The modern BlackBerry device user is faced with a very difficult decision: selecting the perfect photo to become their BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) avatar. Sure, it seems easy. The Time Shift Camera on the BlackBerry Z10 is perfect for grabbing that perfect new selfie. For those of you who aren’t shutterbugs, there’s always that family member who constantly sends you awkward photos from the last get-together, and the Facebook app is your gateway to even more options. With all these options, why is choosing one photo so hard?

I toyed with the idea of uploading a photo of myself for quite some time. On the one hand, it would allow my friends to feel like they could really connect with me, since they would see my face as they typed. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure if a solo shot looked self-aggrandizing. So, I scanned through my contact list to see what avatars my friends, family and colleagues chose. The results were fairly consistent – roughly the same number of professional headshots, fun party photos, images of children and loved ones, and cool products/gadgets that people wanted to buy.

But what is the message you want to convey with your avatar? Of course, it’s not just an image you’re uploading; it’s a way to set the stage for your conversations. Team BlackBerry, tell us: how did you choose your BBM Avatar?

* Image has been altered to remove BBM screen names

Fewer smartphone users are relying on their mobile devices to make calls. According to a study by O2, the most popular smartphone activities are mobile browsing, social networking, and playing games. Turns out, making or receiving phone calls came in fourth on the list, followed by texting and emails.

Earlier this fall, we asked fans if they prefer BlackBerry Messenger (BBM ) or texting to stay connected to friends and family. Can you guess which service won out? Read our previous “Be Bold and Vote” post to find out. Now, we want to know what you most often use your BlackBerry smartphone for. Take the poll below, and tell us more by sharing your thoughts in the comments below!

by Warren Noronha via Flickr creative commons
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/wnorrix/68905075/sizes/m/in/photostream/)

We all find ourselves somewhat attached to our BlackBerry® devices. Just think about the feeling you get the instant you realize you’ve left it in a cab, at home, or in the office. No email, no BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™), no calls, updates or check-ins – no contact with the outside world as you know it!

How did you communicate before your BlackBerry smartphone made it so easy to do so? Can you imagine having to remember somebody’s phone number? Oh, the humanity! Well, maybe it isn’t so apocalyptic, but it’s not a great feeling, as we can all attest. Your BlackBerry smartphone goes everywhere you do, which brings us to the following “Be Bold, Vote” poll:

Cast your vote, and if you have any additional thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments below!

There’s no debate about it — your response to our last poll was awesome, and thanks for sharing your opinion. Let’s keep it going with another chance to make your vote count. BlackBerry ® is about action, so come on, Team BlackBerry — make your voice heard!

This week’s question is:

What feature is more important to you on your BlackBerry smartphone -– being able to email from your device, or making a phone call? Moreover, does your device’s keyboard give you a full-time urge to email, or would you rather phone a friend to start a conversation? Vote now:

Keep those votes coming for your top feature, and please encourage your friends to vote to ensure a landslide victory. Also, if there’s a choice you’d like to see, let us know in the comments, on Twitter® or on Facebook®. Be Bold!

Two campaigns are in full swing. Babies are kissed, hands are shaken, and it’s come down to a face-off. There can be only one winner. Who will emerge victorious, and who will not? It’s not about politics; it’s an official Inside BlackBerry® Blog Poll!

It’s time to vote for which technology you use the most to connect with friends and family: BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™) or the BlackBerry® smartphone’s text messaging application? Do you live for the BBM check-marked “R” or are you a text-a-holic? Do you use both equally? Cast your vote and let us know!

If you have any additional thoughts behind your vote, feel free to share them in the comments below!