BlackBerry Sync - BlackBerry News You Can Sync With... » RIM

Rumor: BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) 3.0 and 3.1 – Coming Early 2010

James — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:58:52 +0000

A new rumor is floating around the internet about two new version of BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service), which supposedly will launch early 2010.The first would be version 3.0 which will include enhanced updates for Google Synchronization, which is said to be launching in March 2010 (but we all know how RIM likes to be late). Shortly followed after that would be BIS version 3.1 which would bring even more new synchronization features including: Google Calendar, Hotmail Address Book, and Yahoo! Address Book syncing.

BIS 3.0 (March 2010):

Improved the Gmail plugin:

Synchronization deleted messages, read / unread and sent between the box and your own Gmail (so far worked only in the opposite direction)

The ability to add and remove labels from your device

BIS 3.1 (Soon after):

Synchronize Google Calendar

Synchronize your address book from Hotmail account

Synchronize your address book from Yahoo

Yahoo mailbox will cause an automatic download of Yahoo messenger on the device

[via BerryReview, BBLeaks]

RIM and Adobe to offer Creative Suite BlackBerry Support, Flash on BlackBerry devices

James — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:10:14 +0000

Today makes the start of the 2nd annual BlackBerry Developers Conference, and today RIM and Adobe announced plans to bring Adobe’s Creative Suite to BlackBerry, along with Flash to BlackBerry smartphones. Here’s a sniplet of the press release from RIM. Click on over to read the full version…

“There is tremendous opportunity for RIM and Adobe to align our platforms to help developers create BlackBerry applications that are highly engaging and deeply integrated in order to deliver the best user experience in the market,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO, Research In Motion. “We are working closely with Adobe to enable our developer communities to build rich content services and BlackBerry Widgets that leverage the latest runtime environments, APIs and network services through Adobe’s industry leading design and development tools.”

RIM and Adobe to Simplify Delivery of Rich Content and Applications for BlackBerry Smartphones
Adobe to Deliver Support for BlackBerry Smartphones within Adobe Creative Suite; RIM to Incorporate Flash Platform into BlackBerry Platform

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA–(Marketwire – Nov. 9, 2009) – 2009 BlackBerry Developer Conference -

At the 2009 BlackBerry(R) Developer Conference, Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) and Adobe Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ:ADBE) today expanded their collaboration and announced that creative professionals and application developers will be able to use the Adobe(R) Flash(R) Platform technology and Adobe Creative Suite(R) content development and authoring tools to easily create rich content and application experiences for BlackBerry(R) smartphones.

“There is tremendous opportunity for RIM and Adobe to align our platforms to help developers create BlackBerry applications that are highly engaging and deeply integrated in order to deliver the best user experience in the market,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO, Research In Motion. “We are working closely with Adobe to enable our developer communities to build rich content services and BlackBerry Widgets that leverage the latest runtime environments, APIs and network services through Adobe’s industry leading design and development tools.”

“RIM is at the forefront of driving smartphone innovation, and it’s only natural that further integrating our respective platforms will set new standards for engaging content and applications,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO of Adobe. “The expanded partnership between both companies will open up great new opportunities by making it even easier for content designers and mobile application developers to create rich and compelling content for the BlackBerry platform.”

Future versions of Adobe Creative Suite starting with Adobe Creative Suite 5 will provide the ability for designers to create optimized graphic assets, such as image and video content, from tools such as Adobe Photoshop(R), Adobe Illustrator(R) and Adobe After Effects(R), for the BlackBerry platform. These graphics assets can then be easily imported into BlackBerry application development tools, including the BlackBerry(R) Java(R) Plug-in for Eclipse(TM) (www.blackberry.com/developers/java) and the BlackBerry(R) Web Plug-in for Eclipse(TM) (www.blackberry.com/developers/web), for use in applications and user interfaces. Backgrounds, icons and images created with Adobe tools such as Adobe Photoshop will also be able to be used in the new BlackBerry(R) Theme Studio (www.blackberry.com/developers/themes) to create compelling BlackBerry themes.

