Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BlackBerry Playbook to support Android and Java apps with optional app players]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/blackberry-playbook-to-support-android-and-java-apps-with-option/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/blackberry-playbook-to-support-android-and-java-apps-with-option/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/blackberry-playbook-to-support-android-and-java-apps-with-option/#comments BlackBerry Playbook 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.

Download SquadBlackBerry 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]]>AndroidappsBlackBerrydeveloperPlaybookRIMutilitiesFri, 25 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Protect now available in Europe]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/blackberry-protect-now-available-in-europe/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/blackberry-protect-now-available-in-europe/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/blackberry-protect-now-available-in-europe/#commentsBlackBerry ProtectBlackBerry 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.

Download SquadBlackBerry 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]]>appsbackupBlackBerryBlackBerry ProtectBlackberryProtectrestoreRIMutiltitiesMon, 21 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook for BlackBerry 2.0 beta now available for download for OS 6 devices]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-for-blackberry-2-0-beta-now-available-for-download-for/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-for-blackberry-2-0-beta-now-available-for-download-for/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-for-blackberry-2-0-beta-now-available-for-download-for/#comments Facebook 2.0 beta for BlackBerry 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.

Facebook 2.0 BlackBerry beta profileHighlights 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.

Facebook 2.0 BlackBerry beta ChatProbably 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.

Download SquadFacebook 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]]>appsBlackBerryFacebookFacebook ChatFacebookChatOS 6Os6RIMsocial networkingSocialNetworkingFri, 18 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM's BlackBerry Messenger Social Platform beta SDK now available for developers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/rims-blackberry-messenger-social-platform-beta-sdk-now-availabl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/rims-blackberry-messenger-social-platform-beta-sdk-now-availabl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/rims-blackberry-messenger-social-platform-beta-sdk-now-availabl/#commentsBBM Social Platform SDKRIM 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.

Download SquadRIM'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]]>BBMbbm social platformBbmSocialPlatformBlackBerryBlackBerry MessengerBlackberryMessengerdeveloperRIMSDKSocialNetworkingThu, 17 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone and BlackBerry browsers fall at Pwn2Own]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/iphone-and-blackberry-browsers-fall-pwn2own/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/iphone-and-blackberry-browsers-fall-pwn2own/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/iphone-and-blackberry-browsers-fall-pwn2own/#commentsHackers Ahead signOne 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.

Download SquadiPhone 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]]>AppleBlackBerryBlackBerry browserBlackberryBrowserbrowserscompromiseddeveloperIOSios 4.2.1Ios4.2.1iphoneiphone 4Iphone4Pwn2Ownpwn2own2011RIMsafarisecurityvulnerabilityFri, 11 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Groupon brings its discount deals to BlackBerry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/28/groupon-brings-its-discount-deals-to-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/28/groupon-brings-its-discount-deals-to-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/28/groupon-brings-its-discount-deals-to-blackberry/#commentsBlackBerry 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

Download SquadGroupon 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]]>appsblackberrycouponsdealsdiscountsgrouponmobilerimTue, 28 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM bans Kik messaging app from App World over contract breach]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/rim-bans-kik-messaging-app-from-app-world-over-contract-breach/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/rim-bans-kik-messaging-app-from-app-world-over-contract-breach/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/rim-bans-kik-messaging-app-from-app-world-over-contract-breach/#commentsKik, 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.

Download SquadRIM 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]]>blackberrychatinstant messagingInstantMessagingkikmessengerRIMWed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook for BlackBerry adds Places support]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/facebook-for-blackerry-adds-places-support/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/facebook-for-blackerry-adds-places-support/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/facebook-for-blackerry-adds-places-support/#comments
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]

Download SquadFacebook 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]]>appblackberryfacebookplacesWed, 10 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Evernote for BlackBerry gets an update and becomes available almost everywhere]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/05/evernote-for-blackberry-gets-an-update-and-becomes-available-alm/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/05/evernote-for-blackberry-gets-an-update-and-becomes-available-alm/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/05/evernote-for-blackberry-gets-an-update-and-becomes-available-alm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Evernote for BlackBerry screenshotEvernote 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

Download SquadEvernote 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]]>BlackBerryBlackberry Appblackberry app worldblackberry appsBlackberryAppBlackberryAppsBlackberryAppWorldEverNotemobilemobile appmobile appsMobileAppMobileAppsFri, 05 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Facebook app for BlackBerry enters beta]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/26/new-facebook-blackberry-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/26/new-facebook-blackberry-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/26/new-facebook-blackberry-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Facebook for BlackBerry searchA new version of the Facebook app for BlackBerry is now available from BlackBerry Beta Zone. This is version 1.9, and it brings loads of new features to enhance your Facebook experience on BlackBerry OS devices.

