Blackberry Development Talk

Multi-Platform Messenger app Pinch Coming soon to BlackBerry

Nov 23, 2010 News

With so many people changing devices and jumping from BlackBerry to Android to iPhone to BlackBerry, it’s getting harder to keep up with family and friends. SMS is the old standard, but some choose not to pay the fees or be limited in the number of messages they can send. Pinch hopes to ease the pain with their cross-platform messenger that is very similar to Kik messenger (which was recently pulled from BlackBerry App World). Pinch runs across Android and Apple devices for the moment, with a BlackBerry app coming in the near future. Features of Pinch include:

• Makes it easy to stay connected and interact with your contacts, without having to switch between applications. With Pinch you can send messages and animated emoticons, explore cities through games and competitions, and find people with an interactive pin-map powered by Google.
  
• You can add friends directly from your phone contacts, Facebook, or Twitter and group them by category. Your friends, colleagues, and family can each be kept in their own easy- to-access group.
  
• Never spend money on SMS again. Pinch uses your existing data plan to find and interact with friends from all around the world, without using your phone’s SMS function.
  
• Pinch’s unique leaderboard adds games and friendly competition for users. Every time you use Pinch to send messages and check locations, accumulate points to win prizes, such as the iPad and other fun giveaways.
  

Pinch incorporates not only messaging, but some foursquare-esque features to earn points as well as a few other location based/map features. You can also share images and attachments (unlike Kik) which puts Pinch a step ahead. Check out the video above then head to pinchapp.com for more.

Tags: blackberry application, blackberry apps

Buying Movie Tickets gets even easier with MovieTickets.com

Nov 23, 2010 News

MovieTickets.com has released their BlackBerry app and it allows you to purchase tickets, browse movies and showtimes and find theaters. One of the downsides to many of these applications is the inability to select particular seats for movie premiers which can be really frustrating when you arrive at the theater and get stuck with whatever seats are left. It’s for this reason that you often have to go to the theater’s site to purchase your tickets. So while using these apps can be very convenient, it’s always important to double check.

Tags: blackberry application, blackberry apps, free apps

Blackberry Analytics Service : An App monitoring service for Blackberry app developers

Oct 3, 2010 Blackberry Developer, Blackberry Development, News

If you are a blackberry app developer and offering some free apps or paid apps or none of them , one thing the Blackberry developers are in desprate need of is the Blackberry analytics service , a service that’s keeps a track of every detail of your app .

Some of the key features of the Blackberry Analytics service :

• Key app metrics such as when and how often a user opens your app.
• Information about how much time a user spends in your app.
• User base stats such as which model of BlackBerry smartphone is being used, which version of software the user has installed, which carrier network the user is on, and which version of your application the user has installed.
• Flexibility to define your own metrics such as how many users make it to a certain level or actually complete a game, which features of the app are accessed more commonly than others, how and when users access remote data on a server versus leveraging cached content.

Press Release :

RIM and Webtrends to Launch Free BlackBerry Analytics Service

Analytics service offers developers deep insight into how customers are using their BlackBerry smartphone applications

San Francisco – BlackBerry DEVCON 2010 – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM;

TSX: RIM) and Webtrends today announced they are working together to deliver free enterprise-class analytics to the BlackBerry® developer community. The BlackBerry® Analytics Service, powered by Webtrends, will allow developers to quickly and easily add measurement into their applications.*

BlackBerry developers will be able to use the mobile analytics service to discover insights about how customers use their apps and to evolve their applications in ways that will drive loyalty, increase use, and potentially lead to new and more successful avenues for revenue and monetization.

“Feedback from our customers and development partners has always shaped our BlackBerry products and services, and so we understand the need for deep, rich and accurate analytics. We also know that access to such metrics is a top priority for BlackBerry developers as they try to make their applications stand out in an increasingly crowded market,” said Curtis Sasaki, Vice President, Product Management at Research In Motion. “With just a few lines of code, developers can add Webtrends analytics and gain access to a very broad range of insightful measurements.”

The BlackBerry Analytics Service is powered by the Webtrends Mobile Analytics platform. Using the Webtrends SDK, BlackBerry developers can integrate metrics tracking into their applications to capture events deemed relevant. Developers can track application use, frequency of use, loyalty of users, screens accessed and features used. The Mobile Analytics platform provides real insight into how their applications are being used, helps developers better understand adoption and allows them to measure success against their usage goals.

“BlackBerry developers will now have better access to complementary, enterprise-class mobile analytics technology and services,” said Alex Yoder, CEO, Webtrends. “Webtrends has a truly powerful and incredibly comprehensive platform for creating, measuring and improving content across all digital channels and mobile is no exception. We are thrilled to deliver insight and value to the BlackBerry developer community.”

