Verizon Canceling the Storm 9570; Giving Tour 9630, Bold 9650, and Curve 3G Updates?
on Thursday, September 30, 2010
It was just the other week we learned that the rumored Storm2 'refresh' was going to be the Storm 9570. The 9570 was going to be a beefed up Storm2 that will sport 512mb RAM, 5MP camera, OS6, and likely an upgraded processor. Now, there are reports from a leaked Verizon roadmap that show Verizon may have scrapped the 'refresh' deal all together.
Verizon has really been pushing devices on Android. We're venturing to guess that Verizon understands a Storm2 'refresh' probably wouldn't see strong sales. This must have been a last minute decision, since the Storm 9570 we saw was already Verizon branded.
Nevertheless, other carriers may still pick up the 9570. It wouldn't surprise us if we saw the Storm 9570 hit Sprint. It will also be interesting to see if there will be a GSM version, perhaps it will be the 9560?
Verizon also plans to give updates to the Tour 9630, Bold 9650, and Curve 3G 9330 in October. Apparently, for "known issues", whatever they may be.
Were there any Verizon customers out there looking forward to the Storm 9570? Could you hold out until 2011 for a possible 4G LTE Storm device?
via Engadget
Verizon Canceling the Storm 9570; Giving Tour 9630, Bold 9650, and Curve 3G Updates?
It was just the other week we learned that the rumored Storm2 'refresh' was going to be the Storm 9570. The 9570 was going to be a beefed up Storm2 that will sport 512mb RAM, 5MP camera, OS6, and likely an upgraded processor. Now, there are reports from a leaked Verizon roadmap that show Verizon may have scrapped the 'refresh' deal all together.
Verizon has really been pushing devices on Android. We're venturing to guess that Verizon understands a Storm2 'refresh' probably wouldn't see strong sales. This must have been a last minute decision, since the Storm 9570 we saw was already Verizon branded.
Nevertheless, other carriers may still pick up the 9570. It wouldn't surprise us if we saw the Storm 9570 hit Sprint. It will also be interesting to see if there will be a GSM version, perhaps it will be the 9560?
Verizon also plans to give updates to the Tour 9630, Bold 9650, and Curve 3G 9330 in October. Apparently, for "known issues", whatever they may be.
Were there any Verizon customers out there looking forward to the Storm 9570? Could you hold out until 2011 for a possible 4G LTE Storm device?
via Engadget
In-Depth Comparison of the BlackBerry PlayBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Apple iPad Specs
on Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The battle between the tablets is about to begin. With the success of the Apple iPad and tablets looking to become a $40-billion industry, other tech companies are starting to jump on the tablet bandwagon. The next tablet to be released is the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and shortly thereafter the recently announced BlackBerry PlayBook.
Research In Motion has stepped out of their comfort zone with the PlayBook and it's looking like a smart move. However, as with any BlackBerry product, we take an outside approach to its performance, functionality, comfortability, and interoperability when paired against the competition. We have taken the known specs of each tablet device and compared them to give you an unbiased look at which tablet may be the victor.
Apple iPad
There is no doubt that the Apple iPad has been a huge success. There have already been over 3 million units sold since its April 2010 launch. While sales may be high, does it mean that it is the best? The iPad is said to perform as a giant iPhone, but lacks a camera and may be a bit uncomfortable in size. Due to its popularity and basic OS as the iPhone, the iPad has many apps, games, and more.
The amount of content available for a product generally helps it sell better than products without solid developer support. This has been key in leveraging the iPhone and now iPad against its competition. Currently, the iPad runs iOS 3.2, but will be upgraded to iOS 4.1 in November 2010.
Samsung Galaxy Tab
The Samsung Galaxy Tab will be the first tablet to launch and run Android 2.2 (Froyo). The Galaxy Tab will also be the first tablet to launch that will have a front and rear facing camera. It will have a microphone so as to allow you to make phone calls, and will also be useful during video conferencing. The Galaxy Tab will be the smallest tablet on the market at the time of its release.
Android has been a huge success with its easy integration of Google products. The Galaxy Tab will be able to download apps from the Google Marketplace, many of the same apps or games you could on any Android phone. Samsung also plans to make Galaxy Tab specific apps, which should really enhance the user experience. The Galaxy Tab will have Adobe Flash 10.1 support, where the iPad lacks this.
