Ronen pointed out that RIM has posted details of their new BlackBerry OS 4.6. You will find OS 4.6 on the new BlackBerry Bold, which is slowly popping up all over the world. The new OS 4.6 now allows QWERTY keyboard shortcuts meaning you can press Q to turn your device on vibrate and A to lock your keypad (similar to the Pearl’s Suretype shortcuts). In case your wondering you will find OS 4.6 on either the BlackBerry Bold 9000 or the upcoming Kickstart/Pearl 82xx series. Here’s a full run down of the features:
- Switch Bluetooth devices during calls
- Music icon that allows access to playlist from homescreen - The Clock application
- Support for inline video streaming in the Browser application
- Improved full screen picture preview screen
- Open the Camera application from the Video Camera application
- Likewise, Video Camera application accessible from the Camera icon
- New Browser enhancements such as Attachment download via the Browser application and a Richer browsing experience - QWERTY keyboard hot keys (A for lock, Q for vibrate) - Spell check as your type
- Reverse contrast mode for persons with visual impairments
- Enhanced icons such as grid layout - Ability to delete applications from the homescreen
John Mayer has always been a BlackBerry lover, if you remember we saw him using a BlackBerry Bold way before it was even launched! Well now it turns out that BlackBerry is sponsoring his Summer Tour. If you visit johnmayer.blackberry.com you will be able to check out where he is performing through out July and August as well download stuff for your BlackBerry.
The good news is RIM implemented BIS 2.5 late last night/early this morning for North America. The upgrade brings access to HTML email, OTA (Over the Air) software updates, push email for Hotmail, MSN, Live and AOL email and the ability to now download a ton of attachment formats (doc, .ppt, .xls, .wpd, .txt, .html, .pdf, .zip). You won't be able to get HTML emails until OS 4.5 is installed on your BlackBerry.
The bad news is that most BlackBerry smartphones won't be running OS 4.5 till around September, unless RIM releases any new smartphones before then (which they will run 4.5).
Yesterday RIM announced their first quarter results for 2009 and of course they did great. RIM saw revenue go up 107% to $2.24 billion from Q1 of 2008. Not only that but RIM added 2.3 million more subscribers this quater bringing their overall to around 16 million. This summer RIM is also getting ready to ship their 40 millionth BlackBerry smartphone!
“We are pleased to report another record quarter with revenue increasing 107% as the popularity of the BlackBerry platform continued to spread in business, government and consumer segments. Our comprehensive technology and business strategies continue to reap strong results in the market and RIM is well positioned to build on its momentum throughout the remainder of fiscal 2009,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “As we prepare this summer to ship our 40 millionth BlackBerry smartphone, we continue to steadily scale our business and partnerships to support the opportunities ahead in this thriving sector.”
RIM has launched a video in their newsletter for the BlackBerry Bold. The video shows off features and the OS. You can check it ouy here. Sadly they didn't give us any release dates or pricing. Guess we will have to wait a bit longer…
Probably one of the best things that ever happen to consumer BlackBerry's was Facebook. It took RIM a long time but finally they have released a new update (version 1.2) which removes the "IS" from your status. Now Johnny "isn't" something can be posted! It took them a while but they did it.
You can download the update from the BlackBerry Mobile site by pointing your browser to mobile.blackberry.com.
Finally! It's about time RIM started offering new headphones for their BlackBerry smartphones. BBcool is reporting that RIM will be introducing several new accessories this summer including a new style of wired headsets and stereo headphones.
The new headphones will deliver premium sounding audio and will feature inline media controls. Not only that but they will include three color inserts and a carrying case. These would go great with a BlackBerry Thunder if it ever arrives… Look for these new headsets at ShopBlackBerry.com sometime this summer.
Looks like phone sales in the United States have declined by about 22% in Q1, however RIM BlackBerry smartphones have made the Top 5 manufactures list. RIM joins Motorola, Samsung, LG and Nokia in the top places (respectively). This report was published by the NDP Group.
How far do you think RIM will move up with the launch of the new BlackBerry Bold and upcoming Kickstart and Thunder? Maybe they will move up a bit more on the list? What's that Apple where are you?
Here's a quick laugh from RIM's CEO Jim Basillie. He talks just about the addictive ways of the BlackBerry and adds some good humor too it. Thanks to CrackBerry for posting this up live from WES.
RIM and IBM have announced a partnership to team up and mobilize Web 2.0 capabilities, by enhancing IBM's Wireless Solutions for BlackBerry smartphones.
“As the world enters the ‘Era of the Mobile Web’, mobile devices like BlackBerry are outnumbering TV’s, credit cards and PC’s, and are becoming increasingly critical to business operations for companies of all sizes globally,” said Bob Picciano, GM Lotus Software. “Today’s announcement extends the portfolio of IBM’s industry-leading social computing and collaboration offerings available to customers as they increasingly rely on their BlackBerry® smartphones.”
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