BlackBerry World Wednesday: New Apps and Games for BlackBerry 10

06.19.13

We’re packing a punch with this week’s latest apps and games for BlackBerry 10. Of course I’m referring to Mass Effect: Infiltrator for BlackBerry 10 which I just cannot wait to give a try. I also know that there’s been some serious anticipation for the TD Banking app, among many of the other fantastic apps in this week’s lineup. Take a look at the full list below and get downloadin’.

BlackBerry Z10 Apps:

Games:

Finance & Utilities:

Navigation & Travel:

Lifestyle:

Read on to see this week’s BlackBerry Q10 apps and the Dev Picks »

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Have Your Say: The Mobile Keyboard Debate [VIDEO]

06.17.13

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Onstage at BlackBerry Live 2013, Thorsten Heins said “No one makes keyboards better than BlackBerry.” This could be true whether you opt for the BlackBerry Q10 with a physical QWERTY keyboard, or the BlackBerry Z10 with an innovative onscreen keyboard.

Each keyboard design has its own unique advantages, and each has its own set of fans. So, which camp are you in? Are you all about the accuracy of the physical keyboard, or do you prefer the versatility of the virtual keyboard? I’ll highlight a few of the differences below, but I want to hear about what you think about the two and why your fav is better.

Physical:

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

For those of you who just need to have a physical keyboard, the BlackBerry Q10 is designed to offer an unmatched typing experience. Now, you can pick one up in the U.S. and in many other regions around the world. The physical keyboard offers fast action and precise control over your typing. As I mentioned in an earlier post about the industrial design of the device, each key has been crafted with typing mechanics and ergonomics in mind. With the physical keyboard you can build in shortcuts and with software like Instant Action on BlackBerry 10 the keyboard can help you navigate through your phone with ease and fluidity.

Virtual:

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

The BlackBerry Z10 has a dynamic touchscreen that is large and perfect for viewing entertainment and browsing the web. This extra screen real-estate means that there are no physical keys to type on, so a keyboard is presented on the touchscreen when input is needed. The BlackBerry 10 virtual keyboard definitely brings some innovative features including in-letter next word suggestion and shortcuts like “swipe left to delete”, which lets you quickly delete the last word you were typing with a gesture.

I still haven’t decided which side I’m on, so I find myself switching back and forth. But this isn’t about me – it’s about what you prefer, so sound off in the comments below with your thoughts and opinions on physical keyboard or virtual keyboard.

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Five Tip Friday – BlackBerry 10 File Manager

06.14.13

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

Happy Friday #TeamBlackBerry! Today’s topic: five tips for managing files on a BlackBerry 10 device.

After checking out the tips, please leave a comment and let me know which one is your favorite. Or if it isn’t listed already, add your favorite tip below!

1. Copy, Move, Select More, Rename, Add Folder and more!

It’s really easy to manage and organize files on your device thanks to the powerful File Manager app. Here are a few options that every BlackBerry 10 device owner should be familiar with:

  • Select More – If you need to work with several files and folders at the same time – e.g. if you would like to create a Zip file of some pictures you took – all you need to do is tap and hold the first file or folder and then tap Select More from the action menu that appears on the right. After doing this, you can select the additional files and folders you want by tapping their icons.
  • Copy or Move – To copy or move files and folders, tap and hold the item or items (see Select More), then tap Copy or Move from the action menu. Navigate to the desired storage location using the context menu in the bottom left corner, then tap the Copy or Move buttons along the top of the screen to complete the action.
  • Renaming Files & Folders – Tap and hold the item you’d like to rename and select Rename from the menu along the right.
  • Adding Folders – Browse to the location where you’d like to create the new folder, tap the action key in the bottom right corner and then select Add Folder.
  • Sort Options – To change the default sort option, tap the action key in the bottom right corner followed by tapping Sort. After doing this, select your desired Sort and Order options to customize how your files and folders are displayed.
  • Share – Tap and hold the file you’d like to share and then tap the action key in the bottom right corner and select Share. A menu will appear with available sharing options such as email, BBM or (my personal favorite) NFC!

Read more tips on using the File Manager on BlackBerry 10

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BBM Channels Update Now Available in Beta

06.14.13

We kicked off the BBM Channels beta at BlackBerry Live last month and you’ve shared an amazing amount of feedback with us. We’ve learned that your interests are vast and you’re excited to share and discover more types of content within BBM. Most importantly, we’ve learned that the BBM Channels beta users are a very demanding bunch, and you’re ready for some new features to play with!

bbm_channels-w300

It’s time to release the next update for BBM Channels. Ready? I hope so, because here we go.

Learn about the new features included in this update for BBM Channels »

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Top BBM Channels to Follow in Beta

06.13.13

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BBM Channels has been in beta for a few weeks now and the response has been outstanding. We’ve already seen many channels and communities appear from passionate people all across the globe. In real-time you can discover and connect with other #TeamBlackBerry members on subjects that interest you. You can also connect with some of your favorite teams and celebrities like we mentioned at BlackBerry Live 2013. A great example of this is the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team channel where you can get updates and news from the team and drivers.

From fitness, to beverages, to biking, to music. Whatever your passion, it’s on BBM Channels. We’ve taken the time to dig up a few other amazing channels you may be interested in following.

BBM Channels to Follow:

  • C00093F7A – Fitness: Discover and chat about the latest techniques and tips for staying fit from this community.
  • C00016D81 – Photography: If you’re into snapping that perfect shot, this is definitely a channel you’ll want to get involved with. Learn and share tips and tricks with fellow photographers here.
  • C000288DD – Craft Beer: If you’re a craft beer enthousiast, this is a channel you’ll definitely want to check out. Find that perfect flavour profile and debate about which brew is tops with likeminded folks here.
  • C000FBBAA – Electronic Dance Music (EDM): Whether you enjoy creating that perfect mix or listening and waiting for that beat to drop, this is the community for you. Chat about the latest albums, tracks and hear about the newest gear in this BBM Channel
  • C0003D4CC – Gearheads: If cars, bikes, trucks… motors in general are you thing, definitely connect with this channel to get your fix. If you don’t know what RPM means, but want to — hop on and find out, this community is full of knowledge.
  • C00011785 – MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS: Follow the team for the latest from the pit to the circuit. Tons of racing action for you to see.
  • C0001F622 – BlackBerry Official: Of course, it wouldn’t be an Inside BlackBerry post without a little plug for the official channels. If you’re not following (which of course you are because it’s built-in!) follow the official BlackBerry BBM channel.

Haven’t joined the beta yet? Be sure to check it out here. Already an active member? Post your channel in the comments below to share with the BlackBerry community.

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BlackBerry World Wednesday: New Apps and Games for BlackBerry 10

06.12.13

It’s that time again – BlackBerry World Wednesday! I’m excited about the fantastic list of apps that have joined the BlackBerry 10 platform this week, and what we have listed here is just a small selection of newly available games, apps, tools, and more. I’ve got my BlackBerry Premium Stereo Headset plugged in right now as I boot up Soundhound. Read on for the full list, and be sure to let us know your favorite app in the comments.

BlackBerry Z10 Apps:

Music & Audio:

  • Soundhound (SoundHound Inc.) – also available on the BlackBerry Q10

Productivity:

Travel:

Gaming:

Read on for more awesome apps and games on BlackBerry 10 »

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Helpful Resources for New BlackBerry 10 Owners [VIDEO]

06.11.13

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As I’ve been travelling around and meeting people who’ve just got their new BlackBerry Z10 or BlackBerry Q10 smartphone – one question I get asked a lot (other than where can I buy it) is do you have any tips or helpful how-to’s for using the device? The answer, my savvy readers, – is yes, we have a number of resources to help you with your awesome new BlackBerry 10 device.

Inside BlackBerry Help blog

First and foremost – we have our very own blog dedicated to all things Help. Here it’s easy to find articles on some of the most popular FAQs, tips, tricks and in depth how-to’s – as a new BlackBerry 10 resource this would be my first stop.

And right alongside the blog is a Twitter handle @BlackBerryHelp that dishes out support and friendly advice to its followers and more.

BlackBerry How-To Videos

For those of you who are more visual learners, we have a number of dedicated help videos and tutorials on our YouTube channel. Check out this one below about the time shift camera for an example of what you can expect:

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

Get Started Demos – at BlackBerry.com

On BlackBerry.com we have dedicated pages of resources for those just starting out. Naturally, we call it “Support” but there’s a ton of information to get you started. You’ll find an additional set of resources dedicated to your new BlackBerry 10 device. And if checking out videos on YouTube just wasn’t for you, the support page has an itemized list of interactive walkthroughs for popular topics like:

  • Getting started
  • Switching devices
  • Account Setup
  • …and more

Well, there you go – just a few resources to get you up and running smoothly on your new BlackBerry 10 device. Swing by any of the above for helpful tips and if you’re having trouble be sure to reach out to my friends @BlackBerryHelp on Twitter.

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Facebook App for BlackBerry 10 Updated to v10.2.0: Refreshed with New Features and Design

06.10.13

Facebook 10.2.0 BlackBerry World

Stay connected with your friends and family while on-the-go with the latest Facebook update for BlackBerry 10. The Facebook app for BlackBerry 10 has seen a number of updates since we’ve launched and it keeps getting better with every new iteration. The Facebook app v10.2.0 for BlackBerry 10 is no exception. It brings a refreshed new design and many features that are designed to make your mobile Facebook experience on BlackBerry 10 amazing.

What’s new in Facebook v10.2.0 for BlackBerry 10

  • Create an album: You can now create a new albums from your photos page, so organizing all those great shots you capture on your BlackBerry 10 device is easy.
  • Upload to a specific album: now you can add a new photo to an existing album on your Facebook page, or to that new album you just created.
  • Enable tagging in existing photos: Want to tag a photo that already exists on Facebook from you BlackBerry 10 device? Now you can with this feature that’s new to the app.
  • New ways to toggle and easily view photos: Easily toggle between all your photos and Albums. All photos comprises of all the photos with you in them. Album photos are photos you have uploaded yourself.
  • Newsfeed design refresh: The newsfeed has been refined with a few visual tweaks that make navigating the Facebook app for BlackBerry 10 that much more enjoyable.

Are you a Facebook for BlackBerry 10 enthusiast? I’d love to hear from you about what you think of the app and what features you’d like to see added in the comments below. Be sure to download the Facebook app from BlackBerry World and give it a spin.

Facebook for BlackBerry 10 smartphones version 10.2.0 is available globally for devices running BlackBerry 10 version 10.1.

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Five Tip Friday – BlackBerry 10 Typing Tips

06.07.13

Here are several typing tips you’ll want to know about whether you are using a BlackBerry Q10 or a BlackBerry Z10!

For example, do you know how to enter accented characters or symbols such as a trademark symbol?

1. Inserting Accented Characters & Symbols 

Adding special characters is really easy, all you need to do is hold the key that corresponds with the accent or symbol you’d like to insert. After holding the key for a second you’ll be shown a list of available characters. For example, in the screenshots below I am holding the R key on a BlackBerry Z10. It works the same on a BlackBerry Q10.

FTF-Q10-Typing-001

Tip: To use accented characters in a text message complete the following steps:

  1. Access BlackBerry Hub
  2. Tap the action key in the bottom right corner
  3. Tap Settings followed by Text Messages
  4. Tap the Advanced icon and set Allow Special Characters to On

Read more at the Inside BlackBerry Help Blog »

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BlackBerry Introduces: BlackBerry Fan of the Month, June 2013

06.06.13

June FOTM_ForSocialProperties

With her love for BlackBerry tweeted proudly across the internet, Heather has been on our radar for some time – so imagine how excited we were to run into her and her family at BlackBerry Live this month! We could not resist the opportunity to talk with her and bring her into the Fan of the Month (FOTM) club!

Meet Heather: A self-proclaimed BlackBerry fanatic, she plays on Team BlackBerry from multiple angles. For work, Heather praises BlackBerry as a key tool in getting organized. In her personal life, Heather keeps in touch with close friends and family through BBM. For play, Heather gives a big thumbs up to BlackBerry’s Travel app which kept her from staying overnight in an airport on her way to BlackBerry Live (read the impressive story below)!

Heather’s family has racked up a whopping 16 BlackBerry devices over the past few years—but it’s not just her own household that she’s spreading BlackBerry love to. Heather is the brains behind “Make Baby Smart,” a BlackBerry Z10 app that allows parents to show their newborn a series of images that can aid perceptual development. Yup, she’s training the future of Team BlackBerry young!

We are PSYCHED to dub Heather our June FOTM. Read on as Heather (@heatherwight) tells all:

1. How many years have each of you been on Team BlackBerry?
My family has been on Team BlackBerry since 2007, starting with one of BlackBerry’s first color models, the BlackBerry 7230.

2. How many BlackBerry devices have you both had in total? Could you list them all out for us?
Our family has had 16 BlackBerry devices, so far. But of course, we have plans for more. We started with the BlackBerry 7230, then we moved on to two BlackBerry Curve devices, a BlackBerry Storm, two BlackBerry Bold 9000 devices, two BlackBerry Torch 9800 devices, and a BlackBerry Torch 9810.

We currently have in our possession: two 16 GB BlackBerry PlayBook tablets, a 32 GB BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, two black BlackBerry Z10 devices, and two red developer’s limited edition BlackBerry Z10 devices. We will also be getting at least one BlackBerry Q10 when it becomes available in the United States in early June.

Check out the full Fan of the Month Interview »

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