Where’s your favorite Wi-Fi in the City?

04.03.13

which wifi_image

As you probably have guessed, I watch my data usage closely. Because of that, I take any chance I can to jump on Wi-Fi while still staying secure (WPA2, FTW!). I’ve even gotten in the habit of downloading larger apps over my home Wi-Fi to avoid the data hit. It’s a great way to save data use, but let’s face it, not all Wi-Fi is created equal. So what are some of your favorite Wi-Fi spots that aren’t at home? I’d like to share a few of mine, and then open the comments up to hear from you.

  • Coffee Shops: Espresso, Internet, a diverse group of people…does it get any better? Whether relaxing at a chain or taking advantage of the local brew, I’m definitely a fan of the one-two punch of java and browsing.
  • Libraries: Remember libraries? Well, many of them offer Wi-Fi now, and they are much quieter than a coffee shop, so hang here if you’re diving into research. (Probably not a good place for Plants vs. Zombies.)
  • Restaurants: Like a coffee shop, they’re going to want you to buy something, but with many fast-food places offering free Wi-Fi, it’s a small price to pay. Most of the Wi-Fi is pretty speedy as well, so you can download an app before you finish your cheeseburger.

I’m sure there are plenty of other hotspot hot spots in your neighborhood; feel free to add to this list by sharing your favorite places in the comments below.

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Fans Review the BlackBerry Z10 and Love the Latest BlackBerry Features [VIDEO]

04.02.13

The BlackBerry Z10 has been available in the United States for just over a week now, and we kicked off the U.S. availability with a bang in New York City. Melanie and I travelled there for a special launch event called the BlackBerry Experience. While there were some amazing performances and special guests, the true star of the show was the new BlackBerry Z10. Don’t take my word for it, watch the video below to see what fans were saying about the new BlackBerry smartphone features we showed off in NYC.

[Link for mobile viewing]

The performances by Janelle Monae, Young the Giant and DJ Z-Trip with friends Questlove & Ludacris were amazing. And as you can see people were blown away by Time Shift Camera, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) with BBM Video Chat, and of course the gorgeous hardware design. Does this video have your mouth watering for some hands-on time of your own? You can pick up the new BlackBerry Z10 from one of these fine carriers below. Not in the U.S. swing by our BlackBerry 10 Global Availability Tracker for details in your region.

Where to purchase your BlackBerry Z10 in the U.S.

These fine folks have been using their BlackBerry Z10 for a while now — and are sharing the love on Twitter.

Have you picked up your BlackBerry Z10 already? Now’s your chance to have your voice heard – Share your favorite features with us in our social communities @BlackBerry on Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments below.

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How HTML5 Apps Can Match a Native Experience

04.01.13

I was recently talking with a friend—one who’s not altogether tech-savvy—and he asked what makes BlackBerry 10 a different experience from other mobile devices. I talked about many of the new features such as BlackBerry Flow and BlackBerry Hub, and I also mentioned better navigation and the smoothness and power of the HTML5 support built into the BlackBerry 10 operating system. At that, he stopped me and asked, “I can already use a ton of apps on my smartphone. Can HTML5 make mobile apps work faster?”

What a great question! The best way I can answer this question is by example. For instance, if you’ve ever been prompted to allow a game or quiz access or post to your Facebook page, you’ve most likely just engaged a Facebook (HTML-based) app. Even signing into your Facebook or Twitter profile from another website using OpenID or OAuth engages a web app of sorts.

The HTML5 support built into BlackBerry 10 is designed to enable web apps to function faster and smoother. It’s this tight integration that allows web apps to look and feel like native apps, while leaving things like processor and memory on the device and to support native apps. So running HTML5 apps on your BlackBerry 10 device will indeed make the mobile apps run faster, while not making the native (apps) restless.

What are your thoughts on web apps and BlackBerry 10? Let us know in the comments.

For an even more basic explanation of the above, check out this post titled “Inside HTML5 and the New BlackBerry 10 Web Browser”

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Take me out to the Ballgame – MLB.com At Bat 13 Launches for BlackBerry 10

03.29.13

MLB.com At Bat 13 for BlackBerry 10

There is (arguably) no better time of year than spring. For me it comes down to two things – warmer weather and, of course, Major League Baseball. Opening Day is just around the corner, and I know you fans will want to be prepared, so I’m happy to announce that MLB.com At Bat 13 has launched for BlackBerry 10. The timing couldn’t be better because it’s hot on the heels of our U.S. launch.

If you’re like me you’ve just got to stay on top of your favorite team from anywhere. MLB.com At Bat 13 is available for a one-time $19.99 annual fee and will give you access to features that have been optimized for the new BlackBerry Z10.

You’ll enjoy

  • Free MLB.TV Game of the Day
  • MLB.TV Premium subscriber login to watch every out-of-market game live and on demand
  • Home and away radio broadcasts
  • In-progress highlights
  • Gameday pitch tracking with realistic ballpark renderings
  • Condensed games
  • Classic games library
  • Plus all of your league and team news, stats, standings and schedules.

