Download Squad

BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak

Lee Mathews — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A leaked early version of RIM's upcoming BlackBerry Messenger 6 has been making the rounds since late February, but images of the new app are just now beginning to appear. Over at CrackBerry, the crew has shared a handful of images of BBM 6 in action. Unfortunately, you won't get a glimpse at a chat or file transfer -- only the profile screens (after the break) and what you see above. All that's really revealed so far is the option to set custom contact and chat colors and BlackBerry OS 6.1-style icons.

CrackBerry also warns against installing the leaked BBM 6 app. There's no guarantee this app hasn't been tampered with, and BlackBerry devices are becoming a more common target for cybercriminals.

Continue reading BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak

BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry OS 6.1 due this spring, will bring massive upgrades

Lee Mathews — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST

When the BlackBerry Torch debuted, public reaction was cooler than RIM anticipated -- and that didn't sit well with the Canadian company. During its annual year-end call, however, RIM revealed that it had been working away at a major update to BlackBerry OS 6 in order to deliver an experience that end-users (and the company itself) could get excited about.

BlackBerry OS 6.1 is now expected sometime this spring, and Engadget reports that the .1 appears to be a bit misleading. RIM is approaching the update as an overhaul, not merely a minor tweaking. You can probably expect to see BlackBerry OS 6.1 in action this May at BlackBerry World 2011. We'll keep you posted when a beta or final release hits.

[header image via Crackberry]

BlackBerry OS 6.1 due this spring, will bring massive upgrades originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Playbook to support Android and Java apps with optional app players

Samuel Gibbs — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST

RIM announced yesterday via a press release, that both BlackBerry Java apps and Android apps will be supported on the BlackBerry Playbook using optional 'app players.' The app players will provide support for native C/C++ code along with HTML5, Flash and Adobe AIR. Games will also be catered for with support for game engines including AirPlay from Ideaworks Labs and Unity 3 from Unity Technologies included. This will potentially give the Playbook access to over 200,000 Android apps that were designed and written for Android 2.3 Gingerbread as long as the developer is ready to port them over for use in one of the two app players.

Apps will be downloaded through the BlackBerry App World, with developers able to 'simply repackage, code sign and submit' their apps to the store. Of course native C/C++ based apps can be created for the Playbook's QNX Neutrino microkernel based BlackBerry Tablet OS, with the SDK set to be released to developers soon.

Hit the source link for the full press release with all the sordid details.

BlackBerry Playbook to support Android and Java apps with optional app players originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GroupMe group messaging service launches beta BlackBerry app

Vlad Bobleanta — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST

GroupMe, the group texting and call conferencing service that made its name by relying on SMS to send group messages, has launched an application for BlackBerry smartphones. The app is still in beta stage, and it doesn't seem to incorporate the most recent changes to the company's iOS and Android apps, which now also let you use your data connection to send messages.

GroupMe beta for BlackBerry does have all the basics, though. You can create new groups, send messages to any of your groups, and attach photos. The user interface is simple and easy to use, and doesn't really get in your way (although it probably won't win any design awards either).

If you're unfamiliar with GroupMe's basic principle, here's a quick rundown. Each group that you create gets its own unique phone number. When you send a text message to that number, all the members of that group receive it (and you only send one message, instead of one to each contact). If you call a group's number, you'll be connected to all the group's members in a conference call. The numbers assigned to your groups can be saved as contacts, making things even easier to manage. You can even create 'short-term groups', which you can set to expire after a certain time.

GroupMe is free to install and use, but keep in mind that the BlackBerry beta app will use text messages and minutes from your mobile plan.

Download GroupMe beta for BlackBerry from the BlackBerry App World

GroupMe group messaging service launches beta BlackBerry app originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Group messaging: the next big thing?

Samuel Gibbs — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST

As our mobile communications have evolved over the past few years, so have the messaging services that we've turned to, connecting us to our friends, families and colleagues. Instant communication has never been easier. Your favorite instant messaging protocols like AIM, Gtalk, and MSN Messenger, aren't fixed to the desktop anymore and can be taken on the road with the soon-ubiquitous smartphone. But that hasn't stopped the proliferation of alternative messaging systems, with the likes of BlackBerry Messenger and a plethora of copycats taking center stage.

The next big thing in mobile communications seems to be group messaging, and that's no real surprise. If we take a look at the currently entrenched communication platforms, not many of them do more than messaging one-to-one or one-to-a-few well. Sure you can have group chats using traditional IM protocols, but they are inherently transitory.

Continue reading Group messaging: the next big thing?

