This isn’t the first I’ve heard this either, but Kevin over at CrackBerry is reporting that RIM could be working on a native Twitter app. The app would just be like the apps RIM created for Facebook, Myspace, Windows Live, etc. Apparently RIM’s Twitter app will be just like all the others and tie into your address book to integrate contacts. We have no official details on it, but we may see it soon. What do you think? Should RIM come out with their own Twitter app when there is so many great 3rd party ones out there?

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.

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…

Thanks to Kelly Sonora, who alerted us to a really informative post that the e-Justice Blog posted, entitled: 50 Ways to Make Your BlackBerry More Like Obama’s. We know President Barack Obama is the poster addict for BlackBerry Addicts/Advocates alike. And he had to wait for his BlackBerry, which is now extra secure and top secret. I’m going to highlight the article that tells you how to emulate his phone.

There are two pieces of hardware advised. The 8830 World BlackBerry which has no camera, a long lasting battery, and all the great features BlackBerry has such as GPS and email. The other piece of hardware you need is NSA customization. While the average person may not be able to get that for their phone, remember that SMobile Systems carries an assortment of software designed for security and is also used by the government as well consumer versions.

Next mentioned are apps and features, some of which are in the BlackBerry Sync Store, so I’ll list those ones with prices:  MSDict Concise Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus for $34.99 because President Obama’s vocabulary is assisted with the Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus on his BlackBerry, Travel Mate for BlackBerry which is $25.99 to organize your vacation as secure and exact as Obama,  Pocket Express which is Free so you can check weather and stocks any other things like him, BlackBerry Data Base Viewer Plus which is $34.95 to view and update databases from your BlackBerry, eSpell for $19.95 to be sure you check your spelling on emails, texts and documents as he does before sending or saving, Agendus for BlackBerry for $19.95 safely store your data and sync it to calendars.

For Security the post states that Obama will not be able to IM, he has restricted email usage, his BlackBerry is password protected. It also mentioned clearing the memory, disabling the GPS, keep a phone with no camera or video, don’t send pins as they are not encrypted as they would be through the BES, and regarding communication don’t enable bluetooth. Also use common sense when reading or sending emails in public, secure private information.

There is fifty ways including the tips and the way it’s broken down. For additional advice, I would still recommend SmrtGuard or RoBlock, or even a product from SMobile such as the SMobile Security Shield Professional Edition or the SMobile Anti-Theft and Identity Protection. If you’re paranoid about text, there’s always the great app SMS Eraser which is  $29.95 (Don’t just send an SMS or MMS, make sure it will self destruct too). I would also advise a Privacy Screen Protector which is $19.95 to help protect your information that you’re viewing.

If you would like to read more, you can go to the 50 Ways to Make Your BlackBerry More Like Obama’s and see what you think. Do you have any other programs or apps to suggest? Any one else want a super secure BlackBerry? What’s the most important reason for your BlackBerry? Please share your comments, we’d like  to know just how much security we want, or how far we’ll go.

[via: e-Justice Blog]

Nothing like kicking off the week with a leaked OS. It seems like its been a while since we saw any leaked software for the BlackBerry Storm 9500, but finally a new leaked one has been found online. The new OS is version 4.7.0.151 and is currently only available for the GSM Storm 9500. If there is any Storm 9530 users out there waiting for .151 to leak stay tuned! It’s just a matter of time. Anyway if you’re a 9500 owner and install this OS let us know how it works by posting a comment below.

* Please keep in mind this is not an official release from RIM as of yet. Be sure to do a full backup of your BlackBerry before installing.  Just in case you run into issues installing it.

Download OS 4.7.0.151 for Storm 9500 >

[via CrackBerry]

BlackBerry Storm owners here is an awesome application for you!  It’s called Storm Rotation Wizard and basically allows you to control your screen’s orientation. It’s a great application that won’t tie your devices memory down and won’t drain your battery. One quick note you won’t actually find this app in your downloads folder or in options. In order to activate it you have to press the menu key and lock the screen. If you want to check it out you can pick it up for only $2.99 from the BlackBerry Sync Store located here.

• Lock your Storm orientation in Portrait or Landscape mode.
• Extremely easy to use.
• Tiny application, about 3K in size.
• Won’t drain your battery.
• Extremely useful!

Purchase and Instantly Download Storm Rotation Wizard from The BlackBerry Sync Store >

When I woke up this morning I had tons of email and 5 of which was RIM letting us know about their new announcements before WES ‘09. One of them caught my attention right away (BES 5.0) then followed by this one titled “RIM Further Extends Push Technology to BlackBerry Developers” which is great news! This means that software developers will now have access to RIM’s push technology bring content to BlackBerry smartphones in real time, as soon as it is sent. Some applications already taking advantage of this include DevelopIQ, Handmark, Salesplace and The Hockey News. For complete details read the press release below…

RIM Further Extends Push Technology to BlackBerry Developers

Real-time content delivery builds value into mobile applications for consumers

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – May 4, 2009) – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced the availability of a new BlackBerry push API (application programming interface) that will enable developers to push real-time content to BlackBerry(R) smartphones.

