- Carriers globally will now have access to the first NFC smartphones certified as MasterCard PayPass(TM) approved devices

- France Telecom – Orange amongst first to benefit from MasterCard certification awarded to RIM

Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced the BlackBerry(R) Bold(TM) 9900 and BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 9360 smartphones are the first SIM-based NFC smartphones to be certified by MasterCard Worldwide as PayPass-approved devices.

The certification was granted on the basis of the BlackBerry(R) smartphones meeting the functionality, interoperability and security requirements of MasterCard. With this certification, any MasterCard PayPass-issuing bank globally will be able to deploy MasterCard PayPass-enabled accounts to the SIM card of these smartphones.

The ecosystem to allow customers to take advantage of the certified BlackBerry smartphones for NFC payments is already growing. France Telecom – Orange believes that mobile NFC has the potential to enable a new revolution in mobile by further connecting people’s mobile digital world with the physical world around them. France Telecom – Orange is the first operator worldwide to have commercial NFC launches in two countries, UK and France, with trials in several European markets.

“We are happy to offer the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Curve 9360 as part of the Orange range of mobile NFC devices. We are committed to actively marketing NFC devices, and these new smartphones will help accelerate the adoption of mobile NFC services secured by an Orange SIM, including mobile payments,” said Vincent Barnaud, Director of Contactless Services at France Telecom – Orange. “We have a strong partnership with RIM, and look forward to working together on more NFC initiatives in the future.”

Andrew Bocking, Vice President, Handheld Software Product Management at RIM said, “NFC technology is making smartphones even smarter and the MasterCard certification is a significant step forward in helping transform the way we use mobile devices for payments. We are working proactively with our carrier partners, banks, retailers and other industry players and we are excited to push the boundaries of how NFC can enable new mobile experiences for BlackBerry smartphone users around the world.”

“MasterCard is proud to be the first to certify these popular BlackBerry smartphones for mobile payments, and offer consumers another simple, easy, safe and convenient way to pay. In card payments, MasterCard has long been a leader in the testing and certification of products – for the benefit of customers, issuers, merchants and acquirers. We are delighted to extend this leadership role into the mobile payments arena and applaud RIM’s efforts to usher in the next phase of NFC adoption by delivering compliant devices to the market,” said Mung Ki Woo, Group Executive, Mobile at MasterCard Worldwide. “The availability of NFC on popular BlackBerry smartphones is an important milestone for the mobile contactless payments business.”

Since we heard RIM started rolling out an OS update (1.0.1.1796) to some PlayBook owners, I’ve been patiently waiting for it. Sadly it hasn’t come. So I started playing around with the BlackBerry Desktop Software to see if by fluke I could get the update, with no success. So then I proceeded to do a full backup of my PlayBook (which took around 8 minutes — 1GB in size), and then found the Update button in the menu. As I expected I got the No Update Available message. I then decided to reboot my PlayBook by pressing the Power Off app then Restart (while it was connected via USB). Once the device loaded up, it prompted for me to an OS update, and bam! I now have 1.0.1.1796 installed on my PlayBook. Just a warning the OS update seems to take about 30-40 minutes. Make sure you do a full system backup before starting.

So just to recap here is how you force an OS update on your BlackBerry PlayBook:

• Open BlackBerry Desktop Software on your PC
• Do full backup on your tablet
• Go to Device > Update
• You will get a message “No Update Available”
• Press ok, leave your PlayBook connected via USB
• Press the Power Off app then select Restart
• Once the PlayBook boots up, you will be prompted to do the update

Just a note, after doing the OS update via Desktop Software you can restore your data. Make sure you follow the entire setup process, before doing the restore.

Happy updating and post a comment below if this works for you…

Whether you end up taking your PlayBook to the grocery store, or you local coffee shop, you also can’t avoid the hoards of people begging to hold your PlayBook saying “Can I try It?”

Well, you have been following its development since its been announced, believed in it when others said it would not make it to launch day, and ultimately been there for it every step of the way, discrediting blasphemes and liars. How then do you take the higher road and politely decline onlooker’s request to touch your baby? Here are some pointers as to what to say:

• I’m sorry, I think you want the guy with the iPad standing over there
• I really can’t, its not mine, I’m watching it for a friend
• Sure! You can try the BestBuy down the street.
• See, see. No touch
• Lo siento, no hablo inglés
• I think someone just called your name
• Yeah, if I can hold your wallet.
• I’m sorry, this isn’t a PlayBook its a prototype for the Storm 9 and I’m on my way to “forget it” at a biergarten
• My! Look at the time, I forgot to take my meds again
• I was just going to ask you the same thing!
• I’m booked today. Can you do tomorrow? Say, at 3pm?
• Stranger danger!!!