Group messaging: the next big thing? originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Protect now available in Europe

Samuel Gibbs — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST

BlackBerry Protect, RIM's answer to Apple's Find My iPhone, has just been rolled out to Europe having been previously limited to the US. The app, which can be downloaded from the BlackBerry App World, allows you to locate your BlackBerry should it go missing; or failing that, lets you set a password, lock, or wipe your device remotely, making your data a little bit safer.

You can also use the app to wirelessly backup and restore your device should something go wrong, including all your contacts, calendar and bookmarks. Backups can be run on an ad hoc basis or scheduled for regular operation. BlackBerry Protect can even be used to restore data to a new phone, so it's worth checking out even if you don't intend on using the remote wipe features.

BlackBerry Protect can be downloaded from the BlackBerry App World for free, although a BlackBerry data plan is required.

BlackBerry Protect now available in Europe originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GetGlue BlackBerry app now available for download

Lee Mathews — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST

GetGlue, the popular social activity check-in app, has finally arrived in BlackBerry App World. Now, users of just about any BlackBerry 8xxx or 9xxx device with OS 5 or better can share what they're watching, reading, playing, listening to, or thinking about.

After a little more than a month in beta testing, GetGlue is now fully ready to provide BlackBerry owners with a way to earn piles of free stickers for posting their check-ins. The app features a stream view where you can keep tabs on friends' activities, and a polished, streamlined rating interface. There's also a dedicated section for displaying time-limited achievements.

BlackBerry users can download GetGlue from AppWorld.

Gallery: GetGlue for BlackBerry

GetGlue BlackBerry app now available for download originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Facebook for BlackBerry 2.0 beta now available for download for OS 6 devices

Samuel Gibbs — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST

Good news BlackBerry-wielding Social Network fans -- Facebook's BlackBerry app just got an update to 2.0 beta. The new version brings with it a redesigned UI, some new features and Facebook Chat integration.

Highlights include, an improved News Feed, which now lets you scroll through your feed a little easier, and removes the problem of accidental 'Like' clicking. You can now post photos to your Wall, check into Facebook Places and update things, all directly from your News Feed.

The new UI update brings the BlackBerry Facebook app more into line with its iOS cousin feature-wise, with access to the usual profile information including Wall, Info, Photos, and Pages. A drop-down navigation bar has also been implemented, replacing the static nav bar, and is scalable 'to support new features in the future.' The notifications bar has also been given a bit of polish with a BB OS 6 'Today View'-style notification break down page.

Probably the biggest addition, however, has to be the integrated Facebook Chat, which now lets you chat from the Facebook app itself, or the BlackBerry unified mailbox. You'll even get messages with the Facebook app closed as long as you've got your status set to online.

Facebook for BlackBerry 2.0 beta can be downloaded from the BlackBerry Beta Zone (registration required) with limited slots up for grabs. The app is currently only available for devices running OS 6, but future beta releases will push support down to devices running BB OS 4.6 and higher.

Facebook for BlackBerry 2.0 beta now available for download for OS 6 devices originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask DLS: What's your favorite mobile app at the moment?

Erez Zukerman — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST

The mobile app marketplace is exploding; there are now hundreds of thousands of apps on the iOS, Android and BlackBerry app markets. Heck, even Windows Phone 7 just crossed the 10,000 mark!

But alas, not all apps are created equal; some are way, way better than others. Which leads me to today's Ask DLS question: What is your favorite mobile app at the moment?

We don't necessarily mean the latest craze; we'd like to hear about apps that have stood the test of time on your device, apps that are among the first you install on a new smartphones, apps that have earned their place on your home screen and in your heart.

So, what are some of these apps? Bonus points for links to screenshots in the comments!

Ask DLS: What's your favorite mobile app at the moment? originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

RIM's BlackBerry Messenger Social Platform beta SDK now available for developers

Samuel Gibbs — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST

RIM have announced that their BlackBerry Messenger-based social initiative, dubbed 'BBM Social Platform,' has made it into public beta. Promised at the end of September last year, RIM has created a BBM SDK, opening up its popular messaging service to developers for integration into other apps, pushing the social edge, allowing embedded chat, status updates, location sharing, and file transfers.

This will give developers the ability to embed BBM chats into games for example, creating what RIM calls 'Super Apps,' allowing gamers to communicate over BBM without exiting the game and without having to have pre-existing contacts to chat like you do in the ordinary BBM client.

Currently the beta SDK is only for Java developers, but RIM promised that BlackBerry WebWorks developers will get a taste of the pie starting in April, including all the API access given to Java apps. Interested developers can head on over to the BlackBerry Developers zone for more information or download the SDK.

RIM's BlackBerry Messenger Social Platform beta SDK now available for developers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

iPhone and BlackBerry browsers fall at Pwn2Own

Vlad Bobleanta — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST

One day after IE8 and Safari fell prey to eager hackers during Pwn2Own's first day this year, the iPhone 4 and the BlackBerry browser have been exploited as well. The former was pwned by veteran Pwn2Own winner Charlie Miller, who developed an exploit that enabled him to run arbitrary code on the iPhone after visiting a specially-formatted Web page. Once he was 'in' the iPhone, he was able to perform any action he wanted. The iPhone was running iOS 4.2.1, but the same vulnerability that allowed control over it is also present in iOS 4.3. However, the specific exploit that Miller used won't work on the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system.

Pwning the browser in the BlackBerry Torch 9800 proved a bit more difficult, but not because that particular piece of software was more secure. It just so happens that there's no debugger available for that version of the BlackBerry browser, so pwning it required combining two information leak bugs, an integer overflow bug, and a lot of trial and error work for the multinational team of researchers that decided to do this. Again, the only requirement for the exploit to work was that a specially-crafted website had to be visited. There is a newer firmware version for the Torch than that which was exploited, but the flaws are still there.

The Android-powered Google Nexus S and a Windows Phone 7 device were also supposed to be tested, but the researchers that had been chosen to do so did not show up.

iPhone and BlackBerry browsers fall at Pwn2Own originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mobile Store, powered by Appia, goes live for Mobile and Mini

Lee Mathews — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST

It's not the first browser to get its own app store, but the Opera Mobile Store is... well, another app store. The Store has just launched and is powered by Appia, which offers a white-label app store system for carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, as well as some top-tier handset manufacturers.

The Store will appear on Opera Mobile and Opera Mini Speed Dial pages and give users access to paid and free apps. During pre-launch testing, Opera tallied more than 15 million users in 200 countries downloading around 700,000 apps per day.

Continue reading Opera Mobile Store, powered by Appia, goes live for Mobile and Mini

Opera Mobile Store, powered by Appia, goes live for Mobile and Mini originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Zeus malware variant begins targetting BlackBerry users

Lee Mathews — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST

It's been widely reported that the world's millions of smartphones are the next juicy target for malware creators, and we're beginning to see the shift. Trojanized apps recently infiltrated the Android Market and now Trend Micro is reporting that a Zeus trojan variant has begun infecting BlackBerry devices.

The trojan installs silently and then notifies its administrators that the compromised device is ready to receive instructions. Trend notes that an infected BlackBerry can be forced to block calls and phone numbers, add administrator accounts, turn the device on or off, and forward, delete, and display SMS messages.

While BlackBerry devices seem to be the primary target, Zeus variants have also been spotted on Symbian and Windows Mobile phones.

As is the case with desktop malware, vigilance and knowledge is the best defense: don't install untrusted apps and don't visit links you're unsure of on your mobile device.

Zeus malware variant begins targetting BlackBerry users originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Protect enters (mostly) open beta

Lee Mathews — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:40:00 EST

RIM's BlackBerry Protect app is ready for a larger test audience, the company announced in a blog post. BlackBerry Protect is an all-in-one security tool for helping users recover their lost or stolen phone and prevent unwanted access to their personal data.

BlackBerry Protect offers GPS tracking, remote lock and wipe (including SD card data), and the ability to display a pop-up message on the device or force a loud ring to aid in location. The app also allows users to perform periodic wireless backups or force one on-demand. That means you can remotely push all the data you meant to sync just hours before you misplaced your phone. Data can be restored wirelessly as well.

To get in on the BlackBerry Protect beta test, you'll need to be a resident of North America or Latin America, have a device running OS 4.6 or better, and be a registered Beta Zone member -- so head over and sign up!

BlackBerry Protect enters (mostly) open beta originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Messenger coming to Android and iOS?

Lee Mathews — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST

BlackBerry owners love BBM, and it's one of the best out-of-the-box messaging apps you'll find on any smartphone platform. According to Boy Genius Report, RIM may finally be preparing to extend BBM beyond its own OS -- releasing Android and iOS versions. The reason for the change of heart could be the spate of very capable and very popular cross-platform BBM alternatives.

While it would certainly be nice to message a handful of my BBM contacts from my Droid Incredible, I can already communicate with those people using other IM clients like Google Talk and Facebook chat. Add in the fact that BGR's sources say that BBM for Android and iOS may lack the ability to share photos, location, and videos, and I start to wonder just how successful such an app would be.

What do you think, DS readers? Is a feature-limited BBM app for your Android or iOS device something you'd install?

BlackBerry Messenger coming to Android and iOS? originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Facebook 2.0 for BlackBerry coming soon, adds chat and improved looks

Vlad Bobleanta — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:15:00 EST

Facebook's native app for BlackBerry is about to receive a major overhaul. Version 2.0 of the app is coming soon and will bring it on par with Facebook's apps for iOS and Android.

A few screenshots of the new version have surfaced, and they show that the app will have built-in support for Facebook Chat and its user interface will be completely revamped. You will also be able to view friends lists, profile information, and pages straight from within the app.

Facebook 2.0 for BlackBerry is set to come out in beta form at some point in March, while the final version will be released in May.

Facebook 2.0 for BlackBerry coming soon, adds chat and improved looks originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Angry Farm is an Angry Birds knockoff for BlackBerry

Jay Hathaway — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST

Angry Birds hasn't been officially ported to the BlackBerry, but a company called Smarter Apps got tired of waiting and produced an unofficial "alternative" called Angry Farm. The gameplay is virtually identical to Angry Birds, but you control farm animals instead of birds, and your opponents are foxes instead of pigs.

Angry Farm has 30 levels and free upgrades for life, and it works on BlackBerry devices running BlackBerry OS 4.6 and up. The cost: $4.99. How blatant can an Angry Birds clone get before Rovio attempts to shut it down? I have a feeling we may be about to find out. Either that, or the real Angry Birds for BlackBerry will come out ...

Angry Farm is an Angry Birds knockoff for BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Twitter for BlackBerry beta adds push notifications, threaded DM conversations

Jay Hathaway — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST

Twitter for BlackBerry has a new beta release that adds some very important features, including push notifications for @mentions, direct message threading, and geotagging support. Twitter for BlackBerry 1.1 beta is now available in the BlackBerry Beta Zone.

The new push @mentions feature notifies you with a pop-up when you get a new @reply, and you can set it to work with any @mention or cut down on spam by only pushing messages from people who follow you. For private messages, the new chat-style layout allows you to easily keep track of longer direct message conversations. There's also a #topic autocomplete feature that will automatically complete hashtags you've posted or searched for previously. On top of these new features, Twitter for BlackBerry also has an updated look that matches the new Twitter.com.

Sure, this a beta version, but the update looks like a must-have because of the pile of new features it introduces. At long last, the official Twitter client for BlackBerry is finally starting to catch up to the equivalent apps on other platforms!

Twitter for BlackBerry beta adds push notifications, threaded DM conversations originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Twidroyd and UberSocial - formerly UberTwitter - get Twitter API access back

Jay Hathaway — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST

Twidroyd and UberSocial (formerly UberTwitter) have regained access to Twitter's APIs and should now be functioning as normal. Twitter suspended the apps -- owned by UberMedia -- pending changes that would bring them in line with Twitter's API terms of use. Ubermedia has made the changes to Twitter's satisfaction, although Twitter still intends to periodically review the company's apps for compliance. Two other Ubermedia apps, UberSocial for iPhone and UberCurrent, are still under review and haven't been restored yet.

In a public statement posted at TechCrunch, Twitter said,

Developers using the Twitter API have a responsibility not to violate the rules designed to protect our users and the long-term health and vitality of the Twitter platform. If you use the API that we support at great cost with our infrastructure and engineers, you sign up to abide by the rules for its use. While we don't pre-review every application the way, say, Apple does in its App Store, that is no excuse to violate the rules or see what you can get away with.

UberTwitter's name change to UberSocial apparently resolved the trademark part of Twitter's complaint, and a privacy issue surrounding DMs longer than 140 characters has also been fixed. When Twitter initially shut off UberMedia's apps, its said they were changing the content of users' tweets to make money, but never gave specifics. The problem must be fixed now, though, because Twitter has decided that UberMedia's apps now comply with the TOS.

Twidroyd and UberSocial - formerly UberTwitter - get Twitter API access back originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 leaked and available now for devices running BB OS 6

Samuel Gibbs — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST

BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 has been leaked and is now available for download. If you simply can't wait for BlackBerry Messenger 6 and you're running a BlackBerry OS 6 device, then you don't have to. Simply delete your current installation of BlackBerry Messenger, download BBM 6.0 from here, and install. There is one small caveat however, and that's the need for a BlackBerry Beta Zone BBM key, which seems to be required on some devices.

BBM 6.0 brings with it integration with Twitter among other social networks, plus the ability to chat with contacts while playing a game, and enhanced file sharing.

While this leak appears to have come from RIM, you're on your own if something goes wrong. So best make sure you have a solid backup before trying anything. Head on over to the BBH-Plus forums for more information.

BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 leaked and available now for devices running BB OS 6 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Evernote for BlackBerry gets Android-style home screen and better search

Lee Mathews — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

Evernote has updated its app for BlackBerry smartphones, rolling numerous bugfixes and improvements in to the new build. Among them is an updated home screen, which now looks much more like the Evernote app for Android. The search bar has been removed from the bottom of the screen and a shortcut to all your notes has been added.

The new version also brings a much more powerful search feature, which is why Evernote chose to swap the bar for an icon. The new search displays suggestions as you type and also allows searches to be saved for easy scroll-and-click (or tap, if you've got a BlackBerry with a touchscreen) execution later.

Download the new Evernote for BlackBerry from AppWorld -- the QRCode is after the break.

Continue reading Evernote for BlackBerry gets Android-style home screen and better search

Evernote for BlackBerry gets Android-style home screen and better search originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Twitter suspends UberTwitter and Twidroyd for policy violations

Jay Hathaway — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:03:00 EST

Users of popular Twitter clients UberTwitter and Twidroyd found that they couldn't log into Twitter today, and a post in the Twitter help center explains why: UberTwitter and Twidroyd have been suspended for violating Twitter's policies. TechCrunch followed up with Twitter on the suspensions and discovered that the suspended apps were violating Twitter's privacy, trademark and monetization rules.

Twitter spokesperson Carolyn Penner told TechCrunch, "Violations include, but aren't limited to, a privacy issue with private Direct Messages longer than 140 characters, trademark infringement, and changing the content of users' Tweets in order to make money."

Both UberTwitter and Twidroyd were recently purchased by UberMedia, a company that has been buying up Twitter clients (Echofon and TweetDeck are other recent purchases) and adding them to its Twitter ad network. The trademark issues probably arose because of the "Twitter" in UberTwitter's name, but whatever UberMedia did to provoke Twitter's ire is more likely an issue with paid tweets or tweeting ads on behalf of users. Twitter has made in-stream ad networks a strict no-no under its API terms. It will be interesting to see what specific violation it found in UberMedia's case, but so far it hasn't been revealed.

UPDATE: UberMedia chief Bill Gross has tweeted that his company will make Twitter's requested changes to UberTwitter and twidroyd, and they expect to have the apps "back up and running ASAP."

Twitter suspends UberTwitter and Twidroyd for policy violations originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Foursquare now available in French, Italian, Spanish, German and Japanese

Jay Hathaway — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST

The latest update to location-based social networking app Foursquare is a big one for international users. Foursquare now comes in five more languages: French, Italian, Spanish, German and Japanese. Even the badges have been translated! This is a big deal for Foursquare's business, because they're now getting checkins from users in nearly 200 different countries, and businesses in those countries want to offer deals in the local language.

To change your language on Foursquare, just update the app on your mobile device. Foursquare will auto-detect your device's default language and make the switch automatically. Foursquare's web interface is still all in English, but that's due to go multilingual soon as well.

Foursquare now available in French, Italian, Spanish, German and Japanese originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Top 5 free BlackBerry Messenger-style cross-platform chat apps

Samuel Gibbs — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST

Ever since early in the evolution of the BlackBerry, RIM's BlackBerry Messenger has been the envy of all other smartphone users. By creating an always-on Instant Messaging platform that linked phones to phones, RIM managed to provide a service that not only replaced the need for text and multimedia messaging, but also didn't interfere with any desktop IM protocol that you might use. OK, some desktop IM services like Gtalk let you take the 'focus' from your desktop when you log-on using your smartphone, having all messages directed there; but it's not the same as having a dedicated always-on, always-mobile IM service.

Up until recently, BBM was about the only application to provide this kind of phone-to-phone messaging service over data, but with the dawn of the App Stores, a whole host of BBM-clones have sprung up. Today we're going to be taking a look at five of the best free and, for the most part, cross-platform solutions. It's important to note that none of these apps will connect you with the BBM service, nor are they capable of connecting to any other messaging service than their own.

Continue reading Top 5 free BlackBerry Messenger-style cross-platform chat apps

Top 5 free BlackBerry Messenger-style cross-platform chat apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Playbook to ship with Tetris, Need For Speed Underground

Lee Mathews — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST

RIM's upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook may be aimed at enterprise users, but the company showed today that its upcoming tablet isn't all work and no play. At Mobile World Congress, RIM showed off Need For Speed Underground on the PlayBook -- and you can check out a video of its demo after the break.

The PlayBook will also ship with Tetris. Both games are full versions, and both are included totally free. Gaming is all well and good, but we're more curious to see how rumors of the PlayBook running Android apps via a Dalvik-like virtual machine pan out.

Continue reading BlackBerry Playbook to ship with Tetris, Need For Speed Underground

BlackBerry Playbook to ship with Tetris, Need For Speed Underground originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Radio app now in beta, partnered with Slacker and more

Jay Hathaway — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST

BlackBerry Beta Zone users in the U.S. can now test out BlackBerry Radio, an all-in-one radio app that combines popular radio sources like Slacker, Clear Channel, and Corus in one place. BlackBerry Radio lets users listen to a variety of stations and genres from any of the partner services, and download those services' premium apps from within BlackBerry radio.

BlackBerry Radio is integrated into the existing BlackBerry Media player, which means it's part of the music menu on your BlackBerry. It also means you can quickly jump to Amazon's Mp3 store to buy the song you're listening to. The coolest part of BlackBerry radio, though, is that you'll be able to try its partner services out for free -- without subscribing to each individual service.

BlackBerry Radio app now in beta, partnered with Slacker and more originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry OS 6 beta available to download and try

Lee Mathews — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST

Though it's currently only available for three of its devices, RIM has posted a beta download of BlackBerry OS 6. If you own a BlackBery Bold 9700, Bold 9780, or Curve 3G 9300 and you happen to be a T-Mobile customer, head on over to the Beta Zone and download OS 6 for your device if you'd like to try it out.

Sure, the 9780 already ships with OS6, but the beta version will give you a glimpse of new features and tweaks that weren't baked-in from day one.

BlackBerry OS 6 beta available to download and try originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry PlayBook may be able to run Android apps, thanks to Dalvik

Lee Mathews — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST

When RIM acquired QNX, it was all but certain that the days of Java-powered BlackBerry OSes were drawing to a close. That doesn't mean RIM plans on ditching support for all those legacy BlackBerry apps developed for use in the enterprise, however. Boy Genius Report has received information that RIM intends to support those apps by way of a virtual machine -- and what better Java VM to use than Google's Dalvik (which drives Android)?

In theory, a Dalvik VM running on a BlackBerry device could be capable of running an Android .APK. However, since most apps are closely tied to OS-specific APIs, there's also a very good chance that most Android apps wouldn't do anything noteworthy on future RIM devices. Still, the possibility is an exciting one -- and the ability to handle Android apps would definitely make BlackBerry a bit more enticing to both developers and users.

BlackBerry PlayBook may be able to run Android apps, thanks to Dalvik originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Starbucks now lets you pay from your iPhone or BlackBerry

Lee Mathews — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST

While paying for goods from your phone my be common elsewhere in the world, it's been slow to catch on here in North America. Starbucks, however, may well have gotten the ball rolling, with the release of a pair of apps for iPhone and BlackBerry users.

Drop Starbucks Card Mobile onto your smartphone, and you'll be able to load it with funds and pay at more than 7,500 locations in the U.S. Just tap the button to pay, and Starbucks Mobile Card creates a barcode which your server can then scan to debit your account. NFC support may be added later, as hardware adds that functionality and customer demand increases.

In case you can't simply look over your shoulder and see at least one Starbucks, the app also has a built-in location finder. Starbucks is confident the apps will be a hit with customers, who currently pay for 1 in 5 purchases using reloadable Starbucks cards.

Gallery: Starbucks Card Mobile iPhone App

Download Starbucks Mobile Card for iOS [iTunes]
Starbucks Mobile Card for BlackBerry

Starbucks now lets you pay from your iPhone or BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry PlayBook WebWorks SDK now available to developers

Lee Mathews — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST

Before today, if you wanted to develop an app for RIM's upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook tablet you were stuck with an Adobe Air SDK for the device. Now, however, RIM has released the WebWorks SDK -- first announced in September of 2010 -- which gives developers the ability to create apps using standard Web code like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS. That should make it a relatively painless procedure to port apps from other platforms which are built on Web technologies.

The WebWorks SDK is available for download from RIM now, and interested developers should definitely grab it -- especially since RIM is offering a free PlayBook to developers of certain kinds of apps (launchers, repackaged browsers, and soundboards need not apply).

BlackBerry PlayBook WebWorks SDK now available to developers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

iPhone users most vulnerable to phishing attacks, BlackBerry users the most resilient

Sebastian Anthony — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST

In sad and lamentable news, it turns out that mobile users are three times more likely than desktop users to give up their personal details to phishing websites. Even worse, despite only making up 26% of the US smartphone market, 65% of successful attacks are on iPhone users. Android, with 24% of the market represents only 9% of phishing attacks -- but BlackBerry comes on top, with 36% of the market and only 8% of all successful phishing attempts.

These shocking findings come from Internet security company Trusteer, which parsed server logs from phishing websites to see which mobile browser user agent strings popped up the most -- and as you can see from damning pie chart on the right, iPhone users are atop the steaming heap.

Usually when such figures emerge, iPhone users are quick to point out that they use the Internet more, thus skewing the statistics -- but we're talking email access, not actual Internet usage. The explanation is more likely due to differences in how the various smartphone platforms present your email; BlackBerry users, for example, have to click through a warning message when opening a link in an email.

