Remember those weird Palm Pre commercials? Well it looks like a lot of people didn’t like them that much. And all this hasn’t escaped Gary Koepke, the co-founder of Modernist, the ad agency behind the ads. Here’s what he said about the Palm Pre campaign:

We weren’t trying to creep people out, but one thing I have learned now in this digital age is people can be as rude as they want as long as they don’t have to look you in the face. The Pre is probably being talked about more than other phones right now because of the marketing and advertising, and that’s a good thing. Could the ads work harder to show exactly how the phone works? Yes, but we knew it would be polarizing people to have a woman not shout at them and tell an interesting story.

It’s a very different look and feel for this sector. There’s nobody involved in an iPhone ad, and ‘Your life is on BlackBerry’ — isn’t that great? Instead of having a life? We wanted a middle ground between those two places — what about the people who want a really great smartphone?

Let’s say we understand! We still like better other commercials. And the customers like them a lot more too. AT&T and Apple has sold over 5 million iPhones in the last quarter while RIM is selling lots of BlackBerry phones too. How many Pre units has Palm and Sprint sold so far? Did the commercials help increase that number? We can’t say since we don’t have any of those official numbers!

via adage

Tags: Ad, Apple, Apple, At&T, At&T, BlackBerry, Commercials, iPhone, Palm, Palm, pre, Research In Motion, RIM, sales, Sprint, Sprint

2010 might bring a significant improvement to future BlackBerry phones. While we don’t have any leaked documents filled with future RIM projects, we do know that upcoming BlackBerry smartphones will come with front-facing cameras ready for video-conferencing. Sources from inside RIM have confirmed this although RIM hasn’t issued an official statement about BlackBerry video chat capabilities. So there you have it folks, early next year we should at least have the first BlackBerry handsets capable of adding one important feature to your already busy life: video calling!

via tinycomb

Tags: 2010, BlackBerry, camera, front camera, Mobile News, Portable Devices, Research In Motion, RIM, video call, Video Chat, video conference

RIM has today announced that version 1.1.0.11 of their BlackBerry App World software is now available for download.

The key feature of this update is the ability to archive apps which means you will be able to save them to the device’s internal storage or an added memory card. You won’t be able to run apps right off the memory card instead only save them for later installation.

Head here to get the download and read more about it.

Tags: 1.1.0.11, App World, BlackBerry, Cell Phones, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Research In Motion, Research In Motion

We have no idea when this BlackBerry is coming out or what codename will RIM give it but we have some specs that have gotten leaked already. So here’s what you’re future BlackBerry 9700 will have to offer once it gets released:

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
• UMTS/HSDPA
• 480×360 resolution display
• WiFi a,b,g
• OS 5.0
• QWERTY keyboard
• 3.2 megapixel AF camera
• Bluetooth

Anyone excited yet? We could use some pictures and a codename so RIM should better leak them soon.

via BGR

Tags: 9700, BlackBerry, Cell Phones, Mobile News, Portable Devices, Research In Motion, RIM

Guess what folks? The CDMA version of the BlackBerry Gemini is going to be available from Verizon Wireless soon. And if you disappointed to find out that the 8520 is coming from T-Mobile without WiFi support then you’re probably going to want the 8530 from Verizon. That’s right, the Aries heading to Big Red will offer you WiFi support just as will any other future Berry coming from Verizon.

Other specs include:

• 320×240 resolution screen
• 1xRTT, EV-DO
• QWERTY keyboard
• 2 megapixel camera
• OS 5.0
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi b,g

We have no idea when the 8530 will be available but we’re expecting Verizon to match T-Mobile’s pricing.

via crackberry

Tags: 8520, 8530, Aries, BlackBerry, Gemini, Research In Motion, RIM, T-Mobile, T-Mobile, Verizon, Verizon

In case you think T-Mobile is charging way too much for a device that doesn’t do 3G and comes with only a 2-megapixel camera then you should go to Walmart to purchase your BlackBerry Curve 8520 Gemini. Walmart will offer this new Berry for just $48.88 (ok, almost $50) which is a much better price than T-Mobile’s $129.99 tag.

via gizmodo

Tags: 8520, BlackBerry, Curve, Mobile News, Portable Devices, Research In Motion, T-Mobile, Walmart

We’ve been hearing about this handset for a long time but it seems RIM has finally decided its time to let the BlackBerry Curve 8520 out of the bag.

This phone will officially feature a 320 x 240 resolution display, 2MP camera with video capture, WiFi, a track pad in place of the iconic track ball and the ability to sync up with Macs right out of the box. This is probably thanks to the Mac version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager that we heard about not too long ago.