Of course, not everyone can be polite, my wife for example would reply with a firm and stern “Hells naw!”. So how about you? Will you share your PlayBook? How are you keeping predators away? Share your tactics in the comments below…

Back a year or two ago, BlackBerry and Apple computers didn’t play so nice. But since the launch of the official BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac, RIM has made it quite simple to manage your BlackBerry, including backup/restore, iTunes Sync, add/remove apps, and software updates. RIM has posted a quick walk through of how to update your BlackBerry with an official release using BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac. The guide has pictures and all, it’s pretty handy guide for those with a Mac and stuck on older software.

Here’s the steps if you don’t want pictures:

1. Connect your BlackBerry smartphone to your Mac computer via USB.
2. On your Mac computer, in the Applications folder, click BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
3. Click on Backup at the top of BlackBerry Desktop Software and follow the instructions. This will insure that all of your data is backed up prior to proceeding with the update.
4. Click the Applications icon at the top of the screen.
5. In the list of available applications, select the check box beside one or more applications.
6. Click Start.

If you want to see pictures and all check out the BlackBerry Help Blog for details.

Let’s keep going…

Step 1: Ensure Desktop Manager is installed, but not running.  You can download the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager here (it’s available for both PC and Mac, however the Mac OS X version only allows you to install OS’ supported by your carrier).

Step 2: Download the executable setup file for the right model and operating system version you plan to install.  Now, install it.  After you’ve gone through all the obvious prompts, the last window of the installation will say “Yes, I want to start the BlackBerry Desktop Software.“  Ensure that box is NOT checked.  Then click Finish.  You have now installed the operating system to your computer in preparation for upload to your handheld device.

Step 3: Through windows explorer, navigate yourself to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader.  In there, you’ll see a file called vendor.xml.  That file needs to be deleted.  Don’t worry, this file isn’t crucial.  In fact, it’s crucial that the file does NOT exist so that it doesn’t restrict the operating system from being installed on a phone that doesn’t belong to the same provider that released the software.

Step 4: After completing the previous step, in the same folder where you deleted the .xml file, run Loader.exe.  Go through the normal prompts.  On the Communication Port Selection screen, ensure you select the PIN of the BlackBerry you are updating.  After the second prompt, the process will retrieve device configuration.  This will disable user interaction with the device

Step 5: Once your device’s configuration has been retrieved, it will give you the option to install the operating system however you choose on your device.  If you only use one language but you see that many others are installed, un-check the boxes.  These language packs take up good amounts of space on devices with less memory.  Any third-party programs you have installed will appear at the bottom.  Leave those checked otherwise they will be erased once your device is erased.  Once you’ve chosen which options to update and install, selecting next will bring you to the backup stage.  I personally recommend backing up everything.  This means when your device is restarted, it will be in exactly the same settings as it was when you started the process.

Step 6: Once you pressed Finish at the end of the last step, the loader will go through an 11 step process that will complete the update to your device.  During that time, your device will be rendered unusable.  Don’t be alarmed by the lengthy time of initialization.  As it is the first time the operating system has loaded, it can take anywhere up to 30 minutes.  The progress bar will likely stall a in one (or many) places for long periods.  This is typical and should not be cause to worry.  Once your device has booted up, it will restore all the data that was backed up during earlier stages.

Step 7: Once the Application Loader Wizard says “Your device’s software has been updated successfully” then you’ll have updated your own operating system, that easily.

If you’ve got any questions feel free to post a comment below and we will try and help out…

• View the BlackBerry Application Platform Push Service webcast

Let us know if you have any feedback on this or any of the other webcasts RIM has presented. If you are currently a BlackBerry app developer, or think you may want to be someday, do you think they are useful and informative? What would you like to see in upcoming webcasts?

Last week we talked about how to get started designing themes for  BlackBerry smartphones. We covered BlackBerry Theme Studio as well as additional resources you may want to have available. After you have designed a theme and you are happy with your creation, the next steps are getting the theme onto your device and distribution to others.

