Posts Tagged ‘blackberry news’

Social Media Integration : BBM Social Platform API’s for Blackberry developers

Oct 4, 2010 Blackberry Developer, Blackberry Development, News

blackberry social networking API for blackberry developersThe growth of Blackberry Messenger from humble messaging app to a significant mobile communication platform has led to the need for social media integration . In interest of Blackberry app developers RIM recently announced that it would be opening the doors for certain BBM features so that App developers can integrate them readily into their apps . Most of the features if developed from scratch would take a long time to implement when compared to getting super app and BBM ready .

There are lots of advantages that BBM brings to BlackBerry software. BlackBerry Messenger’s social elements allow developers to build in social connectivity based on your pre-existing BBM contacts instead of having to develop and build social connections separately for each app. With 28 million users, there is also incredible word-of-thumb marketing potential when promoting your application.

Developers can also take advantage of BBM’s location-based services, as well as access the device’s video camera for video streaming.

BBM social platform APIs for blackberry app developersThe API’s that developers will be able to integrate :

  • Invite other BBM users to download your app, or start a social interaction from within your app.
  • Determine which of your BBM contacts has downloaded your app
  • Access to BBM user profiles, including avatar, status, and location
  • Add an application box to a user’s BBM profile that can display and broadcast achievements and updates
  • Create BBM groups for your app
  • Start embedded chats with BBM contact without leaving your app
  • Sharing content with your BBM contacts
  • Create sub-communities within your app, even if users are not each others’ contacts
  • Allow social interactions within your sub-communities
  • Stream data between users running your app, such as communication, multiplayer or turn-based gaming, and location

Sounds pretty good , but blackberry application developers need to wait for a few more months for the API’s being available in early 2011 . Meanwhile blackberry developers can register with RIM to receive updates and stay in touch with the new BBM social platform .

Below is the official press release of the BBM social platform

Read the rest of this entry »

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What Blackberry developer can expect from the newly launched Blackberry Payment service

Oct 4, 2010 Blackberry Developer, News

Whatever is the model of your Blackberry App be it Free, paid, ad-supported, try-and-buy, or freemium , Blackberry has introduced their three new services in interest of blackberry developers namely Advertising , Payment and Analytics for the tons of apps making their way to the Blackberry app world in the coming year .
If an ad-supported model doesn’t fit your needs, maybe micro-transactions/in-app payment is more up your alley. The BlackBerry Payment Service will allow you to easily offer digital goods for sale in your app while still providing the consumer with the same trusted and consistent purchase experience they have today in BlackBerry App World. As you would expect, with BlackBerry Payment Service, you will have access to the same payment options that BlackBerry App World supports today for traditional app purchases: PayPal, credit card, and carrier billing.

BlackBerry Payment Service can be used in :

  • Digital Content, such as eBooks, magazines, photos, artwork, or digital property that you can use on a BlackBerry smartphone.
  • Additional App Functionality, which might include things like new features, levels, characters, or games. This use lends itself extremely well to the freemium app model and should be used as the new gold standard for try-and-buy.
  • Services, such as premium video content, subscription renewal, pay-as-you-go application use, or voice transcription. Basically, any kind of digital service that a BlackBerry smartphone user pays to use.

The Payment Service enables developers to leverage a range of business models through the sale of digital goods within their applications. The Payment Service is simple and easy to implement for developers and provides end users with a fast, consistent and secure purchase experience.

Download the Payment Service SDK Early Release
View the Payment Service SDK Early Release documentation

The service comes as a boon to Blackberry application developers who always had a desire to generate some decent revenue out of their try and buy business model which lagged in terms of payment service. The BlackBerry Payment Service SDK is in beta now and the full SDK and app implementation is expected to launch this fall.

