Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Opera Mini 7 comes to feature phones and BlackBerry, upgrade notifications in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/opera-mini-7-comes-to-feature-phones-and-blackberry/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/opera-mini-7-comes-to-feature-phones-and-blackberry/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/opera-mini-7-comes-to-feature-phones-and-blackberry/#comments Opera Mini 7 comes to feature phones and BlackBerry, upgrade notifications in tow

Opera Mini 7 has been available via the Google Play market since the end of March, but if you're still milking a feature phone for all it's worth, you haven't been able to enjoy the latest version of the mobile browser. Opera Mini 7 is now available for basic phones and BlackBerry, allowing these devices to store an unlimited number of speed dials and access the new Smart Page feature for shortcuts to favorite sites. In addition to those new features, Opera Mini 7 includes several improvements and tweaks, including upgrade notifications and the ability to close tabs with one click on touchscreen phones. Of course, the browser still promises to cut down on your device's bandwidth usage, so your flip phone can keep on chugging.

Opera Mini 7 comes to feature phones and BlackBerry, upgrade notifications in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basic phoneBasicPhoneBlackBerryblackberry phoneBlackberryPhonebrowserbrowsersfeature phonefeature phonesFeaturePhoneFeaturePhonesminipostmobile browsermobile browsersMobileBrowserMobileBrowsersoperaOpera MiniOpera Mini 7OperaMiniOperaMini7phonephonesFri, 01 Jun 2012 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Dolphin Browser arrives in BlackBerry App World, now with developer's permission]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/dolphin-browser-arrives-in-blackberry-app-world/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/dolphin-browser-arrives-in-blackberry-app-world/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/dolphin-browser-arrives-in-blackberry-app-world/#comments Dolphin Browser arrives in BlackBerry App World, this time with developer's permissionEverybody 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappapp worldappsAppWorldblackberryblackberry app worldblackberry playbookBlackberryAppWorldBlackberryPlaybookbrowserdolphindolphin browserdolphin hdDolphinBrowserDolphinHdmobotapplaybookPlayBook 2.0Playbook OS 2.0Playbook2.0PlaybookOs2.0research in motionResearchInMotionrimWed, 14 Mar 2012 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Is your Android app on BlackBerry App World without you knowing?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/is-your-android-app-on-blackberry-app-world-without-you-knowing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/is-your-android-app-on-blackberry-app-world-without-you-knowing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/is-your-android-app-on-blackberry-app-world-without-you-knowing/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappapp worldAppleappsAppWorldblackberryblackberry app worldBlackberryAppWorldbrowserdolphindolphin hdDolphinHddolphon browserDolphonBrowserhandstermobilepostcrossmobotapPlayBook 2.0Playbook2.0unauthorized submissionsUnauthorizedSubmissionsSat, 25 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Opera Mini 6.5 and Mobile 11.5 embark on data awareness mission, now available for download]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/opera-mini-6-5-and-mobile-11-5-embark-on-data-awareness-mission/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/opera-mini-6-5-and-mobile-11-5-embark-on-data-awareness-mission/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/opera-mini-6-5-and-mobile-11-5-embark-on-data-awareness-mission/#comments
Nearly three weeks after Opera Mini 6.5 graced the Android Market, it's now ready for iOS, BlackBerry, J2ME and S60 (the latter's in the form of Opera Mobile 11.5). The download, which is no different than what we saw on Google's mobile OS, brings with it an option to keep track of the amount of data you've used. This type of feature seems to be catching on all over the mobile world as more and more companies continue to switch to capped internet plans. If you're looking for this option, it appears as a dedicated page within the browser's help menu. Now is the time, Opera fans, to go forth and save data.

Opera Mini 6.5 and Mobile 11.5 embark on data awareness mission, now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbblackberrybrowserdatadata trackerdata trackingDataTrackerDataTrackingiosj2mejavamobile browserMobileBrowsermobilepostminioperaopera miniopera mini 6.5opera mobileopera mobile 11.5OperaMiniOperaMini6.5OperaMobileOperaMobile11.5research in motionResearchInMotionrims60Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Android Browser leapfrogs Opera Mini, but Safari increases its lead]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/android-browser-leapfrogs-opera-mini-but-safari-increases-its-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/android-browser-leapfrogs-opera-mini-but-safari-increases-its-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/android-browser-leapfrogs-opera-mini-but-safari-increases-its-l/#comments