BlackBerry PlayBook
Research In Motion has officially confirmed the rumors by announcing the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet at DevCon 2010. RIM has been seriously lacking in hardware performance in their smartphones, when compared to their competition. Many people were blown away by the announcement on the specs for the PlayBook. Even more, RIM announced that the PlayBook would run the QNX operating system. QNX gives the PlayBook a whole new suite of features and functions that the original BlackBerry OS could not match.
From the renders we've seen of the QNX OS on the PlayBook, it looks on par with that of Apple's iOS and Google's Android. However, even though the QNX OS will have great developer support and interoperability, many fear that the PlayBook will lack apps when launched. Current BlackBerry app developers will have to learn an entirely new system to develop apps for the PlayBook, so it could take some time. Adobe will bring Flash 10.1 and AIR to the PlayBook. The PlayBook, when launched, will be the only tablet to have Adobe AIR.
Side-by-side Comparison
Below is a comparison chart between all three devices. At the bottom is a synopsis of the data.
The Break-down
The iPad is the leader in size, but is bigger always better? It is said that the size of the Galaxy Tab and PlayBook are more efficient and comfortable to carry around and use over the iPad. The Galaxy Tab is the lightest with the PlayBook very close behind. The iPad has a nice large display, but again the size may be a negative aspect compared to the Galaxy Tab and PlayBook.
The iPad and PlayBook both have the same WiFi bands, but the Galaxy Tab will only support one n band. However, the Galaxy Tab makes up for it by offering Bluetooth 3.0 over the 2.1+ EDR that both the iPad and PlayBook have. Currently, the iPad only supports 3G. Whereas, the Galaxy Tab supports 2.5G/3G and PlayBook will support 3G and 4G. The PlayBook will advance in this area once a 4G model is offered, especially if it is on Verizon's LTE network.
While all three tablets sport a 1GHz processor, it is hard to say which one is the fastest. It was definitely a surprise to see the PlayBook offer one with dual-core.
All three tablets should be able to support the same audio playback. While we are unsure of the Galaxy Tab's video playback, out of the three the PlayBook appears to be the leader with 1080p.
The iPad leads in battery and power, but we're assuming this is only the case because it can hold a larger battery. It is unknown what the battery life will be for the PlayBook.
When it comes to internal memory there is one more option for the iPad over the other tablets. However, where it lacks severely is by only having 256mb RAM. The next runner up is the Galaxy Tab with 512mb RAM, with the leader being the PlayBook at 1GB RAM. Many times a lot of RAM is not needed if the operating system on a device runs light. Either RIM wanted to really beef up the PlayBook or the new QNX OS is a bit hefty and will require the added RAM. It is too early to tell, but needless to say if QNX is as light as RIM says, than the extra RAM is a win.
Both the PlayBook and Galaxy Tab have HDMI outputs, where the iPad does not. This is probably the case since the iPad lacks a camera. The Galaxy Tab will be the first tablet to come out with a front and rear facing camera. However, the front facing camera is a pitiful 1.3MP and the rear is only 3MP. The PlayBook will sport a 3MP front facing camera and a 5MP rear camera. The cameras in BlackBerry devices have never been known to be that great. It will be interesting to see how well the PlayBook's 5MP camera is when compared to others. (i.e. the Torch 9800's auto-focus 5MP camera does not take as quality a picture as the Motorola Droid)
Afterthoughts
It is still too early to really declare who the triumphant victor is in the tablet wars. We wanted to lay it all out and let you, the consumer, decide which tablet looks the best. Although, we must say, right now the BlackBerry PlayBook is looking awfully good, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab trailing right behind. If Research In Motion doesn't screw things up, they may actually have a solid device against their competition. Which tablet do you believe will be the best?
In-Depth Comparison of the BlackBerry PlayBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Apple iPad Specs
The battle between the tablets is about to begin. With the success of the Apple iPad and tablets looking to become a $40-billion industry, other tech companies are starting to jump on the tablet bandwagon. The next tablet to be released is the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and shortly thereafter the recently announced BlackBerry PlayBook.
Research In Motion has stepped out of their comfort zone with the PlayBook and it's looking like a smart move. However, as with any BlackBerry product, we take an outside approach to its performance, functionality, comfortability, and interoperability when paired against the competition. We have taken the known specs of each tablet device and compared them to give you an unbiased look at which tablet may be the victor.
Apple iPad
There is no doubt that the Apple iPad has been a huge success. There have already been over 3 million units sold since its April 2010 launch. While sales may be high, does it mean that it is the best? The iPad is said to perform as a giant iPhone, but lacks a camera and may be a bit uncomfortable in size. Due to its popularity and basic OS as the iPhone, the iPad has many apps, games, and more.
The amount of content available for a product generally helps it sell better than products without solid developer support. This has been key in leveraging the iPhone and now iPad against its competition. Currently, the iPad runs iOS 3.2, but will be upgraded to iOS 4.1 in November 2010.
Samsung Galaxy Tab
The Samsung Galaxy Tab will be the first tablet to launch and run Android 2.2 (Froyo). The Galaxy Tab will also be the first tablet to launch that will have a front and rear facing camera. It will have a microphone so as to allow you to make phone calls, and will also be useful during video conferencing. The Galaxy Tab will be the smallest tablet on the market at the time of its release.
Android has been a huge success with its easy integration of Google products. The Galaxy Tab will be able to download apps from the Google Marketplace, many of the same apps or games you could on any Android phone. Samsung also plans to make Galaxy Tab specific apps, which should really enhance the user experience. The Galaxy Tab will have Adobe Flash 10.1 support, where the iPad lacks this.
BlackBerry PlayBook
Research In Motion has officially confirmed the rumors by announcing the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet at DevCon 2010. RIM has been seriously lacking in hardware performance in their smartphones, when compared to their competition. Many people were blown away by the announcement on the specs for the PlayBook. Even more, RIM announced that the PlayBook would run the QNX operating system. QNX gives the PlayBook a whole new suite of features and functions that the original BlackBerry OS could not match.
From the renders we've seen of the QNX OS on the PlayBook, it looks on par with that of Apple's iOS and Google's Android. However, even though the QNX OS will have great developer support and interoperability, many fear that the PlayBook will lack apps when launched. Current BlackBerry app developers will have to learn an entirely new system to develop apps for the PlayBook, so it could take some time. Adobe will bring Flash 10.1 and AIR to the PlayBook. The PlayBook, when launched, will be the only tablet to have Adobe AIR.
Side-by-side Comparison
Below is a comparison chart between all three devices. At the bottom is a synopsis of the data.
The Break-down
The iPad is the leader in size, but is bigger always better? It is said that the size of the Galaxy Tab and PlayBook are more efficient and comfortable to carry around and use over the iPad. The Galaxy Tab is the lightest with the PlayBook very close behind. The iPad has a nice large display, but again the size may be a negative aspect compared to the Galaxy Tab and PlayBook.
The iPad and PlayBook both have the same WiFi bands, but the Galaxy Tab will only support one n band. However, the Galaxy Tab makes up for it by offering Bluetooth 3.0 over the 2.1+ EDR that both the iPad and PlayBook have. Currently, the iPad only supports 3G. Whereas, the Galaxy Tab supports 2.5G/3G and PlayBook will support 3G and 4G. The PlayBook will advance in this area once a 4G model is offered, especially if it is on Verizon's LTE network.
While all three tablets sport a 1GHz processor, it is hard to say which one is the fastest. It was definitely a surprise to see the PlayBook offer one with dual-core.
All three tablets should be able to support the same audio playback. While we are unsure of the Galaxy Tab's video playback, out of the three the PlayBook appears to be the leader with 1080p.
The iPad leads in battery and power, but we're assuming this is only the case because it can hold a larger battery. It is unknown what the battery life will be for the PlayBook.
When it comes to internal memory there is one more option for the iPad over the other tablets. However, where it lacks severely is by only having 256mb RAM. The next runner up is the Galaxy Tab with 512mb RAM, with the leader being the PlayBook at 1GB RAM. Many times a lot of RAM is not needed if the operating system on a device runs light. Either RIM wanted to really beef up the PlayBook or the new QNX OS is a bit hefty and will require the added RAM. It is too early to tell, but needless to say if QNX is as light as RIM says, than the extra RAM is a win.
Both the PlayBook and Galaxy Tab have HDMI outputs, where the iPad does not. This is probably the case since the iPad lacks a camera. The Galaxy Tab will be the first tablet to come out with a front and rear facing camera. However, the front facing camera is a pitiful 1.3MP and the rear is only 3MP. The PlayBook will sport a 3MP front facing camera and a 5MP rear camera. The cameras in BlackBerry devices have never been known to be that great. It will be interesting to see how well the PlayBook's 5MP camera is when compared to others. (i.e. the Torch 9800's auto-focus 5MP camera does not take as quality a picture as the Motorola Droid)
Afterthoughts
It is still too early to really declare who the triumphant victor is in the tablet wars. We wanted to lay it all out and let you, the consumer, decide which tablet looks the best. Although, we must say, right now the BlackBerry PlayBook is looking awfully good, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab trailing right behind. If Research In Motion doesn't screw things up, they may actually have a solid device against their competition. Which tablet do you believe will be the best?
Kobo eReader to Come Pre-Loaded on BlackBerry PlayBook
Research In Motion announced today, through Twitter, that the Kobo eReader will come pre-loaded on to the BlackBerry PlayBook. During the DevCon 2010 keynote we saw Kobo briefly in the teaser video of the PlayBook, but no one thought anything of it at the time.
Kobo currently offers over 2.2 million eBooks to download. Kobo also announced at DevCon 2010 that they will utilize the social integration of BBM. It will be interesting to see how the Kobo app will run on the PlayBook. We also assume current Kobo users will be able to transfer current purchased eBooks to the BlackBerry PlayBook.
Kobo eReader to Come Pre-Loaded on BlackBerry PlayBook
Research In Motion announced today, through Twitter, that the Kobo eReader will come pre-loaded on to the BlackBerry PlayBook. During the DevCon 2010 keynote we saw Kobo briefly in the teaser video of the PlayBook, but no one thought anything of it at the time.
Kobo currently offers over 2.2 million eBooks to download. Kobo also announced at DevCon 2010 that they will utilize the social integration of BBM. It will be interesting to see how the Kobo app will run on the PlayBook. We also assume current Kobo users will be able to transfer current purchased eBooks to the BlackBerry PlayBook.
Leaked: BlackBerry Storm2 9520 OS 5.0.0.973
The BlackBerry Storm2 9520 owners have been neglected for some time now, with the last OS being the official v5.0.0.741. However, Storm2 9520 owners can now update their BlackBerrys to OS 5.0.0.973!
Download Storm2 9520 OS 5.0.0.973 from:
*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur.
Leaked: BlackBerry Storm2 9520 OS 5.0.0.973
The BlackBerry Storm2 9520 owners have been neglected for some time now, with the last OS being the official v5.0.0.741. However, Storm2 9520 owners can now update their BlackBerrys to OS 5.0.0.973!
Download Storm2 9520 OS 5.0.0.973 from:
*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur.
BBThemes Releases Simplified Theme for BlackBerry Torch - 100 Free Copies!
on Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Looking to add a little color to your Torch 9800? BBThemes.co.uk has released the Simplified theme for all Torch owners. Currently, priced at $0.99-cent, but we have 100 copies to giveaway on a first come first serve basis!
Simplified takes the traditional OS 6 user interface and adds some flair! You can pick from 5 different colors: green, purple, monochrome, red, and pink. To try and get one for free please use promo code BBTHEMESTORCH and download by selecting your color below.
- Download Simplified Green
- Download Simplifed Purple
- Download Simplified Monochrome
- Download Simplified Red
- Download Simplified Pink
If you were not able to download for free using the promo code you can still purchase either theme for only $0.99-cent! For more themes check out BBThemes.co.uk
BBThemes Releases Simplified Theme for BlackBerry Torch - 100 Free Copies!
Looking to add a little color to your Torch 9800? BBThemes.co.uk has released the Simplified theme for all Torch owners. Currently, priced at $0.99-cent, but we have 100 copies to giveaway on a first come first serve basis!