First off, there's now a dedicated inbox for Facebook messages. This inbox syncs with the Web-based Facebook inbox in real-time, including read states. And if you want to, you can integrate it into the BlackBerry inbox as well.

Search functionality has also been enhanced. You can now search for people and pages from within the app. Depending on privacy settings, you can view mutual friends, enlarge people's pictures, 'Like" pages, and send friend requests all from the search results.

And if your device runs BlackBerry OS 6, Facebook search is now integrated into Universal Search. So if you enter a search query into your BlackBerry's Universal Search box, you'll also get search results from Facebook.

The design of the app has also been updated to accompany the new features, and there's an updated navigation bar that allows you to view your profile.

The final release of this app will also include support for Facebook Places and additional UI tweaks. Facebook Chat will be added in a future version.

The beta version is now available for a limited number of people who sign up for testing it here.

Download SquadNew Facebook app for BlackBerry enters beta originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaBlackBerryblackberry beta zoneBlackberryBetaZonefacebookFacebook for BlackBerryfacebook mobileFacebookForBlackberryFacebookMobileTue, 26 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe Flash Player 10.1 will land on Windows Phone 7 and BlackBerry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/adobe-flash-player-windows-phone-blackberry-symbian/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/adobe-flash-player-windows-phone-blackberry-symbian/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/adobe-flash-player-windows-phone-blackberry-symbian/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Adobe has just announced that it will unleash Flash Player 10.1 on a whole list of mobile operating systems, from Windows Phone 7, BlackBerry and WebOS 2.0 on down to the Symbian, MeeGo and LiMo platforms. Timelines are hazy for Flash Player's arrival on these platforms (the press release just says they're "expected" to support Flash Player 10.1) but the WebOS 2.0 version has already started shipping with new Palm handsets in France.

The press release doesn't say much more than, "we'll be on all these platforms someday." Here's the exact wording:

Flash Player 10.1 is available on Android and Google TV today, with BlackBerry platform, HP webOS 2.0, future versions of Windows(R) Phone, LiMo, MeeGo, and Symbian OS also expected to support Flash Player 10.1. For a list of devices supported today, visit Adobe Flash Player 10.1 certified devices.
[via Engadget]











Download SquadAdobe Flash Player 10.1 will land on Windows Phone 7 and BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryflashflash player 10.1FlashPlayer10.1LiMomeegomobilesymbianMon, 25 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe AIR 2.5 announced, supports smartphones, tablets, TVs and desktops]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/adobe-air-2-5-announced-supports--smartphones-tablets-tvs-and-desktops/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/adobe-air-2-5-announced-supports--smartphones-tablets-tvs-and-desktops/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/adobe-air-2-5-announced-supports--smartphones-tablets-tvs-and-desktops/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday's session of the MAX 2010 conference saw the announcement of the latest iteration to AIR, Adobe's desktop runtime for HTML, Ajax, Flex, and (of course) Flash. AIR 2.5 brings greater device support with it, covering smartphones and tablets running BlackBerry Tablet OS, Android and iOS; Windows, OS X and Linux on the desktop; and TVs, with Samsung the first to jump on-board the AIR bandwagon with its Smart TVs due in 2011. With support for hardware features, such as accelerometers, GPS, cameras, microphones, and multi-touch, and hardware acceleration (currently only available for Windows) to make sure that the experience is still smooth, AIR could make quite a convincing write-it-once, get-it-out-on-everything platform. Adobe's even leveraging its Adobe InMarket to help developers get their AIR-driven apps packaged and into various app stores, minus its 30 percent cut of course.

Whether you'll be able to get AIR apps through Apple's approval process remains to be seen, but given Apple's relaxed stance, anything's possible. Excited Flex and Flash developers should be able to get the SDK imminently (currently still showing 2.0.2 at the time of writing), while the rest of us will have to sit back and wait with baited breath to see whether AIR 2.5 improves on its rather clunky forefathers.

