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November 21, 2008
0:20
Bplay adds direct billing for BlackBerry Games!
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Great news today for members of the BlackBerry Nation looking for an excuse to waste more time on their BlackBerry. Bplay just emailed us to let us know that they now support direct billing!

Direct billing for games is now available for AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint subscribers at Bplay. Subscribers of those carriers can bill Bplay games directly to their phone bills by using Premium SMS. It is available at Bplay through an additional “Bill to Phone” option on the game product pages.

Over time, Bplay will be adding more US and Canadian carriers. We’ve included links below to our three favorite Bplay games.

Texas Hold’em King 3
Bookworm
Nintaii

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
November 20, 2008
22:41
ExSafe now available for BlackBerry
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

We’ve got some great news from one of our BlackBerry Cool 15 presenters, ExSafe. ExSafe takes control of the Microsoft Office application suite, storing documents away from vulnerable local disks and servers in a highly secure online storage environment. ExSafe is now officially available for public consumption, and has been successfully tested on Vodafone, O2 and AT&T networks (with more to come shortly).

You can purchase ExSafe or download a one week free trial by clicking the links below. A word of warning: we’ve been told that ExSafe gets a little glitchy if your BlackBerry is attached to a computer via USB, but simply unplugging the device will eliminate any problems.

ExSafe for BlackBerry (Free one week trial!)
Purchase ExSafe for BlackBerry!

© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
18:00
BlackBerry Theme Central $3 Theme Sale! (’Cool Deals)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

In these dark economic times, there are few things that can bring a smile to my face. One of those things is wicked cheap BlackBerry Themes. Thankfully, those helpful gents at BlackBerry Theme Central are doing they’re part to lighten my spirits and stimulate the economy. BlackBerry Theme Central is have a $3(!) sale on all their themes from now until November 26th. You can find the entire BlackBerry Theme Central selection, ranging from the BlackBerry 8700 to the BlackBerry Bold, below.

BlackBerry Theme Central BlackBerry Themes

© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:53
Bell launches new “Smartphone Combo” Plans
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

We’ve just received an email from Bell about their new Smartphone Combo Plans. The new plan offers run from today until December 31st, and are available to any subscriber signing a three year contract (perhaps while purchasing a BlackBerry Storm?). Check out the plans below:

Smartphone Combo 45

For $45 per month, subscribers get 250 minutes of anytime local calling, unlimited evening and weekend local calling and the choice of either: unlimited incoming calls; nationwide Fab Five for unlimited calling and texting with five favourite contacts across the country; or an extended evening clock for unlimited local calling starting at 5pm. Clients also get 500MB of data for personal email, Instant Messenger and Internet use.

Smartphone Combo 70

For $70 per month, subscribers get 500 minutes of anytime local calling, unlimited evening and weekend local calling, the choice of either: unlimited incoming calls; nationwide Fab Five calling and texting; or an extended evening clock for unlimited local calling starting at 5 pm. Clients also get unlimited personal email, Instant Messenger, Internet surfing and text messaging.

Smartphone Combo 100

For $100 per month, subscribers get 1,250 minutes of anytime local calling, unlimited evening and weekend local calling, unlimited personal email, Instant Messenger, Internet surfing and text messaging along with call display and message centre express voicemail.

For more information on the Smartphone Combo plans, visit bell.ca/wireless.
© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
8:59
BlackBerry Storm reviews surface
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

A bundle of websites published BlackBerry Storm reviews as the clock struck midnight. Here’s a list of the ones we’ve seen so far:

BlackBerry Storm review –> Engadget
BlackBerry Storm Review (Verdict: Not Quite a Perfect Storm) –> Gizmodo
Review: BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless –> CrunchGear
Review: BlackBerry Storm –> PhoneScoop
Verizon BlackBerry Storm review –> BGR

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
8:39
Vodafone Australia Announces BlackBerry Storm Pricing
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

In an attempt to get their subscribers excited prior to the BlackBerry Storm release, Vodafone Australia has released pricing information for the device. Voda Australia will sell the Storm for free on a two year contract, with Internet Caps ranging from $70 to $150. Customers will be able to purchase the Storm starting December 1st. For more information, visit the website below:

[www.vodafone.com.au]

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
7:53
BlackBerry Bold launches in Thailand
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

AIS and Research In Motion jointly today announced the launch of the BlackBerry Bold in Thailand today. From the sound of it, they’re pretty excited:

“The BlackBerry Bold exudes quality in everything, from its localized keyboard and stunning display to its premium phone performance and breadth of functionality,” said Mr.Somchai Lertsuttiwong, Executive Vice President – Marketing, AIS. “It provides an outstanding mobile communications and multimedia experience and we are pleased to launch the BlackBerry Bold smartphone with RIM in Thailand.”

AIS is pricing the BlackBerry Bold at 32,900 Baht. For more information, head to www.ais.co.th. Make sure to also check out our thorough BlackBerry Bold review below.

The Ultimate BlackBerry Bold Review (with full device specs)

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
November 19, 2008
23:01
Buying a BlackBerry Storm? Maybe not in SoCal.
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

UPDATE: It looks like the SoCal store in question received a late shipment today, bringing their total number of Storms to ten. No further shipments are expected before November 21st.

We have some potentially bad news for those looking to walk into a Southern California Verizon store on November 21st and walk out with a BlackBerry Storm. BlackBerry Cool has received word from Verizon employees that stores in the SoCal area are receiving as few as two BlackBerry Storms, with one Storm a dedicated demo model. Storm purchases will instead be Direct-Fulfilled, which means customers will have to wait until the device is delivered to their homes.

We were told that Verizon is shorting in-store Storm supplies in an attempt to prevent insider theft, and that this is similar to what they did for the launch of the LG Voyager. Our Verizon employee was uncertain if flagship stores would be receiving more devices, but it doesn’t hurt to call your local VZW store and plan ahead. I expect Verizon will ship more devices to stores after the 21st, when the eBay value of a BlackBerry Storm will drop dramatically.

If any other Verizon employees can confirm that this is happening at their store, please post a comment! For now, enjoy a photo of the Storm-emblazoned shirts VZW employees will be wearing on launch day after the jump.

Thanks to ‘Captain Anonymous’ for the tip!

© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
17:18
Spanson sues Samsung, wants to halt BlackBerry sales
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

File this under: interesting to follow, but not going to happen. Spansion, the number 3 worldwide maker of flash memory chips, has sued Samsung, the Samsung is the world’s biggest memory chip maker, citing patent infringement.

“Spansion has patents that are fundamental to flash memory. Samsung itself has cited these patents many times in its own patent filings, underscoring industry acceptance of the fundamental nature of Spansion’s (intellectual property),” Robert Melendres, Spansion’s general counsel, said in a statement.

This story gets interesting, however, when it is noted that Spansion also wants to block all U.S. sales of BlackBerrys, iPods and many other electronics because they use Samsung chips. Spansion claims more than “100 million mp3 players, cell phones, digital cameras and other consumer electronic devices” are made with Samsung flash memory chips that violate Spansion patents. While it is highly unlikely that we’ll see a hold in BlackBerry sales due to this lawsuit, it will be interesting to see how much Samsung will pay to make this go away, and if that cost will be passed down to the consumer — namely, us.

|via IntoMobile|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:51
Phone industry unites on chargers, RIM should join in
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Don’t leave me plugged in or your power bill will regret it.
Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG Electronics launched on Wednesday a common energy rating system for chargers, making it easier for consumers to compare and choose the ones consuming the least energy. The new ratings system ranges from five stars for the most efficient chargers down to zero stars for the ones consuming the most energy. While it seems like a small thing, this new initiative could have a positive environmental impact:

“If the more than three billion people owning mobile devices today switched to a four- or five-star charger, this could save the same amount of energy each year as produced by two medium sized power plants,” Nokia said in a statement.

If left plugged into the socket, chargers continue to use electricity even if the phone is disconnected. Nokia said around two-thirds of the electricity used by mobile phones is wasted this way.

RIM: you’re a leader in the smartphone space. Join with these other manufacturers and become a green leader as well. I want a GreenBerry charger!

|via Reuters|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:21
RIM co-CEOs entering Canadian Business Hall of Fame
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

In a move that is long overdue, the Canadian Press is reporting that RIM co-CEOs Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis are the latest inductees to the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. The brain trust of our favorite company from Waterloo were among six luminaries to be given the honour by the Junior Achievement of Canada organization.

Inductees to the Hall of Fame are nominated by their peers and are chosen by an independent selection committee representing Canada’s foremost business, academic and media institutions. Mike and Jim will be formally inducted at a ceremony in Toronto next May. Congratulations, gentlemen!

|via CP|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:00
BlackBerry Storm launches in France
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool
Cross another country off the list of those waiting to be hit by the Storm. RIM and SFR jointly announced the release of the BlackBerry Storm today in France. Our merry French brethren will be able to pre-order the Stormfrom on the SFR online store November 20th, with in store availability beginning December 3 in all SFR shops. Here’s a list of applications preloaded on the BlackBerry Storm:
SFR is selling the BlackBerry Storm for €99 with a €50 discount, and is offering two new Illimythics 3G+ plans specially designed for the BlackBerry Storm. You can see full plan details after the jump.