Adobe Dreamweaver(R), Adobe Fireworks(R) and Adobe Device Central software will also be enabled to support the creation and testing of BlackBerryWidgets and web content optimized for the BlackBerry(R) Browser. Additionally, users will be able to directly import photos and video captured on their BlackBerry smartphones and edit them using Adobe’s consumer offerings including Photoshop Elements and Photoshop.com.

The collaboration aims to accelerate the mobile application and content development workflow between BlackBerry application and web content developers and creative professionals that use Adobe tools. It will also reduce the re-creation of graphic assets and iterations that designers and developers have to go through to generate rich application user interfaces, animations, images and video content when supporting multiple platforms.

Today’s news builds upon the recent announcement that the two companies are working together as part of the Open Screen Project to bring the Adobe Flash(R) Player browser runtime to BlackBerry smartphones. The two companies will also be collaborating to adapt other key components of the Flash Platform including Adobe AIR(R).

RIM and Adobe are demonstrating a sneak peek of the enhanced mobile authoring workflow during the keynote address today at the 2009 BlackBerry Developer Conference. To learn more about this collaboration, developers can visit the BlackBerry(R) Developer Zone (www.blackberry.com/developers/adobe) and Adobe Developer Site (www.adobe.com/devnet).

About Adobe Flash Platform

The Adobe Flash Platform is the leading web design and development platform for creating expressive applications, content, and video that run consistently across operating systems and devices and reach over 98% of Internet-enabled desktops. According to comScore Media Metrix, approximately 75 percent of online videos viewed worldwide are delivered using Adobe Flash technology, making it the number one format for video on the web. For more information about the Adobe Flash Platform visit www.adobe.com/flashplatform.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information – anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry(R) wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld(TM) product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America,

Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Research In Motion And A Freedom Of Information Act

Susan C — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:21:36 +0000

Thanks to Al Sacco, who wrote this great article that brought to light the ongoing saga of RIM, NTP, and the Department of Justice and the legalities RIM is still facing. It’s an intriguing story and great read if you use a BlackBerry. It began in 2002, it was settled in 2006, but it appears that it isn’t enough.

The US Department of Justice was concerned over the fact that Research in Motion, Ltd. faced a large business injunction in 2005. NTP Inc.’s lawyers were well aware of it. After all, it’s always been known that the U.S. government was the largest single users of the BlackBerry devices at that time.

Let’s start at the litigation in the beginning. In 2002 in a U.S. District Court in Richmond, VA, a jury had found RIM violated certain NTP patents for email technology. In Dec 2004 and again in August 2005 a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the federal circuit gave two rulings that sent the case back to trial court. Between the last two rulings, RIM’s outside counsel contacted the Department of Justice, requesting them to take public interest in the suit.

Some phone calls and attorney meetings later, they entered into the common-interest agreement, that allowed RIM and the Dept of Justice to share information without waiving privilege in November of 2005.

As stated from an article in Law.com that: “the continued ability to employ those BlackBerry systems and devices is considered of sufficient importance to the U.S. to make necessary” the agreement. RIM and the United States understand that the agreement does not “impair the ability of either party to pursue its own interests in this matter.”

Also from Law.com is the following: “There are no regulations, guidelines, rules or policies that govern common-interest agreements at the Justice Department, although a supervisor generally is required to sign off on them.The same month that the RIM agreement was signed, with the case back before the trial judge, Justice filed a statement of interest with the court to the effect that the government had a “substantial” interest in the proceedings. At a subsequent hearing, Justice lawyers argued for a narrow injunction, a position supporting RIM’s interests — as well as the government’s.”

By March 2006, the litigation was finally over and RIM agreed to pay NTP $612.5 million dollars. No more threats were held over RIM. But it appears the lawyers for NTP hadn’t been aware of the common-interest agreement till then. So Hunton & Williams, a firm that had represented NTP, filed A Freedom Of Information Act lawsuit trying to expose and uncover the behind the scenes actions.

It is perfectly legal to have a common-interest agreement and the Dept of Justice protects the confidentiality and honors and protects the confidences it holds with companies. This case may not only cause some riffs in the tide for RIM, but also in courts and the how the Dept of Justice may work with other companies.