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PR:RIM launches Open Source Blackberry Web App Platform

Oct 4, 2010 News

The Press Release :

San Francisco, CA – BlackBerry DEVCON 2010 – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced its next-generation web-based development platform, BlackBerry WebWorks, which enables web developers to build full-featured applications for BlackBerry smartphones entirely in HTML-5, CSS and JavaScript. With the new web application platform, developers can leverage their HTML skills to create rich, integrated web applications for BlackBerry smartphones that take advantage of advanced features through APIs and services, just as BlackBerry Java applications can do today.

The new BlackBerry WebWorks platform brings together existing BlackBerry web development tools as well as new tools and platform services. It provides developers with a comprehensive toolset for creating rich applications that offer customers the benefits of deep integration with core BlackBerry features, true multi-tasking, true Push technology and access to the full range of BlackBerry services, such as the Locate service or the newly announced BlackBerry Advertising Service.

“BlackBerry developers have discovered the value of building web applications that can leverage the unique characteristics of the BlackBerry Platform, such as running in always-on mode and integrating with native BlackBerry applications,” said David Yach, CTO for Software at Research In Motion. “The new BlackBerry WebWorks platform takes the power of existing web tools and enhances and adds to them in order to allow developers to build sophisticated applications using their existing HTML5 skill sets with no compromise in functionality or performance.”

BlackBerry WebWorks also includes updates to the web application packager, new web APIs and the BlackBerry Web Plug-Ins 2.5.

Web application packager 1.5
The web application packager is used by developers to package their web applications in the same way a BlackBerry Java application is packaged, and with the same file formats. BlackBerry web applications can then be distributed via BlackBerry App World™, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, OTA (over-the-air) or BlackBerryEnterprise Server.

BlackBerry Web APIs
BlackBerry WebWorks includes a set of new web extensions that enable a deeper integration with native applications and other functions of the handset.
• Send a text message from within the application
• Read call log data from the phone application, check if the phone is currently in an active call, check the number of missed calls
• Play an audio file as well as create APIs for playing, pausing, stopping and seeking of the audio file from within the application’s UI

Web Plug-Ins 2.5
Updates to the Web Plug-Ins for BlackBerry WebWorks include multiple entry points, which give developers the ability to start their application in the background, in addition to launching from the homescreen or adownload folder. Applications can also continue to run in the background. Web Plug-Ins 2.5 also gives developers the ability to cache web pages and content to the handset’s system memory for faster performance.

Open Source
RIM is working with the open source developer community to allow developers to access and contribute to the BlackBerry open web application platform and tooling components and share in the evolution of the web platform. In addition to sharing source code for the BlackBerry web platform, RIM is working with leading open source JavaScript framework companies DoJo, GitHub, JQuery, Nitobi and Sencha to encourage developers to create web applications with advanced web and AJAX functionality.

The BlackBerry open web application platform offers ease of development and seamless integration with the BlackBerry platform. Developers will be able to quickly package web assets (HTML, CSS3, JavaScript and access to local resources) into easily deployable applications that take advantage of the BlackBerry platform’s unique value and Super App qualities such as access to hardware functionality, access to Push, access to contextual location services, access to native applications and integration with BlackBerry services for advertising, analytics and payment services.

“RIM has always firmly supported industry standards and believes in embracing the needs of the developer community,” said Alan Brenner, Senior Vice President, BlackBerry Platform. “We started supporting open source communities through our work on the BlackBerry 6 WebKit browser and the response from the open source community has already been very positive. We are tremendously excited to see where the developer community will take this initiative and the code that we are presenting.”

The BlackBerry open web application platform initiative allows an application to fully integrate with a BlackBerry smartphone, using the same security, packaging, code signing and distribution infrastructure that BlackBerry Java applications use. Further, developers who utilize the open source initiative are able to create these rich applications using familiar web tools.

RIM is working closely with leading open source JavaScript framework providers to help accelerate mobile development and allow the open source community to help evolve the BlackBerry open web application platform.

