BlackBerry Applications and News

In a few short days we should hopefully see the release of the new BB messenger, labeled as 5.0.

Here’s a look at features:

BlackBerry® Messenger 5.0

Launch Date: Global – October 7, 2009

BlackBerry® Messenger is an instant messaging application that allows BlackBerry Smartphone users to send and receive instant messages with other BlackBerry Smartphone users.

BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 is the latest release.

Features:

• Enhanced SMS -Allows for a conversational chat-like user experience with a single contact list for the most personal mobile-to-mobile communications
  • Note: BlackBerry® Device Software 5.0 and later is required for the SMS functionality.
• Avatars - Users can choose a picture from the BlackBerry Smartphone gallery and save it as their personal avatar, which will be seen by their contacts. They can also view other avatars in the contact list and zoom in on the avatars of contacts participating in a conversation by selecting “View participants.”
• Large Media File Transfer - Users can send/receive large file transfers up to 6 megabytes for pictures, files and audio.
  • Note: BlackBerry Device Software 5.0 is required to receive large media files.
• Enhanced Group Functionality - Allows for the ability to update, share & communicate with a subset community.
• Bar-code Identity - A user can add a contact to the BlackBerry Messenger contact list by displaying a 2-dimensional bar code that invitees can capture with their device cameras.
• Reliable Contact Backup and Restore - Contacts are backed-up on a server and do not require the need for BlackBerry® Desktop Manager.

Exciting news!

I am proud to introduce a new series of articles from Epic Applications around BlackBerry development. Whether you are trying to get started with BlackBerry development, or are just looking for some tips, you should find this series interesting.

In this first part, we will discuss the very basics of getting started and show you how to get Eclipse, the BlackBerry plug-in, and several simulators going.

Prerequisites

• Windows XP, Vista or 7
• Some programming experience
  • The BlackBerry platform uses Java 2 Micro Edition, which is a stripped down version of Java. If you have never programmed before, you likely won’t make it very far.

(more…)

VeriSign, the security software business, recently released a new program which will assist in remote login encryption. The program VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP) will be used to add more security and allow a more solid remote login for those using company accounts from off-site locations.

VIP will allow a more streamlined access for those who need it for multiple sites across large networks. This process uses a one time download/activation process to install on the mobile device. Thusly eliminating the necessity for having those pesky screen “captcha” graphics clogging up the business network.

The software is available for remote devices, Blackberry of course included. Get it at BB AppWorld.

TiVo and RIM have announced as of late last night, there is a new application to control your TiVo box with a Blackberry. Your mobile device is now able to be used as not only a remote, but a remote schedule viewer. The remote schedule viewer is to allow a person to link their home TiVo box to their Blackberry, and browse show scheduling while on the go. This browsing feature also contains the ability to setup shows to record on your home box.

Pretty neat. Check out Blackberry AppWorld and get your TiVo setup today.

I’ve been testing .230 for a few days and I must say I haven’t noticed many improvements from it over .191.

We all know the basics of what 5.0 brings to the field but I will point out a few glitches I have experienced over the past few days (most reoccurring from .191)

• Bluetooth Audio disconnecting after a few songs.
• Media Player silencing songs.
• Home screen refreshing issues.
• Threaded SMS messages not appearing correctly.
• Deleting Prior on SMS not working correctly.
• Bluetooth slow to turn on, sometimes failing the first try.

Overall the battery life is much better in 5.0 than it was in 4.7.1 but you won’t notice much of a difference between .191 and .230

Improvements over .191:

• Speed throughout the entire O.S. is faster.
• Better call quality.
• Slightly faster boot time.

If you have the time it is definitely worth the upgrade from .191 and I would recommend anyone still using 4.7.1.53 (or .40)  to give it a shot.

Download Tour 9630 5.0.0.230 here

You can find a link to the 5.0 compatible AppWorld here

5.0 compatible IM clients:

AIM 5.0

Yahoo 5.0

Gtalk 5.0

MSN 5.0

Note: As with any beta / unreleased application or operating system please install at your own risk. I would recommend backing up all files before attempting to load beta applications.

We started this blog with the intention to provide our users and all members of the BlackBerry community with up-to-the-minute news and high quality, in depth reviews of applications and accessories for your BlackBerry!

This blog is intended to be fully interactive, so please leave your thoughts and hold constructive discussions about the articles! If there is something you want to see, just let us know by leaving a comment on this post.

Are you interested in helping out? We are looking for volunteer editors and contributors to help bring our users the best and latest news and apps! Contact us as contact@epicapplications.com to find out more!

Check back often as we are just getting started!