Category: Reviews

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Review: Body Glove Silicone Case for BlackBerry Curve 83xx

By Susan C on Jun 08, 2009 in Accessories, BlackBerry, BlackBerry Sync Store, Reviews.

bodyglovecase

I was looking for something that has a grip feel and has a stand, but also something I can clip on and it’s not too bulky. I’m terribly careful with my phone, but I’m always on the go, so I opted to review the Body Glove Silicone Case for the Curve.

There were a couple of reasons this product stands out. Body Glove is known for their scuba diving wear, swim wear, and also for their unique cases and skins. I really thought the  form fitting look of Body Glove was attractive, the clip a necessity so I could clip it to anything, and the stand. The case runs $19.95, and it’s available in the BlackBerry Sync Store. The features that are in the description are:

  • Strong, tear-resistant case
  • Slim and sleek
  • Soft, rubberized material
  • One piece design
  • Removable knob for sleek design
  • Adjustable kickstand built into clip
  • Kickstand allows for multiple viewing angles

    • To review the product, I evaluated it on my Curve 8330. I’ve always heard people referring to a Body Glove, but this is the first Body Glove case I have ever seen or used. I get my package and I’m excited. It’s very self explanitory. I open the package and I love the way the case for the phone feels. It’s silicone, but it’s flexible and feels very soft. The clip in the back can be removed, or the clip part can be removed off the back of the case, or the attachable clip can be clipped on. There’s the classic push button release on the clip. To apply the clip you slide it into the slot until it snaps, that easy. Hold the ends of the clip and pinch and the clip will open to be clipped onto your belt or whatever you clip your clips on. Turn the clip around and you have the kickstand. Unsnap the kickstand and there are four alternate degrees you can rest it.

    So now I slide my phone into the silicone case, and it feels nice. It’s soft and all the ports, holes, and buttons are left open. The light of my 8330 is slightly covered but I can still see it. The screen and keys are completely open and typing on the keys is left unhindered.

    Pros: The kickstand is nice since many people have the phone somewhere beside them and it’s viewable in this case. The case is lightweight and thin, not big and bulky, and it’s a material you can grip. The clip is nice, holds fast, and isn’t easy to come off. The clip can be rotated to stay in both sideways and right side up position. Just keep in mind this case is similar to a skin, it protects from nicks and scratches, and is not a heavy duty case. It allows easier use of the keypad that way as well. The instructions are easy to read and self explainitory. The case does everything the description says, it’s sleek, one piece aside of the attachable clip, and it is a strong silicone material. I pulled on it, moved it, took my phone out and slid back in. It held up very well and is very pliable. No loosening or slack in the case.

    Cons: The screen is open, so I highly recommend a screen protector for the phone. The only color it comes in is black.

    You can grab a Body Glove Silicone Case for $19.95 from the BlackBerry Sync Store >

    Available for the following handsets: BlackBerry: 8300 (Curve), 8310 (Curve), 8320 (Curve), 8330 (Curve), and there is also a version for the Bold and the Storm.

    Rating: ★★★★½

    3

    Review: Gwabbit v1.0.33 For BlackBerry, by Technicopia, LLC.

    By Susan C on May 28, 2009 in BlackBerry, Downloads, Reviews, Software.

    gwabbitscreen

    This review is about a great new app that is freshly released, Gwabbit v1.0.33 by Technicopia, LLC. What does it do? It’s an app that automatically searches and identifies contacts that are imbedded in the emails on your BlackBerry, and it adds or updates that information to your BlackBerry Contacts with your approval in a single click.

    The information we’re talking about is embedded in the signature usually. I’m going to start by giving you some information and the description of the app. The way the app works is when you’re checking your email the app checks the info against your BlackBerry Contact book. If it pops up, it allows you the option to add information to the Contact Book or to ignore the contact. If you ignore, then Gwabbit will never remind you about it again. It will also check later to see if the information is current. Now when you’re going through an email and find one you want, you can also click Gwabbit, but why is there a pause? Because Gwabbit gives you time to read your email first. The program proactively scans the email using automatic recognition. It’s not perfect, but it uses character recogniztion and a probability model.