Web browser warriors have some more statistical firepower to play with, now that Net Applications has released the latest usage figures for mobile browsers. Google's vaguely titled Browser has inched up from a 16.3 percent share last month to 18.7 percent, counterbalanced by Opera Mini, which declined from just under 19 percent to 13.1 percent. Similarly, both Symbian and BlackBerry's mobile browsers dropped a few percentage points, down to 2.6 and 2.4 percent respectively. While rumors of a mobile-friendly version of Chrome continue to bounce around, there remains a substantial gap between second-place Android and the current mobile browser boss, Apple's Safari, which has now extended its dominance from 55.6 percent to 62.2 percent. The battle of the browsers wages on.

Android Browser leapfrogs Opera Mini, but Safari increases its lead originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android browserAndroidBrowserblackberrybrowserbrowser usage shareBrowserUsageShareinternetinternet browserInternetBrowsermobile browsermobile web browserMobileBrowsermobilepostminiMobileWebBrowseropera miniOperaMinisafarisymbianweb browserWebBrowserWed, 02 Nov 2011 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing Mobile updated, news and maps get minor facelifts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/bing-mobile-updated-news-and-maps-get-minor-facelifts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/bing-mobile-updated-news-and-maps-get-minor-facelifts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/bing-mobile-updated-news-and-maps-get-minor-facelifts/#comments How can you "be what's next" without having what's next on your phone? Bing is here to help you fulfill its tagline by updating its mobile site for any device that runs HTML5. If the update had a highlight reel to show off the newest features, here's what would be on it: a carousel-like interface in the news section that lets you swipe your finger left or right to switch to other categories; maps that show directions together in split-screen format; a search history complete with trending topics; and the ability to share images and links on Facebook. The new enhancements are now available to iOS, Android, and BlackBerry, so it's an easy jaunt over to your browser to check it out. Or, if you're reading this on your phone, give the ol' More Coverage link a quick tap.

Bing Mobile updated, news and maps get minor facelifts originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplebingbing mapsbing mobilebing searchBingMapsBingMobileBingSearchblackberrybrowsergoogleiOSipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmapsmicrosoftmobilemobile browsermobile safariMobileBrowserMobileSafarinewsrefreshRIMsafarisearchsearch engineSearchEngineupdateupdatesSat, 11 Jun 2011 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Bold 9900 / 9930 shipping with magnetometer-friendly augmented reality app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/blackberry-bold-9900-9930-shipping-with-magnetometer-friendly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/blackberry-bold-9900-9930-shipping-with-magnetometer-friendly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/blackberry-bold-9900-9930-shipping-with-magnetometer-friendly/#comments Sick of all of the RIM news coming out around this week's BlackBerry World in Orlando? Good news, neither are we. If you were still on the fence about the Bold 9900 and 9930, here's something that might sway you back onto Research in Motion's side of the Canadian border. It seems the magnetometer-packing smartphones will ship with World Browser, an app from augmented reality purveyors Wikitude that overlays geo-referenced information from Twitter and Facebook on top of live video shot by the phones. This isn't the first time we've seen the app, of course -- it's also available for iOS, Android, and Symbian devices, which certainly doesn't do much to dispel the notion that the company is still playing catch up with the competition. Perhaps the phones could use a little reality distortion as well.

Continue reading BlackBerry Bold 9900 / 9930 shipping with magnetometer-friendly augmented reality app

BlackBerry Bold 9900 / 9930 shipping with magnetometer-friendly augmented reality app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmentedaugmented realityaugmented reality appAugmentedRealityAugmentedRealityAppblackberryBlackberry 9300Blackberry 9900blackberry appsBlackberry9300Blackberry9900BlackberryAppsbrowsermapsmobileworld browserWorldBrowserWed, 04 May 2011 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Opera delivers new Mini, Mobile browsers with pinch-to-zoom and shows off one for TVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/opera-delivers-new-mini-mobile-browsers-with-pinch-to-zoom-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/opera-delivers-new-mini-mobile-browsers-with-pinch-to-zoom-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/opera-delivers-new-mini-mobile-browsers-with-pinch-to-zoom-and/#comments
Web browser maker Opera is staying busy, unleashing several new versions of its product upon the populace today. Both of its on the go browsers have been updated with modern technology like pinch-to-zoom, sharing to other apps, improved scrolling and new tablet-friendly interfaces, while its also ready to show off a new version for set-top boxes and updating tools to help developers create apps for Opera-powered TVs. In case you need a scorecard, Opera Mini 6 (available for J2ME, Android, Blackberry, Symbian/S60) compresses pages before downloading them and Opera Mobile 11 (for Android, Symbian, Windows 7, MeeGo, Maemo) promises the entire web for those on high speed connections like WiFi, explaining the platform crossover. Peep the demo above or press releases after the break if you're still not sure what pinch-to-zoom means in or just point your mobile browser to m.opera.com and download the latest version for your device -- iOS need not apply at this time.

