PocketBerry

Official H&M clothing app launches for BlackBerry 10

Mac Jadalhack — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:02:00 +0000

We’ve seen the official Zara shopping application launch on BlackBerry 10 officially in the past. Now we see the official H&M application launch as well. A few funny things about this application though. The screenshots from BlackBerry World (as seen below) come from iOS, and this application is not even ported. Furthermore, it looks like all the application is really, is just the mobile website launching. Not really impressed here, and H&M could have done better on this one to be honest. Either way, it is an easy way to access H&M and share items with your friends via BBM, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and even Google+. The application is free and can be found in BlackBerry World.

H&M for BlackBerry 10 >>

Cut the Rope now available for BlackBerry Z10

Mac Jadalhack — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:48:43 +0000

Great news Z10 owners! The hit game Cut the Rope has made its way to the BlackBerry Z10 at last as it appears to be a featured game in BlackBerry World when loading the app store up. The game is a classic – just as addictive as Angry Birds and has been around for quite a while. We saw it initially launch last year for the BlackBerry PlayBook, and has finally made its way mobile to BlackBerry 10, but only the Z10 of course due to screen resolutions obviously. The other great news is that if you purchased this bad boy on the PlayBook already, you can just simply download it on your Z10 without needing to repurchase it. Some games/apps require a separate purchase even if you already own it on the PlayBook (Plants vs Zombies is a great example). Hit the link below to grab your copy today for only $1.99.

Cut the Rope for BlackBerry Z10 >>

Let Your Camera Flash Alert You When You Receive A Phone Or BBM Voice Call

Jon Destouche — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:59:07 +0000

Here is a cool app that just hit BlackBerry World! It’s called Flash Ring, and it alerts you of incoming calls and even BBM voice calls by making the flash on your camera strobe. It’s something that some might have seen on friends or family members iPhone. Now that ability is available for your BlackBerry 10 devices. Flash Ring is a really cool app, and you can adjust the frequency of the flash speed, set the front LED, and the camera flash when it rings. Flash Ring utilizes your camera permissions, so it will not work if another camera app is open, and the app must be open as an active tile for it to run (that of course is until BlackBerry releases the ability to create headless apps for all developers). Flash Ring is a must have app, and if you want to see it in action check out the video here! Flash Ring can be found in BlackBerry World for a very affordable for $0.99. So point your Z10 or Q10 to the link below!

Get Flash Ring For BlackBerry 10 Devices For $0.99 >>

Haven’t Tuned Into BBM Channels? How about Tuning Into Ours!

Jon Destouche — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:27:49 +0000

BBM Channels is the newest thing to hit BBM on BlackBerry devices. Currently in Beta Zone for BlackBerry OS 5+ devices and BB10 devices. For those of you who may have missed the announcement during BlackBerry Live, BBM Channels let you connect with your fans, customers or closest friends in real-time, right to their BlackBerrys. (of course in time we will more than like;y see this as a feature on all cross platform BBM devices) It is a great way to engage your followers with updates and picture post.

BBM Channels have been out for just a few days and it already seems to be widely accepted by the BlackBerry community. I’ve received many invites for many different channels, and you can see how the buzz is catching on. Want to know more of what you can do? Here are some things you may need to know. First of all, what are some of the features that are available:

Channel Profile – View personalized channel profiles for each BBM Channel including additional content helping to bring the channel to life such as a welcome messages, images, maps and more.
Receive Posts – Stay up to date on the things that matter to you with instant updates from your subscribed channels. Receive notification when new posts are available and chose whether you would like to be notified.
Engagement options – Get involved in conversations with your favorite communities by commenting on and liking posts from the Channels to which you have subscribed. Or share interesting posts with your BBM contacts.
Discovery – Easily find and share your favorite communities on BBM Channels. Check out which Channels are currently featured on the carousel. Channel invites can be shared between BBM contacts or add a Channel via PIN or QR code.
User Controls – Be in control of your notifications with the BBM Channel mute button. It allows you to select exactly which subscribed channels you would like to receive notifications from.

Are you interested in getting a channel going? Well it’s simple. The steps are almost the exact same to BBOS+ devices (aka BB Legacy) and BB10 devices. Of course you want to choose and image, create a channel name, describe your channel so subscribers know what they are getting into. Don’t forget to set country, choose your category, and adding contact detail. Finally, you will get down to channel settings. Check out the image below to get an idea of what you’re looking at to set up a channel.

So, it’s that simple. Do you want to get in on the action of BBM Channels? Head over to BlackBerry Beta Zone and get the beta version. Hey want to join a channel, you can keep up with Pocketberry on BBM Channels, so add our PIN or scan our barcode! Check it out below!