    Now I’ll start with the download and running the app. I filled out the information on line and the download link was emailed to me. It downloaded in less than a minute to my Curve 8330. I had some issues with my phone connecting to the server but support by Gwabbit is fast, and they were very prompt in answering and issues were resolved quickly. After downloading and installing there is an icon on my BlackBerry which is a white square with a pink “Wabbit”. Clicking on it brings the screen “gwabbit 1….2….New Contact. It states the Version and copyright with the company name. Clicking the options button brings up Options, Help, and Close. Help will bring you to a black screen where they invite you to share questions, issues, or comments. It also has FAQs. In Options you have “Prompt me when a new contact is found.” and you can choose Automatically or Only when I click “Gwabbit’. You can check or uncheck show new/updated Contact in Address Book. Now it integrates with your BlackBerry. So when you open an email and you find an email with a contact you want to add and don’t want to wait, or you didn’t enable to automatically add, click the Options button, scroll to the top where it has “gwabbit!”. Click on it, and it waits a few seconds…and a white box appears with the word processing and the wabbit sits in his hole waiting, and then the box says gwabbit found new contact info, or no information is found. You can choose Create New or No Thanks. You have the final decision as to yes or no. If you choose Create Contact, the contact card comes up and you can finish filling it out. It’s saved quickly and you can move on.

    So my impression of it. First of all, I love that my phone is not hourglassing with the app. And I like the ease of easy clicking and it’s done. I can see the use of this app for many professions: Law professionals, Health Care professionals, Government Employees, Politicians, Real Estate Agents, Sales professionals, home users and entrepeneurs alike. Gwabbit has potential for anyone who wants to save time. For me, the reliability of the phone and how taxing it is on my memory means a lot. I have a busy schedule. I don’t have time to copy and paste more than I need to. And the app is smart. For $9.95 annually, that’s a great investment. That’s $.83 a month for an app that’s fast as a Contact Book Assistant. I really loved being able to add my contacts so fast and easy, it’s painless. I realize there are other apps out there, but trying it out and comparing them is the best way to decide what’s best for you. For me, it’s a matter of cutting time and corners where I can. I really encourage you to try it. If you’re an advocate of another program whether it be free or something you’ve used for a while, try this app, and compare the contact entries they create. Check out the differences in how much is required of your own input.

    For the Support and Information on the app, I can’t say enough about Gwabbit and Technocopia LLC’s support. They’re fast and helpful. I was very impressed by it. On the scale they’re a perfect 5. They’re really on top of their game and reading their emails. Great job!

    For the ease of use and navigation, it’s a 5. There’s no trying to figure it out, it’s self explanitory. I don’t see the need for a Gwabbit made simple manual anytime soon. It’s just that easy, you want it go Gwabbit.

    For the memory and how it affected my phone, how the contacts look, that’s another 5. It’s absolutely a joy to me when I can run an app without my phone hourglassing or freezing.

    Now I’m going to add something else. How big of a demand do I see for this app? In other words, how much of a need or want for a BlackBerry user will this app present? I would have to say that it is definitely a 4.75 stars, not because it’s not a fantastic app, but because there are always a few who might be afraid to try it and like it because it has a fee. I can tell you, for $.83 a month, it’s hardly a fee for what it does. I encourage you to try the app and see what the wabbit can do for you. With a fourteen day trial with 20 contatact, what have you got to lose? Don’t just take my word for it, in case you think I’m being biased, try it for yourself…and let me know what you find. I’d like to read your comments after you try Gwabbit.

    Pros: The app is fast, it gives you time to read your email, you can click gwabbit or wait till gwabbit appears, and choose to add or ignore a new contact, or update info. You fill out little extras like pic or logo and save. That easy. The memory isn’t forced to lag, meaning you can do your emailing efficently.

    Cons: I can see some men having trouble with the symbol of a pink rabbit, but it’s no different than a fox on a polo. It doesn’t save pics or logos, but that’s not really a con. I’m just trying to convey that I tried to find something wrong with it and the only issue I had was it couldn’t connect at first and support was on it in minutes! You can grab purchase Gwabbit from BlackBerry App World from your phone. Or you can go directly to their website.

    Grab a free fourteen day trial or purchase Gwabbit for only $9.95 from Gwabbit >

    Compatible with BlackBerry Smartphones: 7130c, 7130e, 7130g, 7130v, 8100 (Pearl), 8110 (Pearl), 8120 (Pearl), 8130 (Pearl), 8220 (Pearl Flip), 8300 (Curve), 8310 (Curve), 8320 (Curve), 8350i (Curve), 8800, 8820, 8830, 8900 (Bold), 8900 (Curve), 95xx series (Storm)

    Compatible with OS: 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7

    Rating: ★★★★★

    0

    Mini Review: OtterBox Impact Cases for BlackBerry Bold and Curve

    By James on May 27, 2009 in Accessories, BlackBerry, Bold 9000 Series, Curve 8300 Series, Reviews.

