A day after RIM chief Mike Lazaridis made the official announcement that BlackBerry would be coming out with a white BlackBerry Bold Nokia followed suit with their own announcement of a pale hued E72.  Coming with a skinned UI to match the externals the new handset is being announced alongside a firmware update that will improve Ovi Maps, social networking integration and allow for location sharing through Facebook.  Internet radio of an unspecified variety has been included as well along with general performance and stability improvements.

Seeing as how the E7x series from Nokia is the closest competitor to the BlackBerry businessphone line it would make perfect sense that Nokia would come out with a white colored device on the heels of RIM’s announcement yesterday.  The E7x series from Nokia is strikingly similar to many of BlackBerry’s devices that are targeted for the business crowd.  This updated color is just a small part of the enhancements that Nokia made to their E7x series.  The various updates included with the new firmware is sure to make the Nokia E7x series that much more enjoyable for the consumer.  Much needed improvements to Ovi Maps and enhanced social networking integration will make these mobile devices from Nokia that much more appealing to mobile phone consumers.

Many of the updates to the firmware that Nokia has just implemented were well overdue.  Many of the updates surrounding Facebook will certainly be a nice addition to this business minded cell phone.  While the E7x series will continue to cater to the business professional it will now include more features that will also allow this device to be used in one’s personal life to keep up with the various social networking websites that are becoming so popular these days.

BlackBerry is at it again with some more great news for their mobile device consumers like BlackBerry Bold 9700.  RIM’s co-CEO Mike Lazaridis recently announced that the company’s next platform, which is being called BlackBerry 6, will be available “in the next calendar quarter,” which can be assumed as the third quarter of 2010.  While there was no video preview of the platform at BlackBerry’s most recent event the demo they did have showed a touchscreen interface and with the assistance of a follow up question from the audience it was confirmed BlackBerry 6 will be available for both touch and non-touch devices.

Lazaridis also mentioned that the company’s all-new WebKit-based browser is part and parcel with BlackBerry 6 pointing out that the rendering engine will have implications throughout the platform and the apps that run on it not just the browser alone.  In other words you should not be expecting a release of WebKit browser for OS 5 based devices.

While it is RIM’s intention to for every device in the RIM portfolio to eventually run BlackBerry 6 not every device on the market today will be upgradeable.  Lazaridis says they will do their best but he is not making any guarantees, so check and see if it will be available for your BlackBerry Curve.

With the recent improvements made by RIM and their OS 5.0 release I am very eager to see what features BlackBerry 6 is set to include.  OS 5 was a major upgrade to the earlier operating systems BlackBerry was employing so it will be very exciting to see what BlackBerry 6 will look like.  The idea of having a touchscreen on my BlackBerry is very thrilling to say the least.  It sounds like BlackBerry is really making some strides to catch up with other smartphones on the market today.

For all of the BlackBerry users who are also avid Twitterers you will be pleasantly surprised to find out that there is a new Twitter app for BlackBerry devices that was recently released into public beta.  With the first release of the Twitter app for BlackBerry many users complained about several controls and features associated with the app.  It looks like the developers took your concerns into consideration and have a large list of new features that are available with this latest release.
Notifications of New Tweets and @Replies/Mentions
• When an @reply/mention is received, the user will be notified with a splat on the BlackBerry home screen ribbon as well as the application icon
• Users will also be notified of new tweets in the BlackBerry Messages list
Twitter Lists Functionality
• Comprehensive option to build a list of Twitter users on any subject
• Ability to add members to the list and view subscribers of the lists
• Users can also view other users’ lists
Profile Editing
• Users can edit their own Twitter profile from the application
• Users can also change their profile image from the application
Personalization Settings
• Users can customize the look of the application with the ability to:
• Show/hide the navigation bar and tweetbox
• Change the font/style to their own preferred choice
Enlarged Avatar (Profile Picture) Viewing
Users can click on a Twitter profile image and it will be enlarged for better viewing abilities.

These new features build on Twitter for BlackBerry’s strengths at its original preview launch:
• Push Notifications for Direct Messages
• Timeline Support
• Following & Followers
• Posting, Sending, Deleting, Replying and Re-Tweeting Tweets
• User/Saved/Keyword/Proximity Search
• Tweet Photos/Links
• Trending Topics
• Seamless integration into core BlackBerry Applications
• URL Shortening
• Auto Update

Google has recently made a major update to Maps for Mobile that is available on the BlackBerry platform.  Maps for Mobile 4.0 will offer BlackBerry users a whole slew of new features.  Included in these features are voice search, Buzz integration, starred locations and Labs for Maps.

