Technology Development

One of the most popular and widely used Twitter apps, UberTwitter, is soon to be getting a complete overhaul. It is currently in a closed beta (version .9747), but UberTwitter has allowed us to show you a sneak peek before it is officially released to the public.

You can see that the UberTwitter team has completely re-skinned the app with a more graphical user interface. It has gotten mixed feelings from the beta testers so far, but we think it is a step up from the previous and current public version.






One very unique feature that has been implemented is the option to pick a theme. This feature currently lets you choose a color scheme. Of course this is still a pre-release version and a lot can change from beta to official release. Below are the new features and changes:

• Completely new User Interface with several color themes


• Uber Channels - A directory of hierarchical topics with the best tweeters from each topic managed in a twitter list.  The lists are groomed every day to include the most pertinent users.


• List Search - Use keywords to search for lists you are most interested in, finally a way to find lists!


• Uber Bar Enhancements - Add basic functionality to the uber bar including search, everyone near you, saved searches, lists, users, Uber Channels and trending topics


• InstaPaper integration - Save tweets to instapaper for later reading


• Added the TMI.ME service as the default for sending longer then 140 characters, besides the fact that it has THE best URL name for the job, there is also no need to confirm that you want to send a longer tweet.


• Added support for inline viewing of Twitsnap.com photos.


• Ability to unblock a user


• View the list of your tweets that have been retweeted, then highlight one of those tweets and view who has retweeted it


• Saved searchs - finally, yes, we integrate with the saved searches on the twitter web site, plus you can add them to the uber bar!


• Muting Users - You asked, and now its there, select 'Mute Users' from the menu where you can manage the list of users that you just don't want to hear from for a while.  You can mute them forever (but why not just unfollow?)  Or, you can specify how many days before the muting 'expires' and you start viewing their tweets again.  (Shout out to @jasonbirch for the expiration idea!)  You can optionally notify the user that you have muted them and it will also tell them when it will expire.


• Added the ability to go directly to a users profile from the menu when you highlight one of their tweets


• Reorganized the menu to hopefully be more clear


• Added more information to a users profile


• Saved searches...finally!  - Yes - open search and towards the bottom you can see your saved searchs


• Highlight a saved search to add it to the uber bar


• After running a search, from the menu you can add it to your saved searches


• Implemented new TwitVid library which uses Oauth, should be faster, but don't have hard numbers yet.


• Added a conversation view timeline - When you view a tweet that is a reply to another, and click the conversation icon, it will open a timeline which will pull up the entire conversation from that point backward.  Seems somewhat slow in doing this, as it has to make a call back to twitter for each tweet, looking into this.


• This version uses Twitter's new Oauth authentication scheme which will allow you to change the username/password on twitter.com and not have to worry about doing the same in ubertwitter.

One of the most popular and widely used Twitter apps, UberTwitter, is soon to be getting a complete overhaul. It is currently in a closed beta (version .9747), but UberTwitter has allowed us to show you a sneak peek before it is officially released to the public.

You can see that the UberTwitter team has completely re-skinned the app with a more graphical user interface. It has gotten mixed feelings from the beta testers so far, but we think it is a step up from the previous and current public version.






One very unique feature that has been implemented is the option to pick a theme. This feature currently lets you choose a color scheme. Of course this is still a pre-release version and a lot can change from beta to official release. Below are the new features and changes:

• Completely new User Interface with several color themes


• Uber Channels - A directory of hierarchical topics with the best tweeters from each topic managed in a twitter list.  The lists are groomed every day to include the most pertinent users.


• List Search - Use keywords to search for lists you are most interested in, finally a way to find lists!


• Uber Bar Enhancements - Add basic functionality to the uber bar including search, everyone near you, saved searches, lists, users, Uber Channels and trending topics


• InstaPaper integration - Save tweets to instapaper for later reading


• Added the TMI.ME service as the default for sending longer then 140 characters, besides the fact that it has THE best URL name for the job, there is also no need to confirm that you want to send a longer tweet.


• Added support for inline viewing of Twitsnap.com photos.


• Ability to unblock a user


• View the list of your tweets that have been retweeted, then highlight one of those tweets and view who has retweeted it


• Saved searchs - finally, yes, we integrate with the saved searches on the twitter web site, plus you can add them to the uber bar!


• Muting Users - You asked, and now its there, select 'Mute Users' from the menu where you can manage the list of users that you just don't want to hear from for a while.  You can mute them forever (but why not just unfollow?)  Or, you can specify how many days before the muting 'expires' and you start viewing their tweets again.  (Shout out to @jasonbirch for the expiration idea!)  You can optionally notify the user that you have muted them and it will also tell them when it will expire.


