Aug 26

8 Fun Features on Blackberry 6 OS

By alexngross Cell Phone Reviews, Interesting Phone Stuff No Comments »

RIM’s Blackberry smart phones have been pushed around long enough. The capabilities of market giants like Droid and iPhone are gathering appeal at a steady rate across the board and this is pulling customers away left and right. Every piece of technology from MP3 players to Computers are now being shrunken down to pocket-sized devices and there are a lot to choose from. Certain phones are big for those interested in games and media, but others try to hit the social networking niche.

Blackberry has just released its latest operating system for its new devices and, well, let’s just say they’re doing everything they possibly can to keep up. Here are 8 key features of the new OS 6.

1. Universal Search–Much like the iPhone‘s Spotlight search system, a visit to the “Address Book” is no longer necessary. Simply type in a name and the new OS will gather results from your Phone Book, Media, Apps, etc.

2. Enhanced Playback–Album Art and Info can now be viewed on an interactive media carousel to flick casually through albums and navigate in a more fluid manner (rather than point and click from endless lists).

3. Social Networking Feeds–Are you such a hardcore networking fiend that it becomes a hassle going back and forth to Twitter, Facebook, and whatever else you use? The Blackberry 6 fixes that with a a social activity generator that will merge Facebook and Twitter with your Events and Calendar to make for easy planning, communicating, and invitations.

4. RSS Feeds–Blog rolls and web feeds become as easy as a flick of the finger. Simply key in the web address you’d like to follow and choose your favorite feeds. It’s all right there with no data entry or tedious searching.

5.Visual/Fluid Interface–The interface for the new OS may just be the most appealing part. Utilizing floating tiles and optimal screen space, the new interface keeps all interactivity feel fluid and organic.

6. Blackberry Messenger–Yes, Blackberry Messenger has always been a feature that many people can take or leave, but Blackberry 6 takes it up a notch to create a clear and sharp interface with multiple media options. Definitely a must have for communicating with other Blackberry users quickly and effectively.

7.Simultaneous Postings–There are plenty of extra apps and computer programs that do this job fairly well, but Blackberry 6 OS takes care of all posting for you. One status update may (if you wish) update every social networking app that you use–a nifty, time-saving trick.

8. Awesome Web Browser (finally)–Yes, it’s been a long time coming, but finally the Blackberry got its hands on a usable web browser that doesn’t only serve to generate headaches. This browser actually feels like a real internet experience, featuring easy magnification and multiple tabs.

There’s plenty more to know about the new operating system, but these are by-far the coolest. And remember, if you’re in the market for a refurbished Smart Phone, come check us out over at TheBlueDot.net. And if you’re looking to upgrade to a newer model, or just have unused phones lying around your house, trade them in for CASH ($$$) with TheBlueDot!

__Alex

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May 18

What’s Next for the Blackberry Phones?

By alexngross Phones In The News No Comments »

If you haven’t been keeping up to date on the latest Blackberry Phone news, let me get you in on the secret: Blackberry has recently been teasing its Blackberry 6 operating system (which is set to premiere in the third quarter of this year) and it’s getting a lot of smart phone users excited.

Many believe the current Blackberry Operating System (OS) to be efficient but obsolete and “ugly.”

The sneak peek at the new Blackberry layout served not to educate the consumer, but to excite the nerd in all of us. While not much is known about the sleek new OS yet, one thing is abundantly clear: the Blackberry is jealous. The first quarter of 2010 has been very kind to the Blackberry; however, its OS design has caused many to choose the iPhone or Android phones instead.

But what do you think? Check out the new promo vid here (and try to ignore the Black Eyed Peas–they’re everywhere, aren’t they?)

–Alex G.

(TheBlueDot.net)

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May 11

Google’s Android in favor of iPhone

By alexngross Interesting Phone Stuff, Phones In The News No Comments »

The official results are in, and the first quarter sales figures for 2010 are significantly in favor of Google’s Android smart phone. The war has waged for quite some time between Apple’s iPhone–with apps that pale in comparison to the amount of hype backing it up–and Google’s Android which has dedicated its operating system to various phone models and carriers across the board.

The iPhone, as many of you know, is paired only with AT&T service–and while Apple pushes its weight around the market, it rests firmly in the corner where only AT&T users and Mac Geeks dwell.

AT&T is big–really big. But Verizon is much bigger. You know those “coverage maps” you see in all the ‘Verizon VS AT&T‘ commercials? Those attempt to illustrate a whopping 92.8% of Verizon’s customers enjoying a relatively limitless wireless coverage zone.

iPhone’s biggest claim to fame is the App Store, featuring obscene numbers of user and professionally created applications for just about everything you’d ever want to do–from grocery shopping, to making fart-noises on the bus. The Google Android is gaining speed, however. They’re up to a healthy 50,000 applications and counting–and I believe they’ve even hosted their own fart-noise apps, so…good news there!