Simplified takes the traditional OS 6 user interface and adds some flair! You can pick from 5 different colors: green, purple, monochrome, red, and pink. To try and get one for free please use promo code BBTHEMESTORCH and download by selecting your color below.
- Download Simplified Green
- Download Simplifed Purple
- Download Simplified Monochrome
- Download Simplified Red
- Download Simplified Pink
If you were not able to download for free using the promo code you can still purchase either theme for only $0.99-cent! For more themes check out BBThemes.co.uk
Firefox Home App In The Works for BlackBerry
The Mozilla team is definitely looking to the future. They plan on releasing their popular Firefox Home app to BlackBerry smartphones. Firefox Home is a free cloud-based application that lets you access your Firefox desktop history, bookmarks and tabs right on your phone.
The Firefox Home app is also getting updated from the previous version found on the iPhone. Mozilla says they are also including:
- Synchronize passwords to your phone so you don’t have to type them in anymore.
- Bring other Firefox customizations such as search engine preferences.
- Bring your Firefox Panorama settings and tab groups to your phone.
- Some of our more experimental features will allow you to easily share links, reviews and comments with your friends on
- Twitter, Facebook or other social networks directly from Firefox Home.
- Build the ability to provide feedback and get help with any issues directly from within Firefox Home.
This should be a great stepping stone for BlackBerry users until (hopefully) the Mozilla team develops the Firefox web browser for BlackBerry.
via Mozilla Blog
Firefox Home App In The Works for BlackBerry
The Mozilla team is definitely looking to the future. They plan on releasing their popular Firefox Home app to BlackBerry smartphones. Firefox Home is a free cloud-based application that lets you access your Firefox desktop history, bookmarks and tabs right on your phone.
The Firefox Home app is also getting updated from the previous version found on the iPhone. Mozilla says they are also including:
- Synchronize passwords to your phone so you don’t have to type them in anymore.
- Bring other Firefox customizations such as search engine preferences.
- Bring your Firefox Panorama settings and tab groups to your phone.
- Some of our more experimental features will allow you to easily share links, reviews and comments with your friends on
- Twitter, Facebook or other social networks directly from Firefox Home.
- Build the ability to provide feedback and get help with any issues directly from within Firefox Home.
This should be a great stepping stone for BlackBerry users until (hopefully) the Mozilla team develops the Firefox web browser for BlackBerry.
via Mozilla Blog
Hedone Design Releases Free Thalia Theme for BlackBerry Torch 9800
With the release of the BlackBerry Theme Studio 6.0 beta 1, Hedone Design has been quick to release their first Torch 9800 theme. Thalia is a very clean and modern looking theme.
This theme is only compatible with the BlackBerry Torch 9800. IMPORTANT: This theme was made with BETA BlackBerry Theme Studio and therefore can not be sold, Hedone Design can not guarantee it’s quality or speed! When official Theme Studio 6 is released, this theme will be redone and sold as part of Thalia theme.
To download Thalia for free on your Torch 9800, click here.
Hedone Design Releases Free Thalia Theme for BlackBerry Torch 9800
With the release of the BlackBerry Theme Studio 6.0 beta 1, Hedone Design has been quick to release their first Torch 9800 theme. Thalia is a very clean and modern looking theme.
This theme is only compatible with the BlackBerry Torch 9800. IMPORTANT: This theme was made with BETA BlackBerry Theme Studio and therefore can not be sold, Hedone Design can not guarantee it’s quality or speed! When official Theme Studio 6 is released, this theme will be redone and sold as part of Thalia theme.
To download Thalia for free on your Torch 9800, click here.
Zendesk Announces BlackBerry App for Enterprise Customer Support
Zendesk, a web-based customer support software provider, announces Zendesk for BlackBerry, a mobile help desk app that gives support agents with BlackBerry smartphones the same visibility into Zendesk ticket system activity, wherever they may be. With Zendesk for BlackBerry, support agents can view, create and update tickets on the go.
Zendesk for BlackBerry is the latest addition to Zendesk's mobile help desk products, which also include customer support applications for the popular iPhone® and Android™ platforms. The new app's workflow capability allows agents to receive and respond to customer support requests in real time, as well as log support issue details for follow-up. New Zendesk users can also create an account directly from Zendesk's BlackBerry mobile help desk app.
Zendesk has more than 60,000 mobile help desk users, and thousands of customer requests are currently being processed through Zendesk's mobile applications every week day.
The Zendesk for BlackBerry app provides these key capabilities:
- Access all your customer support ticket views
- Update existing tickets and add comments for follow up
- Create new support tickets
- View entire ticket threads
- Create new accounts on the fly
"I love that I can access my tickets anywhere with Zendesk for BlackBerry's intuitive app," says Donavon Roberson, operations manager for Zappos Insights. "Many of our customers will contact us over the weekend about the tours we schedule, and I can respond to these requests without having to wait until I'm back in the office -- handling any urgent issues immediately through my BlackBerry. As a result, we can continue to provide great customer support."
"In today's mobile world, great customer support can't only begin or end at the office," said Maksim Ovsyannikov, vice president product management at Zendesk. "Zendesk for BlackBerry combines the world-class productivity of the BlackBerry platform with simple and affordable customer support technology provided by Zendesk, giving users the ability to deliver outstanding support whenever and wherever they may be."
Supported Devices and Operating Systems:
Blackberry OS 4.5 or later
Blackberry Torch
Blackberry Bold
Blackberry Storm
Blackberry Curve
Blackberry Pearl
Blackberry Tour
About Zendesk
Zendesk is a leading provider of web-based customer support software that is reinventing how companies engage with their customers. The company serves more than 5,000 businesses large and small, including Twitter, MSNBC, Lonely Planet and SAP. Zendesk products are easy to customize, integrate, and use so companies can quickly start offering better customer service. Founded in 2007, Zendesk is funded by Charles River Ventures and Benchmark Capital. Learn more at www.zendesk.com.
Zendesk Announces BlackBerry App for Enterprise Customer Support
Zendesk, a web-based customer support software provider, announces Zendesk for BlackBerry, a mobile help desk app that gives support agents with BlackBerry smartphones the same visibility into Zendesk ticket system activity, wherever they may be. With Zendesk for BlackBerry, support agents can view, create and update tickets on the go.
Zendesk for BlackBerry is the latest addition to Zendesk's mobile help desk products, which also include customer support applications for the popular iPhone® and Android™ platforms. The new app's workflow capability allows agents to receive and respond to customer support requests in real time, as well as log support issue details for follow-up. New Zendesk users can also create an account directly from Zendesk's BlackBerry mobile help desk app.
Zendesk has more than 60,000 mobile help desk users, and thousands of customer requests are currently being processed through Zendesk's mobile applications every week day.
The Zendesk for BlackBerry app provides these key capabilities:
- Access all your customer support ticket views
- Update existing tickets and add comments for follow up
- Create new support tickets
- View entire ticket threads
- Create new accounts on the fly
"I love that I can access my tickets anywhere with Zendesk for BlackBerry's intuitive app," says Donavon Roberson, operations manager for Zappos Insights. "Many of our customers will contact us over the weekend about the tours we schedule, and I can respond to these requests without having to wait until I'm back in the office -- handling any urgent issues immediately through my BlackBerry. As a result, we can continue to provide great customer support."
"In today's mobile world, great customer support can't only begin or end at the office," said Maksim Ovsyannikov, vice president product management at Zendesk. "Zendesk for BlackBerry combines the world-class productivity of the BlackBerry platform with simple and affordable customer support technology provided by Zendesk, giving users the ability to deliver outstanding support whenever and wherever they may be."
Supported Devices and Operating Systems:
Blackberry OS 4.5 or later
Blackberry Torch
Blackberry Bold
Blackberry Storm
Blackberry Curve
Blackberry Pearl
Blackberry Tour
About Zendesk
Zendesk is a leading provider of web-based customer support software that is reinventing how companies engage with their customers. The company serves more than 5,000 businesses large and small, including Twitter, MSNBC, Lonely Planet and SAP. Zendesk products are easy to customize, integrate, and use so companies can quickly start offering better customer service. Founded in 2007, Zendesk is funded by Charles River Ventures and Benchmark Capital. Learn more at www.zendesk.com.