verizon's own store. Of course, that large subscriber base is the reason it can get away with it, but let's hope we hear some better justifications other than "because we can" when the full details are rolled out at the Verizon Developer Community Conference on July 28th.

Filed under: Cellphones

Verizon to its smartphones: thou shalt have no other app store before mine originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World launching in more countries, languages this month

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:39:00 EST

RIM is expanding the reach of its on-device software catalog -- the so-called App World -- by taking it to ten new countries by the end of this month: Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium. To accommodate the expansion, the company is also adding support for "more languages" (though it isn't saying exactly how many) including French, Italian, Spanish, and German. What's more, RIM plans on adding new software categories to make finding what you're looking for just a little bit easier and will be adding support for URLs, which -- when opened from your BlackBerry's browser -- will take you straight to an app's page in App World. No word on when the new features will launch, but RIM says it'll be firmed up "in the next few weeks."

Filed under: Software, RIM, BlackBerry OS

BlackBerry App World launching in more countries, languages this month originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World now home to 2,000 applications, RIM pretty stoked

Darren Murph — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:51:00 EST

It may have some 48,000 or so to go before it catches the runaway leader in app choice, but doubling up its catalog after launching just 3.5 months ago ain't nothing to scoff at. As RIM suffers through the traditional growing pains with its fledgling BlackBerry App World, it has managed to amass around 2,000 programs for users to love, hate or feel completely indifferent about. According to Jeff McDowell, vice president of global alliances, that number is apt to rise when it goes live in Italy, France, Germany and Spain this month. Also of note, Mr. McDowell declined to say just how many downloads had taken place, but he did note that RIM was "very happy" with the response. Unfortunately, we're not so certain that the company is eager to raise that 2,000 figure to something much higher, with ole Jeff spouting off that "[it doesn't matter] whether it's 40,000 or 2,000 [apps], you've still got a broad range of choice." We're willing to bet the public sees that a bit differently -- right, public?

[Via Electronista]

Filed under: Software, RIM, BlackBerry OS

BlackBerry App World now home to 2,000 applications, RIM pretty stoked originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World now home to 2,000 applications, RIM pretty stoked

Darren Murph — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:51:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Software

BlackBerry App World now home to 2,000 applications, RIM pretty stoked originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PrimeTime2Go brings full-length TV episodes to BlackBerry Bold, Curve 8900

Darren Murph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:41:00 EST

Ah, so the rumors were true. As BlackBerry App World descends upon the masses today, a particularly unique service is launching alongside of it: QuickPlay Media's PrimeTime2Go. Unlike options from Sprint and AT&T, this alternative delivers video only over WiFi, though this arrangement does enable it to work on all carriers. The app will bring full-length television shows to certain BlackBerry smartphones, and with deals inked with NBC, CBS and MTV, we'd say the selection should be pretty good. As for details, it'll run users $7.99 per month, though it will only operate (initially, at least) on the BlackBerry Bold and Curve 8900, sold by AT&T and T-Mobile, respectively. So, is this the break that mobile TV has been waiting for? Or is this yet another option that better get used to being shunned?

Filed under: Multimedia, Software, RIM, ATT, T-Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, BlackBerry OS

PrimeTime2Go brings full-length TV episodes to BlackBerry Bold, Curve 8900 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PrimeTime2Go brings full-length TV episodes to BlackBerry Bold, Curve 8900

Darren Murph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Video

PrimeTime2Go brings full-length TV episodes to BlackBerry Bold, Curve 8900 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World now live

Ross Miller — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:53:00 EST

As expected, the BlackBerry App World has just launched for US, Canada and the UK. If your software's updated to 4.2 and you've got a trackball / touch screen and PayPal account, head on over to RIM's website to download. Tell us, is it everything you thought it would be?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Handsets, RIM

BlackBerry App World now live originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World now live

Ross Miller — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:53:00 EST

Gallery: BlackBerry App World now live

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Cellphones

BlackBerry App World now live originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry App World to launch April 1, says BusinessWeek

Nilay Patel — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:06:00 EST

Mark your calendars, BlackBerry fans: BusinessWeek says RIM's going to launch the BlackBerry App World April 1 at CTIA. What's more, the company is apparently planning on going after Apple by courting developers with higher profit margins and the relative sophistication of the average corporate BlackBerry user, which explains that minimum $2.99 paid app price we saw a few weeks ago. An interesting move to position the new service, but we'll see if it takes hold with users -- anyone ready to blow their budget on 'berry software?

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Filed under: RIM, BlackBerry OS

BlackBerry App World to launch April 1, says BusinessWeek originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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