• Added the ability to go directly to a users profile from the menu when you highlight one of their tweets


• Reorganized the menu to hopefully be more clear


• Added more information to a users profile


• Saved searches...finally!  - Yes - open search and towards the bottom you can see your saved searchs


• Highlight a saved search to add it to the uber bar


• After running a search, from the menu you can add it to your saved searches


• Implemented new TwitVid library which uses Oauth, should be faster, but don't have hard numbers yet.


• Added a conversation view timeline - When you view a tweet that is a reply to another, and click the conversation icon, it will open a timeline which will pull up the entire conversation from that point backward.  Seems somewhat slow in doing this, as it has to make a call back to twitter for each tweet, looking into this.


• This version uses Twitter's new Oauth authentication scheme which will allow you to change the username/password on twitter.com and not have to worry about doing the same in ubertwitter.

You may recall that we broke the first details on the BlackBerry Storm3 back in December of 2009. Now, there are a few more rumored specs to add to the mounting mystery to the supposed next addition in the Storm series.



Some of the new rumored specs/details fall in line with what we previously told you. However, here are the new rumored specs:

• Shell is the same as the Storm 2 but is different under the hood


• 1GHz Processor


• 8GB Internal Memory


• 512MB flash memory but new tests have been with 1GB 


• It will NOT run OS 6.0 – a new OS of its own


• 5MP camera for now


• Ability to run widgets with ability to personalize


• SurePress Touchscreen, but it will be very different than before


• It will be Verizon’s first or second LTE device


• It’s currently being tested by a limited team to prevent leaks out

You may recall that we broke the first details on the BlackBerry Storm3 back in December of 2009. Now, there are a few more rumored specs to add to the mounting mystery to the supposed next addition in the Storm series.



Some of the new rumored specs/details fall in line with what we previously told you. However, here are the new rumored specs:

• Shell is the same as the Storm 2 but is different under the hood


• 1GHz Processor


• 8GB Internal Memory


• 512MB flash memory but new tests have been with 1GB 


• It will NOT run OS 6.0 – a new OS of its own


• 5MP camera for now


• Ability to run widgets with ability to personalize


• SurePress Touchscreen, but it will be very different than before


• It will be Verizon’s first or second LTE device


• It’s currently being tested by a limited team to prevent leaks out

We heard that we would see a new OS for the BlackBerry Storm 9530 coming up very soon. It has been a very long time since the 9530 has received any love, but this OS comes straight out of China.



We've heard this OS is to include the Chinese Handwriting input and new updated PinYin input,
both are very important for users in China.

• Download 9530 OS 5.0.0.685 

We heard that we would see a new OS for the BlackBerry Storm 9530 coming up very soon. It has been a very long time since the 9530 has received any love, but this OS comes straight out of China.



We've heard this OS is to include the Chinese Handwriting input and new updated PinYin input,
both are very important for users in China.

• Download 9530 OS 5.0.0.685 

We have been tipped that apparently the BlackBerry Curve 8350i on Telus has gotten its first 5.0 OS. It is said that currently OS 5.0.0.577 is only available for download through Desktop Manager. It is interesting to see RIM adding OS 5.0 to the devices that have lacked it for so long.






RIM is probably trying to update all of the older devices in preparation for the release of OS 6.0, or so we hope. Nevertheless, open Desktop Manager and see if you are able to download OS 5.0.0.577 for the 8350i if you are on Telus. This OS hasn't yet hit the BlackBerry.com download site, but you can check back at here. Have you been able to download and install this OS?

We have been tipped that apparently the BlackBerry Curve 8350i on Telus has gotten its first 5.0 OS. It is said that currently OS 5.0.0.577 is only available for download through Desktop Manager. It is interesting to see RIM adding OS 5.0 to the devices that have lacked it for so long.






RIM is probably trying to update all of the older devices in preparation for the release of OS 6.0, or so we hope. Nevertheless, open Desktop Manager and see if you are able to download OS 5.0.0.577 for the 8350i if you are on Telus. This OS hasn't yet hit the BlackBerry.com download site, but you can check back at here. Have you been able to download and install this OS?

It was just the other day that we saw OS 5.0.0.734 become official through Smart-Communication inc. If you're not one to use a different carrier's OS, then any Verizon Curve 8530 users will be happy to know that .734 has been approved for you to use.




If you're not using Verizon and haven't upgraded to .734, be sure to remove the vendor.xml before loading the OS.

• Download Curve 8530 OS 5.0.0.734

It was just the other day that we saw OS 5.0.0.734 become official through Smart-Communication inc. If you're not one to use a different carrier's OS, then any Verizon Curve 8530 users will be happy to know that .734 has been approved for you to use.




If you're not using Verizon and haven't upgraded to .734, be sure to remove the vendor.xml before loading the OS.

• Download Curve 8530 OS 5.0.0.734

Always wanted to get an Antair product, but didn't want to drop the funds for it? Now you may just be in luck as Antair has started their semi-annual sale on every app for BlackBerry.



The Antair Semi-Annual Sale is a one week sale on every piece of software they make for the BlackBerry.



Antair Spam Filter and Antair Call Screener are available for $14.95 per license. Antair AutoResponder is available for $9.95 per license. Antair RE:mind and Antair Snippets are available for $4.95 per license.



Take advantage of these great prices until Friday, July 2nd. For more info visit www.antair.com

Always wanted to get an Antair product, but didn't want to drop the funds for it? Now you may just be in luck as Antair has started their semi-annual sale on every app for BlackBerry.



The Antair Semi-Annual Sale is a one week sale on every piece of software they make for the BlackBerry.



Antair Spam Filter and Antair Call Screener are available for $14.95 per license. Antair AutoResponder is available for $9.95 per license. Antair RE:mind and Antair Snippets are available for $4.95 per license.



Take advantage of these great prices until Friday, July 2nd. For more info visit www.antair.com

Are you working out and want to show your progress to your friends? Now you can with the latest upgrade to Gym Technik. Gym Technik is now connected to Facebook and Twitter allowing you to show off your progress as you reach your workout and body weight goals, keeping you motivated.


What's New In Gym Technik Online, Mobile, and NextGen for the BlackBerry

• Facebook Connect
  Share your fitness progress with your friends on Facebook. Gym Technik automatically posts to your Facebook wall each time you start/end workouts and when you gain muscle or lose weight.
  


• Twitter Auto-Tweet
  Tweet your fitness progress to your followers on Twitter. Gym Technik automatically tweets your progress each time you start/end workouts and when you gain muscle or lose weight.
  


• Specific Instructions For A Day
  Need unique workout instructions for certain days? You can now override the general workout instructions by entering them directly on the calendar for that day.
  


• Workout Preview On Calendar
  Working out at home using Gym Technik Online? You can now view the instructions on the workout you're performing directly from the calendar as you enter the stats Online.
  


• Bug Fixes
  Reported bugs have been fixed in this upgrade. If you hit a bug please send us a note at support@gymtechnik.com

Current members will need to upgrade the app on their BlackBerry by downloading the newer version. Hit the upgrade link in your app or point your BlackBerry browser to http://get.gymtechnik.com and follow the instructions to download and link your account. If you have not downloaded the Gym Technik app for your BlackBerry, then give it a try and visit www.gymtechnik.com/blackberry to learn how to download.

Are you working out and want to show your progress to your friends? Now you can with the latest upgrade to Gym Technik. Gym Technik is now connected to Facebook and Twitter allowing you to show off your progress as you reach your workout and body weight goals, keeping you motivated.


What's New In Gym Technik Online, Mobile, and NextGen for the BlackBerry

• Facebook Connect
  Share your fitness progress with your friends on Facebook. Gym Technik automatically posts to your Facebook wall each time you start/end workouts and when you gain muscle or lose weight.
  


• Twitter Auto-Tweet
  Tweet your fitness progress to your followers on Twitter. Gym Technik automatically tweets your progress each time you start/end workouts and when you gain muscle or lose weight.
  


• Specific Instructions For A Day
  Need unique workout instructions for certain days? You can now override the general workout instructions by entering them directly on the calendar for that day.
  


• Workout Preview On Calendar
  Working out at home using Gym Technik Online? You can now view the instructions on the workout you're performing directly from the calendar as you enter the stats Online.
  


• Bug Fixes
  Reported bugs have been fixed in this upgrade. If you hit a bug please send us a note at support@gymtechnik.com

Current members will need to upgrade the app on their BlackBerry by downloading the newer version. Hit the upgrade link in your app or point your BlackBerry browser to http://get.gymtechnik.com and follow the instructions to download and link your account. If you have not downloaded the Gym Technik app for your BlackBerry, then give it a try and visit www.gymtechnik.com/blackberry to learn how to download.

It looks like the BlackBerry Curve 9300 aka Kepler is getting a little more lime-light with its first video. It is great to see that this pre-release device is currently branded by T-Mobile. As speculated, we should see the 9300 some time before the end of 2010. Video is after the break.

It looks like the BlackBerry Curve 9300 aka Kepler is getting a little more lime-light with its first video. It is great to see that this pre-release device is currently branded by T-Mobile. As speculated, we should see the 9300 some time before the end of 2010. Video is after the break.

Are you a BlackBerry Bold 9700 user looking to give Research In Motion your opinion? Just today, a new community has been built in the BlackBerry Beta Zone to help garner the input of 9700 users in the USA, Canada, and UK.

Are you using a BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 device? Do you enjoy talking on social networking applications on your BlackBerry® Device? If so, come join the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 Community! By joining this community you’ll be able to give your feedback regarding your BlackBerry Bold 9700 and have the opportunity to discuss all that is BlackBerry with other BlackBerry users within Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom! The BlackBerry Bold 9700 Community is set to begin on June 24th, 2010 and will run for 3 weeks. During this time you can expect surveys regarding the BlackBerry Browser, BlackBerry Media and Social Networking Applications. Additionally, there will be discussion boards that you, along with other participants, can discuss your BlackBerry experience, learn about new tips and tricks on your BlackBerry. We will have BlackBerry moderators looking at these boards to monitor board content.

If you are a Bold 9700 user looking to speak your mind and already apart of Beta Zone you can sign up here. 

Are you a BlackBerry Bold 9700 user looking to give Research In Motion your opinion? Just today, a new community has been built in the BlackBerry Beta Zone to help garner the input of 9700 users in the USA, Canada, and UK.

Are you using a BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 device? Do you enjoy talking on social networking applications on your BlackBerry® Device? If so, come join the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 Community! By joining this community you’ll be able to give your feedback regarding your BlackBerry Bold 9700 and have the opportunity to discuss all that is BlackBerry with other BlackBerry users within Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom! The BlackBerry Bold 9700 Community is set to begin on June 24th, 2010 and will run for 3 weeks. During this time you can expect surveys regarding the BlackBerry Browser, BlackBerry Media and Social Networking Applications. Additionally, there will be discussion boards that you, along with other participants, can discuss your BlackBerry experience, learn about new tips and tricks on your BlackBerry. We will have BlackBerry moderators looking at these boards to monitor board content.

If you are a Bold 9700 user looking to speak your mind and already apart of Beta Zone you can sign up here. 

There is a new app in the BlackBerry Beta Zone called Traffic. So far this is a very basic app designed to give you details on your travel time and locations around you. It utilizes the native BlackBerry Maps as well as help from NAVTEQ.








This could be a decent alternative to other location and travel apps. However, the BlackBerry Traffic app looks prehistoric in comparison to such apps like Poynt. Nevertheless, this app is just in beta and hopefully we will see it drastically change and improve with time.



Were you invited in the private beta? If not, sign up to the Beta Zone or see if you're eligible.

There is a new app in the BlackBerry Beta Zone called Traffic. So far this is a very basic app designed to give you details on your travel time and locations around you. It utilizes the native BlackBerry Maps as well as help from NAVTEQ.








This could be a decent alternative to other location and travel apps. However, the BlackBerry Traffic app looks prehistoric in comparison to such apps like Poynt. Nevertheless, this app is just in beta and hopefully we will see it drastically change and improve with time.



Were you invited in the private beta? If not, sign up to the Beta Zone or see if you're eligible.

According to the financial research company, Collins Stewart, we should see the BlackBerry Storm3 in August of 2010. This date was suggested in a recent report regarding the financial benefit of the continued use of Synaptics' ClearPad touchscreen technology for the Storm3.




We contacted Synaptics, "...who does not comment on its relationship with RIM."



It will be interesting to see if this rumor follows through. If you have followed the Storm series then you will know that the past two devices (Storm1 and Storm2) have launched in October. An August release date might be a better fitting timeline for going against the iPhone 4.



Synaptics makes various packages of the ClearPad touchscreen. The latest is the ClearPad 3000. ClearPad 3000 Series offers:

• Next-Generation User Experience—Leverage breakthrough multi-finger gestures for exciting new games and applications, including dual/multi-player gaming devices and mobile applications. Click here to see the 3000 Series demo with gestures like Crumple and Scratch.


• Larger Screen Sizes—Synaptics’ proprietary chip features 48 sensing channels and excellent power management—enabling screen sizes up to 8 inches and more accurate sensing.


• Maximum Display Area—Industry-leading narrow borders increases the amount of touchscreen real estate and optimizes popular display technologies, such as OLED

According to the financial research company, Collins Stewart, we should see the BlackBerry Storm3 in August of 2010. This date was suggested in a recent report regarding the financial benefit of the continued use of Synaptics' ClearPad touchscreen technology for the Storm3.