Gallery: Opera Mobile 11 & Opera Mini 6 screenshots

Continue reading Opera delivers new Mini, Mobile browsers with pinch-to-zoom and shows off one for TVs

Opera delivers new Mini, Mobile browsers with pinch-to-zoom and shows off one for TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberrybrowsercdkdvbgooglehbbtvhoneycombiptv world forumIptvWorldForumj2memaemomeegooperaopera miniopera mini 6opera mobileopera mobile 11OperaMiniOperaMini6OperaMobileOperaMobile11pinch to zoompinch-to-zoomPinchToZoomrims60set-top boxesSet-topBoxessymbiantabletvideoxoomTue, 22 Mar 2011 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM issues PSA following Pwn2Own exploit: turn off JavaScript on your BlackBerry]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/rim-issues-psa-following-pwn2own-exploit-turn-off-javascript-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/rim-issues-psa-following-pwn2own-exploit-turn-off-javascript-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/rim-issues-psa-following-pwn2own-exploit-turn-off-javascript-on/#comments It's not just desktop web browsers getting hacked at this year's Pwn2Own challenge -- mobile browsers have also been targeted for vulnerabilities, and a fairly big one has now been found in RIM's browser for BlackBerry OS 6. Apparently, there's a JavaScript-related bug that could let a "maliciously designed" website gain access to data stored on both the phone's media card and built-in storage, but not data stored in the storage portion for applications (such as email or contact information). For its part, RIM says that it hasn't actually seen any evidence of anyone exploiting the vulnerability, but it's nonetheless urging folks to disable JavaScript on affected devices, and it's now busy providing IT departments everywhere with guidelines on how to do so. If that proves to be complicated, it's suggesting that you simply disable the BlackBerry Browser altogether until it can be patched.

RIM issues PSA following Pwn2Own exploit: turn off JavaScript on your BlackBerry originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry browserblackberry os 6BlackberryBrowserBlackberryOs6browserhackpwn2ownvulnerabilityweb browserWebBrowserWed, 16 Mar 2011 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry 6's WebKit-based browser bests the competition in a good 'ol standards showdown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/blackberry-6s-webkit-based-browser-bests-the-competition-in-a-g/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/blackberry-6s-webkit-based-browser-bests-the-competition-in-a-g/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/blackberry-6s-webkit-based-browser-bests-the-competition-in-a-g/#commentsBlackBerry 6's WebKit-based browser bests the competition in a good 'ol speed showdown It's been almost a year since RIM picked up Torch Mobile and locked its newly acquired division in a closet, telling those coders to not come out until BlackBerry had a world-class browser. Early tests from Salomondrin, the self-described "007 of the Phone World," indicates that those tired engineers can now finally go home and get some sleep. The new WebKit-based browser, a part of BlackBerry OS 6.0, managed a score of 208 on the Acid HTML5 tests, measuring browser compliance and performance. Meanwhile the iPhone 4 scored 185 and HTC's Incredible pulled down 151. Mind you, benchmark performance doesn't always equate to real-world browser responsiveness, but regardless this is good news for CrackBerry addicts. The only question now is: when will they get their fix?

Update: The browsers were run through a suite of tests, and the above scores were actually from The HTML5 Test!

BlackBerry 6's WebKit-based browser bests the competition in a good 'ol standards showdown originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acidacid testAcidTestblackberryblackberry osblackberry os 6.0BlackberryOsBlackberryOs6.0browserrimweb browserWebBrowserwebkitTue, 20 Jul 2010 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM demos new WebKit-based BlackBerry browser at MWC -- it's fast!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/rim-demos-new-webkit-based-blackberry-browser-at-mwc-its-fas/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/rim-demos-new-webkit-based-blackberry-browser-at-mwc-its-fas/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/rim-demos-new-webkit-based-blackberry-browser-at-mwc-its-fas/#comments We weren't expecting much out of RIM's presser here at MWC this morning, but the company managed to bust out one surprise -- a demo of the company's new WebKit-based BlackBerry browser. We're assuming this is what came out of that Torch Mobile acquisition, and the early build shown off on-screen looks pretty solid, rendering Amazon.com quickly and scoring a full 100/100 on the Acid3 test. Unfortunately, there's no word on when BlackBerry users will actually be able to get their hands on this, but rest assured we're digging for more info. Video after the break.