Better yet, RIM has also us know that those rumors of the 8520 coming to T-Mobile were true as the phone will officially drop on said carrier August 5th for $129.99.

via Engadget

Tags: 2mp camera, 8520, blackberry curve, blackberry desktop manager, Cell Phones, Gemini, mac, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Research In Motion, software, T-Mobile, track pad, Uncategorized, WiFi

Check out the screenshot here folks! There’s the proof we were looking for! T-Mobile is indeed going to launch the BlackBerry Curve 8520 Gemini on August 5 but the carrier isn’t officially saying anything just yet. The screenshot here is apparently a leaked T-Mobile document in which you can find the release date and the specs of the new Curve. And since that internal document did leak to the public, why can’t the page containing the future prices be made public? Or are we to assume the page here is just a fake, photoshopped picture?

via cellphonesignal

Tags: 8520, BlackBerry, Curve, Document, Gemini, leak, Mobile News, Portable Devices, Research In Motion, T-Mobile, T-Mobile

With Verizon slated to get the Storm 2 by September, BlackBerry lovers won’t have to wait too long to get their paws on the next-gen Storm, but will they be getting something different this time or a repacked Storm? That’s what CrackBerry ventured to find out with the video below and guess what, a much more responsive SurePress touchscreen and WiFi (which wasn’t available on this early manufacturing unit) does make the 9550 a better device.  The operating system onboard was OS 5.1 which didn’t have many differences from the original Storm, but memory has been upped to 256MB for applications and 1.8GB of user storage memory.  We will plan to find out more on the device before it hits the shelves, but until then, enjoy the video below.

Tags: 9550, BlackBerry Storm 2, Cell Phones, Research In Motion

Remember that BlackBerry update we told you about last week? Well it looks like Etisalat has indeed infected about 145,000 BlackBerry units with spyware which could be used to spy on customers’ SMS messages. Here’s what RIM had to say about the whole issue:

Etisalat appears to have distributed a telecommunications surveillance application… independent sources have concluded that it is possible that the installed software could then enable unauthorized access to private or confidential information stored on the user’s smartphone. Independent sources have concluded that the Etisalat update is not designed to improve performance of your BlackBerry Handheld, but rather to send received messages back to a central server.

RIM does not approve such measures especially as said update hasn’t been authorized by RIM. Therefore the company is offering you a fix, an app remover which will let you enjoy your Berry spyware free.

What’s amazing is that Etisalat is not admitting doing anything wrong. According to the UAE carrier the update was “required for service enhancements.”

via Engadget

Tags: BlackBerry, Etisalat, firmware, Mobile News, Portable Devices, Research In Motion, RIM, Spyware, UAE, Update

In case you’re waiting for T-Mobile to start selling the Gemini, we have some good news for you. Although it hasn’t been confirmed yet it looks like T-Mobile is getting ready to offer you the BlackBerry Curve 8520 on August 5. As you may already know, T-Mobile has unleashed its BlackBerry Night at the Movies, a special event focused on the Gemini. Therefore an August launch will only sound like a logical step to take. All we need now is T-Mo’s confirmation press release!

via blackberryrocks

Tags: 8520, BlackBerry, Curve, Gemini, Night at the Movies, Research In Motion, RIM, T-Mobile

After we’ve seen Nokia’s and Sony Ericsson’s Q2 reports, it’s clear that the mobile business wasn’t spared by the financial crisis. And while Sony Ericsson isn’t doing well at all, Nokia managed to keep its market share and get some profits. But the true winners seem to be RIM and Apple which hold just about 3% of the worldwide market. But they don’t seem to care since they managed to bring in 35% of the operating profits. That’s really impressive considering that the two companies are relatively new in the game. RIM and Apple have together surpassed Samsung and LG which hold about 30% of the market but managed to pull in just 20% of the profits.

What’s your next phone going to be?

via WSJ

Tags: Apple, Apple, LG, LG, Market share, Mobile News, Motorola, Nokia, profits, Research In Motion, RIM, Samsung, Samsung, Sony Ericsson

BlackBerrys and Macs haven’t played so well together in the past. However, that is all about to change with RIM recently announcing that their BlackBerry Desktop Manager software will officially be ported to OS X this coming september.

Below is a list of features in the upcoming software:

• Sync your iTunes playlists, calendars, contacts, notes and tasks
• Add/Remove applications
• Update your device when new software becomes available
• Backup and restore your device data with such features like automatically scheduled backups and optional encryption
• Manage multiple devices

iTunes, syncing, huh? We’ve all come to know how Apple reacts when other handset manufacturers use their software. It seems like it will be only a matter of time before Apple will shut out BlackBerrys just like they did with the Palm Pre.

via BGR

Tags: Apple, blackberry desktop manager, Cell Phones, compatibility, Desktop PCs, iTunes, Laptops, Mobile News, Mobile Software, OS X, Palm, Research In Motion, software, syncing

If you haven’t taken the plunge with the $99 Storm, just hold your horses there, fella, we might have a better deal for you.  In what can only be seen as a pre-Storm2 frenzy, the BlackBerry Storm 9530 is popping up all over the interweb at unbelievable prices, the most attractive of which seems to be at Wirefly.com, who are giving away Storms at just $29.99 after an instant discount and a new Verizon Wireless account.  Following close behind is AmazonWireless, which is also offering the BlackBerry Storm at a price of $49.99, a whole $50 less than what Verizon is currently selling it at.  Take your pick or go ahead and hold that urge in until the Storm2 hits the stores.