Download SquadAdobe AIR 2.5 announced, supports smartphones, tablets, TVs and desktops originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe airAdobeAirAirandroidBlackBerryIOSLinuxMac OS XMacOSXSmartTVwindowsMon, 25 Oct 2010 05:04:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry App World now lets you buy apps and push downloads from a computer]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/23/blackberry-app-world-now-lets-you-buy-apps-and-trigger-downloads/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/23/blackberry-app-world-now-lets-you-buy-apps-and-trigger-downloads/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/23/blackberry-app-world-now-lets-you-buy-apps-and-trigger-downloads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BlackBerry App World online setup

RIM's BlackBerry App World now supports buying apps and pushing the downloads to your BlackBerry from a computer. BlackBerry App World is RIM's equivalent of Apple's App Store, featuring software for devices running the BlackBerry mobile operating system. Up until now, there was a way to browse this catalog from a computer but downloading an app to your mobile device meant clicking Install on the computer, then clicking a link inside a text message you would receive on your BlackBerry.

All that fiddling is gone with the introduction of BlackBerry App World 2.0. You can now buy apps from your computer and, most importantly, trigger downloads of apps to your smartphone without even touching it. This represents a good way to quickly go through available software in the App World when you're near a computer, without needing to endlessly scroll or swipe on your handset.

To use this feature you'll need to register a BlackBerry ID, if you don't already have one, and install a browser plug-in that takes care of the PC-to-phone transfer. Your BlackBerry will also need to have the latest version of App World installed and be plugged in to your computer while you're setting things up.

The BlackBerry App World online storefront can be found here.

[via cnet]

Download SquadBlackBerry App World now lets you buy apps and push downloads from a computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerryblackberry app worldBlackberryAppWorldRIMRIM BlackberryRimBlackberrySat, 23 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhapsody music streaming comes to BlackBerry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/rhapsody-music-streaming-comes-to-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/rhapsody-music-streaming-comes-to-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/rhapsody-music-streaming-comes-to-blackberry/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rhapsody app for BlackBerryMusic streaming service Rhapsody has just announced the release of its beta BlackBerry application. This app is very similar to Rhapsody's iPhone and Android offerings, in that it allows you to listen to any song in their 10.5 million-strong database on your smartphone. Aside from listening to albums and songs on-demand, you can also tune in to radio stations customized around artists or genres.

Currently, Rhapsody for BlackBerry only works while you're connected to a Wi-Fi or 3G network in the United States. Offline use is reportedly coming soon. Use of the application requires a subscription to Rhapsody's service, which will set you back $10 each month. It looks like you can only use one mobile client with each subscription.

The Rhapsody app for BlackBerry can be downloaded by going to Rhapsody.com on your BlackBerry smartphone. It will be available in the BlackBerry App World shortly. The demo video is after the break.

[via Mashable]

Continue reading Rhapsody music streaming comes to BlackBerry

Download SquadRhapsody music streaming comes to BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobetaBlackBerrymusicmusic streamingMusicStreamingrhapsodyMon, 18 Oct 2010 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Mobile harvests entire address books, leaves soiled contact lists in its wake]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/07/facebook-mobile-harvests-entire-address-books-leaves-soiled-con/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/07/facebook-mobile-harvests-entire-address-books-leaves-soiled-con/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/07/facebook-mobile-harvests-entire-address-books-leaves-soiled-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

While it's by no means a new feature, people are starting to notice what Facebook Mobile's Contact Sync actually does, and it's not pretty. At the very least, it will trash your phone's address book by overwriting it with Facebook contact info and profile pictures. More disturbingly, while it's doing that it sends your phone's entire address book to Facebook, to be hashed and badly matched up with information gathered from other users' profiles and address books.

The feature has been around since January of this year, but it's changed over time. At first, and this was only dealing with iPhones at the time, it would replace contact pictures but it didn't write phone numbers or email addresses to the phone's address book. It did, as Kurt Von Moos pointed out back in February, grab your entire address book and send it back to Facebook servers. That changed over time, and today it freely ravages your iPhone's contacts, while still gathering as much data as it can.

