Capturing that Magic Moment: A Hint of the BlackBerry 10 Camera Features
BB10 Camera
Posted by: James
Author Archive: James Richardson
Five year veteran of the site. BlackBerry specialist, but experienced in most operating systems. Enjoys flower arranging and cross stitch.
The QNX Powered Porsche
The QNX powered Porsche was first seen at CES in January (I think) and we clearly weren’t there so I was pretty pleased to see it at BlackBerry World this week. If you saw the keynote you would have seen it made a brief appearance on stage but the car then spent the next three days in the showcase hall where I managed to get the grand tour.
QNX is in so many cars these days but as RIM purchased the company It makes sense to show of the power of the OS at BlackBerry events.
If you fancy a sneak peak into the future of what we may well see in all cars one day then check out the video below.
It is more than impressive.
BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha Device – Hands on Video
We posted the other day about the BlackBerry 10 Alpha device but I have now had a chance to spend some time with it and shoot a quick video.
As you will see in the following video the OS on board is essentially the PlayBook OS although the features are very limited. The handset is not a fully functional phone and its purpose is only to allow developers to create apps /games for the forthcoming BlackBerry 10 devices later in the year.
Please don’t take any notice of the hardware as this will not be a BlackBerry 10 handset. This one is purely a shell for dev usage.
You can see the video below:
BlackBerry 7.1 now available to download in the UK
BlackBerry® 7.1, the latest version of the BlackBerry® smartphone OS, is now available for customers in the UK. The update is available for the BlackBerry® Bold 9900, BlackBerry® Torch 9810 and 9860, BlackBerry® Curve 9360 and 9380 smartphones, and the Porsche Design P’9981 smartphone from BlackBerry. Starting today, customers can upgrade their smartphones to BlackBerry 7.1 for free over the air or using BlackBerry® Desktop Software.
BlackBerry 7.1 incorporates BlackBerry® Tag, a new way to share content with other BlackBerry customers using near field communications (NFC) technology. By tapping two NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones together, customers can share contact information, pictures, a URL from the browser or documents. BlackBerry Tag can also be used to invite a friend to BBMT or to pair their BlackBerry smartphone with an NFC-enabled Bluetooth® device.
With BlackBerry 7.1, customers can be productive from virtually anywhere. Now they can turn their BlackBerry smartphone into a mobile hotspot that can be shared by up to 5 Wi-Fi®-enabled devices, including laptops and tablets.
A new Battery Saving Mode feature has been added which allows customers to extend the battery life of their BlackBerry smartphone when it is most needed. The new feature provides customers the option to have their smartphone settings automatically adjusted when the battery power reaches a level pre-defined by the customer. Some of the settings the Battery Saving Mode will automatically adjust include the brightness level, backlight timeout, and the mobile hotspot auto shutdown timer.
Customers with a BlackBerry Curve 9360 or 9380 smartphone will find a nice surprise with the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update in the form of an FM radio. The FM radio is already built in to the Curve 9360 and 9380 models and BlackBerry 7.1 adds a new app that allows them to tune in and enjoy local FM radio stations. Listening to the FM radio does not require a data plan or use data services.
BlackBerry 7.1 is available for download today. For more information about the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update, visit http://uk.blackberry.com/update/
Posted by: James
Blackberry Music Gateway – Video
The BlackBerry Music Gateway is nothing new, however there is now a new version supporting NFC. I was in two minds about this accessory but after getting a demo I need to get one of these!
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Connections Made Simple – Using NFC, simply tap your NFC enabled BlackBerry to connect to the BlackBerry Music Gateway**, or connect via standard Bluetooth for universal connectivity of any Bluetooth enabled device such as smartphones, tablets and computers
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Enjoy Wireless Freedom – Stream music from your BlackBerry smartphone, BlackBerry PlayBook, or any other Bluetooth enabled device. BlackBerry Music Gateway connects to any existing home stereo equipment or car stereo using the RCA or 3.5mm cables included in the box
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Wireless Remote Control – Use your device as the remote for complete control of playback, track changes, and volume.
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Multitasking – Access other applications or surf the web while playing music. Music automatically pauses when an incoming phone call is received and continues when the call is ended without skipping a beat.
You can see the video demo below. It is pretty awesome. Why not follow @UK_BlackBerry for further updates.
The BlackBerry PlayBook powered police car
The one thing that really drew my attention when I entered the BlackBerry World showcase was a beautiful Canadian police car.
The force now has a few squad cars with the BlackBerry PlayBook mounted on the dashboard. The police officers also each carry a BlackBerry Smartphone and the two devices work in conjunction with one another.
The PlayBook gives officers quick access to a varity of apps from criminal databases to printing tickets.
The best bit though is how it controls the flashing red and blue lights.
Check out the video below. It is awesome!
Hands on with the BlackBerry Dev Alpha
Shortly after this mornings keynote at BlackBerry World us members of the press were invited to get hands on with the developer alpha device which all devs at BB Jam will receive.
As you will see in the following images the OS on board is essentially the PlayBook OS although the features are very limited. The handset is not a fully functional phone and its purpose is only to allow developers to create apps for the forthcoming BlackBerry 10 devices later in the year.
Please don’t take any notice of the hardware as this will not be a BlackBerry 10 handset. This one is purely a shell for dev usage.
While I am here I may as well tell you that from what I have seen of BlackBerry 10 at the keynote it looks to be absolutely awesome. Android and iPhone users: be afraid, be very afraid!
You can see the photos below:
BlackBerry World 2012– Day One
We are less than an hour away now from the BlackBerry World 2012 Keynote in Orlando where Thorsten Heins will take the stage and talk us through RIM’s vision for the next twelve months.
Will we see new devices announced? I wouldn’t have thought so but what we will see is BlackBerry 10 detailed which is what the excitement is all about. From speaking with a few RIM executives over the last couple of days we are due to see some really cool stuff.
Stay tuned later for more news.
Posted by: James
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