BlackBerry PlayBook Native NDK v2.0 Beta is now available to download! This one popped up out of nowhere as I spotted the BlackBerry DevBlog published its availability today.  New features in version 2.0 include:

• Added Sensors API (magnetometer, gyroscope, and accelerometer support) (device only for now, not available for the simulator at this time)
• Added Payment Service support for subscriptions and in-app purchasing
• IDE improvements in usability, performance, and reliability
• Scoreloop SDK 1.0 Beta 1 is included – try out some social game features for your apps, such as leaderboards

More info on BlackBerry PlayBook Native NDK v2.0 >>

Machinarium just launched for the BlackBerry PlayBook today.  For those who haven’t heard of it, it’s a game where you have to get rid of robots and save the city and your girlfriend which is also a robot.  It’s a puzzle game where you have to solve puzzles on your quest to save the city.  I just downloaded a copy of it and so far it’s lots of fun.  The review are coming in positive as well.  Click the link below for more info or to grab a copy for only $4.99 from BlackBerry App World.

Machinarium for BlackBerry PlayBook >>

BeepUs has gone through a second round of updates since launch.  At first it was pulled out of BlackBerry App World and we later learned that the developers were having quite a few complaints from users.  That’s when we saw version 1.0.1, and now introduced is version 1.0.2.  There’s no change log on this one, but the idea is to have a better over all experience.

Download BeepUs for BlackBerry >>

As you already know, the native eBook reader for the BlackBerry PlayBook is eBooks by Kobo.  This morning an update came up to version 1.3.1, but no change log was included in this one.  Some users have been experiencing issues opening and downloading books, so let’s hope this build fixes that.  The update is now available in BlackBerry App World so head over and check it out.

Download eBooks by Kobo >>

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Here’s a video recap of the BlackBerry Bold 9790 launch event in Indonesia which took place on November 15.  You’ll notice Jim Balsillie speaking a bit about the device on stage and a performance from some music artists (you might not know).  It’s a tough cookie now when it comes to picking up a new Bold.  Surely the Bold 9900 is far more powerful than the Bold 9790, but the form factor of the new 9790 may be favored since that’s what Berry users have been acquainted with over the years.  Which device is for you?

Finally a US carrier picks up the BlackBerry Bold 9900 in white!  T-Mobile is expected to launch it soon as it has appeared in a pamphlet mailed out with customers’ bills this month.  The going rate for it will be $299 on a 2 year contract as we see with the black edition.  Any T-Mobile customers up for this one?

Source: CrackBerry

RIM put out a notice on the BlackBerry DevCon Asia website today in regards to the event coming up.  It looks like due to flooding in Bangkok, RIM will be relocating DevCon Asia this year.  The new location has not been announced yet, but I can imagine this poses a problem for those in the region or already planned their trip out there.  Here’s the notice from RIM:

Important Notice: due to the current high levels of flooding in Bangkok, Research In Motion® (RIM®) has decided BlackBerry® DevCon Asia will not take place in Bangkok this year. The decision was made following advisories that warn of ongoing dangers related to the serious impact of rain and floods on the local infrastructure in Bangkok, where the conference was scheduled to take place. The safety of attendees at any BlackBerry event is of utmost importance to RIM. RIM is committed to the developer community in Asia and we are currently evaluating new locations and possibly new dates for the conference. Further details will be communicated in the coming days. We regret not being able to hold the conference in Bangkok this year, but we look forward to returning the event to Bangkok in the future. RIM apologizes to all current registrants for the late notice and inconvenience this may have caused, but appreciates their understanding due to the unforeseen circumstances that Bangkok is currently suffering. Existing registrations will remain active pending confirmation of the location and timing for the BlackBerry DevCon Asia event.

Stay tuned as RIM announces a new location for the event.  Any devs out there discouraged by any of this?

Source: BerryReview

According to CNBC, a "limited number of customers have reported an issue where their device does not power on."  The devices included are the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930.  Lately I’ve been hearing from a few friends and users on the site that they have had many error messages on their Bolds and some powering issues where the device would just brick.  So RIM’s response back is that they are working on a software update for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 which is supposed to be a fix for this “limited number of customers” who are having this issue.  Any Bold users out there encountering issues?

Source: BerryReview

BlackBerry Handheld Software v6.0.0.3049 (Multilanguage)
Package Version: 6.0.0.3049
Consisting of:

• Applications: 6.0.0.706
• Software Platform: 6.6.0.246
• File name: 9780M_PBr6.0.0_rel3049_PL6.6.0.246_A6.0.0.706_Partner_Communications.exe
• File size: 170.9MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

Download OS >>

BlackBerry Handheld Software v7.0.0.2088 (All Languages)
Package Version: 7.0.0.2088
Consisting of:

• Applications: 7.0.0.474
• Software Platform: 8.0.0.469
• File name: 9360jAllLang_PBr7.0.0_rel2088_PL8.0.0.469_A7.0.0.474_WIND_Canada.exe
• File size: 226.92MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

Download OS >>