The only saving grace, for the iPhone at least, has been that users actually have to turn the feature on in order for the app to do any of this. Unfortunately, it never warns users that it's going to use their address book for Facebook's purposes.

Continue reading Facebook Mobile harvests entire address books, leaves soiled contact lists in its wake

Download SquadFacebook Mobile harvests entire address books, leaves soiled contact lists in its wake originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidBlackBerryfacebookiPhonemobile appsMobileAppsnewsphone numbersPhoneNumbersprivacysocial networkingSocialNetworkingThu, 07 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mozilla bringing Firefox Home to BlackBerry, Symbian, and Facebook and Twitter access]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/28/mozilla-to-bring-firefox-home-to-blackberry-symbian-and-facebo/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/28/mozilla-to-bring-firefox-home-to-blackberry-symbian-and-facebo/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/28/mozilla-to-bring-firefox-home-to-blackberry-symbian-and-facebo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mozilla has just pushed out an epic blog post that details the future of Firefox Home, mainly stating that it's heading to both the BlackBerry and Symbian mobile phone platforms in the coming months. If you've not heard of Firefox Home, watch the video after the break for a short intro.

Other than two new platforms, the blog post mentions that Facebook and Twitter integration, Panorama settings, tab group sync and password sync are all on the cards for future versions of Firefox Home. A bunch of other features are also mooted, though at this point it's not clear whether any or all of them will make an appearance in Home's immediate future. There's also talk of an iPad version!

This is very much a call for more feedback; Mozilla is feeling its way here and desperately wants to provide a Firefox-like experience for those poor souls without a real Firefox browser. With their creative minds hard at work, and with plenty of support from us, the community, it definitely sounds like Firefox Home has an exciting future ahead of it.

Continue reading Mozilla bringing Firefox Home to BlackBerry, Symbian, and Facebook and Twitter access

Download SquadMozilla bringing Firefox Home to BlackBerry, Symbian, and Facebook and Twitter access originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryfirefoxfirefox homeFirefoxHomeiosiphonemobilemozillasymbianTue, 28 Sep 2010 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Songbird 1.8 update brings broader device support, OS X syncing]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/03/songbird-1-8-update-brings-broader-device-support-os-x-syncing/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/03/songbird-1-8-update-brings-broader-device-support-os-x-syncing/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/03/songbird-1-8-update-brings-broader-device-support-os-x-syncing/#commentsFiled under:

The Songbird team has released a significant update to their feature-packed media player today. Among the new additions: sync support for several HTC and Nokia handsets (as well as the Blackberry Storm) and sync support on OS X (Mac users will need to download the MSC add-on).

While Songbird is no longer providing official builds for Linux users, contributed builds of Songbird for Linux are still available for download.

Songbird's service pane has also been given a facelift, bringing a more polixhed look to the left-hand side of the player's main window.

Download SquadSongbird 1.8 update brings broader device support, OS X syncing originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberryhtcitunesmusicnokiarimsongbirdFri, 03 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry App World gets a much-needed overhaul]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/20/blackberry-app-world-gets-a-much-needed-overhaul/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/20/blackberry-app-world-gets-a-much-needed-overhaul/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/20/blackberry-app-world-gets-a-much-needed-overhaul/#commentsFiled under:

Unlike iPhone and iPod touch users I know, BlackBerry owners tend to be plenty happy with the built-in array of apps RIM ships on their smartphones. That's probably a good thing, because BlackBerry App World had some fairly big shortcomings when compared to the App Store.

RIM hopes the release of App World 2.0 brings the experience more in line with competitors -- and at first glance, I'd say it does. For starters, App World is now fully searchable and categorized for easy browsing. Top 25 groupings have been added, as have options to filter free and paid apps.

Developers are also able to sell cheaper apps now, with sub-$2 price points available. One more big-time change is that users can now pay for those apps with a major credit card instead of PayPal, and some will even be able to post app purchases directly to their monthly cellular bill (depending on their carrier, of course).

With lower prices and better discovery options, App World 2.0 should encourage BlackBerry users to take the plunge and install some of the thousands of add-on apps available for their smartphones.

Download SquadBlackBerry App World gets a much-needed overhaul originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chances are good that you use more than one gadget to help with schoolwork. If you have a laptop or desktop computer and do-it-all smartphone at your disposal there are some great applications which can be a huge help at school regardless of which device you've got your hands on.