“The Dojo Foundation is ecstatic about RIM’s open source initiative. BlackBerry 6, integrated with our mobile strategy (dojofoundation.org/mobile/), is a platform that will give web application developers extreme control over developing mobile web applications. We are thrilled to be working with RIM to build mobile platform support into several Dojo Foundation projects.”
- Dylan Schiemann, CEO at SitePen, Inc., and VP of the Dojo Foundation

“New innovations in BlackBerry 6 have made it possible for PhoneGap developers to build engaging and sophisticated BlackBerry apps. The new BlackBerry open web application platform will further encourage developers in the growing PhoneGap community to write more apps for BlackBerry smartphones.”
- Andre Charland, CEO at Nitobi Inc.

“We’re very excited that the full power of the BlackBerry platform will now become easily accessible to Sencha developers. HTML5 is the new lingua franca of mobile, and as the first framework to fully leverage it, we’re looking forward to putting it to work for BlackBerry developers.”
- Abe Elias, CEO of Sencha

The BlackBerry open web platform is available within partner open source communities now:
http://www.github.com/blackberry

http://www.blackberry.com/developer

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Google.. Apple and now its RIM who has launched its Ad service : The Blackberry Advertising Service

Oct 3, 2010 Blackberry Developer, Blackberry Development, News

There’s a trend a-trending in the mobile industry at the moment, and it’s to do with getting eyeballs on your advertising. Google knows it, Apple knows it, and it looks like RIM’s got wind of it too.

Following Apple’s launch of its iAds mobile advertising system – and subsequent investigation by US trade regulators – and Google’s purchase of specialist AdMob, it’s clear that the big mobile players want to get a piece of the advertising pie of their very own – and BlackBerry creator RIM is no exception.

RIM has launched its advertising service for the BlackBerry Application Platform. The BlackBerry Advertising Service helps developers integrate advertising in their BlackBerry smartphone applications quickly and easily, while also allowing advertisers, agencies and brands to work with a broad selection of advertising networks.

“The BlackBerry Application Platform is providing a truly powerful foundation for our developer community. The BlackBerry Advertising Service offers developers a quick and easy way to integrate advertising in their applications. The service reduces the commercial and technical complexity of enabling ads within an application and offers developers a new avenue of monetization,” said Alan Brenner, senior vice president, BlackBerry Platform at RIM.

“We are thrilled to see the market continue to evolve providing advertisers, agencies and brands with multiple options for meeting their mobile advertising platform needs. The MMA congratulates RIM on the BlackBerry Advertising Service and its efforts to ease marketer’s abilities to integrate mobile into their advertising strategies.” said Michael Becker, managing director of the Mobile Marketing Association for North America .

The BlackBerry Advertising Service includes three key components: a simple to integrate SDK; a mediation platform; and a growing slate of advertising networks.

At launch, the BlackBerry Advertising Service will offer developers and advertisers the opportunity to work with many advertising networks including Amobee, Jumptap, Lat49, Millennial Media and Mojiva. Advertising networks such as Buzzcity, NavTeq, Placecast, Sympatico, Transpera, Where and xAD, as well as rich media advertising platform Medialets, are expected to join the service in the coming months.

“This new Advertising Service not only brings new channels of revenue to our developer community, but also provides them with a single relationship through RIM to simplify the commercial and technical complexity of mobile advertising,” Brenner said. “We also feel that it is important that agencies and brands have full control of the creative process and have worked to provide features in the SDK that will allow them to bring dynamic and relevant ads to BlackBerry smartphone users.”

Check out the Full Press Release below :

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RIM to Announce Second Quarter Fiscal 2011 Results on September 16, 2010

Sep 8, 2010 News

New surprises heading their way for a Press Release the next Thursday September 16, 2010 when RIM is going to announce second quarter fiscal 2011 results .

Press Release :

Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) will be reporting results for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 on September 16, 2010 after the close of the market.  A conference call and live webcast will be held beginning at 5 pm ET, which can be accessed by dialing 800-814-4859 or by logging on at www.rim.com/investors/events/index.shtml . A replay of the conference call will also be available at approximately 7 pm by dialing 416-640-1917 and entering passcode 4310309#. This replay will be available until midnight ET September 30, 2010.