The other option, of course, is that BlackBerry and Android users are simply more savvy when it comes to phishing attempts: BlackBerry still rules supreme in enterprise, an arena where IT administrators regularly warn users about such attacks -- but Android's low phishing percentage is harder to explain. It may just be due to a higher geek:noob ratio among its user base.

iPhone users most vulnerable to phishing attacks, BlackBerry users the most resilient originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry PlayBook browser demo video shows off HTML5 support, Flash performance

Jay Hathaway — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST

RIM's upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will sport a dual-core processor that makes it powerful enough to handle Flash games and video on the web -- if the browser is up to it, that is. RIM has just posted a PlayBook demo video that seems to demonstrate that both the hardware and the software can handle the stuff most people do on their desktop web browsers -- Facebook, Facebook Chat, Flash games and Flash video. Of course, it can also play streaming HTML5 video with no problem.

In the video, RIM repeatedly pushes a "full desktop version of the web, no compromises" message. The demo smoothly travels through YouTube, Facebook, and into a game of the Flash-based Gems Swap 2. But, in spite of all the times the narrator says "uncompromising," there is one itty-bitty little compromise: playing Flash games with your finger on a touch screen isn't always going to be a great experience (nor will it necessarily even work). As Brad Linder at Liliputing points out, though, developers are likely to work around that limitation and build games for the growing touchscreen audience.

Check out the video for yourself below.

Continue reading BlackBerry PlayBook browser demo video shows off HTML5 support, Flash performance

BlackBerry PlayBook browser demo video shows off HTML5 support, Flash performance originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Groupon brings its discount deals to BlackBerry

Jay Hathaway — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST

BlackBerry users can now take advantage of deep discount service Groupon, famous for offering one hugely discounted local deal per day. The Groupon BlackBerry app makes it easy to check out available deals and purchase them with a minimum of fuss. It joins Groupon's existing mobile lineup, including iPhone and Android apps.

With Groupon for BlackBerry, you can avoid the hassle of printing and just flash your BlackBerry screen when you visit stores and restaurants to use your purchased deals. The BlackBerry app stores all your Groupons for you, and even uses your BlackBerry's GPS to find deals near your current location. You can grab it now from BlackBerry App World.

Gallery: Groupon for BlackBerry

Groupon brings its discount deals to BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Send links from any browser to any smartphone -- with just a bookmarklet

Sebastian Anthony — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST

The world's most graceful and simple solution for pushing links to your smartphone has just emerged. It's called Site to Phone, and it works for every major Web browser. Theoretically, it works for every smartphone OS, too; iOS, webOS, Android, Windows Phone 7, BlackBerry -- and maybe even Symbian.

Instead of requiring Chrome, or being restricted to just Android or iOS, this solution uses the most basic technologies ever: a JavaScript bookmarklet, and a website bookmark on your phone. It's so stupefyingly simple: the bookmarklet sends your current website to Site to Phone, and when you click the bookmark on your phone, you are redirected to that site. You put the Site to Phone bookmark on your phone's home screen, so it's always just one tap away.

If you don't want to use a bookmarklet, you can just visit the Site to Phone website and paste a link in -- once you save it, the link is immediately active on your phone. There is also a Chrome extension or Internet Explorer add-on, if you prefer.

It's hard to describe just how well it works; it's best if you just give it a go yourself. You don't even have to register: just visit Site to Phone, begin the process, and then type a unique URL into your phone. So, so easy.

Send links from any browser to any smartphone -- with just a bookmarklet originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Amazon MP3 app now available for BlackBerry

Lee Mathews — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST

Users of RIM's BlackBerry devices now have access to a massive catalog of downloadable music, thanks to the arrival of Amazon's MP3 store. Apart from giving you access to Amazon's huge selection of tunes, Amazon MP3 lets you take advantage of their dirt-cheap Daily Deal albums (which are usually less than $5) and grab the free MP3 of the day.

Sharing to social networks is also built-in, so it's a breeze to post your favorite new tracks to Twitter or Facebook -- or notify friends via BBM, SMS, or email. For those of you who like to sneak a listen before pulling the trigger on a digital download purchase, Amazon does offer previews -- though they're only 30 seconds long.

There is, of course, one big downside -- the app and store aren't available to users outside of the U.S.

Download Amazon MP3 [AppWorld]

Gallery: Amazon MP3 for BlackBerry

Amazon MP3 app now available for BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Loopt 4 introduces Facebook Places integration and automatic location sharing

Jay Hathaway — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST

Loopt, one of the earliest entries in the location-based social networking game, has recently been overshadowed by players like Gowalla and Foursquare. But Loopt is back with Loopt 4.0, which offers a complete redesign, integration with Facebook Places, and a real-time location tracker reminiscent of Google Latitude. Although it lacks the buzz of its location-based brethren, Loopt still has 4 million users(!), and this new app should push that number even higher.

Loopt's Facebook integration has now caught up with Gowalla: you can sync your own checkins between Loopt and FB and see your friends' Facebook checkins on Loopt. Loopt 4 also looks a lot like the Facebook iPhone app. The home screen and notifications bar will definitely feel familiar to FB junkies.

