BlackBerry Instant Messenger Tools

We all love to chat with our friends on IM - It's just addictive! If you're like some of us here at BBHP, who have well over 75+ friends in your chat list you're going to love this post. In fact studies show that IM is just something that is naturally additive for employees and the average end user. Let's face it, it's already bad enough that we walk around with addictive PDA devices (Our CrackBerry) and to top it off, it's loaded with some type of IM tool. If you haven't download any Instant Messengers you may do so here.

There are many IM titles that are common to the BlackBerry World such as BeeJive , IM+ , Verichat..etc . Who's the top gun of them all? We liked to say, Beejive. Early today we discovered another competitor and they might have the force with this IMM application to take the title. The name of the company is called Palringo. Their app is in beta test at the moment but it's available for download. This app is said to have voice and picture sharing capabilities. You can download it via ota. Let us know your thoughts about this new application.

PETITION TO SQUASH EXCLUSIVE CARRIER DEALS IN THE WORKS

This is a hot topic and I am curious what the BlackBerry community (heck really all cell phone communities think about this.

How do you like it when a new phone, for instance the BOLD, comes exclusively only to AT&T? Or Sprint's exclusive deal with Samsung to carry the Ace? Does that hurt little carriers?

Apparently, they think so. The RAC (Rural Carriers Association) has called upon the FCC to investigate what is termed "anti competitive effects" of these exclusive deals. The RAC represents over 80 smaller wireless carriers.

"We want the FCC to consider rule making on this issue so that people can comment and contribute to the process as these arrangements are increasing with more frequency," David Nace, RAC counsel, told InternetNews.com. It is true that these deals do seem to be occurring more and more. The groups filings included over 50 exclusive deals including the ones mentioned above.

AT&T feels just the opposite. "These deals drive innovation and spur manufactures to improve products and gives users more choices," Mark Siegel, AT&T spokesperson, told InternetNews.com. "Without these deals carriers would have little imperative to innovate," Siegel said, adding that such deals drive strong competition in the marketplace that benefits users in terms of pricing and plans.

What do you guys think?

PEARL GIVEAWAY UPDATE.

We have had some pretty funny comments with regards to voting on the top tips for the Pearl Giveaway. The contest vote will end Monday June 2 at Midnight and we will post the winner Tuesday afternoon. Who is winning so far? Tip #2 is ahead in the votes!

(Remember this picture is a not the Pearl. This is for a Pearl. Just seeing if you are awake)

ANOTO WORKING WITH BLACKBERRY TO PROVIDE A NEW DIGITAL SOLUTION

Imagine you are about to land the sale of a lifetime. The commission on this would be huge. The company representative looks at you and says "I need you to place this order today because we need them by Monday. If you can't provide this for us, we don't need you. " Now, you are 300 miles away from the office and in a town where the nearest wifi isn't even close. Your cutoff period to get this in today is 20 minutes away. What do you do?

Well, Anoto technology can solve that problem and quite easily. You take the order down on one of their digital forms, press send, and the information from that page goes through your BlackBerry straight to the back end server at your office. No need to call anybody and risk the chance of a lifetime commission. A couple key strokes and it's in. PaperIQ has been using the technology for awhile and it's rather popular with the healthcare industry in the UK. In fact, Paper IQ announces they have BlackBerry Bold Support. Think of the industries who could benefit? To read more about it click here.

PEARL GIVEAWAY THE FINAL THREE TIPS. VOTE NOW

Here are the final three tips. You can vote now by leaving a comment on this post or emailing us at info@blackberryhomepage.com. The first two posts are up yesterday. Here are today's tips.

1. On Curve 83** devices, and quite possibly all QWERTY keyboards, if you hold down ALT, SHIFT and press DEL your device will reboot. Its nice to reboot without having to take your battery out

2. On my 8320 in Camera, to toggle between fullscreen and regular moder is the SYM key. To toggle through the flash modes, the SPACE key. In Video mode the SPACE bar is used to toggle through the "light" mode. It make for a great FLASHLIGHT...better than using your BlackBerry's backlight by far!! This is only available in 4.3 and up.

3. (Quite lengthy) This modification will allow you to stream Audio and Video sound to any bluetooth headset. The results may be in mono or stereo it depends on the headset itself, and since I don't have the time to test every headset out there lets just be glad we can even do this.

There is now support for 8300, 8310, and 8320. I have made this with the most recent OS's for each device as of this post.1. Download and Install the most recent OS for your Device.8300 OS 4.2.2.1818310 OS 4.2.2.1818320 OS 4.2.2.1842. Delete the Vendor.xml file which is located here on your PC:C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader 3. Download my version of the Java folder for your device.8300 Java Folder 4.2.2.1818310 Java Folder 4.2.2.1818320 Java Folder 4.2.2.1844. Extract the Downloaded Zip5. Replace the "Java" Folder with the one that was installed in step 1, It is located here:C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\(your OS #) 6. Plug in your BB in, and start Desktop Manager.7. Start Application loader and it will ask you if you want to "replace the files with the OLDER ones provided by Desktop Manager". (Don't worry about the files being older...99% of the OS is the same as the original.As stated above this will allow you to stream Audio and Video from your Blackberry 83xx series device.

Just make sure you are paired with your Bluetooth Headset, play a song or video, then hit "Menu" and select "Activate (your BT's name)"This may also at times make your notifications such as ringer, emaill alerts etc... to go through the BT headset. If you have any problems with not getting notifications after disconnecting your bluetooth just play a song or video and activate the speakerphone.

You've got all five posts. Now its time to vote. Email us or comment here.

KEEP CONNECTED TO YOUR PCS WITH YOUR BLACKBERRY USING AVVENU

I am sure many of you have been addicted to logmein.com for access to your home or work computers no matter where you are. Many have written to locate a software that would allow you to use your BlackBerry to log into your home computer and see documents and files.

Try the Avvenu application. I have tested it, and it does exactly what it says it does. You can remotely browse, copy and share your PC files. If you have Avvenu Access 'n Share installed on your computer it's easy to upload files from any remote location, even through a firewall. All you need is an Internet connection and a Web browser. Simply login to the service, select the computer where you want to add files, and select "upload".

Your Avvenu Access 'n Share account will let you access and share files from up to ten source computers. Simply install the Avvenu Connector onto each PC. On the first computer's installation, you will create a unique username and password for your account. On the remaining computers, simply use the same username and password you have already selected.

With Avvenu Access 'n Share, you can share files with anyone you only need their e-mail addresses. Your friends don't need to subscribe to Avvenu in order to view whatever pictures or files you share with them. Since Access 'n Share is free, your friends can similarly set up accounts to share their files with you.

Avvenu music (beta) lets you remotely listen to music you have stored or "ripped" to your iTunes music library on your Windows PC. Avvenu Music lets you listen to your iTunes music from anywhere in the world using a web-browser on any other Internet-connected Windows or Macintosh personal computer.

Since Avvenu Music uses the same friendly playing options as in iTunes, it's easy to understand. As long as your PC is connected to the Internet, you can listen to your music from any Internet enabled PC, wherever you are. Plus, the music you choose to store on our secure media servers, which we call Anytime Playlists, can be listened to even when your computer is turned off or not connected to the Internet.

When your PC is connected to the Internet, you can remotely listen to all of the ripped music you have in your iTunes music library.

PEARL GIVEAWAY - UPDATE AND TIPS THAT PASSED

So, its time to post some tips. We have gathered a ton of tips from you guys and its time to post the top five from BBHP. We will post two today and 3 tomorrow. Please read them and on Wednesday thru Friday vote on your favorite in the forum under pearl giveaway or email us at info@blackberryhomepage.com with the number of the tip you think should win.

Todays two to view are below.

1) Ever try to dial a phone number that is 1800-Call ME? type in the 1800, now use the ALT key and select the letter and spell out the Alpha Part. When the phone dials it will be the regular number

2) The most important thing to do on your BB (I think) is to turn of the "dial from homescreen" option in the Phone app's Genereal Options. This will let you use one key shortcuts to open your BBM, Messages, Calendar, Browser and many more apps. The other thing I do is set one of the convenience keys to the "Application switcher". You can to this by going to Options-Screen/Keyboard.

Look for the rest tomorrow.

CONVERT DVDS TO PLAY ON YOUR BLACKBERRY

Aimersoft DVD to BlackBerry Converter is a professional DVD to BlackBerry Converter that helps you rip DVD to BlackBerry AVI with high quality and fast speed for BlackBerry and other devices. Aimersoft DVD to BlackBerry Converter fully supports Windows Vista and rips DVD to BlackBerry with great stabilization on all popular systems.

It has Powerful Video editing which allows you to adjust brightness, contrast, volume, etc.3. Support video Trimming and Cropping, set the start and end of the DVD movie to get your desired segment. Enjoy your DVD movie with full screen.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

NEW BLACKBERRY HOMEPAGE THEME

There is nothing like having a customized look. Submitted for your approval the new BlackBerry HomePage theme. Right now it's just for the 8300 devices only but the other devices will be done shortly. I must tell you the screen shots don't do it justice and wait till you see it on the BlackBerry. Thanks to Steve over at themes4bb.com.

Click here for this theme.

GOLF SCORECARD FOR THE BLACKBERRY

I love playing golf. Alot. Yesterday I had a ten stroke lead (or so I thought) on a friend of mine yet after 9 holes the scorecard said it was a 5 stroke lead. No matter. I was crushing him and playing decent golf. 9 holes later I lost the round by 2 strokes. (Huh) I feel I was cheated. But that's what happens when you don't keep the score yourself and trust your someone to keep it for you.

Nevermore. Introducing the digital scorecard for your golf game. It's called Wireless 18. Here are some features.

• Download onto your phone details for any course in the world.


• Score for up to 4 players gross, nett, par & points with our easy to use interface whilst displaying current hole details like par, SI and distance.


• Track your statistics such as putts taken, fairways and greens hit, sand saves and Left or right rough tendency


• Sidegames such as stableford, nassau, matchplay & skins are automatically scored for you with results listed hole by hole.


• Store unlimited rounds. Store unlimited playing partners. All details backed up nightly.


• Handicaps worked out against official standards (USGA, EGA, CONGU, etc).


• Analyse your rounds with our statistic tools. Determine the strong and weak points of your game
  
  Here is the download but download it from your phone. www.wireless18.com/wap

Note: There are 2 versions for the BlackBerry. A BES and a WAP version. Click here to see which one you need. Also, you will need your wap settings and gateway IP. Here is the link for the information for your carrier.

A FEW HEADLINES: MAY 23 EDITION

Every so often BBHP will give you some headlines that are of interest. Couldn't help but do some reading on tech stuff and here are some headlines.

• Lisa Loeb talks about her BlackBerry Curve and her Mac addiction. Sounds like she needs iMobimac
• Here is a decent review of the Sprint 8330 Curve.
• Some people are whining about BlackBerry users. Whatever
• A master plan foiled by stupidity. GPS thief story (must read)
• Here is a way to get your computer videos and movies to any TV in your house.
• Here is a review of the new Jawbone headset. I have the old one and its slips off too much.
• Here is my personal favorite headset reviewed.
• Alot of hype surrounding the HTC Dual but the phone coming from the store unlocked may be a very wise move.
• Compare your BlackBerry Battery's life to the other BlackBerry batteries. You may be surprised which model is number one.
• A sleaker cheaper iPhone clone is coming June 20th

ANOTHER BLACKBERRY GIVEAWAY

Gotta report another Blackberry giveaway that we've been made aware. Themes4bb is giving away one 8120 or 8320 (your choice) Blackberry if you sign up for one of their premium memberships. The membership is reasonable ($25.00 a year) and their theme selection is second to none. You may want to check them out soon because the entry deadline is the 31st of May for the BlackBerry. (If you win ask for the Bold) Show them the love and if you sign up for a membership, tell them we sent you.

UPDATE: Yeah, they said no on the BOLD. We tried...

BLACKBERRY THUNDER SLATED FOR 3Q RELEASE

I know we are kind of late with this one but we hadn't had enough info to make it official. But since the Wall Street Journal reported this on the 16th of May, we figure this may be a good time to report on this. The BlackBerry Thunder will be the first touchscreen device RIM has sold which, with the success of the iPhone, may be a huge success. (personally I am not a touch screen fan for a phone because text messaging would be frustrating for these fingers.)

Of course, Apple's rumored June release of the 3G iPhone will make this an interesting battle of the two powerhouse phone providers. Will you bite for the BlackBerry Thunder or will you pass?

Side note: The picture above is the line at Apple today. Was this a stunt?

Thanks Engadget for the shot. Anybody know what this is about?

Update: Apparently this was for no reason. I call it a stunt.

UNIFY4LIFE IS ABOUT TO MAKE YOUR BLACKBERRY A LIFESAVER

Guys I will admit I have a pretty nice set up at the house. Two plasmas, surround sound, HD DVR, Wii, X360 and a plethera of other electronic gadgets that would impress, but my biggest complaint is that I have probably 10 remote controls each doing something different. I hate it. The boys at Unify4life are about to my life and probably yours a little easier. They are turning your BlackBerry into a universal remote. And let's take it a step further. It has a television guide that will appear on your BlackBerry as well. You can browse, set show reminders, create a favorites lists etc. You can see an example of this above in the pictures or head to their site. The program is not quite out yet but we are in the works of talking about having a giveaway with Unify4life in the near future. Stay tuned to BBHP. You check their site out and you can get it before the stores receive it in October. We will keep you posted on any updates we get.