    1938-2051

    Editors Note: First off I’m just going to say sorry for the delay in the getting these reviews up, unfortunately they will be a little shorter than normal. We’ve been busy working on some new features for the site. Stay tuned!

    I have always been one to swear by OtterBox’s Defender Cases for BlackBerry smartphones. No matter what you use your device for they always seem to come in handy. This time around I’m checking out OtterBox’s new Impact Cases, which are more of a skin like material. Last year OtterBox introduced the “Impact Series” for the Bold and iPhone and just recently for the Curve 8300 series. I decided to grab one for the Bold and Curve to check out and see how they compare to RIM’s OEM skins. First thing you will notice when taking it out of the package is that the Impact Case is much thicker than RIM’s BlackBerry Skins. You defiantly feel like you get more protection from the OtterBox Impact Case. I have written this mini review separated by paragraphs about each model to make it a little easier to follow.

    rbb1-08300-20-c5otr5

    rbb1-08300-20-c5otr7BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series Impact Case

    OtterBox offers several different cases for the BlackBerry smartphones, however some people may not like the bulk of their more rugged Defender Series. The Impact Skin may be the way to go! It features a ergonomic design, which feels great in your hands. The case should protect from your average bumps and shocks cause from day to day use. This case keeps your device slim yet still accessible. It works great in your pocket or in most side BlackBerry cases. (See details at OtterBox.com)

    1938-2052BlackBerry Bold 9000 Impact Case

    When the Bold Impact Case was introduced I was too stuck on my Defender Case to give it a shot. I was always worried about harming my beautiful Bold, however now that I’m using the Impact Case I love how slim and fitted it is. With the Impact Case you have access to the data ports, speakers and microphone. My only compliant about the case for this model is it seems to fit a little loose around the sides. Although they most likely have to be like that in order to put it on the device. So now the Impact Case is what I use from day to day. (Details in the BBSync Store)

    Overall

    I’m impressed with the cases from OtterBox overall. They never seem to disappoint me. The real bonus is that they provide a skin protector and cleaning cloth right in the package! You really can’t got wrong for under $20 bucks. If either of these cases interest you check out the links below.

    Rating: ★★★★★

    Purchase the OtterBox Impact Case for the BlackBerry Bold only $12.95 >

    Purchase the OtterBox Impact Case for the BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series only $19.95 >

    Gallery:

    3

    Review: Ever Light v1.0 by MMMOOO

    By Susan C on May 26, 2009 in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Sync Store, Downloads, Random News, Reviews, Software.

    everlight

    I know there are times you find yourself in the dark without a flashlight. Whatever the scenario may be, while the flashlight is MIA, you always have your BlackBerry nearby. While there are different flashlight applications, not all applications are the same. Let me introduce you to the Ever Light v1.0 by MMMOOO.  

    This app, Ever Light v1.0, is $4.99. The description of this application reads that it is an all in one energy saving application. It has everlasting lighting that will not wear down your battery, making it a very conservative and green friendly app. It also lists the following features:

  • 1. Ever lasting lighting & keep activated all the time
  • 2. Activate LED light at the same time; Led color will change according to your choice
  • 3. Mirror function for your need a look at yourself(use black background)
  • 4. Flashing function for SOS need
  • 5. Soft Yellow light care your eyes
  • 6. Colorful lights for optional & fun (ideas from modern home decoration)

    • For use, this application must be downloaded to the computer and installed through the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. The instructions for download are as follows: 1. Download the following file to your PC:
    2. Unzip the file to your Desktop.
    3. Connect your Blackberry to your computer.
    4. Open up Desktop Manager – Application Loader – Add.
    5. Find the file called ‘Ever Light.alx’ and hit ‘OK’.

    I had a little bit of trouble at first with the installation and the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, so I had to open the Ever_Light file with Windows Vista and then everything went smoothly as the instructions read. After I loaded Ever Light, there was a flashlight icon. On clicking on it, a grey screen loads and a radiant light blue light shines from the LED. There are three tabs on the bottom bar: About; Menu; and Help. Scrolling the ball up lightens the screen, while scrolling the ball darkens the screen slowly to a black shaded screen, which is the “mirror”. Scrolling to the About tab and clicking takes you to the Ever Light info with contact information and the blog website. Scrolling to the Menu tab and clicking raises the bar and a box with four colors, a ball icon, a box and a grey circle icon with the word Quit inside are displayed, and the Menu tab displays the word Hide.