To read Al’s article, click the BlackBerry Battle here >

[via: CIO]

It stated that “the continued ability to employ those BlackBerry systems and devices is considered of sufficient importance to the U.S. to make necessary” the agreement. RIM and the United States understand that the agreement does not “impair the ability of either party to pursue its own interests in this matter.”

There are no regulations, guidelines, rules or policies that govern common-interest agreements at the Justice Department, although a supervisor generally is required to sign off on them.It appears that the lawyers weren’t aware that the Dept of Justice and RIM had entered a common-interest agreement to advance government interests in the patent infringement case. When the case was finally settled, the lawyers had barely found out and now they want to know details.

Messaging And Social Networking Apps Updated By RIM!

Susan C — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:25:30 +0000

If you go to RIM’s mobile page, you can find updated versions of some messaging clients and the Social Networking apps. I highly recommend updating your apps if they’re available. Rumor has it that RIM is preparing for OS 5.0 and these will be compatible. I always say a happy BlackBerry is one that keeps updated.

MySpace client (took a little bit to download) was updated, and while I read the Facebook client was (I still have the same option to download that I currently have, but perhaps soon), Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, ICQ, AOL Messenger, and Google Talk. Thanks to Ronen, from the BerryReview site, we also have a change log available to let you know what’s new:

Add dedicated icons to the Home Screen for one-click access to conversation boxes of specific contacts. The icon appears as the contact’s display picture or avatar.

Add contacts and display pictures or avatars to the address book to easily instant message, email, SMS, or call right from the address book or conversation box.

Search through saved conversations

Add dedicated emoticon icons in the conversation box

1. Add dedicated icons to the Home Screen for one-click access to conversation boxes of specific contacts. The icon appears as the contact’s display picture or avatar.

2. Add contacts and display pictures or avatars to the address book to easily instant message, email, SMS, or call right from the address book or conversation box.

3. Search through saved conversations

4. Add dedicated emoticon icons in the conversation box

You can download the networking and messaging apps here:

Please update your messengers and your im clients, it will keep your BlackBerry happy, and there’s usually new features and changes that make it even better.

[via: BerryReview]

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac Launching September 25th?

James — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:58:47 +0000

We thought it was coming last week, but now Boy Genius got the word that BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac might be launching on September 25th. In case you missed all the leaks, you might be able to still find them. Desktop Manager for Mac allows you to sync your BlackBerry data, do backup/restores, as well Sync iTunes, and perform BlackBerry software updates. So with any luck at all this isn’t just a rumor and we will see it very soon…

Stay tuned.

BlackBerry And U2, Where’s The Love? Where’s The Mobile Album?

Susan C — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:10:46 +0000

Boy Genius posted his opinion after going to the first U2 concert of the North American 360 Tour. It was rumored that the Mobile Album was going to be released yesterday with that concert, but the concert was the only event that took place. Boy Genius stated that there was hardly any advertisements by RIM.

The post describes Boy Genius feeling what many of us would have felt if we had been there. Only a few banners of BlackBerry Loves U2 and a small hot-dog stand like place with a small BlackBerry ad. So why wasn’t there a vendor, or RIM reps representing BlackBerry? Why wasn’t there a screen with BlackBerry? And why hasn’t the Mobile Album been released as of yet? Who’s to say. With as outspoken and political as U2 are, perhaps that was part of the agreement. Perhaps U2 wanted as little signage as possible. Then again, It is an expensive investment RIM has invested in, so where’s the love?

You can read BlackBerry Loves U2 from the Boy Genius Report here >

Some of us may feel disappointment, which I do. I was so excited for the Niagara, then Tour, the Mobile Album, and while I have my Tour, I’m still waiting for the Album. Some of us may be confused, why didn’t BlackBerry have more advertisement as a sponsor? Why isn’t U2 showing more support for BlackBerry? I just wonder if the app will be released soon, or at the end of the U2 360 Tour. I love U2, I have since they came out. And their outspoken views and opinions have always been loud. Remember Sun City in Africa? And BlackBerry has been an icon as well, and lately with the Phoenix Coyote ordeal, RIM has had some loud statements as well. They both do and say as they believe, so I refuse to be negative toward either one, but I feel a little deprived. I would like to see the mobile album and see more involvement of both RIM supporting U2 more and U2 promoting their sponsor and showing their support. Any thoughts out there you would like to share?

[via: Boy Genius Report]

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac – Available Today?

James — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:50:28 +0000

Not too long after being leaked on to the internet, Word has come from @BlackBerry on Twitter that Desktop Manager for Mac “might” now be available! Finally Mac users will no longer have to use useless applications like Pocket Mac to sync their BlackBerry. The new Desktop Manager for Mac from RIM also will allow software updates, installation and removal of apps, iTunes Sync, and lots more. As I am writing this post the download link isn’t available on RIM’s website, but it should be there sometime today…

Update: Seems that RIM has removed the Tweet and Facebook note… Not sure what to believe now. Stay tuned until we hear more.

Check out BlackBerry.com/Mac for Download Options >>

Proof it was on Facebook:

U2 Mobile Album Soon To Be Released?

Susan C — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:25:28 +0000

It’s been a while since RIM announced they were sponsoring the U2 360 Tour, set up their site BlackBerry Loves U2, and the commercials began playing with a teaser of the U2 Mobile Album app . I’ve been really excited over this app, anxious to find out what the Mobile Album is all about.

Mobile Syrup got word that the app is scheduled for release on the opening night of U2’s 360 North American Tour, which is this Saturday, September 12th, when they open in Chicago! Imagine the possibilities of this app, and what it could mean for bands in the future, as well as for RIM. By the teaser, it looks as though it integrates GPS, allows for fans to use location in the arena, sharing and so forth.

I don’t know about you, but I’m really hoping it’s going to be released this weekend, and you can be sure that I’ll have a review ready. Hopefully Bono and U2, as well as the fans can hope that they have finally found what they’ve been looking for. How many of our readers are U2 fans and what are your feelings about the upcoming Mobile Album app?

[via: MobileSyrup]

BlackBerry Current and Future Developers, Don’t Miss RIM’s Free Webinar

Susan C — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:05:31 +0000

RIM posted on their BlackBerry/Developer Newsletter the Overview of Web Development for the BlackBerry smartphone. Presented in this web seminar will be an overview, along with describing various RIM-recommended best practices for creating great mobile web applications. Also presented will be demonstrations of the BlackBerry Plug in for Eclipse v.10 and discussion of the benefits of using these development tools.

These developer tools can be used to preview, debug, and profile your web applications for the BlackBerry Browser. Attendees will also receive valuable Tips and Tricks on how web applications can be optimized for the BlackBerry Browser. Attendees will learn techniques to increase the visibility of their web content to the BlackBerry Community. Panelists will also host an answer and question time where all questions will be raised and answered in real time.

The Webinar will be presented by Adam Stanley, Application Developer Consultant and Bhattacherjee, also an Application Developer Consultant of Developer Relations.

Panelists are Mike Kirkup, Director of Developer Relations and Adam Abramski, Senior Product Manager of Platform Product Management.

When? Thursday, September 10, 2009.

Time? 2-3 pm EST.

You can register for FREE for the RIM webinar here >

[via: BlackBerry]

RIM acquires Torch Moble… Webkit Browser heading to your BlackBerry in the Future!

Matt — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:47:45 +0000

Always searching for the right browser for your BlackBerry? Well you might not have to look much further than your device itself by this time next year. Recently a RIM executive made the statement that the BlackBerry browser would have a webkit based browser by next summer. It looks like RIM has taken a step in the right direction to make that a reality. RIM has acquired Torch Mobile. If you visit the website for Torch Mobile you will see the following message.

Torch Mobile is excited to announce that our company has been acquired by Research In Motion (RIM), one of the most renowned mobile technology companies in the world. Our team of developers will join RIM’s global organization and will now be focused on utilizing our WebKit-based mobile browser expertise to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the BlackBerry® platform.

Torch Mobile’s team of highly skilled developers has been actively involved in Open Source development and includes contributors, Committers and Reviewers of the WebKit project. As part of RIM, these developers will continue to be active participants in the WebKit development community.

It will be interesting to see how RIM incorporates Torch Mobile’s technologies into their browser…