The BlackBerry Analytics Service powered by Webtrends will be freely available to the BlackBerry developer community when it launches in early 2011.

Tags: Application development, blackberry app world, blackberry application, Blackberry Developer, blackberry developer news, developers news, free apps, paid apps

7% of Total Tweets make their way in through Twitter for BlackBerry App

Sep 8, 2010 News

Twitter’s Evan Williams recently blogged about the impact that smartphones and mobile users have had on the social network. Currently, mobile users have jumped 62 percent since mid-April and 16% of all new users to Twitter start on mobile. Also of interest, 46% of active users make mobile a regular part of their Twitter experience.

With respect to BlackBerry in particular, Twitter for BlackBerry accounts for 7% of total tweets as measured over the last 30 days. With Twitter growing past 145 million registered users, 7% accounts for a staggering number of Tweets. The top ten list includes:

• twitter
• m.twitter.com
• SMS
• twitter for iphone
• twitter for blackberry
• twitpic
• tweetdeck
• echofon
• Google friend connect
• ubertwitter

We can see some interesting changes in usage of twitter via websites and apps , in coming months we will see the growth of mobile apps usage rather than traditional Web browser usage , like we come to see the ubertwitter in the list climbing up there will be apps which come to the presence on smartphones very soon as the blackberry developer seem to working hard enough to get the best apps out in the App world .

Tags: blackberry application, blackberry apps, twitter

Nimbuzz for Blackberry goes 1.3 , now available for download

Sep 8, 2010 News

Nimbuzz has recently come up with an updated version of their instant messaging application for BlackBerry. Version 1.3 is now available for download readily. This release solves the know issues folks were facing as well as adds some new features.

Chat history – so you can continue your chats where you left off.
Facebook connect – no more disconnection notifications
See which of your phone contacts are already using Nimbuzz and when they are online
Send free SMS text message invites to your phone contacts so they can join Nimbuzz
Nimbuzz is available for download at BlackBerry App World today or you can head on over to their mobile site and grab the download as well.

Know more about Nimbuzz And Download The Latest Version

Tags: blackberry app world, blackberry application, blackberry apps

Poynt Updated with Better Torch Support on BlackBerry OS 6

Sep 6, 2010 News

Poynt has been updated to version 1.6 in App World and while there a few small feature additions, the update really focuses on Torch support and BlackBerry 6 integration. For those who downloaded Poynt when the Torch first launched, it worked but it wasn’t a build that was specifically designed for the device. The latest version runs very smoothly on the Torch and leverages some BlackBerry 6 features such as Universal Search. Some of the new features include:

• Unified Search integration on 6.0
• Context Menu enhancements on 6.0
• Map Route with Google Maps
• Rotten Tomatoes ratings
• Added top and bottom shortcut keys “t” and “b” for lists not arranged by alphabet
• Ability to turn weather on and off
• Ability to set number of movie results
• Sort movies by alphabet or rating
• Faster GPS on 5.0 and newer devices
• Accuweather extended 6-10 day forecast link
• Weather improvements

Bug fixes in the latest version include:

• Fixed BB Maps not working on the Torch
• Fixed track pad issues on the Torch
• Fixed touch screen issues on the Torch
• Fixed issues with AT&T Navigator 2.0
• Fixed issues with scrolling weather and top 10 movies on 6.0
• Minor bug fixes on 5.0 and below

Tags: blackberry application, blackberry apps, blackberry news, updates

Ultimate Theme completely Free Download

Aug 25, 2010 News

There’s a new FREE theme by Zuki Software Ltd a premium blackberry theme developers . It’s a simple and elegant theme that is still premium. It has six customizable icons on the front screen. The background is beaded, the colors are black, grey and white, and transitions are really nice. The theme is light and doesn’t hinder productivity. You’ll like the simplicity yet fluid movement of this theme. Especially the chain cursor and there’s a lot more in it . A good time to check out Zuki Themes for free!

Download Zuki Ultimate Free for 4.7 here
Download Zuki Ultimate Free for 5.0 here

Tags: blackberry application, blackberry apps, Blackberry OS 5.0

RIM acquires Cellmania

Aug 25, 2010 Blackberry Developer, News

Recently the news of RIM having acquired Cellmania came up , cellmania is a mobile storefront operator, and the acquisition is something really small but could turn out to be one of the larger acquisitions the company has made in quite some time.  As it stands right now, BlackBerry App World has launched paid applications in 55 countries but have not as yet, been able to totally grab carriers with their offerings.

Given that Cellmania has agreements in place with such companies as Telstra, Telus, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Sprint, Airtel, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Optus, Orange, among others for their white labelled service, mFinder this puts Research In Motion in a good spot. While most of the focus around the acquisition has stated that Research In Motion may use Cellmania to help with BlackBerry App World that may not be the full scenario.