    When clicking the colored box icon, the screen and the LED turn red, click again and the screen turns yellow with the LED turning a yellow green, click again and it’s a green screen and LED, the next click makes them a light blue, next click a dark blue, then a purple, and the final click is black with no LED. And if you find a color you like, click on the hide tab, and then you can change the intensity of the screen from the color it is to black by scrolling up or down. Scrolling to the colored ball, clicking on it makes the screen appear green with designs that were inspired by a modern home decoration, green, yellow, purple, pink screen with red LED, an orange screen with a yellow greenish LED, and blue. Clicking on the grey box is a fun part of the app, the flashing SOS. The screen goes grey with a light blue LED and then flashes to a black screen with no light. Clicking on the Grey Quit option takes you out of the app.  The Help tab displays all about the ways to use the app, such as a flashlight, a mirror, lanterns to ease your mood, and the SOS flashing light.

    I tried the app out and it really does work without wearing out your battery. It can be fun, and I can see all sorts of situations where the SOS flash can get someone’s attention. The light is pretty bright but not annoying, and it does everything the app description says it does.

    Pros: The lights are bright, there’s everything you could want, the flashlight option, the SOS, and the fun lights you can change. I love the fact it doesn’t wear your battery down. I also like the mirror function, you never know when you need to check something.

    Cons: It would be nice to see a blinking different color pattern such as red and blue, or green and purple, or even a discoteque sort of display of colors. But other than that, the app is faultless, and is very clean.

    Grab a copy of Ever Light for only $4.99 from the BlackBerry Sync Store >

    Compatible BlackBerry Devices: 8100 (Pearl), 8110 (Pearl), 8120 (Pearl), 8130 (Pearl), 8220 (Pearl Flip), 8300 (Curve), 8310 (Curve), 8320 (Curve), 8330 (Curve), 8350i (Curve), 8700c, 8700f, 8700g, 8700r, 8700v, 8703e, 8705g, 8707g, 8707h, 8707v, 8800, 8820, 8830, 8900 (Curve), 9000 (Bold), 95xx (Storm)

    Compatible OS: 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7

    Rating: ★★★★★

    0

    Review: iFit v1.0, by MMMOOO

    By Susan C on May 24, 2009 in 8800 series, BlackBerry, BlackBerry Sync Store, Curve 8300 Series, Reviews, Software.


    Our society has become sedentary, work schedules so busy most of us never find time for the gym. The available exercise media doesn’t work so well when you are watching perfect physiques showing you how it’s done. The Wii changed the way we look at physical fitness and recreation, bringing back exercise and making it fun.  Thankfully because of these types of console games and fitness cards included, many software companies have been producing great fitness apps for the BlackBerry. What a great concept! Having your BlackBerry as your Physical Trainer as well, so that you can take your trainer wherever you go. With this in mind, I am introducing you to the app iFit.

    This app, iFit v 1.0 by MMMOOO, is $12.99. It is designed with seven different exercises, and you can choose how many and length of time, which adds a touch of a professional trainer. There are different sound effects that you can choose from to inspire you. The UI is very simple and concise, pleasant to view and I know that you are going to be very familiar with it. What’s really nice is there is also a calendar that keeps track of your workout days, so you can see progress or slacking. To install, it’s fairly easy, here are the directions:

    1. Download the following file to your PC:
    2. Unzip the file to your Desktop.
    3. Connect your Blackberry to your computer.
    4. Open up Desktop Manager – Application Loader – Add.
    5. Find the file called ‘iFit.alx’ and hit ‘OK’.

    The icon appears on the BlackBerry screen as shown. It’s somewhat similiar to the FitDeck icon with a green green background instead of blue, and the white silhouette facing toward the front doing a push up in the opposite direction of the NexFit. It takes about seven seconds to load. You see the white background with exercise silhouettes gracing the background and the white silhouette on the icon is now green, and there’s a green iFit banner. There are two choices, Option and Exit. Q brings up the options, which include Enter, Help, Online help, About us, and below are option and Exit. P is the opposite side option button. Enter will take you to a Select Screen. As you scroll over each exercise silhouette, they actually move! There are seven different exercises and one will require a pull up bar for pull ups and two require dumbells. There is also a silhouette for sound. This brings up six different sounds. You can scroll over them and they sound off, choose confirm at the bottom to set the sound, then back out back to the exercises. Click on an exercise silouette and it takes you to another white screen with a green 0 on the Background and the name of the exercise on the green banner. You can choose the numbers of repetitions by fives, and the speed you will do them in as in seconds. Click the Q and the program counts down from 3, 2, and 1. The program then counts the exercise repetitions with you as in “one” “two” , “one” “two, and so forth until the end when the bell dings. It then goes over to the calendar month so that you can check your workout. You are able to do all your exercises and track your progress or your lack of progress. Help gives you general guidelines and Online Help is just that. I do have one thing to suggest however, go online to the MMMOOO blog website, or click here: iFit User Guide. This pdf user guide will be a tremendous help to understanding and navigating through the application. At first I had no clue what keys worked and was a bit confused but the user guide was very handy. The app is very easy to back out of and to close out of.