Because of Verizon’s dominant network, they have become a huge sponsor of Google’s Android–providing them with lots of advertising and marketing funds.

The last–and probably most important–factor that pushes the Android ahead is the pricing. Where the average price for a smart phone in 2010 is around $150, the top-tier iPhones can be as pricey as $299. Because Google has the freedom to pick and choose its carriers and hosts models in varying price ranges, they have the potential to dominate every market.

The Android’s sales have outfoxed the iPhone, but not by much. With the first quarter percentages for the Android being 28%, and the iPhone’s being 21%, it is still a close race…but it is still only a race for 2nd place.

It should be no surprise that the Blackberry is still king of the smart phones with a first quarter sales rate of 36 percent. Across the board, new and refurbished Blackberrys make a huge impact on smart phone sales. They are efficient, inexpensive, and part of the largest networks in the country.

So, for now, Blackberry watches as Google and Apple duke it out–but there’s a lot more time left in 2010–and something tells me that the iPad won’t be the last tech gadget people are talking about this year.

–Alex

TheBlueDot.net

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Apr 20

Cell Security in the New Business Age

By Chase Buckner Interesting Phone Stuff, Phones In The News No Comments »

It seems like a lifetime since the casual–though clumsy–portable or cellular phone generation switched to Smart Phones. Everyone from the average citizen to the global corporate CEO utilizes a small pocket device for practically every aspect of their lives. But how secure are your Smart Phone interactions?

Many new and refurbished Smart Phones are equipped with some kind of rudimentary security device and it seems that most people are either comfortable with that, or simply feel that browsing the web from a phone is more secure than from their PC. Have they been lulled into a false sense of security, or are Smart Phones worthy of all of our faith?

According to Cellphone.org, the Apple iPhone lacks some basic but critical features when it comes to overall security. It’s operating system can be compromised due to corrupted downloads, it lacks over-air updates, and it has relatively no device encryption.

Windows Mobile phones covers a majority of basic security requirements for corporate and personal use along with the iPhone‘s full VPN support.

RIM Blackberry phones offer better consumer coverage; solid security, traffic routing, and almost flawless encryption. But how do Blackberrys hold up to the Android and Symbian?

Both the Android and Symbian phones have a very open nature when it comes to third party access; however, installed software is “theoretically unable” to do any major damage to the device without being traced to the source.

Android and Symbian users are asked permission to utilize certain protected features–and anyone who accesses these features do so with a protected private key.

If you want the ultimate in Smart Phone protection, however, be prepared to pay for it. The Sectera Edge (sold for about $3350) offers military-grade encryption and was offered to President Obama as the alternative for ditching his Blackberry.

But what does all of this mean? Well, other than the old “if it’s good enough for the President, it’s good enough for me” argument, new and refurbished Blackberrys seem to have the highest rated and most user-friendly security aspects amongst Smart Phones.

No matter what device you choose, you should always be wary of your phone’s security settings and overall management. Proper routine maintenance of your technology is crucial to a happy and long-lasting relationship with whichever device you choose. So, remember to choose your Smart Phone wisely, but also take care of it–after all–it takes care of you.

–Alex G. (The Blue Dot)

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Apr 20

Smart Phone Etiquette

By alexngross Cell Phone How To's, Cell Phone Tutorials, Interesting Phone Stuff No Comments »

We’ve all been quite attached to Cell Phones for a while now. It’s time for us to learn some of the rules–or commandments–of phone etiquette. Phones have changed. People have changed. It’s high time for the two to be in sync with one another to a degree at which we can all be comfortable.

You should all know the key rules by now:

Speak quietly in public, avoid extremely personal conversations, avoid a call while in mid-conversation with another human being–and if you must take the call, let them know before you pull the phone out of your pocket. Avoid texting when you’re talking with someone face-to-face as well.

Put your phone’s ringer on silent when in a theater or restaurant. Or better yet, just turn it OFF. Accessing your phone in a dark theater makes everyone else cringe.

Here are some more recent etiquette ideas to think about when customizing your social networking existence:

Some phones and software allow you to control the picture that appears on other devices when you call. Avoid embarrassing profile pictures through Facebook, Blackberry, AIM, or Twitter.

Don’t look up answers to debates or questions on Google. We’re all guilty of this, but some people find it both annoying and pretentious. Companies like KGB and Cha-Cha offer a fun way to ask anonymous questions that may produce interesting results. Try them instead.

Only use call screening for business. Close friends and family shouldn’t have to go through a Google Voice or business filter to get to you on your cell phone. It’s inconsiderate, and they may disown you.

Don’t play the blame game with dropped calls. Chances are it’s either nobody’s fault, or it could be yours. Blaming the other person for a dropped call is ridiculous–so stop it.