The Next Great Entrepreneurs Parody Video from BlackBerry Jam 2013

Mac Jadalhack — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

As we attended BlackBerry Jam 2013 this past week, we had the opportunity to attend the keynote live. The introduction of the keynote was rather entertaining and comical as it included a funny 6 minute clip with BlackBerry “judges” including Alec Saunders, Christopher Smith and Marty Mallick. It takes you through developers approaching the judges pitching “good ideas” for applications. You’ll have to watch it for yourselves and get a good laugh out of it! Another great marketing piece for BlackBerry developers. Hit the jump for the full video.

Pebble Smartwatch to support BlackBerry 10 soon

Kal Chebli — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:36:01 +0000

Remember the inPulse Smartwatch? It was the first watch which was supported on BlackBerry exclusively, bringing you notifications from SMS to email, calendar reminders and BBM notifications. Later on it released with Android support and the makers opened their API for developers to create really cool applications for it. Years later, we see the same makers come up with the Pebble smartwatch which was exclusively for Android and iOS – up until now! CrackBerry was able to interview one of the staff members of Pebble, which they demoed the Pebble smartwatch with a BlackBerry Dev C device. It is coming soon with official support with no specific timeframe set just yet. The Pebble runs for $149.99 on their website for preorders. The display is much nicer than the inPulse as it sports a e-paper display with longer lasting battery life and a better user interface. Any BB10 users up for this one?

Moog Music launches Animoog for BlackBerry 10

The PocketBerry Team — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:27:59 +0000

During yesterday’s keynote here at BlackBerry Jam, we got to see Moog’s famous sythisizer for BlackBerry 10. We were told by the makers that the app would roll out Thursday but it looks like the app has arrived a day earlier! Grab Animoog today for 99 cents, as it’s a limited time offer price.

Animoog for BlackBerry 10 >>

Dbrand Skins – Perfect Fit For Your BlackBerry Z10!

Jon Destouche — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:27:10 +0000

We told you about the launch of the new skins from dbrand Inc last month! Well we got our hands on a few of these skins for our BlackBerry Z10, and what better place to show them off , then BlackBerry Live. I must admit when I first heard about these skins I was really excited, but shortly after getting my skins I got really nervous. How was I going to get these skins on. I’m very picky. If it was put on crooked or I didn’t have it lined up then what would I do.

However being 3M adhesive it allows me to re-stick the skin if I messed up while putting it on. With the dbrand skins, it didn’t take too long to put on either. I took my time and worked slow just to make sure I had everything where it was suppose to be, and it took me less than 10 minutes to put on. After the skin has been placed on your device it gives it a nice, tight, sharp look to your devices as well as add protection to your BlackBerry Z10.

My only personal downside of the skin is the corners which are open to being scratched if dropped. However, I’m not a big fan of cases, so this is the best protection you get without adding bulkiness to the device.

The general feel to the skin is quite smooth – a bit variant from the rubberized texture which the back of the Z10 currently offers. Generally, you can slip it out of your hands easily if you don’t have a tight grip, but if you’re one of those, then you should be rolling deep with an OtterBox Defender series anyway.

Overall I really like the dbrand Z10 cases. Currently rocking the white one, which when at a glance looks like I have a souped up white Z10 (when it’s really black underneath). As mentioned before, it is 3M adhesive, so I’m able to switch out to black carbon fiber or any other color whenever I feel like it. With that said, keep the sheets which the dbrand skins come on so you can stick them back on when switching skins out.

Interested in grabbing one? We’re giving out a few at BlackBerry Live so come find us by the Solutions Showcase and look for myself or Mac. Otherwise, head over to their website and choose from a fine selection of different colors and textures. Follow us @pocketberry and tweet us if you’re looking for us to grab a free skin!.

Why BBM Going Cross Platform is Awesome

The PocketBerry Team — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:03:28 +0000

With the recent announcement of BlackBerry going cross platform has sent a shockwave throughout BlackBerry Nation. Some are for this new idea, while others are against it, and many others just don’t know what to think ; and this is only what I have encountered at BlackBerry Live. I haven’t gotten to the tweets, or the BBM’s or text or even Facebook notifications from friends, family, and curious consumers asking me if the news is true and why. I must say I was a little skeptical at first, and I spent a lot of Tuesday thinking about the pros and cons and both sides. After all was said and done I think I have put some sense to the shocking news.