Rather then assisiting directly with BlackBery App World, Cellmania could be looked at as more of another method of distribution since they already have a great infrastructure in place. Handling billling, payments and delivery of applications is what Cellmania has excelled at thus far. It’s still too early to say what Research In Motion plans to do with Cellmania but, given Cellmanias scope of business it’s conceivable that their services will be utilized in more ways then one. Be it streamilining the workings of BlackBerry App World or opening up other doors to gain access to a wide array of carrier support . This acquisition will be a great news for Blackberry application developers because now the application rates have been reduced to a good amount and distribution of apps could be easier , users who cannot buy paid apps could now get their apps conveniently .

Tags: blackberry app world, BlackBerry App World 2.0 Beta, blackberry application, blackberry apps, Blackberry Developer

Blackberry Free Apps : 14 Free apps for blackberry users

Jul 19, 2010 News

There are reports that Android has the maximum percentage of free apps in the market compared to any platform , but this doesn’t change the fact that Blackberry Store has got no free goodies . In this post we have listed out some of the free apps which can be quite useful on your blackberry device . You must try the Free Apps which consists of games , utility apps and much more .
Battery Watch : This App is designed specially to keep an eye on your battery , the percentage remaining and also the time your device will be alive with the calculation of the use of resources your device is making .  Blackberry application developer – S4BB
Black Hole : A fun game which is all about navigating half of the shown objects in the hole , sounds simple but interesting . Blackberry application developer – S4BB
App Info Revealed : As the name describes , the App gives info about all apps installed on the Blackberry device in detail . The Blackberry app developer S4BB presents this app for free .
Daily Quote : Daily quote is an app which gives you nice quotes every time you switch to the app .Blackberry application developer – S4BB
Done In 2 minutes: This is the ultimate GTD timing tool for processing your tasks!As every task that takes longer than 2 minutes should be deferred, every task that takes less or about 2 minutes should be done right at the moment.Blackberry application developer – S4BB
Free Books : An excellent app for e-book readers on the Blackberry , no get unlimited free ebooks on your Blackberry .Blackberry application developer – S4BB
HSBC HK : Its a kind of shortcut to Mobile HSBC HK website , the shortcut makes sure you don’t go to any duplicate / identical domain due to typing error and prevents spam .Blackberry application developer – S4BB
JajahCalls : If you want to make cheap international calls or even local , JajahCalls integrates JAJAH functionality with your Blackberry and allows you to make cheap and even free calls.Blackberry application developer – S4BB
MorseMe : Now you can morse any text using your Blackberry Wireless Handheld’s backlight.Blackberry application developer – S4BB
PinInfo : A fantastic tool created to you quick and easy access to your Blackberry PIN !Blackberry application developer – S4BB
Random Password Generator : The RandomPasswordGenerator creates highly secure passwords that can be used for any sort of password based log-in , it quite useful when storing sensitive information .Blackberry application developer – S4BB
Restart Me : This is the most easiest way to restart your BlackBerry! Restarts the device easily with just a click of a button!Blackberry application developer – S4BB
ShowEventLog : This brings up the BlackBerry’s internal event log so you can easily see what is going on with your device.Blackberry application developer – S4BB
Uptime : Up time gives you an overview of the start up and the current up time of your BlackBerry , and the Blackberry application developers present this app for free .Blackberry application developer – S4BB

We wish Blackberry application development brings up many more free apps , so that users can try them before buying .

Tags: blackberry app world, blackberry application, blackberry apps, Blackberry Developer, Blackberry Development

LinkedIn Comes to Blackberry

Mar 30, 2010 News

Being a professional social network it was very important for LinkedIn to reach the Blackberry users and now they have done it with the newly released LinkedIn App for Blackberry. Yesterday LinkedIn announced the full release of its app for Blackberry v 1.0, which would also be available for download from the BlackBerry App World application. Currently the app is available for download here . 

LinkedIn has been working with RIM for a couple of months to use the phone’s technologies with this application. Previously there have been LinkedIn applications developed for iPhone. The Blackberry app is as feature rich as its iPhone counter part with features like :

• Direct connections search as well as entire LinkedIn network search
• Feed visualization
• Viewing profile information
• Messaging your direct connections
• Accessing your LinkedIn Inbox
• Sending and accepting invitations
• Suggestion for new connections
• Integration of LinkedIn connections with device address book and store contact info on device
• LinkedIn messages will be directly shown on device inbox
• View profile of an attendee of a meeting on device calendar

LinkedIn has always been making significant changes to its platform by adding features like two way integration with twitter as well as opening up its API to developers of various platforms like iPhone , Blackberry and Android. LinkedIn is also integrating itself with Microsoft Outlook to help users access parts of LinkedIn through Outlook .

Tags: blackberry application, LinkedIn, Linkedin application