We are on the scene for BlackBerry World 2012 this week covering news live from the event as it happens.  So far we’re in for the surprise just like all of you, but hopefully looking to see some exciting announcements from RIM this year.  BlackBerry 10 JAM is also taking place, where developers get to link up and check out the BlackBerry 10 operating system hands on.  Stay tuned this week for all updates from the event!

BlackBerry World 2012 is only weeks away, and the conference guide application is now available.  With the application, you can login with your user account for the conference and organize your day’s schedule.  The application is free to download and available in BlackBerry App World for BlackBerry smartphones and the beloved PlayBook!

Download BlackBerry World 2012 Conference Guide >>

So there’s not going to be a BlackBerry 10 smartphone available on the market by the time BlackBerry World 2012 kicks off, but developers attending the BlackBerry 10 Jam session have something in store.  All developers who register accordingly for the Jam session will receive a limited edition prototype device known as the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha.  It’s not an actual BlackBerry 10 smartphone as RIM emphasizes, but it’s running a modified version of BlackBerry PlayBook OS which is intended to assist developers in creating applications so that they’re available at launch.  Neither the hardware or OS on it are official.

 

Unfortunately end users who attend the event will not be receiving these prototype devices, so don’t get excited unless you build apps!  Read more about the offer at the BlackBerry Dev Blog

BlackBerry World Conference is an annual Conference RIM holds in Orlando Florida. The dates for BlackBerry World will be from May 1st-3rd. For those of you interested in attending, the conference will be here soon.  BlackBerry World Conference attracts thousands of people from all over the world, And is a great way to interact with RIM.

With the sessions calendar now released, you can get a close peak of what valuable information RIM will be presenting at BlackBerry World Conference. Keep checking back as well, it looks like RIM will be adding more sessions to the list.  Some of the content that will be covered at BlackBerry World Conference is:

• Using BlackBerry(R) Mobile Fusion to manage multiple device platforms simultaneously
• Innovative ways to use Near Field Communication (NFC) in your business
• Getting ready for the new BlackBerry(R) 10 platform

BlackBerry Catalog Sessions>>

Early Bird Registration>>

RIM has announced the official dates for BlackBerry World 2012. It will be held next year on May 1st to May 3rd in Orlando, Florida as it has been over the last few years. Next year should be a very exciting time for the company and all its users as we’ll be seeing BBX operating system on mobile devices for the first time.
In best hopes these BBX smartphones are released before BlackBerry World and see more features launch for the product during the event instead. Click the link below for more information on the event.

BlackBerry World 2012

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

A cool application we got to see at BlackBerry World was Wikitude.  The application promises “augmented reality” and of course works primarily outdoors where GPS signal is strong.  There’s a lot to the application so it’s best you watch the video and see how cool it is.  It will come preloaded on all BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphones.

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

BlackBerry World 2011 was full of many surprises and great times interacting with all sorts of BlackBerry users from around the world.  RIM put out a video showing highlights from the event.  Some memorable moments included when RIM co-CEO Mike Lazaridis announced on stage that we would all be getting free 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook tablets – always nice to hear.  I think they should of added in the clip that Angry Birds is coming to the PlayBook as well since it is breaking news for some game hungry BlackBerry users.

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

An awesome demonstration we got to see at BlackBerry World was the BBM Social Platform.  RIM demonstrated its power by showing us how it worked through Foursquare at the live keynote, and it was pretty impressive.  When you check in to a venue, it gives a pop up notification asking for your permission to update your BBM status where you click “ok” or “cancel.”  Check out the video to see how it works.

The BlackBerry World 2011 Wireless Achievement Awards were given out to winners in three categories: private sector, public sector, and business impact.  RIM put up the videos showing who won and how they use BlackBerry in their fields.  Continue reading to check out all three clips.

(more…)

While visiting Case-Mate at BlackBerry World Solutions Showcase, I got a chance to check out two of their cases that they released for the BlackBerry PlayBook. One of the cases is the Pop Series which is a great case if you’re looking to for some hefty tablet protection. It sports a co-molding of shock resistant plastics, and gel skin, and also sports a kickstand for watching video, using a picture frame, or as a clock. It comes in a few different color combinations such as black/grey, white/grey, and pink/grey.  You can pick up this case from Case-Mate for $39.99

(more…)