    Pros: It’s easy to use once you learn how to navigate it, the UI is pleasing to the eye, and it flows well from screen to screen, and the sounds are neat. It is very reminiscent of Wii fit. There only seven exercises to do, sounds can be changed, and it keeps track of your progress on a calendar so you can be inspired and motivated. The workouts aren’t very long, so it’s great for doing once or even twice a day, even doing some in office or at lunch if possible. The counting with you helps you to keep you motivated as well letting you feel you have company, your trainer is there to keep you on track. The movements are fluid and help you keep time. The Calendar is a real incentive with this app.

    Cons: Figuring out the navigation of the app took some investigating and research, so that took a bit of time. There are only seven exercises included, and if you don’t have or want to work with equipment, then there’s only four. You could probably take the dumb bell exercises and use extra force to do them without dumb bells, but the pull ups requires a pull up bar of some sort. It would be nice to see a few more exercises with this app, as it’s fun. In the future it would be nice to have some background music, but I do love the way that it does them with you.

    Grab a copy of iFit for only $12.99 from the BlackBerry Sync Store >

    Compatible devices: 8300 (Curve), 8310 (Curve), 8320 (Curve), 8330 (Curve), 8350i (Curve), 8800, 8820, 8830, and the Storm.

    Compatible OS: 4.2,4.3, 4.4,4.5, 4.6

    Rating: ★★★★½

    4

    Review: Anagram for BlackBerry, Creating Contact Entries And Scheduled Dates For Free

    By Susan C on May 18, 2009 in BlackBerry, Downloads, General, Reviews, Software.


    Anagram by Textual is a software program that allows you to use the clipboard to capture information such as contact information, sales leads, meetings and appointments, and it works with BlackBerry email. Not only does it work with BlackBerry email, it gives you the opportunity to capture new contacts and appointments from any type of text on your BlackBerry including email signatures, directories, and even web searches themselves.

    For my review, I installed the application on my Curve 8330, os 4.5. One thing I like about the application is that it has extremely simple user interface, instructions are very easy to find and explained. When you find the the text you want to save, you choose “Select” and highlight the text, choose “Copy” and then choose “Capture With Anagram”. Not only does it start processing and creates a card, it also allows you to edit it adding information or changing it as you’d like. You can also change your preferences as to which words are capitalized and more.

    I used the program and followed the instructions, I really like the versatility and that you can correct the card. Perhaps even adding a contact picture if you have one. It’s easy and useful, I can see several reasons this program would be valuable. I had no issues with the software, I had the contact information come up easily, and received no error messages.

    When you go to download the application, on the site there is information about the various application add ons, and there states in the Home and Try tabs that it’s free for 45 days. This is referring to the PC version, as the BlackBerry application is completely free. For personal use of the Outlook Extension, it is $34.95. Nicholas from Textual also let me know that there are a few issues that have been noted for Anagram for BlackBerry that Textual has been keeping track of and have solutions for. One is that the line breaks seem to be lost. Certain BlackBerry smart phones have this problem with the way they handle certain HTML formats. This occurs becuase the BlackBerry OS delivers the data worong to Anagram. You can work around it by choosing “Get Plain Text” before you capture it. They are working on a permanent solution and that will be included in the new release that will be released this week. The other issue is that some users are seeing an IndexOutOfBounds exception when updating a contact. Again, this is certain modelsof BlackBerry smartphones under certain conditions. This will also be included in the newer version. For more information on the issues, workarounds, and fixes you can read more them here at the Anagram press and issues blog>

    To download the application you can go to the Anagram site>and from there you will leave your email and they will email you the download link.

    Pros: The program is easy to use and easy to navigate. Everything is clear and concise and there’s no confusion. It works great when retrieving information and creating the contact. It has no error messages and has many potential uses. The fact you’re allowed to edit the contact is very nice too.

    Cons: Only that it is Select, Copy, Capture. It’s done in three steps, but makes it easier to edit. That was the only con I could find. And perhaps if you are one of the ones who own the BlackBerry models having issues, but do note that help is on the way.