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BlackBerry Torch 9800 OS 6.0.0.214 Download Leaked

Sep 7, 2010 News

It’s been a few weeks since we last saw an OS leak for the BlackBerry Torch. Well this morning OS 6.0.0.214 for the BlackBerry Torch 9800 was leaked on to the internet. We haven’t heard what this new version brings to the table yet, so as always with all leaked operating systems we do caution you before loading this on to your device. Because this is an un-official release its not officially supported by RIM as of yet. No one but yourself is responsible for any damages caused to your device or data. Other than that, enjoy!

Download OS 6.0.0.214 for the BlackBerry Torch 9800

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Poynt Updated with Better Torch Support on BlackBerry OS 6

Sep 6, 2010 News

poynt update

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

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Prepaid Verizon plans for Blackberry users

Aug 23, 2010 News

verizon prepaid plan for blackberry

Still rumor has it that the new plan will require a $30 a month BlackBerry data plan just like regular customers. No word on if this plan will be limited to the BlackBerry Curve 8530 like other carriers or how much the device will cost upfront.

What do you think? Are you on a prepaid BlackBerry plan? I know a couple people considering it for a spare device or just to save on the taxes paid on post-paid contract plans.

Release Date 8/22/10

RT 802616 – Prepay 3G Pricing & Devices
Systems Impacted: EROES (internal & external)

Overview:  Enables 3G & Blackberry devices with an email and web plan feature/bundle to be supported on Prepay. Prepaid customers will be billed for data similar to postpaid – i.e. mandatory data plan requirements for prepaid customers. (only pulls up monthly plans, brochure view)

RT 800992 RIM Blackberry – PREPAID
Systems Impacted: EROES (internal & external)

Overview:  Enable the offering of a Blackberry device and a email and web plan feature/bundle for Prepay customers  (defaults to monthly plans , brochure view)

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BlackBerry Torch 9800 Unlock

Aug 23, 2010 News

blackberry 6 homescreen

A good news for users awaiting to get their BlackBerry Torch unlocked, make sure your carrier has announced the device because otherwise they may not have the proper WebKit browser service books. With an unlocked Torch, you can still use the WebKit browser over a WiFi connection, but you’ll be unable to use it over a regular radio connection unless your carrier can send you the service books.

With the help of our friends at Cellfservices, we were able to narrow down the issue a little further with feedback from customers who got their Torch unlocked. Here are some more facts:

1. TELUS service books for the WebKit browser do not work on BIS but work on BES.

2. Regardless if you’re on BIS or BES, your emails and BBM should be working.

3. Some people have got Opera Mini opera and Bolt browsers to work on BIS with TELUS. Obviously this isn’t a desirable solution because you bought the Torch to use the WebKit browser.

Bell and Rogers users have had no problems with this to date. This is because they have announced the device and have the service books ready. Initially, customers were having problems with T-Mobile’s 6.0 service books but it seems there might be an update as customers are no longer reporting issues.

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QNX May Develop Software For Blackpad – The Blackberry Tablet

Aug 20, 2010 Blackberry Development, News

Blackberry developer

Details and rumors are trickling out about the BlackBerry tablet aka the BlackPad. The latest of rumors is that the software the device will be running is developed by QNX Software Systems, the company recently acquired by RIM for $200M. QNX has a lot of experience making integrated systems that run in your car, home as well as business sectors such as industrial and medical fields.

It would be really interesting to see RIM’s tablet entering the enterprise market with its gold standard security and a cool new software system. Someone close to RIM has recently said that the BlackPad is designed to capitalize on RIM’s strength with corporate customers, particularly with email. The tablet will be closely integrated with the BlackBerry’s email system and will have similar security for messaging, the person said.

While the BlackPad will not have any radio connectivity, it will feature Bluetooth and WiFi and piggyback on the BlackBerry’s connectivity. With Wifi,

Rather than use a larger version of BlackBerry 6, it’s said that RIM chose QNX because BlackBerry 6 includes legacy software code from older BlackBerry phones.

So what’s next after Blackberry development … Blackpad development ?

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