From taking notes in class to accessing files at home to staving off forgetfulness, these five highly-useful apps are ready to lend you a hand at all times!

Dropbox
Those of you who need to work on projects with other classmates should definitely check out Dropbox. A free 2GB account gives you plenty of space to store and share documents, images, lecture recordings, or just about anything else. DropBox offers desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux and mobile apps for Android, Blackberry, and iPhone -- plus there's a handy web interface. For anywhere, anytime access to files, Dropbox is an excellent choice.

Continue reading 5 must-have back-to-school apps for your computer and smartphone

Download Squad5 must-have back-to-school apps for your computer and smartphone originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidback to schoolBackToSchoolblackberryfeaturesiphonelinuxmacstudentwindowsThu, 19 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dropbox app for Blackberry goes beta]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/31/dropbox-app-for-blackberry-goes-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/31/dropbox-app-for-blackberry-goes-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/31/dropbox-app-for-blackberry-goes-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dropbox has quickly become a favorite tool for people on the go, but Blackberry users haven't been feeling much app-love. Yesterday, Dropbox announced on their forums that they had begun Dropbox for Blackberry Beta -- but only for the first 500 users to hit the site and request it.

It only took a few hours for the 500 slots to fill, so the Dropbox team upped the limit to 1,000 later in the evening (which is probably the only reason I was able to get one). There's a pretty big caveat for the beta, though: It's for OS 5.0 only. While I haven't yet installed OS 5.0 on my own Bold, I figured it wouldn't exactly hurt to see if it works on the previous stable release, and it does -- it's just so buggy that you're better off using the mobile web app.

On that note, until word of this beta broke out, I wasn't even aware that Dropbox mobile worked so well on Blackberry. In fact, it never occurred to me that there even was a mobile Dropbox to begin with. I wasn't entirely at fault there, either; when I go to Dropbox.com on my Bold, using the RIM browser, the site loads in standard format. I only saw the option for a mobile page once I scrolled down several inches worth of screen real-estate. Now that I've found it, used it, and compared the two, I'm honestly not sure if there are any advantages to using the standalone app aside from the slightly quicker access.

Either way, it's great that they're bringing BB users a bit more into the fold.

Download SquadDropbox app for Blackberry goes beta originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaBlackberryDropboxmobilenewsweb appWebAppSat, 31 Jul 2010 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry 6 features revealed in new RIM video]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/12/blackberry-6-features-revealed-in-new-rim-video/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/12/blackberry-6-features-revealed-in-new-rim-video/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/12/blackberry-6-features-revealed-in-new-rim-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

BlackBerry 6, the upcoming OS for Research In Motion's BlackBerry devices, blows away the notion of the BlackBerry as the ugly, businesslike device you use to check your work email. It was announced in April, but RIM has released a new sneak peek video that shows off the browser, media player interface, and social features of the upcoming BlackBerry OS.

BlackBerry 6 is getting a WebKit browser, a social app-slash-feed-reader called Social Feeds, and an iPhone-esque media player. You can see all of that in the new video, plus a look at BlackBerry Messenger and the new universal search box that lets you find files anywhere on your device. The whole thing looks very iPhone-and-Android-influenced, but that's not a bad thing. Every time I try to use an old-school BlackBerry, I forget that I can't just tap the screen to make something happen. But BlackBerry 6 is a whole new world: a world with pinch and zoom!

Continue reading BlackBerry 6 features revealed in new RIM video

Download SquadBlackBerry 6 features revealed in new RIM video originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry 6Blackberry6mobileosupdatesRIMMon, 12 Jul 2010 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft working on Office Mobile for Nokia and "other leading smartphone platforms"]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-working-on-office-mobile-for-nokia-and-other-leading/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-working-on-office-mobile-for-nokia-and-other-leading/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-working-on-office-mobile-for-nokia-and-other-leading/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Based on a very interesting job posting at Microsoft, Neowin is speculating that Office 2010 might become part of the mobile experience for more than just WIndows Phone users. The job (which has since been filled) called for a developer to help "bring Office Mobile to hundreds of millions of Nokia smartphone owners, followed by other leading smartphone platforms."