    For appearance and navigating the program, I give the program five stars out of five. It’s clear and concise. For user friendliness, I give the program 4.75 out of five stars. This is only because of the copy and select and capture.  This is only for the extra steps to be taken. For use and effectiveness, five stars.

    Rating: ★★★★★

    [via: BerryReview.com & Anagram]

    0

    Review: PhoneFace v1.2 by Electric Pocket, Speed-Dial You Can See And Read

    By Susan C on May 13, 2009 in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Sync Store, Downloads, Reviews, Software.

    phonefaceicon

    PhoneFace is a software app for the BlackBerry that allows you to flip through pictures to dial. It is under $10 and is to speed-dialing what FlipSide is to mp3’s. I installed this application on my Curve 8330, and tested it out. The description of the program states that it allows you to scroll through your contacts by their full-color pictures. You can call, text, pin, or email your contacts. You can also combine your Facebook and Twitter profiles to find the best picture.

    The features included are:

  • Get fast access to the people you call most often.
  • Pick full color, full screen pictures from your BlackBerry or storage card.
  • Connect to Facebook & Twitter to find the best pictures of your friends.
  • Take photos with your BlackBerry camera.
  • Pick from included images for home, office, sweethearts and more.
  • Flick to the friend you want to call with your trackball or finger

    • The program is so reminiscent of FlipSide, an mp3 player also by Electric Pocket. When I installed the program, it appears as an orange face of a dialer.  The application can also use Facebook to scan your contacts and use pictures. I was able to add my contacts easy. The menu was easy to find, it allows you to add a contact, change the photo using the Facebook and Twitter options. Now the Twitter is easy integrate using only your name and password. Your Facebook requires that you go to the PhoneFace website and that you go from there to the application on Facebook from your computer. The application will give you a code ito activate over the air. The application will then seek the best picture of the contact using these searches. I did notice if you had a picture in your contacts, it is larger than if you add it from your card via the PhoneFace application. I dialed a contact from the application and it worked, email and text as well. It has Rotate Photo, Delete Contacts, and About/Help. The only thing I would have liked to see from this application is if the contact called or emailed, that they’re picture and name show up as well, but this is only a visual phone book of sorts that you can use the pictures to find your numbers. Scrolling through them was seamless. It has Set Ringtones in options, but it requires you to download and install Ringo to use it for setting different ringtones for the contacts. Without Ringo, you are unable to use PhoneFace to set ringtones. The Options also has Advanced. In Advanced you are able to add PhoneFace to all menus or not, to Add Photos to Address Book or not, to Allow http connections or not, to Auto-update Facebook photos on or off, and you choose the sort mode by Alphabetical or by use.

    My rating for the product is as follows. For the display of the program it gets a 5 out of 5. It’s a bright icon, easy to open and doesn’t freeze. For user friendliness, I’d say it’s 3.75 stars out of 5. I had to dig around, the Twitter was easily found. I had to go to change picture to find it, and the Facebook required me to add an app to my account to be able to activate the phone and application on the phone so it could search. I give it for use a rating of 4 out of five for what is left wanting. It does make it easier by name instead of pictures. It also makes for a great coversation piece. The program only works for you to contact your contacts but does not have any influence when your contact contacts you in any mode. And also requiring you to install Ringo to be able to choose the ringtones for your contacts.

    Rating: ★★★★½

    If you are interested in PhoneFace, it is available for $9.95 from The BlackBerry Sync Store.

    Minimal Requirements are:

    For for BlackBerry Curve, Bold and Pearl

    • Any BlackBerry with a trackball

    Compatible with the following devices: 8100 (Pearl), 8110 (Pearl), 8120 (Pearl), 8130 (Pearl), 8220 (Pearl Flip), 8300 (Curve), 8310 (Curve), 8320 (Curve), 8330 (Curve), 8350i (Curve), 8800, 8820, 8830, 8900 (Curve), 9000 (Bold), Curve, Pearl

    Compatible OS: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7

    Check out PhoneFace at the BlackBerry Sync Store >

    2

    Software Review: So Ingenius, It Must Be TweetGenius

    By Susan C on May 06, 2009 in 8800 series, BlackBerry, Bold 9000 Series, Curve 8300 Series, Curve 8900 Series, Downloads, Reviews, Software, Storm 9500 Series.

    tweetgenius-2

    Today was a very exciting day, with the official release of a new Twitter client named TweetGenius. I know there’s Tiny Twitter, TwitterBerry, SocialScope, SocialScope Lite, and ÜberTwitter, so what makes TweetGenius so unique? It’s not like SocialScope or ÜberTwitter, it doesn’t integrate Facebook or Google, or any other program with Twitter. It’s not like TwitterBerry or any other applications. This is everything you ever wanted in a Twitter application and more. The description said it was made for BlackBerry users by BlackBerry users who know what they want. I’ve been hearing so much about it on Twitter, and very excited that it’s finally out. As you can see by the following video, it’s pretty impressive in what it can do.