For those who haven’t heard the news BlackBerry is launching BBM on iOS6 and on Android 4.0 over the summer. Android and Apple users will initially have access to chat and to groups. If approved then the iOS and Android versions will also contain the new channel feature (that is currently in beta zone for OS 5+ and BB10 devices).I have a strong feeling that the channel feature will be accepted by these platforms. The concerns seem to be that it will cause BlackBerry users to leave BlackBerry because these other platforms now offer BBM. Andrew Bocking Executive VP, Software Product Management and Ecosystem at BlackBerry had quite a bit to say about the subject, but really backed what CEO Thorsten Heins said during the keynote "…this is a statement of confidence…" This says a lot for the company, that they are confident in the product that they have, especially with features such as the Hub, Peek, and Flow. It’s not just about the apps, apps are important BlackBerry is definitely doing a great job of getting apps but the device, and how it makes the end users (that’s you) experience very simple, and easier to use and to multitask.

I’ve also heard other people say, "Bye bye, Whatsapp," or "How will that affect the other cross platform apps, and relationships with companies such as Skype?" Once again, Andrew Bocking responded with this statement "We are great partners with all those partners; Skype, Whatsapp, Viber, etc and we will continue to be." He continued to say "Mobile messaging is a broad opportunity to many partners." So it looks like BBM will not hurt these other applications, or intended to. Look at it this way, not everyone likes the same thing, so it’s good to have options. Mobile messaging has so many opportunities. Look at how many cross platform messaging systems there are right now, and noticed how they have evolved, with the addition of voice or video chat including the messaging.

There is still a lot unknown about BBM Channels and it’s something that is still in the infant stages, and is being studied right now with BBM Channels now available for beta test in Beta Zone for BlackBerry OS devices and BlackBerry 10. Channels are still pending approval on other platforms and there is a whole world of opportunity for BlackBerry to monetize off of the content and posts. There really haven’t been any news on that as of yet once again since BBM Channels are still very new, but know that BlackBerry is looking at keeping it spam free, and is making sure that BBM Channels can be set up in such a way that the chat portion will not be tainted by Channels. Andrew Bocking mentioned (about the current beta version of BBM Channels) "We are going to see how people want to use it, to make sure it doesn’t impact the chat experience. Users can control how they dial in and out of channels." BBM Channels with BBM chat mixes so many different aspects of networking all in one. It essentially turns BBM into a Super Networking App.

Finally, the cross platform version of BBM is looking to roll out the BBM connect APIs. That is huge news, as some may think it is a shocking blow to BlackBerry look at it this way. BlackBerry as a company has been evolving since the announcement of BlackBerry 10. Thy are really doing something differently among mobile computing devices. By allowing these APIs to roll out to other platform really gives users (the consumer) the ability to experience what BlackBerry users have known to be BBM; but here is the real thing to look at. By empowering developers with the knowledge of these APIs it makes it easier for Apple, and Android developers to want to bring their app over to BlackBerry and these apps will also be BBM connected at launch. How I understand this to be, it makes it easier for BlackBerry to also have big name apps because they are providing developers with the tools needed.

Timing definitely was key to this announcement. It is a statement of confidence, strong interest and strong reviews for products, and allows BlackBerry to take BBM to a wider audience. So I’ve said all of this to say be on the look out to see what is to come. Even though BlackBerry is letting BBM going cross platform there will be a lot in it for iOS and Android, but a lot of gain for BlackBerry, and most importantly the consumer will be the biggest winner. So keep watching as BlackBerry keeps Moving.

Gallery: BlackBerry 10 Powered Bentley

The PocketBerry Team — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:32:09 +0000

During the BlackBerry Live Keynote yesterday, BlackBerry CEO demonstrated BB10 in the automotive industry – in the specific use case, it was a Bentley. We got to see a cool demonstration of BBM Video in the car, where video only works when parked. Once the car moves, it will only be audio. Very similar to other cars with multimedia systems such as DVD Players; once the car starts moving it switches to audio only. Any way, we paid the Bentley a visit yesterday in the Solutions Showcase where many vendors were exhibited (stay tuned later as we go around visiting everyone and sharing our findings). Anyway, hit the jump below to check out the full gallery of the Bentley equipped with BlackBerry 10. We couldn’t get a live demo on it just yet – but hopefully the kind folks are open to the idea tonight where we’ll definitely share some feed with you guys.

PocketBerry

Official H&M clothing app launches for BlackBerry 10

Related posts:

Cut the Rope now available for BlackBerry Z10

Related posts:

Let Your Camera Flash Alert You When You Receive A Phone Or BBM Voice Call

Related posts:

Haven’t Tuned Into BBM Channels? How about Tuning Into Ours!

Related posts:

The Next Great Entrepreneurs Parody Video from BlackBerry Jam 2013

Related posts:

Pebble Smartwatch to support BlackBerry 10 soon

Related posts:

Moog Music launches Animoog for BlackBerry 10

Related posts:

Dbrand Skins – Perfect Fit For Your BlackBerry Z10!

Related posts:

Why BBM Going Cross Platform is Awesome

Related posts:

Gallery: BlackBerry 10 Powered Bentley

Related posts: