Though the BBW 2012 has passed, Thorsten Heins did a great job in his keynote at this year’s BlackBerry World. The turnout was huge, the excitement was there, and there were many reasons to look forward to the next upcoming months. I wanted to wait until I had some time to really think about the Keynote before posting it.

I listened and watched as the BlackBerry World 2012 Keynote took place online, and even though we lost connection for a bit, it was so intense to watch Thorsten Heins talk about the BlackBerry, the culture, the people, the new mobile platform BlackBerry 10, and where they are headed. As a consumer, I am really excited for the moment I’ll be able to hold a BlackBerry 10 myself. Developers were given one at BlackBerry 10 Jam, as a prototype, and even as an Alpha prototype, it’s very promising.

There are many reasons we hold on to our BlackBerry devices. The email which BlackBerry does better than anyone and BBM because we love to be social and network socially as well. I have tried other operating systems and they fall short to me when compared to a BlackBerry. The iPhone and iPad are somewhat super simple and the use of iTunes discourages me. I don’t want to be having to use iTunes for my device. Android is great for those who are into games and fun, but for me, I became frustrated with the uncaught exceptions, closing of apps, etc. It also has several games and applications I don’t have a need for or want to use. The BlackBerry for me is a great tool and with the BlackBerry PlayBook they are able to meet my needs and then some. I’m not discouraging others from other mobile device OS, but for me the BlackBerry is the one I feel best with.

The Keynote was exceptional when it came to seeing what they’ve done. Thorsten spoke of the culture of those who use BlackBerry, he showed us the Alpha prototype, he and Vivek showed us the virtual keyboard and the amazing camera feature. I’m especially loving the camera feature as you can single out a face and turn back the seconds to find the expression you wanted. Never again miss a “Magic Moment”. I’m really loving the keyboard and the “Magic Moment” camera ability. I know we’ve all had those moments where we’ve missed that one perfect moment.

Thorsten and Vivek also showed us the “Flow”. BlackBerry 10 can run different things at once, flowing effortlessly from one app to another seamlessly. This is a nice touch, very  much like the BlackBerry PlayBook does now. I was also impressed with the numbers of smartphone users using their phones in different areas, and the BlackBerry users using those features more.

There were a lot of great points brought up at BlackBerry World and even some new apps and games that were released during the event. With the changes BlackBerry is making going forward, it’s clear to see they mean business. Thorsten even spoke of how they would make sure they release a finished product. We also were shown the BlackBerry 10 Porsche running the BlackBerry 10 platform. I really admired the way that Thorsten said that the BlackBerry 10 is not just an OS, it’s a mobile computing platform! Just think, your phone, your PlayBook, your car, your home, your world.

After watching and reading, I’m just really anxious to grab my own BlackBerry 10 device. I love the idea of bringing more of the world into my hands. What are your thoughts about BlackBerry 10? What were your favorite segments of the Keynote? What feature or features are you looking most forward to?

[via: BlackBerry YouTube]

I admit, when I updated my PlayBook, I was anxious. And when it finally rebooted, I immediately began searching through it, signing into everything, checking settings, making sure my apps still worked, checking to see if I needed to set up my previous apps. Here’s some of what’s new with OS 2.0.

In the settings, you will find the Accounts. In Accounts is where you’ll find Manage email, calendar, contact, and social accounts. It’s in here that you add your emails, your Facebook, your Twitter, and your LinkedIn. Everything else seems the same until you look at the Keyboard settings. You can actually make some more changes with the keyboard. The UI is changed and I was surprised to see it looking so new. Even though you see videos, it still does not prepare you for the change. The main apps in front are Messages, Contacts, Browser, Calendar, and App World.

If you have set up your Accounts, then your Messages, Contacts, and Calendar will reflect the newly added accounts. Messages opens and has All Accounts in the left hand column, while the messages are shown in the panel to the right. Much like Outlook. You still need to download images. It’s so much easier and replying is even easier, or deleting. But it’s all native. You can also answer from Twitter or Facebook within messages. Everything is truly integrated.

Contacts is pretty nice. There’s an ABC tab on the left hand column, the information on the contact in the right pane, and the you can easily read about your contact or edit the information. You can even see their location provided you have the right information in the contact information.

The App World has been revamped as well. It’s much more efficient and easier to find apps, and still has the categories you come to look through.

The BlackBerry Bridge has it’s own icon that opens up the Bridge apps. Very nice and it comes out and goes into itself when closed out. Video Chat is very different. The contacts are in the left column with the video symbol and it’s green when they’re available. It’s a really neat change and makes it even more personalized. Docs to Go has a little bit of a lift as well, looking a bit more vivid.

Now let’s take a look at some new features. The Video Store powered by Rovi. There’s not a ton of movies available, but there’s some and there’s some tv shows as well. Prices for buying or renting range with rentals at $3.99 and buying at around $9.99 or $19.99. I really love seeing we have an option for movies and hoping we see the available movie selection grows.

There’s Print To Go. This is a really fun feature. You can send a file from your PC with Print To Go, to your BlackBerry PlayBook. Take your files on the go.

There’s the Press Reader. The Press Reader by Newspaper Direct allows you to choose your country and subscribe to various newpapers. Not bad for mobile reading.

There’s an icon for the Accessories Store which takes you to the BlackBerry Store online.

Which feature have you become most fond of? I have to admit that so far, I haven’t found anything I don’t like. I won’t use the Press Reader more than likely, but that’s the only thing. Everything else I know I’ll put to use. I just wish Skype and Kindle would show up for us soon.

It’s been a long time coming and I’m happy to report that RIM has finally launched the major BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 update. This new update brings much needed features like built-in email, contacts, and calendar, integrated social networking for Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In, updated BlackBerry Bridge with awesome features like remote control, which allows you to use your BlackBerry smartphone as a keyboard and mouse for your PlayBook, Android App Player, which will allow developers to port over Android apps to the PlayBook, stereo Bluetooth, updated Keyboards, and finally Open On, which allows you to instantly open pictures or documents from your BlackBerry smartphone on your PlayBook tablet within seconds. The entire update takes about 20-25 minutes or so (depending on internet connection) at nearly 500MB. If you haven’t been notified of the update yet go to your settings and check for updates. You can read more about the new PlayBook OS 2.0 update here.

So you tell us — What is your favorite feature of PlayBook OS 2.0?

We’re counting down the hours as we look forward to the update of PlayBook OS 2.0 becoming unleashed soon. The rumor is said to be 4 AM. While waiting for the update, Bridge has been updated, and you don’t need to wait for OS 2.0 to check it out.

So what’s new with Bridge?

• Use your smartphone’s keyboard, trackpad and touchscreen to remotely control your PlayBook
• Open attachments, files and Browser URLs directly on your PlayBook Tablet from your BlackBerry Smartphone menu
• Copy/Paste from anywhere in your BlackBerry Bridge PlayBook apps
• Use device Properties menu to turn on and Off BlackBerry Bridge email calendar, and address book accounts
• Improve stability with multiple apiring and connectivity bug fixes
• Various UX improvements
• Note: Bridge Remote control feature requires BlackBerry Tablet OS 2.0 to be installed on your Tablet

I tried out the remote and I have to admit, it’s very easy to use and very impressive. I’m trying to stay awake for the update. I feel more anxious than a little kid waiting for the Easter Bunny. The BlackBerry is much better than chocolate any day.

The remote not only has the ability to use your BlackBerry device as a mouse, but also as a keyboard with all the keys included.

You can read more regarding the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, Bridge, and the Print to Go feature and security from the BlackBerry Manuals and Help here

You can download the free BlackBerry Bridge app for your BlackBerry from BlackBerry App World here

RIM has kicked off CES 2012 with the announcement of BlackBerry 7.1 OS. BlackBerry 7.1 brings the same look and feel of BlackBerry 7, but bring NFC via BlackBerry Tags, Mobile Hotspot, and an FM Radio for the new Curve models. It is expected OS will begin rolling out over the next little bit from major carriers. The full press release is below…

Press Release:

RIM Showcases New BlackBerry 7.1 OS at CES 2012
New BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel Updates Also Released

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA–(Marketwire – Jan. 9, 2012) – (CES 2012) – A wide range of software improvements await BlackBerry(R) 7 smartphone customers at the BlackBerry(R) booth (South Hall 3 Booth # 30326) at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2012). Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) is showcasing the new BlackBerry(R) 7.1 OS as well as updates to the BBM(TM) (BlackBerry(R) Messenger), BlackBerry(R) Traffic(TM) and BlackBerry(R) Travel(TM) apps. The new OS and app updates make seizing and sharing the moment even easier.

BlackBerry 7.1 will begin rolling out from carriers around the world beginning today and over the coming weeks(1). The new releases of BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel will be available on BlackBerry(R) App World(TM) beginning today.

“BlackBerry 7 delivered a next-generation platform for our customers around the world and the range of software updates announced today build upon the strengths of that platform to further enhance the mobile experience and make life easier, from managing daily tasks to planning big adventures,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

Life Is Better Shared

The BlackBerry 7.1 OS incorporates a new feature called BlackBerry(R) Tag that can change the way BlackBerry users share information and content. By simply tapping their NFC enabled BlackBerry(R) smartphone against another NFC enabled BlackBerry smartphone, users can make sharing easier than ever. They can instantly invite a friend to BBM, exchange contact information, documents, URLs, photos and other multimedia content, and they can also pair their BlackBerry smartphone with an NFC enabled Bluetooth(R) device.

Support for BlackBerry Tag is just one of a number of enhancements in the updated BBM app (version 6.1) being released today. Additional features allow users to personalize their experience even more with support for animated avatars (animated GIFs)(2), a dozen new and fun emoticons to spice up conversations, and the ability to customize chat bubbles with different colors. In addition, the new BBM app allows users to add customized personal messages of up to 160 characters in their online Profile, more than double the length supported in previous versions. Users can also now set the picture for their BBM avatar directly from the camera app – simply snap a picture and select “Set as BBM Display Picture” from the menu.

Make Things Happen

With BlackBerry 7.1, users can be productive from virtually anywhere. They can now turn their BlackBerry smartphone into a mobile hotspot that can be shared by up to 5 Wi-Fi(R) -enabled devices, including laptops and tablets(3). The 7.1 update also supports carrier implemented Wi-Fi calling services (UMA/GAN where available), allowing users to make Wi-Fi calls from their BlackBerry smartphone that don’t eat into their airtime minutes.

Getting to any location is now so much easier with the new BlackBerry Traffic (version 3.0), a free app from RIM that is being released today. BlackBerry Traffic determines a user’s estimated time of arrival (ETA) based on current traffic conditions, and now includes hands-free turn-by-turn voice guidance.

Planning, booking, managing, and sharing travel activities are also easier than ever thanks to the updated BlackBerry Travel app that is being released today. The new version adds support for contextual deals, such as offers for hotels and car rentals, or for arranging limo services to and from the airport. BlackBerry Travel can automatically keep track of a user’s bookings and schedule and quickly notify them if their flight is delayed or cancelled, and can then help them find a new flight right away. The automatic trip scanning feature pulls the travel details into the app, allowing the user to see all their travel updates in one place.

Seize the Moment

Sometimes it’s nice when someone (or something) does the thinking for you. The Universal Search capability has again been enhanced to help users find what they are looking for. It now includes an auto-suggest feature that intelligently filters Bing(R) search results to offer users a variety of relevant Web sites based on their search terms.

Love a good deal? Now finding and taking advantage of them is so much easier thanks to BlackBerry(R) Maps – an essential app that comes preinstalled on BlackBerry smartphones and has been enhanced in the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update. When users launch the new BlackBerry Maps application they can discover special offers, coupons, and discounts from nearby vendors. Users can immediately act on the deals presented to them by clicking to call the vendor or clicking to get the best route to the location where the deal is offered(4).

