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PSA: BlackBerry 10 doesn't need a special data plan
With BlackBerry 10 devices wending their way into the hands of patient fans, there's been some uncertainty as to just what service plans customers need to reach the new platform's full potential. The short answer, after confirmations at CrackBerry: just about any of them. Unlike older BlackBerrys, the Z10 and future models don't require tiers with BlackBerry Internet Service or BlackBerry Enterprise Server support in order to work their push messaging magic. Those migrating from a regular BlackBerry plan won't have to worry about switching, though. The lone exceptions are subscribers who have barebones, social-only plans where BIS serves as the filter. While the switch could lead to price hikes for those cost-conscious users, it's otherwise good news for BlackBerry devotees who've wanted the same choice in service as the rest of their smartphone-owning peers.
PlayBook OS version 2.0 leaked: is RIM really sacking BES?
This one comes with a health warning: even if the leaked screenshot above is legit, it's easy to over-interpret. Nevertheless, it purports to show the account setup page from BlackBerry Tablet OS 2.0 and it distinctly lacks any option to sync with BlackBerry Enterprise Server or Internet Service. Instead, you're able to configure Exchange/Active Sync, IMAP, POP, CalDAV and CardDAV accounts, which suggests that RIM is switching to the same integrated email, contacts and calendar solutions as everyone else. Of course, it could be that the BES/BIS simply isn't enabled on this particular device, or that it'll be added in a later version of the OS. Then again, we can't help but recall those Colt rumors which also hinted that RIM's in-house service would be incompatible with QNX. Another juicy tidbit: a second screen shot after the break reveals a green robot icon in the far left. So, even if its Android integration has been delayed, at least it hasn't been forgotten.
BlackBerry Internet Service 4.1 coming October 8th, priming inboxes for the greater good?
To some it's just a point release, but to others it's much, much more. If the leaked documentation gathered by N4BB.com is correct, the 4.1 release of BlackBerry Internet Service is coming down the pike, due abroad on September 10th and in the US October 8th. As any BB aficionado would expect it brings a suite of improvements, bumping the maximum attachment size to eight megabytes, enhancing some security measures, and adding a delicious-sounding new feature called inbox priming. With this, the first 20 messages of a newly added account will be downloaded immediately, "instantly providing users with the reassurance that their email is setup and working." Suffering a bit of additional hypertension while waiting to see if those first few missives sync correctly? Your diuretic might just be inbound.
BlackBerry email down / delayed in North America (update)
Gonna be a long day for BlackBerry users: RIM's confirmed to multiple outlets that its BIS servers are acting up and that email services are being delayed -- and we're actually hearing that they're just down, period. BlackBerry Messenger still works, though, so you can still BBM your BFF or whatever the kids do nowadays. No word on service restoration, but we'll update you when we find out. P.S.- That's two months in a row with significant BIS problems -- what's up with that, RIM? Update: ... and we're back! [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
BlackBerry Internet Service stricken with global outages?
Looks like BlackBerry Internet Services is having a rough night, with a number of sites reporting it being down not just in North America, but also elsewhere around the world. A handful of tipsters have expressed similar issues, and though we've had some weirdness with our service tonight, it seems to be working well enough. So tell us, how's BIS doing for you tonight?
Enhanced Gmail Plug-in for BlackBerrys arrives, but only syncs one way
Lackluster Gmail support has been a real pain point for BlackBerry users, and we've really been hoping that this new "Enhanced Gmail Plug-in" would solve all that. It's out as of today, and we've certainly gotten some improvements, like support for archiving messages, marking spam and managing labels / stars. Unfortunately, these new management features are only live synced one way, from the phone to the Gmail server, so many of the actions that take place desktop side won't be reflected on the phone once that particular message has been picked up by the BlackBerry Internet Service. There's also the small problem of installing the thing: we haven't been successful so far on two different BlackBerries, and you have to make sure to uninstall the existing Gmail Plug-in. Meanwhile, in BlackBerry Enterprise Server land, the Google Apps Connector has now gone live, which means Google Apps users get push Gmail and what seems to be much tighter Exchange-style syncing. Let us know if you get either of these things working with your particular setup. [Via Boy Genius Report] Read - Enhanced Gmail Plug-in now available Read - Google Apps Connector for BES now available
Indosat launches BlackBerry On Demand prepaid option
Indosat customers (or folks traveling through Indonesia) may be interested to know that the carrier has teamed with RIM to launch "BlackBerry On Demand," a prepaid option for fetching BlackBerry Internet Service in the country without a multi-year contract. Available in 7-day and 30-day packages, the on demand service is available to customers with prepaid and postpaid voice plans, though there's no word on pricing just yet.
NTT DoCoMo launching BlackBerry Internet Service
A full 25 months after we first heard that NTT DoCoMo was bringing BlackBerry to Japan, the carrier is just now getting around to announcing the launch of BlackBerry Internet Service. Of note, the provider still expects you folks over there to use that trusty (and rusty) 8707h to keep tabs with your corporate email, but at least you'll have bona fide BIS! Anywho, the service will run users ¥3,045 ($29) per month on top of the standard FOMA charges, and in case you're hungry for more, a BlackBerry Data Transmission Package will see the light in September and enable subscribers to "transmit up to 80,000 packets of data per month for a flat charge of ¥1,680 ($16). For those curious, extra data beyond that will run your bill up at the rate of ¥0.0525 ($.00049) per packet.