Continue reading RIM demos new WebKit-based BlackBerry browser at MWC -- it's fast!

RIM demos new WebKit-based BlackBerry browser at MWC -- it's fast! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrybrowsermwcmwc 2010Mwc2010rimwebkitwebkit browserWebkitBrowserTue, 16 Feb 2010 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM patent app will have you barely browsing the web at incredible speeds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/rim-patent-app-will-have-you-barely-browsing-the-web-at-incredib/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/rim-patent-app-will-have-you-barely-browsing-the-web-at-incredib/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/rim-patent-app-will-have-you-barely-browsing-the-web-at-incredib/#commentsLet's not mince words: any way you slice it, RIM's built-in browser for BlackBerry renders sites about as well as your $199 netbook renders Avatar. The good news is that we've got every reason to believe the company recognizes the problem and is working to solve it -- but on a completely unrelated front, they're trying to speed up the process of fetching raw data off the interwebs, too. In a patent app made public this month, RIM's lab geeks describe setting up a proxy server right on the phone that would intercept the browser's web requests and bundle, compress, and send them to a gateway on the other end (BIS, we presume) that would know how to deal with the packet. Likewise, compressed data would be sent back to the proxy, which would expand and deliver standard HTTP to the browser, just as it would normally expect. The proxy component would have other tricks up its sleeve, too, like automatically downloading and caching images in an HTML stream so that they're ready when the browser wants them. In practice, really, it'll make no difference to the end user whether all this magic is accomplished in a proxy or the browser itself -- as long as we get some thoroughly-reworked rendering capability to go along with it, of course.

[Thanks, Anand]

RIM patent app will have you barely browsing the web at incredible speeds originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrybrowserbrowsingpatentproxyproxy serverProxyServerrimwebweb browsingWebBrowsingMon, 18 Jan 2010 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM posts job listing for 'WebKit Developer,' gets one step closer to a real browser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/rim-posts-job-listing-for-webkit-developer-gets-one-step-clos/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/rim-posts-job-listing-for-webkit-developer-gets-one-step-clos/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/rim-posts-job-listing-for-webkit-developer-gets-one-step-clos/#commentsNeeded some more evidence that future BlackBerrys may be getting a much needed improvement in the browser department? You got it. Following up on the news that Research In Motion has acquired Torch Mobile (developers of the WebKit-based Iris browser), the Candian phonemaker is now looking to fill the position of "WebKit Developer," according to a job listing. The posting calls for a number of skills which would come in handy whilst creating a next-gen browser for the BlackBerry OS, clearly calling for someone with hands-on experience coding... WebKit style. Look, if you love Canada and hate the BlackBerry browser, here's your chance to make the world a better place. What are you waiting for?

[Thanks, Daniel M]

Filed under:

RIM posts job listing for 'WebKit Developer,' gets one step closer to a real browser originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerrybrowserbrowsersjob listingjob postingJobListingJobPostingjobsmobileResearch In MotionResearchInMotionrimwebkitwebkit developerWebkitDeveloperSun, 01 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM posts job listing for 'WebKit Developer,' gets one step closer to a real browser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/rim-posts-job-listing-for-webkit-developer-gets-one-step-clos/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/rim-posts-job-listing-for-webkit-developer-gets-one-step-clos/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/rim-posts-job-listing-for-webkit-developer-gets-one-step-clos/#commentsNeeded some more evidence that future BlackBerrys may be getting a much needed improvement in the browser department? You got it. Following up on the news that Research In Motion has acquired Torch Mobile (developers of the WebKit-based Iris browser), the Candian phonemaker is now looking to fill the position of "WebKit Developer," according to a job listing. The posting calls for a number of skills which would come in handy whilst creating a next-gen browser for the BlackBerry OS, clearly calling for someone with hands-on experience coding... WebKit style. Look, if you love Canada and hate the BlackBerry browser, here's your chance to make the world a better place. What are you waiting for?