Wait, other smartphone platforms? We knew Microsoft had partnered up with Nokia, and that Office Mobile for Winmo 6.5. and Windows Phone 7 were part of the roadmap, but this job specifically mentions "working across other devices and operating systems." So, are we going to be seeing Office Mobile popping up in the Android Market one day? Unfortunately, the ad isn't that specific.

Neowin interprets "leading" platforms as RIM, Apple's iOS, and Android, but there's not really any evidence one way or another. [Don't forget Office for Mac! -Ed]

Download SquadMicrosoft working on Office Mobile for Nokia and "other leading smartphone platforms" originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holiday Inn locations in two cities are experimenting with a system that lets guests unlock their rooms using a smartphone. When you check in online, the system (called OpenWays) sends you an encrypted audio code that unlocks your door, and then texts you your room number.

That means no more checking in at the desk, and no more worries about losing a key or a keycard.

OpenWays is available as an app for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry. The system isn't widespread yet, but it could be huge by next year if the tests go well.

As far as security, it's actually less risky than a physical key. The hotel can remotely kill any code that might be a security risk, and the codes expire when you check out, so guests can't steal them. Personally, I'd be excited to have one less object to keep track of while I'm traveling.

[via Mashable]


Download SquadUnlocking your hotel room with your smartphone? OpenWays is an app for that. originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberryhoteliphonekeyopenwayssmartphoneunlockThu, 27 May 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile app helps Americans find prescriptions and free health clinics]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/04/15/mobile-app-helps-americans-find-prescriptions-and-free-health-cl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/04/15/mobile-app-helps-americans-find-prescriptions-and-free-health-cl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/04/15/mobile-app-helps-americans-find-prescriptions-and-free-health-cl/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a down economy, with health care reform passed but not yet in effect, a lot of Americans need prescription assistance and cheap or free medical help. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has released a mobile app for iPhone and Blackberry that makes help easier to find. It lets you see which medicines PPA might be able to help you pay for, as well as pointing you to the closest of 10,000 free health care clinics.

Sure, you could just Google the clinics, but sometimes it's hard to tell whether the clinic results on Google Maps are free. Google also doesn't offer prescription discounts to people without any drug coverage. (Well, not yet anyway. After Google's experiments with genetics, who knows what's next?) The app also helps you figure out whether you qualify for assistance. So, if you've been thinking of selling your iPhone to pay for prescriptions, try downloading the PPA app instead.
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Download SquadMobile app helps Americans find prescriptions and free health clinics originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrydrugsfree clinicsFreeClinicshealthiphonemedicinePrescriptionDrugsprescriptionsThu, 15 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter Tuesday - this week's Twitter news, apps and more]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/30/twitter-tuesday-this-weeks-twitter-news-apps-and-more/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/30/twitter-tuesday-this-weeks-twitter-news-apps-and-more/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/30/twitter-tuesday-this-weeks-twitter-news-apps-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Oh my, is it Twitter Tuesday already? With all the Facebook news this week, you might have missed what was going on with Twitter. Don't worry about it, though, because I'm here to fill you in. We've got some breaking app news on multiple platforms this week, with your first look at BlackBerry's official Twitter app, as well as an early iPad Twitter client. There's also a resolution to one of Twitter's biggest scandals, and here it is ...

TWITTER HACKER CAUGHT! ReadWriteWeb says that "Hacker Croll," the guy who accessed Twitter's servers last summer and scored a bunch of detailed company documents that were later leaked to TechCrunch, was arrested in France last week. The FBI aided in the investigation. "Croll," was also the same person who hacked and tweeted from some celebrity Twitter accounts, including President Obama's and Britney Spears' accounts. He was let go after it became clear that he was no evil genius, just a guy who guessed some weak passwords.

Are you a Blackberry-using Twitter fan? Mobiputing reports that you can score the official Twitter for BlackBerry app by signing up for BlackBerry's new BlackBerry Beta Zone program. It isn't available to the general public yet, so sneak your preview now!


Continue reading Twitter Tuesday - this week's Twitter news, apps and more

Download SquadTwitter Tuesday - this week's Twitter news, apps and more originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryfeaturesipadkiwitwestivaltwitepadtwittertwitter tuesdayTwitterTuesdayTue, 30 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spotify music service gets a US release date and a Blackberry app]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/29/spotify-music-service-gets-a-us-release-date-and-a-blackberry-ap/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/29/spotify-music-service-gets-a-us-release-date-and-a-blackberry-ap/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/29/spotify-music-service-gets-a-us-release-date-and-a-blackberry-ap/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Spotify, the streaming music service that made a big splash in Europe last year, has always been slated for a 2010 launch in the US. Unfortunately, there was a long period at the beginning of this year when Spotify's executives wouldn't say much of anything about when they'd finally bring the service to North America.

The hype around the service cooled off a bit, but you can prepare to hear more about Spotify again, starting now: Spotify will come to the US in the third quarter of this year, and it's getting Blackberry and Palm apps.

A senior VP at Spotify told Bloomberg that the company has already started buying US server space and entering licensing discussions with labels and music publishers. Spotify already has 325,000 subscribers -- even without tapping into the US market. Spotify hasn't said which US mobile providers it will partner with, although the talks have apparently already begun.

This news comes hot on the heels of Spotify's CEO telling The Telegraph that the service would make its debut in the U.S. "later this year."

Download SquadSpotify music service gets a US release date and a Blackberry app originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrymusicpalmspotifystreamingsubscriptionusMon, 29 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype lands on Verizon's BlackBerry and Android handsets this Thursday]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/24/skype-lands-on-verizons-blackberry-and-android-handsets-this-th/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/24/skype-lands-on-verizons-blackberry-and-android-handsets-this-th/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/24/skype-lands-on-verizons-blackberry-and-android-handsets-this-th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Skype and mobile devices go together like peanut butter and jelly. Why make VoIP calls on a computer when you can make them on a device that's designed for phone calls ... your phone? Until this week, the answer was "because my phone doesn't have a mobile version of Skype!" That's about to change for a lot of people, though, as Verizon customers get a mobile version of Skype for BlackBerry and Android. You'll be able to download it this Thursday at 3 a.m. eastern time.

This version of Skype includes, both, text chat and voice, and allows you to make calls (including SkypeOut calls) over a 3G network at Skype's famously low international rates. Verizon isn't letting you use Skype to do an end-run around your phone contract, though: in-country SkypeOut calls will just work like regular Verizon phone calls, and they will count against your minutes. That might explain why Verizon's Skype won't work over Wi-Fi, only 3G.

Despite its limitations, though, having Skype in your pocket is pretty awesome. I hope we'll see Wi-Fi calling soon, and eventually video calls (when handsets have the camera technology to support it).


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Download SquadSkype lands on Verizon's BlackBerry and Android handsets this Thursday originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gandroidblackberrycallsmobileskypeskypeoutverizonvoipWed, 24 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon introduces Kindle eBook app for BlackBerry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/18/amazon-introduces-kindle-ebook-app-for-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/18/amazon-introduces-kindle-ebook-app-for-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/18/amazon-introduces-kindle-ebook-app-for-blackberry/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kindle BlackBerryAmazon is taking another step at showing that Kindle is a platform rather than simply a piece of hardware for reading eBooks. The company has already released Kindle eBook software for the iPhone and Windows PCs. And today Amazon launched a beta version of a BlackBerry Kindle application.

In other words, you don't need an Amazon Kindle in order to find, purchase, download, or read eBooks from the Amazon Kindle store. You can use a PC or two popular smartphone platforms. There's no news regarding Android, Symbian, Palm WebOS or Windows Mobile versions of the Kindle app yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're on the way.

The BlackBerry Kindle app includes all the functions you would expect. In addition to using a BlackBerry to read books, you can also browse the Amazon Kindle store from your phone and make purchases. You can create bookmarks and view annotation created on other Kindle eBook readers.

BlackBerry users will also be able to access their library of books already purchased from the Kindle store.

Kindle for BlackBerry Beta is available as a free download from Amazon. Or you can grab it by visiting amazon.com/kindlebb on your BlackBerry device.