    You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video

    The Application is the vision and design of Boy Genius from the Boy Genius Report. The code for the program was done by Dossy Shiobara, a master coder. The current version is 1.0 with 1.1 in the works. The program is $9.99 but for now the only versions supported are the Curve 8900 and the Bold, so they are offering the application for $4.99 for two weeks as the Storm, 88xx, and 83xx versions will be out by that time. The price includes free upgrades till v2.0 and is tied to the pin, but don’t worry, this will include if you have to get a warranty or insurance replacement as long as it’s one application on one phone at any given time.

    So now with the review. I installed the application and the first thing you see is the classic blue Twitter bird icon. Click on the icon and it brings up TweetGenius by BGR. The colors are appeasing to the eye in white and different shades of blue. It’s a cartoon city in the back (Must be T Town), and there are three icons on the front: Friends (with a person and shadow icon), Replies (with the @ sign), and Direct Messages (with an open envelope that has a letter coming out). On each of these icons you will see a bubble in the right corner with the number of unread messages. Clicking on either one of these icons will move the screen up and the next screen rolls up from the bottom. Click on any of the messages, and the the full message rolls in from left to right. Click on the name of the friend and the friend’s profile rolls down from the top. Pretty sweet how it rolls and is like an intricate cube you roll to read. If you click the option button you have Refresh, Mark all read, Send tweet, Friends Timeline, Replies, Direct Messages, Public Timeline, Go to user, Search, Options, and Help.

    When going into your Friends and other messages, your friends pictures show on the left, and your’s on the right. When you click on a tweet and click options and choose to tweet, retweet, or reply, a quotation balloon shows up, and the background darkens. Fill out what you want to say and hit the options button. Now the choices are: Select; Check Spelling; Send; Insert my location; Clear Field; Show Symbols; and Close. Choose send and “Poof!” your message disappears in a cloud of smoke! It’s like message be gone!

    The program is nice in that you can follow through it. When you are on someone’s profile your options are: Select; Refresh; Reply; Direct Message; View timeline; Go to user; Follow this user; Track this user; and Close.

    So in rating this application, the colors and how appeasing to the eye it is makes this a five and a half stars out of five. For user friendliness, it’s definitely five stars. For the way the program rolls and works, amazing, and for that I would give it ten stars! It looks and works like an application for Twitter you could only hope for, it’s very much like what you see on your desktop only much more impressive. It’s amazing enough to earn an icon on your BlackBerry because it’s just as awesome as our BlackBerry phones we have come to love. So great job Boy Genius! And hats off to Dossy Shiobara as well. And most importantly, there hasn’t been one error message yet, which really impresses me. It’s great on my battery and I haven’t missed a tweet yet. When I’ve had to restart my phone, I haven’t had to log in to get my messages.

    Rating: ★★★★★

    To learn more about TweetGenius, to take advantage of the special going for $4.99, and to download this great application  that will bring Twitter to you in a new way, the way it should be presented, click here.

    Currently the program is only compatible with the Bold and the Curve 8900, will be compatible with the Storm, 88xx, and 83xx series.

    Check out TwitterGenius >

    [via: TweetGenius & Boy Genius Report]

    0

    Review: Smart Skin Case from Case-Mate, Smart and Savvy

    By Susan C on Apr 22, 2009 in Accessories, BlackBerry, Reviews.

    phonencasefr

    My review is on the Smart Skin from Case-Mate, priced at $19.95 in red, black, purple, and silver. Case Mate has been around for a while, the company has been online with their products since 2005. They have some excellent cases with reasonable prices, and a few designer cases designed to appeal to those with a taste for unique and expensive. I was really excited to review this product for a few reasons. The look, the feel, and the price.

    When the case first arrived, I opened the box to find the case with a screen protector included, a cloth, and a squeegy. I cleaned my screen carefully, and carefully took off the backing of the protector and applied it slowly. After going over with the squeegy to avoid bubbles and wrinkles, I wiped over it to remove any fingerprints. I then installed it on the phone by slipping my phone into the case. For the review I chose red and I really liked it. It’s a bright Dairy Queen Dilly Bar red and the lights show up through the special material of the smart skin.