We contacted Synaptics, "...who does not comment on its relationship with RIM."



It will be interesting to see if this rumor follows through. If you have followed the Storm series then you will know that the past two devices (Storm1 and Storm2) have launched in October. An August release date might be a better fitting timeline for going against the iPhone 4.



Synaptics makes various packages of the ClearPad touchscreen. The latest is the ClearPad 3000. ClearPad 3000 Series offers:

• Next-Generation User Experience—Leverage breakthrough multi-finger gestures for exciting new games and applications, including dual/multi-player gaming devices and mobile applications. Click here to see the 3000 Series demo with gestures like Crumple and Scratch.


• Larger Screen Sizes—Synaptics’ proprietary chip features 48 sensing channels and excellent power management—enabling screen sizes up to 8 inches and more accurate sensing.


• Maximum Display Area—Industry-leading narrow borders increases the amount of touchscreen real estate and optimizes popular display technologies, such as OLED

It wasn't that long ago that we saw OS 5.0.0.713 become official for the Storm2 9520 and even the 9550. Now, the 9520 and getting a pretty big jump to OS 5.0.0.741! We're not sure what has been added in this package, but if you have time it should be worth loading up.

• Applications: 5.0.0.741


• Software Platform: 4.2.0.333


• File name: 9520_omanodrmjEastAsia_PBr5.0.0_rel1252_PL4.2.0.333_A5.0.0.741_M1.exe


• File size: 135.66MB

It wasn't that long ago that we saw OS 5.0.0.713 become official for the Storm2 9520 and even the 9550. Now, the 9520 and getting a pretty big jump to OS 5.0.0.741! We're not sure what has been added in this package, but if you have time it should be worth loading up.

• Applications: 5.0.0.741


• Software Platform: 4.2.0.333


• File name: 9520_omanodrmjEastAsia_PBr5.0.0_rel1252_PL4.2.0.333_A5.0.0.741_M1.exe


• File size: 135.66MB

US Cellular issued a press release today discussing the arrival of the BlackBerry Bold 9650 and their Android line-up. In the section about the Bold 9650 there was a reference to another BlackBerry that they would be releasing later by the end of the year.




The paragraph of the press release reads:

The carrier will release the BlackBerry Bold in early August and later this year it will offer a BlackBerry flip smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard. U.S. Cellular is also releasing new touch screen devices like the LG Banter Touch featuring a 3-inch touch display and side-sliding QWERTY keyboard.

What could this "flip smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard" be? Perhaps US Cellular is also going to be getting the Clamshell 9670? It definitely appears to be that way. We've heard this device was going to be a Verizon Wireless exclusive. Could it be releasing soon on Verizon and later on US Cellular?



Read the full press release here.

US Cellular issued a press release today discussing the arrival of the BlackBerry Bold 9650 and their Android line-up. In the section about the Bold 9650 there was a reference to another BlackBerry that they would be releasing later by the end of the year.




The paragraph of the press release reads:

The carrier will release the BlackBerry Bold in early August and later this year it will offer a BlackBerry flip smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard. U.S. Cellular is also releasing new touch screen devices like the LG Banter Touch featuring a 3-inch touch display and side-sliding QWERTY keyboard.

What could this "flip smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard" be? Perhaps US Cellular is also going to be getting the Clamshell 9670? It definitely appears to be that way. We've heard this device was going to be a Verizon Wireless exclusive. Could it be releasing soon on Verizon and later on US Cellular?



Read the full press release here.

Have the new BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9100 or 9105 and looking for a theme? With the recent release of the Theme Builder SP1, theme developers are now beginning to pump out themes for the Pearl 3G. Here we have the very first theme called Colourize Pink.








Fitting for a girl or guy who likes pink, it is packed with a great pink wallpaper and custom coloured backgrounds throughtout so you never lose touch with the pink style of this theme.




Features:

• Stunning Pink icon set


• Zen style homescreen layout for ease of use


• User customiseable fonts


• Classy wallpapers throughout to carry pink theme

Have the new BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9100 or 9105 and looking for a theme? With the recent release of the Theme Builder SP1, theme developers are now beginning to pump out themes for the Pearl 3G. Here we have the very first theme called Colourize Pink.








Fitting for a girl or guy who likes pink, it is packed with a great pink wallpaper and custom coloured backgrounds throughtout so you never lose touch with the pink style of this theme.




Features:

• Stunning Pink icon set


• Zen style homescreen layout for ease of use


• User customiseable fonts


• Classy wallpapers throughout to carry pink theme