The first step, regardless of how you plan to distribute, is exporting your files. This is often confused with simply saving the file. When you save your theme in Theme Builder, it saves a .thm file for future editing. This file will not install on your BlackBerry. When you select export you are given three different options. You can install directly to your BlackBerry, publish for Desktop Manager, or publish for OTA (Over-the-Air).

To install your theme directly to your BlackBerry, first connect your device to your computer via USB. Choose export, then Install to BlackBerry.

You can name the theme whatever you wish, and if you have your device password protected there is a field to enter that information. If you have previously installed the current theme on your device, you can choose to overwrite any existing files. After you click OK you will see a pop-up box with a progress bar on your computer, and your BlackBerry screen will change to show that it is receiving information from your computer. Do not unplug your device during this time! It takes only a few seconds to transfer the theme to your device. Once it is done, another pop-up box will show that it has transferred successfully and tell you to activate the theme when prompted. At this time you can unplug your device and activate the newly installed theme.

If you decide you want to share your theme with others, the next two options after clicking export are Publish for Desktop Manager and Publish for OTA.

Theme Builder gives you a few more options here, such as choosing which handheld and OS you are targeting. This is also where you choose where you want your files saved. I suggest making a new folder for the files that will result from exporting. If you are doing a theme for multiple devices, make sure you name your files accordingly so you can tell them apart later. Publish for Desktop Manager will result in two files, an .alx and a .cod. Typically you would make these into a zip file and from there you can email them, or upload to a forum or website for sharing. Publish for OTA gives you a .jad file and multiple .cod files. Themes will have different amounts of .cod files, depending on the complexity of the theme, so don’t be alarmed if your themes have more or less .cods from one theme to the next. You will see the same pop-up box with a progression bar as with the Install to BlackBerry process from before.
I see a lot of questions on the forums of different BlackBerry websites regarding how to have your theme hosted for OTA
distribution. There are multiple ways you can do this. If you have your own server already set up, or know someone with a server that is willing to host for you, then you are all set. If not, you can set up your own through sites such as GoDaddy.com. For a fee, you can get your own domain name and hosting services.

An even simpler way to host and distribute themes is through Mobihand.com.  To begin with MobiHand, you fill out a short application which they review and respond to within two business days. Once approved, they act as host and distributor for your themes. If you are selling your themes, MobiHand keeps a portion of each sale in exchange for full access to their App/Content Developer Program.

With MobiHand, you instantly reach hundreds of thousands of highly-qualified buyers within some of the most respected mobile-focused sites – on the desktop and over-the-air.

What that means for you: your themes will be available on all of the 150+ websites that use MobiHand to power their online stores. More information about their services are available on the website.

It is highly recommended by any theme builder that if you are going to distribute your themes to the public, have them tested as thoroughly as possible on live devices before you release them. The BlackBerry Theme Studio simulators do a good job of reproducing how the theme will look and act, but it’s a good idea to have a few people do live testing for you.

So that’s it folks, a quick rundown of how to get started building themes, and what to do once you’ve created them. We will discuss BlackBerry App World and how to get your applications and themes submitted in a later post.

Now get out there and try your hand at creating some awesome new themes for your BlackBerry!
Let us know in the comments what you think!

There are many ways to personalize your BlackBerry device. For example you can choose to purchase different colored bezels and battery doors or a more permanent customization like a total re-paint through Colorware. What I have found to be the quickest and oftentimes least expensive way to make your BlackBerry truly yours is with a theme.

Themes change the look and feel of your BlackBerry by modifying how your screen looks. Be it through new icons, wallpapers, or even special effects such as moving docks that can hide your icons until you need them, themes are a popular way to make your BlackBerry reflect your own unique personality.

There are many websites that offer both free and paid themes that you can download. These can be done via a zip file that you download to your computer and install through Desktop Manager, or by an OTA (Over-the-Air) link that you click right from your BlackBerry browser. Sometimes though, it can be hard to find that perfect theme to really showcase what image you want to project. Luckily if you find yourself in this situation, RIM has provided you, free of charge, the tools you need to create your own themes.

In this article, we are going to show you what tools RIM is providing and what additional software and resources you may find useful in creating themes. How you can get your finished themes published to share with the rest of the BlackBerry community will be covered in a future article.