The voice search feature lets users speak their search queries and then Google will return results and show them on a map relative to the user’s location.  Buzz integration will allow users to post content to their Buzz accounts from the Maps application.  While this feature from Google has to take off in popularity it certainly has the chance to be one of the next big social media phenoms.  Users will also have the ability to access places they’ve starred on the desktop version of Maps from their mobile device as well as test out some of the experimental features in Labs for Maps.  This new software is available today for download.  Google also created a version of the software for BES admins to install on end-user devices.

There are many great new features associated with this latest release of Google Maps for BlackBerry devices.  The feature that I am most excited about is the voice search feature.  This will be a very handy feature for those people that like to use the Google Maps while driving in their car.  No longer will they have to take their eyes off the road to type in a location on their BlackBerry device.  These users will now just be able to speak into their mobile phone and see all of the locations that they are looking for appear without having to divert their attention from the road.  This will dramatically increase the safety issues when using Google Maps while driving your vehicle.

For all of the baseball fans out there who do not find themselves in front of your TV set all that often during game time there is a great new app that is available for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry.  The MLB.com At Bat 2010 is a must have app for any baseball fan.  This great app provides real time scores, live audio, in-game highlights and more.  One of the new features for this year’s app is that you have the option to set your favorite teams and receive push notifications when new video highlights, box scores and a condensed game summary becomes available.

As for the in-game audio you have your choice of which audio feed you would like to hear, the home team or the away team’s feed.  The audio quality is pretty good, better on 3G than 2G, but comes with a 2-3 minute lag time.  Sometimes you might get a push notification at the end of the game while you are still listening to the 9th inning.  While this is not the cheapest app you will find, users can expect to pay $14.99, we think that it is certainly worth the price for all of the added features this year.

MLB.com’s At Bat 2010 is easily one of my favorite apps.  I really enjoyed last year’s version and the 2010 edition is even better.  If you happen to have a MLB.tv subscription you can even watch live baseball games on your unlocked mobile device.  This is a fantastic app for any baseball enthusiast who is constantly on the go or lives outside of their favorite team’s market.  Having the ability to listen to or watch a game anywhere you are is nice luxury to have.

Recently Google introduced a new version of its Google Mobile search application for the BlackBerry Storm and Storm 2.  The application includes Google Voice Search, which allows users to use spoken search queries, search suggestions and search history.  The new application will also link Gmail to Google Maps for faster access.  The application is a free download from Google and certainly a must have for any power searchers who own a BlackBerry Storm or Storm 2.

This new app contains all of the useful features of the Google Mobile App but is specifically tailored for the BlackBerry touchscreen devices.  One of the best features of this new app is the ability to search using your voice.  This will certainly cut down on a lot of time needed to press all of the letters to make sure you are searching for the exact terms you wish.  This voice search capability is available in a wide variety of languages including English, Mandarin, Chinese and Japanese.
You can also use this new search feature to search through your emails and contacts.  If you are like me and never delete an email for whatever reason then this feature can truly be invaluable.  Having the ability to locate an old email message by sender, recipient, or part of the message itself will undoubtedly save you hours and hours of scrolling time on your BlackBerry device.  There is nothing worse than not being able to quickly locate an important email and having to scroll through hundreds of old messages to find the one that you actually want.
This new Google Search app will certainly enhance the user experience for any BlackBerry Storm or Storm 2 user.  Actually it is about time that Google finally updated their search feature to be more user friendly for these devices.

The new application for Blackberry mobile phones, known as Zoompass will allow Canadian users its first payment service to be used on their cellular phones.  This is also a project that Rogers, Bell and Telus have jointly entered into.  This payment application will also let users be able to send receive and ask for money.  You will also be a will to take a look at any of your transactions all through utilizing your Blackberry device.

It does not cost anything to download.  However, there will be some charges that you will have to take into consideration when you use the program.  There will be a $.50 charge in order to be able to send or withdraw money into a checking or savings account.  You will also be charged $10 for any overdrafts that occur.

For those Telus customers you will see the new Zoompass icon on your touchscreen.  If you do not see today, you will notice it within the next couple of days.  This will also include some of the other carriers such as Bell Mobility, Fido, PC Mobile, Solo Mobile and Virgin Mobile.  You will be able to add money to your Zoompass account quickly and easily the matter where you are and what the many security features you will not have to worry about security issues.