RIM is extending its existing, well-proven push technology from the enterprise into the consumer space, allowing developers to leverage push technology for BlackBerry(R) applications targeted at consumers. Push technology provides a proactive mechanism for developers to deliver data to BlackBerry smartphones as it becomes available. It brings immediacy to mobile communications with real-time content, preserves battery life, and minimizes data usage by eliminating the need for “poking” and “polling” servers. RIM’s unique push technology significantly enhances the user experience and provides a proactive mechanism for developers to deliver data to BlackBerry smartphones as the data becomes available.

“Push technology has previously been available to corporate developers with the BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Solution, and is built into a range of smartphone applications for business,” said Alan Brenner, Senior Vice President, BlackBerry Platforms at Research In Motion. “With the availability of this push API, BlackBerry developers can build true push technology into their Java-based consumer applications and enhance the user experience by delivering valuable content to users in real time.”

The new BlackBerry push API allows developers to push content, as well as alerts, to BlackBerry smartphone users. Users will not have to wait for lengthy content downloads once alerts are received.

Push APIs for browser content are the foundation of the BlackBerry(R) Web Signals service launched by RIM in October 2008. (http://press.rim.com/release.jsp?id=1870.) BlackBerry Web Signals technology enables online content providers to push alerts to BlackBerry smartphone users when relevant content has been published or updated and supports one-click access from an icon to the online information.

The BlackBerry push API is ideal for mobile applications that deliver value by providing real-time content and updates, including news, weather, banking, medical, IT services applications and games. Several organizations are already developing applications with the BlackBerry push API, including:

- DevelopIQ – The 7digital Music Store allows users to browse, search, discover and purchase high quality, DRM-free MP3 music from their BlackBerry smartphones. Purchases made on the move are automatically replaced with high quality versions when the user returns home via Wi-Fi Auto-Sync. The 7digital Music Store will use the BlackBerry push API to ensure that purchases the user makes on 7digitial.com are automatically delivered to their BlackBerry smartphone.

- Handmark(R) – With the new BlackBerry push API technology, the Pocket Express(R) news and information service from Handmark can alert customers of breaking news, sports stats, weather alerts, flight status updates and other information immediately as it happens. This offers a more timely, relevant and engaging experience for customers.

- Salesplace – SalesNOW will leverage the BlackBerry push API to give customers the ability to send immediate notifications, such as sales leads, service requests, client calls and appointments, to sales and service reps in the field.

- The Hockey News – Powered by Polar Mobile, The Hockey News application gives fans real-time score updates, late-breaking news headlines, player statistics, team standings and expert analysis from across the NHL. The Hockey News will leverage the BlackBerry push API to keep fans up to date with the latest scores sent directly to their BlackBerry smartphones.

The BlackBerry push API is available exclusively to BlackBerry(R) Alliance Program members. For more information about the BlackBerry Alliance Program, visit www.blackberry.com/go/alliances.

For more information about BlackBerry push APIs, visit www.blackberry.com/developers/pushapi.

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.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM’s products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM’s periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. RIM has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or service.

Our friends over at CrackBerry have just leaked a new screenshot of what’s being called BlackBerry Groups, which borrows features from the dying BlackBerry Unite! Think of it as an application for your BlackBerry that allows you to share your contacts, calendars and location with people in your group. It’s quite an interesting idea considering they are killing off Unite starting today. RIM did announce today that BlackBerry Unite! their mini BES solution for personal family use will no longer be offered effective today. So we might just see BlackBerry Groups pop up very soon, maybe even WES 2009 soon? Stay tuned…

Today RIM released a new version of their BlackBerry Media Sync application for PC. The new update brings Windows Media Player syncing to the already popular software. This means that you can now sync either your iTunes or Windows Media playlists. Myself I really wish RIM would hurry up and finish the Mac software so I can start syncing my iTunes to my BlackBerry… Anyways anyone with Media Sync installed already will be asked to upgrade automatically. If you don’t have Media Sync yet download it at blackberry.com/mediasync.

Finally! A new OS for the BlackBerry Curve 8900 “javelin” has been leaked! The new OS is a beta OS and has not been officially released from RIM. We don’t recommend you install it unless you have previous experience doing so. However if your feeling adventurous be sure to complete a backup before installing!

Download OS 4.6.1.199 for the Curve 8900 here >

If you install this OS please post a comment and let us know how its working out for you…

_{[via CrackBerry]}