Todays Theme: The BMW M

Yeah, you knew it was coming and probably has been out for awhile. We stumbled upon this one from Larry over at themes4bb yet again. (see Larry's BlackBerry Bold theme below) Get the theme OTA on Themes4bb.com

CHECK OUT BEAMBERRY PDF VIEWER

Our job is to continue to provide the BlackBerry Community the latest and greatest things for your BlackBerry. So, without further adieu we present you the guys over at Beamberry. They have a very interesting application. Check out the features Beamberry has.

• The fastest way to view documents on your blackberry


• Supports over 1500 different printers. If your printer is not Bluetooth enabled just grab an adapter and attach it to your printer.


• Powerful zoom levels


• Unlimited online document storage


• Ota download (works great and very fast)


• Attach documents to your emails.


• One time fee. No annual subscription fee.
  

You may wonder how this differs from Documents to go. The guys at Beamberry tell us here but I posted the top three reasons.

• BeamBerry works on any BlackBerry model, whereas Docs to go will work with newer models.


• Documents To Go supports only MS Office documents; BeamBerry supports MS Office. PDF, ZIP and RTF


• Documents To Go does not support document printing via Bluetooth. BeamBerry allows you to print documents via Bluetooth to over 1500 compatible printers.
  

If you want more information on the product please check them here. The free trial is for 10 days but here is the pricing for you if you want to buy now. Great job guys!

EA MOBILE GAMES FOR BLACKBERRY

Prediction for the NBA finals is the Lakers and Celtics. The Lakers will take the Spurs in 6 and the Celtics will go 7 with the Pistons. But wouldn't it be fun to play this out yourself on your BlackBerry? You can. Just check out the link here. If you disagree with my picks you can comment below. I am sure their are plenty of Spurs fans who disagree. But be warned. I'm never wrong. UPDATE CELTICS TAKE GAME ONE.

I must admit. I am a Madden addict. I play online (alot) To play on my BlackBerry will ruin me, but I gotta do it. I'm already only 92% at work. Now, this makes me want to leak a little information because BBHP has a nasty giveaway coming up for you fantasy football lovers. Stay tuned. You will love it. Remember. I'm never wrong.

MAC AND BLACK

The guys over at iMobi are introducing the iMobimac Modem version 1.2. The BlackBerry device has become one of the top wireless smartphone devices on the market used for both business and personal needs. The iMobimac Modem application allows the BlackBerry device to be used as a modem for the Mac Computer. Users are now able to access the internet whether at home, a coffee shop or a golf course.

But to really sweeten the deal and to celebrate its launch, Blackberryhomepage and iMobimac have partnered to bring a huge savings to users for a VERY LIMITED TIME. From today till May 25, 2008, iMobimac will be priced at $49.95. Just enter the BBHP promo code to get the discount.

THE BLACKBERRY BOLD ISN'T RELEASED YET BUT THE THEME IS!

You can't have the Blackberry Bold until June but if you have a Blackberry curve you can have the theme right now. Thanks from Larry at themes4bb.com for this one. It will be big.

The ota link is on Themes4bb here.

Download this theme and let us know how it looks by leaving a comment below.

LOSE WEIGHT ON YOUR BLACKBERRY -- MOBILE XFIT

Let's face it. Busy people find it difficult to make it to the gym right? Usually its because we are so tied to work or the BlackBerry or both. But cheer up you lazy ones. Here is an application for your Berry that helps you get a nice full body workout without touching a weight or a gym.

What is xFit? xFit is an application that runs on your mobile device and guides you through a unique physical fitness routine. It is comprised of various slides which contain instructions for exercises that you can do without any weights or special equipment (so you can do it anywhere!). xFit gives you a comprehensive set of exercises for the entire body, with each slide working one of the four regions of the body- Upper Body, Lower Body, Middle Body, or Full Body. Or you can shuffle the slides and get a unique, random workout. Get xFit on your mobile and give it a shot – it’s free to try! Watch the video.

JUST HOW FAR HAS BLACKBERRY COME ?

We know we love our BlackBerry devices. I would venture to say 85% of the world that has them could not function without them. But have you ever really thought about how far RIM has come and just where they are going? Could there be challenging times ahead? Read this article from David Flynn on "Where to now for the BlackBerry?" Can the New BlackBerry Bold compete with some new technology coming from Apple?