(more…)

Tags: AmazonWireless, BlackBerry, Cell Phones, Research In Motion, Storm, Verizon, Wirefly

As always, this move isn’t official just yet but it looks like Verizon is getting ready to launch a bunch of new low to mid-range phones soon. Check the list below to find your favorite new entry-level phone, and no, the Storm 2 ore the Omnia II although present in the list, will not be low to mid-range phones!

And here’s the list:

• LG Chocolate Touch VX8575
• BlackBerry Storm 2 9550
• Nokia Shade 2705
• Nokia Twist 7705
• Palm Treo 800W
• Motorola Entice (or Harmony) W766
• Samsung Rogue U960
• Samsung U450
• Samsung Strut U440
• Samsung Omnia-II i920

Interested in any of that? What about some push-to-talk handsets?
Here’s one more list for you then:

• Motorola V860
• Samsung Convoy U640
• Casio Rock C731
• Casio Brigade C741

Now Verizon, it’s your move! You’ll have to make them all official in the following months!

Tags: BlackBerry, Casio, Casio, Motorola, Motorola, Nokia, Other Brands, Palm, Palm, Research In Motion, Samsung, Samsung, Verizon, Verizon

It seems that the patent dispute between Visto and Research in Motion has finally come to an end. This is the same patent dispute that has been going on for years but it looks that RIM’s lawyers have found a middle point.

Research in Motion will reportedly pay $276.5 million to bring the lenghty law suit to an end. However, RIM didn’t come out completely empty handed as they have netted themselves a license to use the patents in question along with “some of the plantiff’s intellectual property by way of transferred ownership”.

At least Visto didn’t accuse RIM of conspiring with the Mafia like this troubled man.

via Engadget

Tags: lawsuit, Mobile News, Mobile Software, patent, Research In Motion, Research In Motion, RIM, settlement, visto

It looks like Verizon is gearing up to bring the fabled Storm 2 to market as they have recently announced a price cut for RIM’s original Blackberry Storm.

As you can see above, the price has been cut to just $99.99 after a 2-year contract from it’s previous $199.99 debut price point.

I don’t know about you guys but I was never a fan of the clicky-touch-screen but if you’re into that kind of thing now is your perfect chance to pick up a Storm.

via Engadget

Tags: Blackberry Storm, Cell Phones, Mobile News, price cut, Research In Motion, Storm 2, touchscreen, Verizon

As you are well aware by now, the Tour has been launched by both Sprint and Verizon on the same day. And Verizon seems to be the moral winner of this direct duel. Not only didn’t Sprint make the Tour available for pre-order, but it also failed to please every customer that walked into a store looking for a new Berry.

Sprint didn’t have enough Tour units to go around and this didn’t go unnoticed. According to Sprint’s twitter account, the carrier has received two shipments from RIM which means that all those of you that couldn’t walk out a store with a Tour in your hand can now return to get it. Of course if you went to a Verizon store instead then you don’t really care about Sprint’s new Tour stock.

via Twitter

Tags: BlackBerry, launch, Mobile News, pre-order, Research In Motion, RIM, shipping, Sprint, Sprint, stock, Tour, Verizon, Verizon

Your BlackBerry Storm is just about to get more music, so get ready for it. Slacker, the Internet radio provider, has reached a deal with Verizon so you can expect to bump into it a lot in the near future. Slacker has about 4 million songs available so you’ll definitely enjoy it. The free version requires for you to be willing to listen to some occasional ads while the paid version is commercial-free and comes with some extra features.

The application will be available over the air in the following days so you should definitely get it if you’re into mobile music.

via prnewswire

Tags: BlackBerry, Mobile News, music, Portable Devices, radio, Research In Motion, Slacker, software, Storm, Verizon, Verizon

You already know that T-Mo is going to launch the BlackBerry Curve 8520. What you don’t know is that RIM and T-Mobile are preparing extensively for the launch. BlackBerry Night at the Movies is a series of 51 parties which will start on July 20 and continue for about two weeks. The events are meant to celebrate the launch of the Curve 8520.

The parties will include a movie screening, contests, prizes and more surprises. The Gemini, that’s how we like to call the 8520, will be also unveiled at each party.

Can we expect T-Mobile to launch the Gemini during these Night at the Movies parties? Or will the phone be available immediately after?

via BerryReview

Tags: 8520, BlackBerry, Curve, Gemini, Mobile News, Night at the Movies, party, Portable Devices, Research In Motion, RIM, T-Mobile, T-Mobile