The Illimythics 3G+ Special « GPS - Mail » plans will be available from 19th November 2008 to 20th January 2009.

2H Illimythics 3G+ Special GPS – Mail:
This plan will be available from €44,90 per month on a 24 months contract (€49,90 per month on a 12 months contract). This special offer will be available for a limited time.

Includes:

* Unlimited GPS Navigation ‘SFR Find & Go’, email service with attachment download capability (Business Mail), mobile Internet, Mobile TV and SMS
* Unlimited phone calls from 21h30 to 00h
* Two hours of phone calls
* 10 singles without DRM to be downloaded for free from 19/11/08 to 20/01/09

3H Illimythics 3G+ Special GPS – Mail:
The plan described above will also be available in a 3 hours version from €61,90 per month on a 24 month contract (€66,90 per month on a 12 months contract). This special offer will be available for a limited time.

For more information please visit www.sfr.fr/blackberrystorm
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
November 18, 2008
19:23
RIM announces Fall ‘08 BlackBerry Technical Seminar
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Important news for BlackBerry developers out there coming to you by way of RIM’s crack developer support team. RIM has officially announced Breaking New Ground: Fall ‘08 BlackBerry Technical Seminar. Taking place on December 3rd, Breaking New Ground is FREE and you can attend from your office PC! Here’s some of the important details:

When:
Wednesday, December 3, 2008, 9amET – 5pm ET (1:00pm GMT, 5:00pm India, 9:00pm China)
Agenda Highlights:
Evolution of Web Development
BlackBerry smartphone user-side API’s
New development options and frameworks
Developing Location-based Applications
Creating Themes & Scalable Vector Graphics

In addition to the highlights mentioned above, Breaking New Ground will also feature voice/chat Q&A and product demonstrations with BlackBerry solution and partner application experts. Make sure to register below and then check out the full developer agendas!

Breaking New Ground BlackBerry Technical Seminar — Register Now!
Full Breaking New Ground Developer Agendas

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
18:26
Thorough BlackBerry Storm hands-on
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

I know what you’re thinking: another Storm video? I get it, by now you’ve probably made up your mind as to whether or not you’re a BlackBerry Storm fan. However, to borrow a line from recent elections, there are likely still many ’swing voters’ on the fence about this touchscreen business. The video above is one of the best we’ve seen in demonstrating the basic functionality of the Storm’s OS, if you can ignore the dreaded BlackBerry Buzz. If you can’t decide after watching this video, you might as well leave the choice up to Santa.

|via CB|
© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
18:06
How-to use your BlackBerry Storm
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

The coming weeks will be a strange one for BlackBerry users purchasing the BlackBerry Storm, RIM’s first touchscreen BlackBerry. Likely, many of these people will have never used a touchscreen device before, and will be unfamiliar with the process. “How do I use it?” they will ask. “Why does the screen move? What’s an accelerometer? Should I dip it in peanut butter?”

Thankfully, Vodafone and RIM each have provided the help BlackBerry users seek. It addition to the introduction video above, you’ll find another one after the jump on web browsing, and a link to RIM’s BlackBerry Storm Tips and Navigation PDF.

Note: do not dip your BlackBerry Storm in peanut butter. Trust us, it won’t help.

BlackBerry Storm Tips and Navigation
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
17:20
U.S. Government can track cellphones without carrier co-operation
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Some chilling revelations have come out recently, indicating that the U.S. government has far more power to track its citizens than previously thought. Documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union and Electronic Frontier Foundation under a Freedom of Information Act request suggest that “triggerfish” technology can be used to pinpoint the location of cell phones without involving cell phone providers at all. By posing as a cell tower, triggerfish, also known as cell-site simulators or digital analyzers, trick nearby cell phones into transmitting their serial numbers, phone numbers, and other data to law enforcement.

As one of the documents intended to provide guidance for DOJ employees explains, triggerfish can be deployed “without the user knowing about it, and without involving the cell phone provider.” That may be significant because the legal rulings requiring law enforcement to meet a high “probable cause” standard before acquiring cell location records have, thus far, pertained to requests for information from providers, pursuant to statutes such as the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) and the Stored Communications Act.