    I like that all the openings that count are left opened (such as speakers and ports), including access to the trackball and lens, I love how the keyboard is covered and dust and dirt free. The side buttons are covered but raised and textured as the buttons they cover. If anyone touches my phone and keyboard I don’t wince since my keys are protected and clean.

    What makes the case unique is that it does have the world’s first case with a laser cut keyboard cover. The light of the keyboard shines through, making it even easier to see your keys if you haven’t memorized them already. The unique carbon fiber pattern makes it nice to hold with the silicone material…it feels right to grip and especially nice on the sticky pad I keep on my dashboard. I’m able to take those turns without my phone flying.

    The Cons of this product are that for Verizon users, the LED light is covered, but it still shines through. There is no holster for the phone. For me, this was not an issue since I leave my phone in my hand or my purse and I pamper my phone.

    The Pros of course are the grip design, so if your hands are sweating you can grip it better, and it sticks to other surfaces quite well. It protects against dirt and dust. It covers the keyboard which most skins do not. It has an easy to see keyboard cover. The sound is not compromised by being covered. The screen protector is an added bonus I liked. The case does not add a lot of bulk to the phone, just enough to “cushion”.

    As a rating, I give it five stars for appearance, five stars for ease of installation, and four and a half stars for the reflection of the pros and cons.

    Rating: ★★★★½

    This phone is perfect if you through it in your pocket or purse, and want a great coversation starter. I highly recommend the Smart Skin for daily use, for style that isn’t compromised by protection, for home and office, and the bright colors are hard to miss if you are always forgetting where you laid your phone at.   The Smart Skin can be found here.

    8

    Review: SMS Eraser for BlackBerry

    By Susan C on Apr 20, 2009 in BlackBerry, BlackBerry Sync Store, Reviews.
    The SMS Eraser Icon

    The SMS Eraser Icon

    If you’re worried about your texts being copied, forwarded, or saved, and have been wondering if there’s a solution for that, then SMS Eraser is the program you are seeking. The SMS Eraser is published by BigString Corporation, and is version v3.0. I used it on the Curve 8330. The program allows you to text word texts (sms) and picture text (mms) to another phone, which will self destruct after opening once, twice, or fifteen seconds. It gives peace of mind knowing that the text will be gone from both phones after the allotted time frame chosen. It is perfect not only for individuals, but for businesses as well.

    After installing the program, it appears as a smilie with a lock. It opens giving you a choice of: New Message; Inbox; Drafts; Sent Messages; and Manage Groups. In Manage Groups you are able to make groups of your contacts to send texts to all at once. When creating a new message, you choose the recipient from your address book which the program displays for you. After choosing your contact, you are able to choose from the following: New Destructing Text Message; New Text Message; New Destructing Picture Message; and New Picture Text. The next list of options after choosing your message is: Open 1x, 2x, or in 15 seconds; and insert Smilie. You can send to one or multiple recipients. I really liked the graphic smilies you can choose, they range in a variety of choices which the text on our Blackberry phones lacks.

    And now, I’d like to share what makes this program so unique. The messages are hard to copy and print, they cannot be forwarded, and they are deleted off both handsets, and the security issues concerning text are now addressed. This includes both word and picture texts. You choose how often they can open before it self-destructs, or give it a time limit. The program is easy to use, is not complicated at all, and includes a pdf file explaining how to use the application which you can download and view at any time.
    I sent the word text to various recipients and it worked well, I was able to see it from their handset, and how it looked to them. The smilies actually move, so it’s similar to a smilie from a messenger on the computer. It was easy to use, easy to send, and that I had no worries after I saw it “delete”.

    The Pros of the program are so obvious. First pro is that the text and picture text are deleted in either a time frame or opening. There are smilies available to the texts that the phone does not have, and it allows peace of mind as it can be used for both personal and for business.
    The Cons of the program are as follows. There is only a fifteen second time frame, not longer. So if you’re recipient is busy, the text may not be there. It only does word and picture, not video, which would be nice to see in the future.

    I would have to say for usability, the program is four and a half stars. It’s very easy to use and very self explanatory, but it also leaves room for a few desired changes. For the function of the program, I would rate it about four stars. The only reason if falls a little short of five stars is because of the few items it lacks. Otherwise, it’s great, and for the average user and for the business user.

    Rating: ★★★★☆

    SMS Eraser is available for $29.95 at the BlackBerry Sync Store >


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