[Thanks, Daniel M]

Filed under:

RIM posts job listing for 'WebKit Developer,' gets one step closer to a real browser originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerrybrowserbrowsersjob listingjob postingJobListingJobPostingjobsResearch In MotionResearchInMotionrimwebkitwebkit developerWebkitDeveloperSun, 01 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM buys Torch Mobile, BlackBerrys might finally get a decent browser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/rim-buys-torch-mobile-blackberrys-might-finally-get-a-decent-br/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/rim-buys-torch-mobile-blackberrys-might-finally-get-a-decent-br/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/rim-buys-torch-mobile-blackberrys-might-finally-get-a-decent-br/#comments The default BlackBerry browser has long been laughably sad, but it looks like things are about to get better: RIM's just acquired Torch Mobile, the developers behind the Iris mobile browser. If you'll recall, Iris is a well-received WebKit-based browser for Windows Mobile that offers tabbed browsing, touch, and a skinnable UI -- and we hear it does a pretty good job rendering pages as well. Of course, since it's Windows Mobile-only at the moment it'll be a while before BlackBerry fans actually see any results from this acquisition, but it's nice to see RIM taking some big steps to address what's become a major shortfall with the platform -- and hey, maybe that extra time is what it'll take to add the promised full Flash and Silverlight support to the system. Yep, lots of solid potential here -- now if only RIM would build in proper IMAP support, we'd be all set.

[Via MobileTechWorld, thanks Ike]

Filed under: ,

RIM buys Torch Mobile, BlackBerrys might finally get a decent browser originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionblackberrybrowserbuyoutflashirismobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsilverlighttorch mobileTorchMobilewebkitMon, 24 Aug 2009 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM buys Torch Mobile, BlackBerrys might finally get a decent browser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/rim-buys-torch-mobile-blackberrys-might-finally-get-a-decent-br/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/rim-buys-torch-mobile-blackberrys-might-finally-get-a-decent-br/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/rim-buys-torch-mobile-blackberrys-might-finally-get-a-decent-br/#comments The default BlackBerry browser has long been laughably sad, but it looks like things are about to get better: RIM's just acquired Torch Mobile, the developers behind the Iris mobile browser. If you'll recall, Iris is a well-received WebKit-based browser for Windows Mobile that offers tabbed browsing, touch, and a skinnable UI -- and we hear it does a pretty good job rendering pages as well. Of course, since it's Windows Mobile-only at the moment it'll be a while before BlackBerry fans actually see any results from this acquisition, but it's nice to see RIM taking some big steps to address what's become a major shortfall with the platform -- and hey, maybe that extra time is what it'll take to add the promised full Flash and Silverlight support to the system. Yep, lots of solid potential here -- now if only RIM would build in proper IMAP support, we'd be all set.

[Via MobileTechWorld, thanks Ike]

Filed under:

RIM buys Torch Mobile, BlackBerrys might finally get a decent browser originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionblackberrybrowserbuyoutflashirisrimsilverlighttorch mobileTorchMobilewebkitMon, 24 Aug 2009 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry browser to get full Flash and Silverlight support?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/blackberry-browser-to-get-full-flash-and-silverlight-support/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/blackberry-browser-to-get-full-flash-and-silverlight-support/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/blackberry-browser-to-get-full-flash-and-silverlight-support/#comments Sounds like RIM's trying to do more than just bring the woeful BlackBerry browser up to par with the competition -- Boy Genius Report says Waterloo's trying to leap way out in front by building in full Flash and Silverlight support. BGR says it'll be full Flash, not Flash Lite or the Open Screen Project's mobile Flash 10 implementation, but don't get too excited: it'll be next summer before RIM ships devices fast enough to handle it, and even then things may be delayed since they'll need HSPA or LTE data speeds to pull it off. Hey, maybe in the meantime all those engineers could maybe work on things like properly rendering a text page? Just an idea.