This is certainly news that will make you look at your BlackBerry a little differently. Ars Technica has an excellent article on the news; to learn more click the link below.

|via Ars Technica|
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
8:37
Rescue+Mobile now available for BlackBerry
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool
We first gave you a sneak peak of Rescue+Mobile at CTIA in September, LogMeIn’s remote support tool for mobile platforms. LogMeIn has now announced that Rescue+Mobile is now available for BlackBerry.

You can learn more about Rescue+Mobile at the link below. Pricing and device support is available after the jump.

LogMeIn Rescue+Mobile Features

LogMeIn Rescue+Mobile Pricing and Support
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
8:12
Airtel-Vodafone bring BlackBerrys to the Channel Islands
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Wow, Vodafone is on a roll this week. First, the BlackBerry Storm in the UK, the BlackBerry Bold in Malta and now a bevvy of BlackBerrys in the Channel Islands. Airtel-Vodafone and RIM jointly announced the launch of the BlackBerry Curve 8310 and BlackBerry Pearl 8110, both of which include GPS.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this product to customers in the Channel Islands,” says Iain Williams, CEO of Airtel-Vodafone. “The BlackBerry smartphone is no longer just a business must-have but it is increasingly becoming a lifestyle device as well. The more digital the world becomes the more people live their lives online. BlackBerry smartphones accommodate the modern way of life and, in combination with the additional services of the Vodafone network, we are confident that the BlackBerry solution will be well received by customers in the Channel Islands.”

For more information about Airtel-Vodafone’s BlackBerry releases, visit their website below.

Airtel-Vodafone site

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
7:36
BlackBerry Bold now available in Malta
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Following up on their launch of the BlackBerry Storm in the United Kingdom, Vodafone hasn’t forgotten the needs of their other subscribers. RIM and Vodafone jointly announced yesterday the launch of the BlackBerry Bold in the Republic of Malta.

Vodafone Malta Ltd Chief Executive Officer Inaki Berroeta commented, “Now that the BlackBerry Bold is available in the Maltese market, professionals have the opportunity to manage their business dealings and operations in a manner that is fast and flexible.”

Vodafone Malta is offering the BlackBerry Bold from €500 straight up to €150 on a Smart+ plan. For more information, you can head to Vodafone’s BlackBerry Bold page. Make sure to also read our exhaustive review below!

Vodafone Malta BlackBerry Bold page
The Ultimate BlackBerry Bold Review (with full device specs)

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
November 17, 2008
22:24
Viigo launches NCAA Basketball service for BlackBerry Cool To Go
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Viigo is quickly becoming one of the easiest ways for BlackBerry users to stay up to date on all their sporting news. Following their recent NBA basketball announcement, Viigo has launched its NCAA basketball service, just in time for the start of the Men’s college season. While I don’t normally get NCAA crazy until March Madness begins (there’s just too many NBA games to watch), I must admit the NCAA has already captured my attention (how did Rhode Island almost beat Duke?). I’m also quite interested to see how Stephen Curry, who made a big slash at the tourney last year, progresses as a point guard. Whatever your interest, Viigo’s NCAA service provides access to the scores, schedules, news and commentary you need to follow your alma mater.

For current Viigo/BlackBerry Cool to Go users looking to add the NCAA basketball service, simply select “Sports” from the Viigo home screen and then “Add Sport” from the following page. If you don’t have the BlackBerry Cool To Go version of Viigo yet, click the link below to download it for free! Make sure to also check out Viigo’s NFL, NHL, NCAA Football and Soccer services as well!

Download BlackBerry Cool To Go from Viigo
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
18:18
Barclays Capital cuts RIM’s price target
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Hmmm… Not good Monday morning news for RIM today. Reuters is reporting that Barclays Capital has cut its price target on RIM from $90 to $60, and global handset sales in 2009 from 3% growth to 5% decline. Barclays also cut its smartphone growth estimate to 25% from 40%.

Barclays analyst Jeff Kvaal cut his estimates on RIM, citing the slowing demand for smartphones, offset partially by the company’s third-quarter phone launches.

“RIM’s four new device launches should partially balance the weak market,” Kvaal wrote in a note to clients.

RIM is trading right now just below the $42 mark, after opening this morning at $39.50.

|via Reuters|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
17:34
Best Buy to sell Verizon BlackBerry Storm for $199
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

When we previously told you that Best Buy was taking pre-orders for the BlackBerry Storm, it wasn’t the most useful information, because we couldn’t tell exactly how much Best Buy was charging for the Storm. Now we can.

