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Aug 26

8 Fun Features on Blackberry 6 OS

RIM’s Blackberry SmartPhones 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. These are some features you will be able to utilize on your Blackberry SmartPhones

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. If you lost or broke your phone and do not want to pay retail for a replacement, consider a refurbished Smart Phone. Otherwise, if you’re looking to upgrade to a newer model, or just have unused phones lying around your house, trade them in for Cash at The BlueDot.

Sources: Blackberry

Tagged with: Blackberry • blackberry 6 os • features • new • new operating system • refurbished cell phones • smart phones • torch • tour

Jul 29

iPhone 3G is the Most Recycled Phone

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

This month, it was officially noted that the single most Recycled Phone of all time has been Apple’s iPhone 3G. It seems that while consumers weren’t eager to trade in their 3G iPhones for the updated 3GS, they acted in unison in opting for the next significant update: the iPhone 4G.

That’s not to say that there is a dwindling demand for the 3G–far from it. In fact, many people who decided against the Apple iPhone to begin with are now becoming new users by purchasing a refurbished iPhone 3G. Surely, when the next upgrade is released, the same fate will fall upon the iPhone 4G, but for now demand is still significant for both models.

The BlueDot now offers a used cell phone trade-in program where you can sell used cell phones.

Several price-watch companies such as The BlueDot are urging those looking to recycle their old used iPhone to search for the best–and most realistic price. Know that your phone is still in high demand, and if it is in tip-top condition, could fetch a pretty penny.

If you have a used iPhone that you’re looking to trade in for cash, visit our Home Page to get a price quote!

Sources: TopNews UK | ITProPortal

Tagged with: blue dot • iphone • new • recycle • recycle apple iphone • Refurbished • sell used iphone • telegraph • thebluedot • trade in • used • used apple iphone • used cell phones • used iphone 3g

Jul 07

80s Technology Gets a New Look

By phonemanandy Interesting Phone Stuff No Comments »

As time goes on, we grow nostalgic for the “simplicities” of yesteryear. What was once a hulking radio-transmitter fitted with a tape deck holding 12 songs has now become a pencil-thin computer with the ability to categorize and sort every song you’ve ever heard.

Refurbished technology has come to be important for many reasons–amongst which are ecological and economic concerns–but many have considered the possibilities of utilizing this process for the sake of art. Artists and innovators have taken the old 1980′s technology and gadgets and turned them into something eye-catching and perhaps inspiring. Here are some brief examples of modern spins on outdated technology:

Let’s start off with the example I’ve already provided: the Sony Walkman.

This revolutionary piece of technology, popularized in 1980, gave birth to the idea of “the mix tape.” Music lovers could fashion their blank tape to hold their favorite tracks, or artists that inspire some kind of mood worth sharing. Then, with the rise of cheap CDs and MP3′s, the era of the mix tape had come to a bitter and tragic end.

Next comes the Commodore 64. Initially sold with a 64kb memory, many argued that this was the largest amount of hardware memory anyone would ever need. It was a popular product in 1982, especially because it could be easily plugged directly into any home television set. What was once used to play simplistic games like Asteroids and Paper Boy can now–through the miracle of refurbishment–play such modern games as Guitar Hero.

In 1985, we were introduced to the latest in home entertainment: The VHS Player. The video cassette player was meant to be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it wasn’t too long before hints of its early extinction began to arise. The Laser Disc was gaining some attention, but not nearly enough to pose a significant threat. But when CDs replaced cassette tapes, the dark future of the VHS player began to come into focus. Obviously, you’re never going to get rid of all those old VHS tapes lying around your house. The future is currently in the semi-capable hands of Sony and their Blu-Ray discs–but here’s something to pass the time anyway…

VHS Hack!

It should be no secret where Nintendo has taken us over the past 20+ years. Their products have captured the imaginations of so many and pulled through several major trial and error periods. The NES system of 1986 has such high staying-power that refurbished and re-built versions of it are still being sold as “new” quality almost everywhere on the internet today, despite the breakthrough of the Nintendo Wii and buzz around Nintendo‘s next generation system.

Typically, when one thinks of “refurbished” technology, they think “used” or “of lesser quality than new.” The truth is that most refurbished technology turns out to be better or more reliable than the new products themselves. People who professionally refurbish gadgets and hardware learn to weed out the bugs, restore run-down elements, and build it back up to last. This goes for everything from an old 1986 Nintendo Entertainment System to a 3G Apple iPhone.

–Alex Gross

Tagged with: 1980s • 80s • commodore 64 • gadgets • gizmos • new • nintendo • Refurbished • technology • toys • vhs • walkman

Apr 20

Cell Security in the New Business Age

By Chris Samaras Interesting Phone Stuff, Phones In The News 1 Comment »

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 |, 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 Smartphone wisely, but also take care of it–after all–it takes care of you.

Sources: General Dynamics | TechSpot

– Alex