Customers with a BlackBerry Curve 9360 or 9380 smartphone will find a nice surprise with the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update in the form of an FM radio. The FM radio circuitry is already built in to the Curve 9360 and 9380 models and BlackBerry 7.1 provides users with a new app that allows them to tune in and enjoy local FM radio stations. Listening to the FM radio does not require a data plan or use data services.

For more information about the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update, visit www.blackberry.com/bb7. For more information and to download the new versions of BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel visit BlackBerry App World at www.blackberry.com/appworld.

1. The BlackBerry 7.1 OS update is subject to carrier certification. Please
check for availability with your service provider.
2. The animated avatar feature is supported on BlackBerry smartphones
running OS 5.0 and higher.
3. Mobile hotspot feature requires BlackBerry 7.1 and may require an
additional data plan. Please check with your service provider.
4. Please check with your service provider for availability of this
feature.

Download OS 7.1.0.190 for BlackBerry Bold 9900

• FileServe

Download OS 7.1.0.190 for BlackBerry Torch 9810

• FileServe

Download OS 7.1.0.190 for BlackBerry Torch 9860

• FileServe

[via N4BB, CB]

Right before the weekend, Sprint launched a nice little surprise for their Bold 9930 and Torch 9850 customers. Customers with the new Bold 9930 and Torch 9850 now have access to OS 7.1 which brings several upgrades, including the much-anticipated Portable Hotspot feature. We should also point out that this can be installed on ANY CDMA Bold 9930 or Torch 9850 simply by removing the vendor.xml, which means Verizon customers you haven’t been forgotten about unofficially.

As a precaution it’s important that you backup all data before installing this operating system. We should also point out that SocialScope is not yet compatible with OS 7.1, therefore if you love SocialScope, you may want to wait a little longer.

• Grab OS 7.1.0.163 from Sprint for the Bold 9930 or Torch 9850

It certainly didn’t take long for RIM to patch the DingleBerry jailbreak. RIM has launched the PlayBook OS update v1.0.8.6067 which is only 5MB in size. The update just fixes a minor Daylight savings time bug and patches the DingleBerry jailbreak. The OS update is free of charge and can be downloaded over-the-air by going into the settings > software updates.

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS v1.0.8.6067 contains the following fixes and updates:

• Daylight savings time updates
• Security updates as outlined in the BlackBerry Security Advisory KB29191

We all know the upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software update will bring much needed native apps like email, address book, and calendar. The folks at BB.in spotted a couple really interesting things during the BlackBerry Mobile Fusion webcast. If you look really closely at the Tablet OS 2.0 demo, you will notice a native BBM client (along side Bridge apps), as well the BlackBerry Video Store, and some sort of a Music store or player icon that closely resembles the iTunes icon. You also get a quick look at how the BlackBerry Balance application will work on the PlayBook… All I can say is February can’t come soon enough for Tablet OS 2.0.

For those of you who have been waiting for RIM to launch OS 7.1 we have some semi-good news, it’s not officially available yet, but it has been leaked online. This is the first leak for OS 7.1 and it seems to be an early build from RIM. This leak (OS 7.1.0.45) for the Bold 9900 includes the much anitcpated Mobile Hotspot feature, however there are reports of it not working with certain carriers. While we do not suggest everyone install this OS, it is great to see how exactly the Hotspot feature will run. I installed this yesterday, and so far it seem fasts and doesn’t have a ton of bugs. Battery life also seems to be very good thus far. You can find links below to install OS 7.1 — However we STRONGLY recommend you do a full backup of your device before installing. It’s also important to mention that if you love SocialScope as your Twitter client, do not install this OS, as it is not compatible as of yet and will not run.

Download OS 7.1.0.45 for the Bold 9900

Alternative Download Link via BlackBerryIndia

[via CrackBerry]