First, let’s talk about BlackBerry Theme Studio.  Theme Studio is a free download available from BlackBerry.com. When you download and install Theme Studio, you will see it is actually two programs, BlackBerry Theme Builder and BlackBerry Composer. Theme Builder is the program you will need to create a theme, as well as the files to install the finished theme to your device. Composer is a program for more advanced developers. With Composer you can create things such as animated graphics for the home screen, hidden docks, and different sized icons. To accompany Theme Studio, RIM has provided simulators for each BlackBerry device, so that you can preview and test your themes as if they were on an actual BlackBerry. When you download Theme Studio, I suggest you download the simulators for the devices you plan to create themes for, especially if you don’t have access to these devices hands on.

While at BlackBerry.com, be sure to take a few minutes to look around and you will see that RIM has set up a wealth of information for people looking to create themes. Topics range from a video showing you a theme being built from start-to-finish to a troubleshooting guide full of general and specific topics, as well as instructions for submitting your theme for inclusion in App World.

RIM includes stock icons, layouts, wallpapers and fonts with Theme Studio. Many people are content to stick with these, and rearrange them to their liking. However, if you are interested in doing more with your theme, there are a few additional things you will want to look into.

First, as far as software, you will need a graphics editing program that you are comfortable using. Two popular choices among developers are Adobe Photoshop and Gimp . You will use the graphics editor to resize and recolor images for the main elements of your theme such as icons and wallpapers.

Next, again depending on how much you want to customize your theme, you will need images you want to use for wallpapers and icons. You will find that an internet search engine such as Google can be very useful for finding all of these items, or if you have some talent, you can even design your own! Common websites for downloading free icons to use in your projects include dryicons.com and iconfinder.net.  Many of these free icons have no restrictions on what you can use them for, be it personal or commercial use, but always check to be sure you’re not infringing on copyrights if you decide to sell your theme. Wallpapers can be anything you can imagine, from a photo you have taken to an image of your favorite band or a company or team logo. Again, be careful of copyrights with images you use if you intend to sell your theme. As mentioned, you can also use custom fonts with Theme Builder and Composer. Free fonts can be downloaded from sites such as 1001freefonts.com and urbanfonts.com.

So there you have it, a basic guide to getting started with building custom themes to make your BlackBerry look exactly how you want it to. Depending on your style of learning you have options for your next steps. From here you can dive right in to Theme Builder and get started with a hands-on approach, maybe look online for theme building tutorials, or check out theme developer forums on websites such as BlackBerry.com,  Themes4BB.com,  or CrackBerry.com.

In our next installment, we will cover the different ways mentioned earlier for getting your finished theme onto your BlackBerry, as well as options for distributing your theme to fellow BlackBerry users.

Clementine, from Quintessentially, was kind enough to alert us to a really interesting FREE app for the traveler, be it work or vacation. You can connect to the insider world of Quintessentially while you’re on the go in the world. It will provide both members and non-members alike exclusive free access to vast travel content and information anytime and anywhere.

This app has been successful with the iPhone and is now available to BlackBerry, via the Pearl, Curve, and Bold. So what is Quintessentially? It is the world’s leading private member’s club and 24 hour concierge service. One click of your BlackBerry will connect you to an array of exclusive city guides, providing you with the most travel knowledge in the most sought after destinations in the world. Many more cities have been added as well, from Buenos Aires to Beirut, and Delhi to Dubai, you’ll have the world at your fingertips. Imagine going to St. Tropez with your BlackBerry as your tour guide! Doesn’t get anymore convenient than that. The guides are updated daily with the latest openings, new venues, and must see locations. You’ll know where to go, where to stay, what to see, what’s on the menu where, what you don’t want  to miss, everything laid out in the palm of your hand.

Each guide also comes with fantastic offers and services that Quintessentially members have come to appreciate, including reservations, VIP treatment, money-saving services, and did I mention directions via GPS? The content is free for everyone, but only members may take advantage of the services, packages, and VIP treatment.

If you travel for business or vacation, you won’t want to be without this app that will be another reason to say your BlackBerry is your best friend. Besides, it’s FREE. You can download the app here at the Quintessentially for BlackBerry site. The site to join Quintessentially is on the site as well, just follow the link. If you download it and take it traveling, please let us know what you think. If I were going to the Bahamas, this would be my app of choice.

I know, I know it sucks! We can’t get our hands on an actual BlackBerry Tour just yet. I guess in a positive mind I would say well at least they announced it, but man I just want this thing to come out. Anyway going along with our none stop Tour coverage today. Here is RIM’s BlackBerry 101 of the new BlackBerry Tour 9630. It’s basically an interactive user manual… Enjoy!

Take a Tour of the BackBerry Tour 9630 Now >