With the announcement that users will be able to start downloading the application, this starts a major portion for mobile banking, and we should be able to see many more uses in the near future.  The application will use real time and with the ability to quickly transfer funds as well as having access to your money will make this mobile feature extremely user-friendly.  So check out your Blackberry unlocked phone and keep an eye out for that new Zoompass icon and begin your free registration.

The new BlackBerry Storm2 9550 is pure Blackberry logistics and more. The full display with touch and flick technology, has been improved in this smart phone. With each new release from the BlackBerry family changes and upgrades are always on the cutting edge of cell phone news. The preloaded applications and functions of the phone are impressive and a fantastic phone for new or seasoned BlackBerry phone users.

WiFi connectivity and Next-Gen SurePress technology has greatly improved the touch screen applications with speed and interchangeability improving back and forth lag time. The quick rotation on the screen when tilted makes for no down time in document work or browsing. Upgraded 5.0 version of OS capabilities have improved the touch and flick scroll time and accuracy destination. All BlackBerry downloads are available for various office and music software that is not preloaded into the phone. The Media tab includes music and videos at the touch of a finger to download view or listen to. The 3.2 megapixel camera takes beautiful pictures, can be downloaded, captured, shared with friends, family and colleagues.

All the selection buttons for the BlackBerry Storm2 9550, are located on the bottom of the screen not to interfere with display visuals. The new improved touch screen on and off, prevents any accidental on and off function from happening. Other new features include Barcode scan ID so you can get rid of all those pesky key tag customer key tags that give you points, or free products. Wether you get your Blackberry unlocked, be sure to look into an invisible skin to keep your sleek and stylish phone looking good at all times resisting finger prints and scratches. You cannot go wrong with the efficiency of a home office in your palm.

Recently we came across an article on the Wall Street Journal about the joys and pains of switching your phone to a smartphone.  Specifically a Apple iPhone or Blackberry.

It was a very good article but there are a few issues that we’d like to bring up.  First off the person writing this post is a Blackberry user and more specifically uses the Blackberry Curve 8900.  This is going to be as unbiased as possible as the author thinks both manufacturers have great products.

Like the article mentions it comes down to preference.  If you like Blackberry phones then you will likely stick with them and the same goes for iPhone users.  There are iPhone users that get the new iPhone every year when Apple releases it.  The only really difference is that Apple only has three phones all that look similar (slight look variations every year) and Blackberry has five or more active phones.  The choice isn’t necessarily a good thing as some people don’t want to have to from so many.

A couple of things the article said were true although they aren’t a big problem.  The first one was “The iPhone automatically changes its time when you enter a new time zone. BlackBerrys remain set to their home time zone for time stamping all emails with that time—unless you change the time in settings.”  While this is true it takes a total of fifteen seconds to go and change it to Network time.  This means that every where you go your phone will update its time based on the network.  So if you are on the east coast you will be on east cost time if you are on teh west coast your phone will say the time in the west coast.

The other issue was “The BlackBerry’s AC adaptor takes up two power outlet spots, while the small, square iPhone plug occupies only one outlet, making it more versatile and able to charge in more locations.”  We aren’t sure why they would say that.  Yes the iPhone has small one inch charger but the prongs are not retractable.  This means if you travel with it there is a chance they can bend or break.  The Blackberry charger is larger and by larger we mean the same size as every other charger.  The advantage is that the prongs are retractable and make for nicer travelling.  It only takes up two electrical outlets if you place it in the top socket.  Although an annoyance it is something that is common with a lot of plugs.

Overall we would highly recommend reading the article if you are thinking of either getting a new smartphone (Blackberry or Apple in particular) or if you are thinking about switching from a Blackberry to an iPhone or vice-versa

So today crackberry.com posted an IDC study that showed the top ten selling cellular phones from April 1, 2009 until June 30, 2009.

It turns out the top 6 phones are either Apple or Blackberry phones, but the big surprise is that the number one spot went to the Blackberry Curve

10.HTC Touch Diamond
9. HTC Touch Pro
8. Palm Pre
7. T-Mobile G1
6. BlackBerry Storm
5. BlackBerry Bold
4. Apple iPhone 3G (8GB and 16GB versions)
3. BlackBerry Pearl (81xx series but not the Pearl Flip)
2. Apple iPhone 3GS (both 16GB and 32GB versions)
1. BlackBerry Curve (83xx series and 8900)