BGR has posted some images which indicate that the BlackBerry Storm will sell at Best Buy for $199 on a 2 year contract, $299 on a 1 year contract, and $599 straight up. If your Storm purchase is a new activation and not an upgrade, Best Buy will throw in a free Plantronic 360 BT headset. Of course, Best Buy won’t begin selling the BlackBerry Storm until Sunday, November 23rd, meaning you’re going to have to want that headset really bad to hold out for two extra days.

|via BGR|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:56
Slydial now available for BlackBerry
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Slydial is a free service that let’s you dial any mobile phone number and get directed straight to voicemail, which can be helpful when you have to communicate with someone without wanting to, you know, communicate.

Previously, using Slydial was a bit cumbersome, requiring you to call “267-SLYDIAL” first then manually entering the number you’d like to call. However, Slydial has launched an application for BlackBerry, allowing you to simply select a contact from your address book. You can find a download link below, as well as a link to more Slydial videos. My personal favorite was the “Mulligan” video, but I couldn’t find any embed code.

Slydial for BlackBerry
Slydial Videos

|via TechCrunch|
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:15
BlackBerry Curve 8350i gains FCC approval
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

BlackBerry Cool was first to break the news that the BlackBerry Curve 8350i would see release on December 1st at the low, low price of $150 on a 2 year contract. With that date just a few weeks away, it makes sense to see RIM’s latest iDEN BlackBerry passing FCC approval. While it isn’t quite the stocking stuffer that the BlackBerry Storm is, for iDEN/Sprint subscribers, it’s all they’re getting for Christmas from RIM. For those interested, Sprint has a sign up page for more BlackBerry Curve 8350i information.

BlackBerry Curve 8350i FCC Approval Page

|via IntoMobile|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
15:57
BlackBerry Media Sync 1.0.1.6 now available (BlackBerry Bytes)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Our good pal Ronen has posted that, in addition to the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, BlackBerry Media Sync has also received an upgrade. Media Sync is a nifty piece of software that allows you to sync your iTunes playlists with your BlackBerry. The update moves Media Sync from 1.0.0.18 to 1.0.1.6, so don’t expect much more than a few bug fixes and new device (read: BlackBerry Storm) support.

|via BerryReview|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
15:41
Desktop Manager 4.7 now available (BlackBerry Bytes)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

We told you all the way back in July that you wouldn’t see the BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.7 until the BlackBerry Storm was ready to be released, but with a UK launch last Friday and the same happening in the US this Friday, that time is now. We don’t yet know what new features or upgrades away DM 4.7, but we’re downloading now and will post if we find anything of note. If you can’t wait, hit the link below to give it a try yourself.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.7

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
November 16, 2008
23:59
Media Network Roundup: November 10th-14th
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Looking for a good read on a quiet Sunday afternoon? Smoke Labs Media has the answer, with the best news from our WinMo and mobile entertainment blogs in the past week. You can also find a bunch of great BlackBerry Cool content after the jump.
WindowsMobile Cool
Fast touchscreen typing just got better: Spb Keyboard 4.0
How-to: Getting Internet Sharing to work on your AT&T Fuze, Sprint Touch Pro, HTC Touch Diamond, and Samsung Epix!
HTC MAX 4G, world’s first GSM/WiMAX phone, officially announced!
Sprint Touch Pro not all it’s cracked up to be?
QuicklyBored
Zombie Attack! by IUGO - the craziest high score you’ve ever seen
The state of the mobile games industry 2008
Ocarina iPhone - the first iPhone musical instrument

BlackBerry Cool
“Storm vs. iPhone: which will win?” (Weekly Contest)
Bplay launches official NFL BlackBerry Themes
PeeKaWho v.1.160 Reviewed!
Fortune profiles RIM, references BlackBerry Cool 15
Gary Krakow: Verizon should give away the BlackBerry Storm
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
November 14, 2008
19:13
Fortune profiles RIM, references BlackBerry Cool 15
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Fortune Magazine has published an excellent profile on RIM, addressing the myriad issues facing Waterloo’s favorite company (intense competition, slipping stock, multiple device releases at once) but also their unflappable confidence to get the job done. Quoteth RIM Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis in reference to the BlackBerry Storm:

“That right there is the most advanced smartphone ever made,” he says. “There’s no phone that measures up.”

Fortune writer Jessi Hempel indicates that much of this confidence stems from the invigorating BlackBerry Developer Conference, pointing to one specific event where the ‘excitement was palpable’:

A 28-year-old software developer named Robert Kao jumped on a makeshift stage and plugged his BlackBerry into the overhead projector to demo a new software program. A hundred guys (and two women) chugged Coronas while Kao explained how his homing software could track lost phones, back up content, and, with the click of a button, obliterate all your e-mails and phone numbers. Think Lojak for your phone. Before he finished, a venture capitalist in the front row piped up, “I’ll fund you.”

Hmm, sounds familiar. Oh wait, that’s the BlackBerry Cool 15 being mentioned, along with Robert Kao of SmrtGuard/PeekaWho fame (special VC appearance courtesy of Rick Segal). It’s good to know that we were able to help!

While the Fortune profile doesn’t offer any new information for regular BlackBerry Cool readers, it’s still worth checking out if only to get your BlackBerry news from a professional writer.

Fortune Magazine: BlackBerry maker battles back

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
17:55
Gary Krakow: Verizon should give away the BlackBerry Storm
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Gary Krakow, Senior Technology Correspondent for TheStreet.com, posted an interesting article yesterday following Verizon’s official launch date and pricing announcement for the BlackBerry Storm 9530. Krakow essentially argues that Verizon is asking to high a price for the BlackBerry Storm, pointing to it’s higher expense over the iPhone 3G (both are $199, but the Storm technically requires a $50 mail in rebate) and the fact that Vodafone UK is giving away the Storm 9500 for free.

Now, I’m all for cheaper BlackBerrys, but I think asking for the Verizon Storm to launch for free is asking too much. Yes, Vodafone is giving away the Storm for free, and yes it would be a great way for Verizon to build hype and stick it to Apple and AT&T. However, Krakow notes in his post that “I’m not sure it could ever match the same sort of pricing as Vodafone in Great Britain,” and he’s 100% correct. The market conditions are just not such in North America that Verizon can release a brand new touchscreen BlackBerry for free, especially considering American consumers don’t expect this kind of treatment like our European counterparts do.

Personally, I think that the rebated $199 price for the BlackBerry Storm is very solid, if not spectacular. Thoughts?

|via TheStreet|

© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
17:12
Future Shop drops Pearl Flip 8220 to $25 (’Cool Deals)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

By Odin’s Beard - The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 has only been released in Canada for 10 days and the price is already dropping. Future Shop has dropped the price to $25 on a 3 year plan until November 20th. As an added incentive, Future Shop is throwing in a $25 gift card as well.

Future Shop BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220

|via MobileSyrup|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:51
Telus BlackBerry Pearl 8130 $0 until December 25th (BlackBerry Bytes)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Probably hoping to take the sting out of a $50 Rogers BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220, Telus is offering the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 for free until December 25th with a 3 year contract and $45 minimum data plan. We recommend purchasing the Pink Pearl 8130, so Telus will donate $25 to Rethink Breast Cancer.

Telus Pink BlackBerry Pearl 8130

|via MobileSyrup|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:26
Missing Sync now supports the BlackBerry Bold (BlackBerry Bytes)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

For Mac using BlackBerry owners, your life can often be a hellish nightmare of no support or faulty software. That’s why it’s great to hear that Mark/Space, makers of Missing Sync for BlackBerry, pretty much your only effective Mac-BlackBerry solution, have included support for the BlackBerry Bold. You can download the new version at the link below.

www.markspace.com/blackberry

|via BerryReview|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
November 13, 2008
21:24
Jim Balsillie: market environment ‘Intense’, Bold selling ‘Really Well’
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Speaking at an investor conference earlier today, RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie said the current market environment is rife with challenges that require careful planning.

“This is a more intense time than I’ve ever known — more variables, more need to navigate, more hands on the wheel, eyes on the road right now,” he said. “If you don’t, you do it at your peril.”

Based on the news we posted a few days ago, investors can’t agree on whether RIM is in a prime position for growth or ‘chasing Apple’. However, most agree that the current economic downturn will have a negative effect on sales.

UBS Investment Research analyst Jeffrey Fan cut his RIM revenue and earnings estimates today to reflect lower sales during the slowdown.

“We do not expect RIM to be immune from the weakening economy,” he wrote. “Although consumers are unlikely to get rid of cellphones, they may be more cautious about adding incremental monthly data fees, which could slow sales.”

Fan added that while sales of the BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Storm will help in the short term, “We remain cautious as to sustainability of momentum. We expect replacement cycles to continue to lengthen.”

For his part, Balsillie said that the Bold is selling “really well”, and stated his belief that even as the economy sputters, users are unlikely to give up their mobile phones to save money.

|via Reuters|
© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
17:12
Bplay launches official NFL BlackBerry Themes
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Are you ready for some football? I guess that’s the question on Bplay’s mind these days, after releasing officially licensed BlackBerry themes for all 32 NFL teams. Obviously, from the image above you can probably guess that my loyalty lies with ‘Da Bears’, but whatever your team Bplay has a theme for you.

You can find a collage of all 32 NFL themes after the jump. The BlackBerry Bold is not yet supported, but will be in the coming weeks.

Download your NFL team BlackBerry theme!

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:39
RIM releases BlackBerry Curve 8900 device simulator
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

It looks like the RIM developer support team is on the ball again, this time releasing the BlackBerry Device Simulator v. 4.6.1 the day after the BlackBerry Curve 8900 passed the FCC. This new toy for developers will allow them to quickly test their software for the nascent Curve 8900. Get it now!

BlackBerry Device Simulator v. 4.6.1

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
15:32
It’s official: Verizon BlackBerry Storm launches November 21st, for $199
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

After months of speculation, Verizon has officially released the BlackBerry Storm 9530 launch date and pricing information. RIM’s first touchscreen BlackBerry will arrive November 21st for $199 on a 2 year contract, after a $50 mail-in rebate.

With this low price and the 8GB MicroSD card that comes bundled with the Storm, it’s obvious that Verizon is gunning for a showdown with AT&T and the iPhone 3G this Christmas. Alright, now it’s your turn Bell and Telus: give us dates and dollars.

www.verizonwireless.com/storm

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008

8:38
BlackBerry Curve 8900 (aka Javelin): ora è ufficiale!::..
» ‎ BlackberryItalia.it

Annuncio stampa di RIM che ufficializza il nuovo BlackBerry Curve 8900 in vendita in Germania con l'operatore T-Mobile.

7:55
Nan Palmero’s Power Cake
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Nan Palmero, the man behind our recent Nan the Power User editorial series, just got married. While on his honeymoon, Nan took the time to email me a photo of his wedding cake, which should bring a tear to the eye of every member of the BlackBerry Nation. It seems that for his wedding, Nan wanted to do something special to honor his better half — the Sprint BlackBerry 8830.

Post a comment and wish Nan the Power User well on his honeymoon! No, I don’t know how he convinced her, either.

|Image via Anne Marie photography|

© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
7:42
India adds 7.7 million GSM customers in October (BlackBerry Bytes)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Anyone who wonders why RIM’s recent troubles bringing BlackBerrys to India were such a big deal need only look at these numbers to understand. According to the Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI), India’s GSM networks added a record breaking 7.7 million net customers in October, bringing India’s total GSM base to 241.4 million. These figures, however, do not include the GSM subscriber base from Reliance Communications - which although a predominantly CDMA operator has a growing GSM base as well. Adding Reliance Communications’ estimated 9.2 million GSM subscribers would bring India’s total base to over 250 million GSM customers.

250 million GSM subscribers - just think about that number for a second. That’s almost the population of the United States. How much would it improve RIM’s bottom line to grab even a small percentage of that number?

|via CN|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008

7:27
MySpace per BlackBerry: sempre piu' social network!::..
» ‎ BlackberryItalia.it

Dopo l'applicazione per accedere, forse piu' famoso dei social network Facebook, ecco che RIM rilascia una nuova applicazione per accedere al concorrente di casa Microsoft: MySpace per BlackBerry.

7:19
Verizon launches First-Look, First-Touch BlackBerry Storm business events (BlackBerry Bytes)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Verizon has posted up a BlackBerry Storm Business Events page for reservations, dates and times to various scheduled events for its business customers to view the BlackBerry Storm. Here’s the list as it stands now:

* Lewis Center OH - Gov’t/Education ( 11/17/2008 )
* Chicago IL ( 11/18/2008 )
* Charleston, WV - Business ( 11/20/2008 )
* Charleston, WV - Gov’t/Education ( 11/20/2008 )
* Evansville ( 11/20/2008 )
* Milwaukee WI ( 11/20/2008 )

To learn more about how you can become involved, click the link below:

BlackBerry Storm First-Look, First-Touch Business Events

|via BBNews|
© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
7:01
BlackBerry Curve 8900 gets FCC approved (BlackBerry Bytes)
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

On the same day that T-Mobile Germany officially announced the device, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 has passed US FCC approval. While the Curve 8900 will eventually be available on both T-Mobile and AT&T in the US, look for it to hit T-Mobile first. You can find the FCC link and some initial reviews of the BlackBerry Curve 8900 at the links below.

BlackBerry Curve FCC approval
Multiple BlackBerry Curve 8900 reviews

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008

6:26
MySpace For BlackBerry Smartphones Just Released
» ‎ Celebrity BlackBerry Sightings

I don’t know how many of you are MySpace users, but, just in case your are, RIM has just released MySpace for BlackBerry Smartphones.

It’s a free BlackBerry download and you can send it directly to your device here…

6:01
MySpace for BlackBerry Now Available
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool
Following up on their hugely popular Facebook application for BlackBerry, RIM has now released MySpace for BlackBerry, allowing users access to one of the largest worldwide social networks. Here’s a look at some of the features:
In addition, RIM has launched a BlackBerry Community page on MySpace. It’s great to see RIM offering more consumer-focused applications, but I have one simple request: you’ve made a Facebook application, you’ve made a MySpace application, now please please make one for LinkedIn.
MySpace for BlackBerry Links
www.blackberry.com/myspace (Desktop download)
m.myspace.com (OTA download)
www.myspace.com/blackberry (MySpace BlackBerry Community page)

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
November 12, 2008
23:04
Smartphones being used for gaming more than enterprise software
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

What are you doing on your BlackBerry?
A report like this makes me wonder if BlackBerry Cool should spend less time posting about email monitoring solutions more time reviewing Magmic BlackBerry games. Our sister site and mobile entertainment blog, QuicklyBored, is reporting that a recent NPD Group research paper states that not only are people using their smartphones more, but they’re playing games more often than using enterprise and productivity software. The findings come from a portion of the report aimed at discovering what features and functions consumers are most aware.

While the greatest increase in smartphone gaming was among iPhone users specifically, the nascent BlackBerry Storm might bring just as many new gamers to the fold. Post a comment to let us know if you play games on your BlackBerry, and which game is your favorite.

|via QuicklyBored|
© Douglas Soltys for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
17:32
Telus launching BlackBerry Storm Rocks Tour
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool
We had almost forgotten about this little tidbit of news, but the wonderful Telus BlackBerry Storm commercials reminded us that we had to post about it. To drum up awareness for their upcoming BlackBerry Storm launch, Telus has created a Storm Rocks Tour. The Rock Tour will take place in four locations across Canada:
The most recent date we heard for the Telus BlackBerry Storm launch was December 8th, which falls right in-between the Storm Rocks Tour. Unfortunately, the Tour is only open to Telus employees, but hopefully a helpful BlackBerry Cool reader will send in some pics.

Register for the Telus Storm Rocks Tour

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:57
Soocial enters public beta with BlackBerry and Outlook support
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

Soocial is a contact management and synchronization service that enables you to sync contacts between computers, smartphones and web applications like Gmail. Soocial also provide tools to manage these contacts, backups, and keeps your current address book in sync and up to date with all your devices. Previously in private beta, Soocial is moving into public beta in a really big way, with an announcement at the Under the Radar conference later today of Outlook support and a BlackBerry client coming in a few weeks.

This move into the BlackBerry/Outlook ecosystem will obviously make it more appealing for business users. Soocial plans to add Windows Live, Yahoo Mail, LinkedIn and iPhone support as well.

To learn more about Soocial, you can watch CEO Stefan Fountain’s presentation at FOWA London, recorded last month.

|via TechCrunch|

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2008
16:09
Viigo adds e-books via DailyLit
» ‎ BlackBerry Cool

In the most recent edition of our Nan the Power User editorial series, Nan demonstrated how using Viigo could help reduce your email clutter. Our friend from the South is currently on his honeymoon, but if he was available, I’m sure he’d be spreading the word that Viigo can now help reduce your book clutter through its new e-book service, powered by DailyLit.

The best part about Viigo’s new ebook service is that it contains 25 free books that you can read right now! And we’re not talking about Dan Brown pap here, but classic literature like Moby Dick and Don Quixote.

If you’re interested in brushing up on your classics without having to lug around dusty tomes, you can subscribe to Viigo’s e-book service by downloading BlackBerry Cool To Go. You can read instructions on how to subscribe after the jump.

Are you ready to turn your smartphone in to an e-book reader but don’t want to add another application to your device? If so, Viigo is your answer. Having partnered with Dailylit, http://www.dailylit.com/, Viigo now provides access to a library of books for free.

To access the new service, click on Entertainment from the home screen and choose “Add Channel”. Select DailyLit from the menu.

On the following page will be a list of 25 free books to choose from.

Once you have selected the books you would like sent to you, return to the Entertainment channel. You can then