If you can’t be at the game – this is definitely one of the best ways to stay in the know. So, stash up on peanuts, hotdogs and whatever quenches your thirst and get ready to enjoy the boys of summer from your BlackBerry Z10. Who are you cheering for? Let us know your favorite teams in the comments below and purchase MLB.com At Bat 13 from the BlackBerry World storefront here.

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Social Media App Updates for BlackBerry 10: Facebook and Twitter

03.28.13

I’ve got some awesome news for those of you who just picked up your new BlackBerry Z10 in the US and for you old pros around the globe. Facebook and Twitter have been updated for BlackBerry 10. What I love, is that with each update, we’ve added some new features that make it easier for you to stay connected and do more with social media on your BlackBerry 10 smartphone. Check out each section below for a summary of new features and improvements and be sure to swing by the BlackBerry World storefront where each of these updates are available as a free download.

Check out the new features that have come to Twitter and Facebook for BlackBerry 10 »

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BlackBerry World Wednesday – New Apps and Games for BlackBerry 10

03.27.13

It’s been quite the week for BlackBerry 10, with the new BlackBerry Z10 launching in new places and on new carriers around the world. We recently announced that in just seven weeks since launch, we’ve got over 100,000 apps available for you to check out in the BlackBerry World storefront. For the past few weeks we’ve been listing out the latest and greatest apps and games to become available in a series we call BlackBerry World Wednesday.

If you just picked up your BlackBerry Z10 this week, be sure to check out these posts from weeks past and the list below. My personal favorite addition is Let’s Golf 3 – it’s putting me in the perfect mood for spring and helping me pass the time until I can hit the links for real.

Find out what new apps and games have been released for BlackBerry 10 this week! »

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BlackBerry Z10 Global Availability Tracker

03.26.13

BlackBerry COO, Kristian Tear speaks at the BlackBerry 10 launch in Mexico

Since January 30th we’ve launched BlackBerry 10 in a number of regions all around the world. One of the top questions I’m getting online is “When can I get my hands on a shiny new BlackBerry 10 device?” Well – if you haven’t already, your first step should be to register here for the latest updates in your region. Your next step is to keep reading!

To help keep you looped in, I’ve decided to compile a list of where and when you can purchase your very own BlackBerry 10 smartphone. With more and more markets launching each week, I’ll be sure to update you with new information, as it becomes available. As soon as we confirm dates with our carriers and are ready to announce them you’ll be able to find them here. We can’t wait to welcome new BlackBerry 10 owners from around the world.

BlackBerry 10 is available for purchase in the following countries:

Read on to see what countries the BlackBerry Z10 is now available »

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Is that the new BlackBerry Z10? Can I see it?

03.25.13

I’ve been seen out in public using my BlackBerry Z10 for a while now, and I’ve noticed a trend with my friends, family, strangers on the street—and really anyone who notices me using my smartphone. Everyone wants to test it out. When I was in New York City last week for the U.S. launch, I was even stopped in a restaurant and asked about it.

Here are the most common reactions and questions when giving my BlackBerry Z10 a test drive:

See what questions people have been asking about the BlackBerry 10! »

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BlackBerry 10 Now Available in the U.S. – The BlackBerry Experience

03.22.13

*Post updated to include video footage from the event — Ed.

You’ve been asking for it and it has arrived. The BlackBerry Z10 is now available for purchase in the U.S. We were on hand at the BlackBerry Experience event in New York City to capture all the action and excitement. We then headed downtown to witness the first official BlackBerry Z10 being sold on American soil at midnight on March 22, 2013.

[Link for mobile viewing]

The BlackBerry Z10 has arrived in the US! »

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Wall Street Journal App for BlackBerry 10 Available Now

03.21.13

Proud owners of the new BlackBerry Z10 can now get on the go access to the Wall Street Journal’s award winning coverage on the go. The Wall Street Journal App for BlackBerry 10 is available for download in the BlackBerry World storefront. Readers will enjoy News, Opinion, Marketplace, Greater New York and more.

Beth Buehler, Head of Business Development for Dow Jones & Company, said in a statement: “The debut of The Wall Street Journal’s app for BlackBerry 10 is the latest evolution in our ‘WSJ Everywhere’ digital strategy to meet new audiences through new digital platforms.” The global reach of the BlackBerry platform allows us to continue expanding upon our own international growth, particularly in Asia, Europe and South America.”

As a blogger, I’m always looking for some of the best ways to get my news fix, and the Wall Street Journal app for BlackBerry 10 looks fantastic. Here’s just some of what subscribers can look forward to:

  • Articles from Today’s Paper
  • Updated news from Business, Tech, Life and Culture and more throughout the day
  • Article sharing via email, Facebook and Twitter
  • Photos of the day, video-on-demand and podcasts

This time the news follows you. Download the WSJ app on your BlackBerry 10 smartphone for award-winning content anytime, anywhere. BlackBerry 10 launched with more than 70,000 apps and we’re continuing to bring new apps to BlackBerry World every day. Already have your hands on a BlackBerry Z10? Let us know some of your favorite apps in the comments below.

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