Perhaps the coolest new feature in Loopt 4 is the auto-location sharing toggle. You'll find a switch on the homepage to turn automatic sharing on or off. When it's on, it functions much like Google Latitude, updating your location via GPS, without the need to check in. Because that's an awful lot to share publicly, auto-sharing has its own set of privacy settings, so you can limit it to your close friends.

Loopt has also added a "pong" feature to its existing "ping." Ping was a way of nudging a friend to ask for a location update. Now you can attach a message to that ping, and your friend can respond with a "pong" tagged with their location. Basically, it's text-messaging plus location.

So with a couple of exclusive features, and a few familiar ones that just play catchup with Gowalla and Foursquare, Loopt might be right back in the middle of the location fray. For a closer look at the new Loopt, check out the official demo video after the break.

Continue reading Loopt 4 introduces Facebook Places integration and automatic location sharing

Loopt 4 introduces Facebook Places integration and automatic location sharing originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry overtakes iOS in mobile internet usage in the US, iOS and Android tied in desirability

Vlad Bobleanta — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST

According to Web analytics company StatCounter, BlackBerry OS has overtaken iOS in mobile internet usage in the U.S. for the first time ever last month. StatCounter is basing its claims on aggregate data that it has collected on a sample of more than 15 billion page views per month (these, however, may not include traffic generated by mobile apps).

BlackBerry OS had a 'traffic share' of 34.3% compared to iOS' 33% last month. Very interesting is the fact that iOS' traffic share in the US was 51.9% in November of 2009. During the past year, Android's traffic share grew from 8.2% to 23.8%. If the current trends hold, Android and BlackBerry OS combined will probably generate twice the traffic that iOS will in the next year, StatCounter speculates.

Globally, things are very different. The leader is Symbian with 31.9%, followed by iOS with 21.9%, BlackBerry OS with 19.3% and Android with 11.6%.

Research firm Nielsen has also released some interesting mobile-related stats today. According to its data, in October, iOS was leading the battle for market share in the US with 27.9%, only slightly ahead of RIM's BlackBerry OS -- which came in second with 27.4%. Android was in third with 22.7%.

Continue reading BlackBerry overtakes iOS in mobile internet usage in the US, iOS and Android tied in desirability

BlackBerry overtakes iOS in mobile internet usage in the US, iOS and Android tied in desirability originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

RIM bans Kik messaging app from App World over contract breach

Jay Hathaway — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST

Kik, the hot new messaging app that racked up a million users in a couple of weeks and then got called out for covertly harvesting users' contacts, has now been completely banned from RIM's BlackBerry App World. RIM announced it was booting Kik over "breached contractual obligations," and that it has terminated all agreements with Kik and stopped supporting the service.

As our sister site Engadget points out, RIM didn't provide much detail about what Kik did wrong. Either the contact harvesting violated a privacy agreement in the RIM/Kik contract, or Kik's app came too close to mimicking RIM's own BlackBerry Messenger service.

Kik hasn't explained much either, only confirming that they've been blocked from using the BlackBerry SDK and using push notifications on BlackBerry devices. That essentially cripples any further development of Kik on the BlackBerry platform.

RIM bans Kik messaging app from App World over contract breach originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Facebook for BlackBerry adds Places support

Lee Mathews — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST

Just a couple months ago, Facebook finally got into the location game. Today, the official BlackBerry blog has announced that their Facebook app is adding support for Places check-ins. The updated app will be available on BlackBerry App World within 24 hours.

Users can check into locations within 2 kilometers, and you'll also be able to tag friends who are along for the ride. Just tap the Places icon on the app's toolbar, choose a previously used location (or add a new one), and add your comment.

The updated Facebook app also allows you to search friends and Pages, view your messages, and access your Pages list from the Friends screen.

[via Mobiputing]

Facebook for BlackBerry adds Places support originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Evernote for BlackBerry gets an update and becomes available almost everywhere

Vlad Bobleanta — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Utilities, Productivity, BlackBerry, Mobile

Evernote has updated its BlackBerry application to version 3.0.271. While this version doesn't bring any new functionality or features to the app itself, it does come with many improvements that expand Evernote availability to more carriers and in more regions than ever before.

Basically, if your BlackBerry runs BlackBerry OS 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 5.0 or 6.0 and you have access to BlackBerry App World, the Evernote app is now available for you, no matter where you are. So owners of such smartphones as the BlackBerry Torch, Curve, Style, and Storm from around the world can now use Evernote on their device.

Download Evernote for BlackBerry from the BlackBerry App World

Evernote for BlackBerry gets an update and becomes available almost everywhere originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments