Possible RIM takeover by Microsoft?

What would a takeover of RIM look like by software giant Microsoft? It is not the first time speculation existed over a RIM takeover.

RIM stock hit a record high today while the uncomfirmed rumours continued to swirl.

I wonder what Nokia, Motorola or HP would say if such a takeover happened.

It will be interesting to see what transpires.

Leave a comment and let me know what your thoughts of a takeover would be.

Matt

New York City Deploys Blackberry GPS

Today I came across an interesting article that is putting Blackberry GPS devices to unique use and fixing a city at the same time.

Here is an excerpt of the article."It's the latest quality of life initiative taken by the environmentally-friendly mayor. He's calling the program "Scout."

"Scouts are actually a fleet of three-wheel mini-truck-like vehicles whose mission is to drive every city street once a month and report to 311 conditions that negatively impact the quality of life in the city. "The scout operator will drive down a street with a BlackBerry connected to a GPS system. When the operator sees something like litter or graffiti or a pothole, they'll just push a button and enter in the information into the system."

You can read the entire article here.

As always let me know what you think.

Matt

Vodafone picks up Blackberry GPS equipped BlackBerry Curve 8310

It looks like Blackberry GPS phone Blackberry 8310 is making an entry into Europe through Vodaphone. Take a read here.

Let me know your comments

Matt

Blackberry Pearl 2, Curve 8310, Blackberry 8820 - Leaked Slides

A set of three slides were leaked out via the interent to reveal details on new Blackberry units.

All three are successors to the Blackberry Pearl

- The Blackberry Curve 8310
- The WiFi Blackberry 8820
- The New Pearl.


The new Pearl will be available in both EDGE and CDMA versions with a number of enhanements over the first version. The slide outlines an external accessiible microSD slot, a 3.5mm headset jack, 2MP camera, improved mic wind protection, and improved lanyard design. What's more the EDGE version will get 802.11b/g WiFi, whereas the CDMA handset gets GPS. Scheduled for this Fall.



The Blackberry Curve 8310 will have all the capabilities of the original 8300 Curve and then some. You still get a big display, a QWERTY keyboard, and a 2MP camera with photo flash, but you've also got BlackBerry Fast GPS Fix technology, mapping and navigation, and a hot new titanium color.

The BlackBerry 8820. Like the 8800 which preceded it, the 8820 will be remarkably thin, boast a full-size QWERTY keyboard and a "great" speakerphone, as well as an enhanced media player, but it'll also bandy around with built-in 802.11b/g WiFi support and integrated GPS.

iPhone v. BlackBerry: Side By Side, Two Week Comparison

A number of people have been reviewing iPhone functionality and trying to compare it to a Blackberry platform. Here is a great article that analyzes both platforms to help you with your decision. Take a read here: iPhone v. BlackBerry: Side By Side, Two Week Comparison.

Matt

Comcel deploys Babelfish-like translation tool for BlackBerry

If you plan on travelling with your Blackberry, here is a great tool that you can use from Rant Network. It is a very intuitive translation tool that can help you translate real time. Read more about it here and give it a try. Comcel deploys Babelfish-like translation tool for BlackBerry

Matt

BlackBerry users 'save 60 minutes' a day

According to a IPSOS Reid study, they found that workers with Blackberry devices are more productive and are enabled to do 1 hour more of work everyday. Take a read and let me know your comments. BlackBerry users 'save 60 minutes' a day

Matt

Should a 10-Year Old Have a Cell Phone? - Page1 - MSN Tech & Gadgets - Back to School Guide

MSN recently did an article on whether a 10 year old should have a Blackberry. Take a read and leave a comment on your thoughts.

Should a 10-Year Old Have a Cell Phone? - Page1 - MSN Tech & Gadgets - Back to School Guide

Matt

Jem Telecom Launches Navigation Application Bundle for BlackBerry Smartphone Users

If you live in the UK you will want to read about this.

Jem Telecom, a leading UK mobile data distributor of BlackBerry® smartphones, announced the launch of its Navigation Solution Bundle aimed at UK business employees who spend a significant amount of time out of the office.

To read more about this, click here ClickPress Jem Telecom Launches Navigation Application Bundle for BlackBerry Smartphone Users.

Blackberry Launching Dual Mode Wi-Fi and Cell Network Device

Research In Motion is launching the new Blackberry 8820 smart phone that can access both Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

It will be their first dual-mode phone, allowing users to link to a wireless connection while still receiving a phone call from a cellular network. The phone is being touted as their slimmest yet with a full keyboard.

You can read more about the device at: http://www.blackberry.com/news/press/2007/pr-17_07_2007-01.shtml

Given the recent launch of the Apple iPhone, it’s looks like Blackberry will be launching similar features on their devices.
Matt

Apple's iPhone vs. BlackBerry - Morning Call - CNBC.com

Apple's iPhone vs. BlackBerry - Morning Call - CNBC.com

With 11 days to go before the launch of the highly marketed iPhone, you may want to wait before buying one. Take a read.

Matt

Wildcharge - Device Charging Unit Debuts July 9

Wildcharge: Wireless Gadget Charging Makes World Debut July 9 - Gizmodo

I saw this product a while back and thought it would be a great way to charge multiple devices without all the tangled cords and power bars. By placing the device on the charging sheet, it uses induction to charge the device.

Look for it starting July 9th.

Matt

ACT! on BlackBerry

Blackberry is working feverishly to integrate various contact management systems with their devices. ACT! is one of them. See the article below from Simon Sage
Happy reading

Matt

ACT! on BlackBerry BlackBerry Cool:
Posted Jun 08 at 7:24 am by Simon Sage

BeamBerry Now Available For Your BlackBerry - BBHub

BeamBerry Now Available For Your BlackBerry - BBHub: "BeamBerry Now Available For Your BlackBerry
Posted Jan 31st 2007 10:03AM by Melissa Oxendale"

This is great software to view, save and print documents with your Blackberry!

Pearl users will have a to wait a bit long for this but stay tuned.

Matt

Blackberry - Noun, Adjective or a Verb?

I’m sure we can all relate to this…you are having an important discussion or meeting when you notice someone diverted by an e-mail on their Blackberry device. As they begin thumbing their response, you realize you are no longer interacting with this individual.

What should this impolite act be called? A “Blackberry”? Not the device, but rather the treatment you just received…

I feel like I’ve just been Blackberried … or I just got a Blackberry treatment by someone…

It’s amazing how one piece of technology has had such an impact on people’s manners. The cell phone has come a close second…but think about it, the many years of civilized behaviour has been diminished with one device - The Blackberry.

The next time you look down at your belt harness during family dinner, think again…is it really important that you respond right then and there?

Matt

Plastic Sheet takes the brunt of Blackberry abuse

BlackBerry Cool » Review - Proporta Advanced Screen Protector

With the amount of wear and tear your Blackberry takes on a daily basis, here is a great plastic sheet that will protect your PDA screen. See the review below.

Matt

BlackBerry Trade Up Program

RIM is offering a trade up program for existing Blackberry customers and Palm customers. You can read more below.

Matt

BlackBerry Trade Up Program: "Take your existing wireless device and turn it into a brand new, slim and stylish BlackBerry® smartphone. The BlackBerry Trade Up Program gives you the fair market value of your existing wireless device to use towards the purchase of the BlackBerry smartphone of your choice."

Can Blackberry Devices Help Deaf students?

A research project is underway at the Toronto District School Board. The pilot is intended to improve communication between deaf or hearing-impaired students and their families, teachers and schoolmates using text messaging technology.

The project is part of TOILS (Toward Optimizing Independent Life Skills).TOILS began in 2003 in response to the social isolation some deaf and hard-of-hearing students experience compared to students without hearing disabilities. Text messaging is thought to improve both reading and writing skills for deaf childrenwhile also giving them access to a communication system so they can keep in touch.

GE Capital Solutions donated 50 used Blackberries to the inititive TOILS (Toward Optimizing Independent Life Skills).

This is another way that technology can enable people to make the best of life.
Matt

BlackBerry Reveals Bank's Secrets

BlackBerry Reveals Bank's Secrets: "BlackBerry Reveals Bank's Secrets"

This article should act as a reminder that you should monitor what is on your Blackberry before you sell it to someone or destroy it.

Interesting reading.
Matt