Tag Archives: blackberry 10

BlackBerry Strikes a Deal with Amazon, Gains Access to 200K Android Apps

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BlackBerry Amazon AppStore

On the principle “Can’t beat them? Join them!” BlackBerry announced today that it’s partnering with Amazon to provide BlackBerry 10 users access to the e-tailer’s AppStore.

BlackBerry World won’t disappear as the result of this collaboration, even though this app ecosystem has been criticized for having only a few popular apps, while hosting a plethora of low-value ones. Instead, Amazon’s AppStore will merely be complementary. The Android compatibility layer has been rolled out in January, but until now, BlackBerry 10 users didn’t really have access to Android apps. Things will definitely get a different turn now that the AppStore opened its doors now, thus providing access to more than 200,000 Android apps.

On its blog, BlackBerry pointed out that its customers will now have access to previously unavailable apps: “You will be able to access popular apps such as Groupon, Netflix, Pinterest, Candy Crush Saga and Minecraft. We’re excited to be working with Amazon to deliver the apps and content that you’ve been looking for. It’s an exciting new day for BlackBerry 10 device owners.”

The Canadian company brought to public attention the fact that it will shut down the music and video sections of BlackBerry World on July 21. It may be too soon to tell, but BlackBerry might also be working on another deal regarding the streaming services of the Seattle-based e-tailer. For the time being, however, BlackBerry 10 users are offered the opportunity to access music and video services through third-party apps available on Amazon AppStore: “In addition to the greater selection of apps, you will be able to access video and music services through a number of popular third party services available through the Amazon Appstore and BlackBerry World.”

Many regard BlackBerry’s partnership with Amazon as a safety net for the Canadian firm. After all, it did seem like BlackBerry will go bankrupt, and a poor app ecosystem could’ve only made things worse. Thankfully, the company realized that there’s an exit out of this situation, and turned its attention to Google’s mobile operating system. While using Android exclusively would’ve caused some BlackBerry users to look elsewhere for what they need (the Canadian company gained fame for its encrypted communication protocols), but providing some sort of emulation might be just enough for keeping everyone happy. This recent deal with Amazon will hopefully help BlackBerry to get on the right track, again.

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Update to BB10 Puts Blackberry Back in the Game

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Blackberry is still at it.  Despite plummeting stock price and massive slashes to their labor force, Blackberry is still pushing forward with a big BB10 update.

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It’s been a tough year for Blackberry.  Despite the hyped launch of Blackberry 10 and its flagship Z10 device on January 30th 2013, Blackberry spent most of the remainder of 2013 issuing large layoffs and surviving rumors of bankruptcy.  Blackberry stock has seen a slight uptick for 2014, but the former smartphone juggernaut is still only a shadow of its former self.

Despite generally positive reviews, BB10 never caught on with consumers and many organizations are sun-setting their Blackberry services in favor of other platforms.  The software itself was fine, and actually appreciated for its gesture based innovation and unique design, but the mobile OS didn’t have a leg to stand on when it came to app support when compared to iPhone, Android, or even Windows Phone.

Well, all that has changed with version 10.2.1.  Many of the changes are very iterative, such as the addition of actionable notifications on the lock screen and changes to the Blackberry hub to allow the sorting of messages as well as provide support for group email and SMS, but the real gem of this update is nearly full, seamless, support for Android app installation.

Android apps were previously available for Blackberry 10, but it was not a simple process and not all apps were supported.  The Verge is reporting that after the update to 10.2.1, they are able install Instagram—an app that traditionally doesn’t function properly for Blackberry—and the only apps they have any noticeable issues with were Google developed apps (likely due to the baked in Google play services functionality for Android).

This is a major step forward for Blackberry and may put them back in the game.  There is very little chance they will ever return to their former glory with Apple having stolen and secured that top spot, but this provides them a strong foothold to stop the sliding and maybe even begin regaining prominence in the market.

They aren’t out of the woods yet, though.  2014 may very well be a make or break year for the shrunken titan, but Blackberry is back on its feet for the time being, so hopefully we will see some good things from them this year.

Source: The Verge

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T-Mobile dropping BB10 devices from brick-and-mortar stores

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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.

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Via: Daily Tech

Evernote releases native app for BlackBerry 10

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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.

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Via: CrackBerry

Source: BlackBerry World

Facebook app update brings Chat, quicker scrolling and more to BlackBerry 10

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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.

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Source: BlackBerry Blog, BlackBerry Appworld

BlackBerry PlayBook Tablets will Not Get BlackBerry 10 OS

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A bad news for all BlackBerry lovers and specially for Playbook fans. Now BlackBerry is not going to update its PlayBook tablets with BB10 OS. RIM CEO, Thorsten Heins, has taken back his earlier...

Foursquare’s BlackBerry 10 app updated to add features that iOS users already enjoy

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Foursquare's BlackBerry 10 app updated to add features that iOS users already enjoy

Heads-up, BB10 users -- checking in just got a little less second-class. Foursquare has today issued an update to its BlackBerry 10 app that effectively brings it closer in line with the version already available for iOS users. For starters, there's a more compact Explore screen, and your friends can now be tagged in check-ins and comments. For big spenders (or frugal ones, we guess), Visa and MasterCard specials can now be taken advantage of by Z10 users. Per usual, it also ironed out a few miscellaneous bugs along the way, and you can get your update in the source link below.

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Via: About Foursquare

Source: BlackBerry World

RIM Becomes BlackBerry As BlackBerry 10 Launches

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Yesterday was a big day for RIM. The company officially changed its name the BlackBerry, which honestly makes much more sense than RIM. That name change took effect immediately and the company also...

The Engadget Mobile Podcast: BlackBerry 10 edition, live at 4pm ET!

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The Engadget Mobile Podcast BlackBerry 10 edition, live at TKTKpm!

We're not saying that the entire podcast will dedicated to today's launch of BlackBerry 10, but let's face it -- that's the news of the week, and there's a lot to talk about. We're hoping to be joined by some special guests as we discuss the new phones and what it means for the future of RIM. Regardless of who joins us, however, it's going to be a great podcast, so make sure to tune in!

January 30, 2013 4:00 PM EST

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