Filed under: , ,

BlackBerry browser to get full Flash and Silverlight support? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeblackberrybrowserflashflash liteFlashLitehspaltemobileopen screen projectOpenScreenProjectresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsilverlightWed, 19 Aug 2009 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry browser to get full Flash and Silverlight support?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/blackberry-browser-to-get-full-flash-and-silverlight-support/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/blackberry-browser-to-get-full-flash-and-silverlight-support/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/blackberry-browser-to-get-full-flash-and-silverlight-support/#comments Sounds like RIM's trying to do more than just bring the woeful BlackBerry browser up to par with the competition -- Boy Genius Report says Waterloo's trying to leap way out in front by building in full Flash and Silverlight support. BGR says it'll be full Flash, not Flash Lite or the Open Screen Project's mobile Flash 10 implementation, but don't get too excited: it'll be next summer before RIM ships devices fast enough to handle it, and even then things may be delayed since they'll need HSPA or LTE data speeds to pull it off. Hey, maybe in the meantime all those engineers could maybe work on things like properly rendering a text page? Just an idea.

Filed under:

BlackBerry browser to get full Flash and Silverlight support? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeblackberrybrowserflashflash liteFlashLitehspalteopen screen projectOpenScreenProjectrimsilverlightWed, 19 Aug 2009 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyfire for BlackBerry reaches private beta, BlackBerry browsing a little closer to not sucking (updated: nope, still alpha)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/skyfire-for-blackberry-reaches-private-beta-blackberry-browsing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/skyfire-for-blackberry-reaches-private-beta-blackberry-browsing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/skyfire-for-blackberry-reaches-private-beta-blackberry-browsing/#comments
Still no word on when we might get our hands on a public release, but for now, MobileBurn reports that the invite-only users of Skyfire's browser for BlackBerry have been upgraded from alpha to beta builds. Web browsing has historically been a gravely weak spot in RIM's arsenal, so Skyfire's development for the platform is being met with considerable interest -- especially in light of how well-received its builds on Windows Mobile (pictured) and Symbian have been. Anyhow, the beta bump puts us one step closer to corporate browsing nirvana, but there's still no word on exactly when the unleashing might happen.

Update: We've just been tossed an update from a Skyfire spokesperson who has told us that this is actually just another alpha build we're talking about -- not a true beta. Unfortunately, we're thinking that means we're even further out from broad availability.

Filed under: , ,

Skyfire for BlackBerry reaches private beta, BlackBerry browsing a little closer to not sucking (updated: nope, still alpha) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry osblackberryosbrowsermobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimskyfirewebweb browserWebBrowserMon, 13 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Bold's internet browser gets toyed with]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/24/blackberry-bolds-internet-browser-gets-toyed-with/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/24/blackberry-bolds-internet-browser-gets-toyed-with/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/24/blackberry-bolds-internet-browser-gets-toyed-with/#comments
Look, we know how it is. Waiting, twiddling those thumbs for John Mayer's moment to become one that you too can experience. Thankfully, the Boy Genius has caved to requests to show off what exactly the Bold's browser can do, a point of interest for many, we're certain. There are even a few comparison shots to Mobile Safari just for reference. Overall, things don't look too bad from photographs alone, but hit up the read link to form your own opinion.

Filed under: , , , , ,

BlackBerry Bold's internet browser gets toyed with originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9000blackberryboldbrowseredgegsmhsdpamobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimumtswalkthroughThu, 24 Jul 2008 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Streamlined Opera Mini browser headed to BlackBerry and Treo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/28/streamlined-opera-mini-browser-headed-to-blackberry-and-treo/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/28/streamlined-opera-mini-browser-headed-to-blackberry-and-treo/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/28/streamlined-opera-mini-browser-headed-to-blackberry-and-treo/#commentsWhile Firefox is still basting in its 2.0 goodness, Opera is doing its own thang to amp up popularity. Besides being the browser-of-choice on Nintendo's forthcoming Wii, the tried and true Opera Mini browser is streamlining itself for use on BlackBerry and Treo handhelds. Unlike other browsers, this revamped version "downloads websites after they've been passed through Opera's servers, where they're compressed to download more quickly." Opera's technology -- while not substantially different in nature than renditions from Ascentive and Propel -- has been dubbed "Small Screen Rendering," and can even change the colors of backgrounds and text to improve visibility on mobile displays. The auto-compression features should trim download times and save on kilobyte usage (should you not already have an unlimited data plan), which can be particularly helpful for sites (unlike this one) that aren't tailored to fit your cellphone's display automatically. So, scurry on and hit the read link to give Opera's latest gig a try, cool?

[Via Yahoo]

Filed under: , , ,

Streamlined Opera Mini browser headed to BlackBerry and Treo originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Oct 2006 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrybrowserminimobileoperaopera miniOperaMinipalmPDAresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsmartphonetreoSat, 28 Oct 2006 19:03:00 EST