Lastly, compensate for delay. We live in a world of instant gratification now, but with some advancements in technology come minor inconveniences that we have to live with for the time being. Many new and refurbished Smart Phones have a slight (or perhaps significant) delay that may cause some awkward moments during conversations. Always pause for a moment to give the other person time to receive your voice or text before beginning to speak again. Believe me, it can work wonders–and bring an end to frustrating overlapping conversations.

Following these simple steps will not only bring you into a peaceful and civilized 21st Century of technology, but also make you a much better person for it.

–Alex G. (The Blue Dot)

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Nov 17

Urbanspoon App for Blackberry

By Chase Buckner Cell Phone Reviews No Comments »

urbanspoonlogoUrbanspoon’s much-loved app is now available via free download for your new or refurbished Blackberry. If you haven’t used it already on the iPhone, the Urbanspoon app is a restaurant finder with a little twist. Once set to your area (via GPS or you can just enter your zip), the app shows you three tumblers: the first shows a list of neighborhoods, the second shows types of foods, and the third shows a price scale. Once you click to spin the tumblers, the app will randomly select a restaurant.urbanspoonmainmenu

You can lock each tumbler, however, so if you are craving Chinese, just lock the type of food tumbler and the other two will spin and randomly show you different Chinese restaurants in different neighborhoods in your area. The app is really fun to use and is a great way to discover new spots to eat. When Urbanspoon lands on a restaurant, the app will show the restaurant’s info (capacity, owner, email address, inspection and permit history) as well as photos, menus, user ratings, and reviews.

You can download the Urbanspoon App at Blackberry’s Appworld for free, but be aware that it is highly addictive.

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Oct 20

UK Police Outfitted with Blackberrys

By Chase Buckner Interesting Phone Stuff, Phones In The News No Comments »

16oct09_britishpoliceEarlier this year, over 1,100 of Bedfordshire’s frontline police force were outfitted with Blackberry cell phones. Sir Ronnie Flanagan of Police Review feels that for the first time, Bedfordshire police will be able to submit written (typed) documents in from the field as well as access data bases and other systems like their crime management system, intelligence database, warrants, Police National Legal Database, and its custom-built briefings application without the need of a computer. The idea behind the program is to decrease the need for the officers to be at their desks and increase their visibility in public.

Before the program was launched, a research team spent time with several Bedfordshire officers on the front lines in order to identify the specific needs of the officers in order to maximize efficiency and meet the officers’ daily demands. A spokesman for the department estimates that the program is currently saving the average officer a half of an hour to an hour of time per day. An hour a day saved multiplied by 1,100 officers equals significant savings, especially during such a severe economical situation as the UK is currently facing.

The significance of the program is being compared to the implementation of walki-talkies to the police force. Bedfordshire police Inspector Jim Hitch says: “I liken this to the change from Police boxes to Police radio. That was a huge step and quite expensive and had its doubters who asked why we needed radios. What we’re moving to now with these devices is a similar sort of scenario. There are people doubting and asking why we need them but I think that will become clearer and we will depend on these devices more and more and wonder how we ever did without them.”

Equipping police with smart phones seems like a no brainer, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see something similar to this come to police forces in the US in the near future. Let’s just hope the smart phones come with a block on Facebook.

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Oct 14

Finally, The Blackberry Desktop Manger for Macs Has Landed

By Chase Buckner Cell Phone Reviews, Phones In The News No Comments »

Picture 1After years of anticipation, the Blackberry desktop manager for Mac has finally arrived, and it’s getting great reviews. You can now sync your Blackberry cell phone with your Mac and easily manage your contacts, music, applications, and media. What seems to be the greatest feature of the new Desktop manager is that iTunes syncs with Blackberry Media, and it does it in the same application that manages your info, so you don’t have to deal with any other programs like Roxio, which PC users have to mess with. It is now really easy to sync music and playlists from your iTunes account to your Blackberry.

Mac fanatics are a little disappointed with the straightforward layout of the application as it is not really aesthetically pleasing as is standard for all things Mac, but this is something that will undoubtedly be taken care of in the near future.

Other crucials like your contacts, calendar appointments, tasks, and notes also effortlessly sync with the Mac applications that users love and use on a daily basis. The manager will backup and restore all of the data on your device (which can be encrypted), but, by default, the application is set to only create weekly backups. You can also manage more than one device with the manager, so His and Her Blackberrys need only one Mac. You can also, of course, wipe data from your Blackberry via the manager as well.

BlackBerry_Desktop_Manager_For_MacThe system requirements for the desktop manager are:

*  Mac OS X v10.5.5 and above (Only 32-bit mode is supported on Mac OS X v10.6)

* BlackBerry® Device Software v4.2 or higher

* iTunes v7.7.1 or later

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