Of course, most BlackBerry smartphones have ridiculously tiny displays and I can't imagine anyone would want to read eBooks on them. But the Storm might actually have enough screen real estate to make reading an eBook somewhat pleasant.
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Download SquadAmazon introduces Kindle eBook app for BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleblackberryebook readerEbookReaderebookskindle for blackberryKindleForBlackberryThu, 18 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM give away BlackBerry server software to bolster small- and medium-sized businesses]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/17/rim-give-away-blackberry-server-software-to-bolster-small-and-m/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/17/rim-give-away-blackberry-server-software-to-bolster-small-and-m/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/17/rim-give-away-blackberry-server-software-to-bolster-small-and-m/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You're probably aware, from the flurry of mobile-centric news, that the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona has exposed some great new developments in the world of smartphones. This bit of news, from the creators of the BlackBerry, isn't exactly 'sexy', but it could be great news if you own, or work for, a small- or medium-sized business. Yesterday, RIM announced that they would be giving away a free version of their BlackBerry Express Server, the piece of software that interfaces with Windows Small Business servers and Microsoft Exchange. Its page is up on the RIM website, but it isn't yet available for download.

They'll also be bringing out a version of the server that you'll have to pay for, but the free version still has tons of functionality! You can edit Word, Excel and Powerpoint files from your BlackBerry while on the move, for example -- in fact you could use any service behind the corporate firewall, which is pretty neat. The pay-for version of the server software will include video conferencing (so the big-wig CEOs can keep an eye on the underlings), better social network support and PBX access (pretty funky).

I can't imagine many businesses provide iPhones for their employees, but this juicy tidbit from RIM should ensure that BlackBerry phones continue to be found in the pockets of most businessmen. Thinking about it, this might be more aimed at keeping its customers away from the new Windows Phone 7!

[via CNET]

Download SquadRIM give away BlackBerry server software to bolster small- and medium-sized businesses originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryfreemicrosoft exchangemicrosoft officeMicrosoftExchangeMicrosoftOfficerimserverwindows small businessWindowsSmallBusinessWed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry shows off its new WebKit-based browser]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/16/blackberry-shows-off-its-new-webkit-based-browser/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/16/blackberry-shows-off-its-new-webkit-based-browser/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/16/blackberry-shows-off-its-new-webkit-based-browser/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mobile browsers have come a long way in the past few years. The days of stripped down WAP pages that make the web look like it did in 1994 are all but gone. Now you can use an iPhone, Android handset, or Windows Mobile device to view full web pages much the same way you would use a desktop browser. Sure, some content (most noticeable Adobe Flash) is hit or miss. But for the most part, mobile browsers are fast and actually useful today.

Some of the most successful mobile browsers are based on the open source WebKit project. The default browsers for the iPhone and Google Android are WebKit-based. And so was Iris, a mobile browser from for Windows Mobile from Torch Mobile that was purchased by Research In Motion last year.

Now RIM is starting to show off the fruits of that acquisition: A WebKit-based browser for BlackBerry phones. The company demonstrated the new browser at Mobile World Congress in Spain today. There's no word on a launch date, or which phones will be compatible with the new browser. But one thing is clear: It looks pretty hot.

In the video above you can see the BlackBerry browser loading some full web pages pretty quickly. Zooming and scrolling also looks very smooth. Oh yeah, and the browser also gets a perfect score on the Acid3 web standards test -- something many desktop browsers still struggle with.

[via Engadget]

Download SquadBlackBerry shows off its new WebKit-based browser originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryiris browserIrisBrowsermobile browserMobileBrowsermwc 2010Mwc2010web browserWebBrowserwebkitTue, 16 Feb 2010 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Dropbox bringing file-syncing magic to Android and Blackberry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/05/dropbox-bringing-file-syncing-magic-to-android-and-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/05/dropbox-bringing-file-syncing-magic-to-android-and-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/02/05/dropbox-bringing-file-syncing-magic-to-android-and-blackberry/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dropbox, a file-storage service that's getting a lot of well-deserved hype for its desktop product and its iPhone app, is expanding to at least two new mobile platforms this year. Android and Blackberry users can look forward to syncing files from their phones to their Dropbox accounts in the near future. With 4 million users already onboard, expanding to new mobile devices could position Dropbox as the leader in the growing cloud-storage-and-syncing space.

An email sent to current Dropbox users announced the two new clients, but didn't give a specific release date for the new "mobile magic." We haven't been able to dig up any more specific info about when you might be able to hold Dropbox in your hot little hands, but Kevin C. Tofel at JKonTheRun speculates that an announcement might be forthcoming at the Mobile World Conference later this month. I'm going to guess that's too soon, considering that Dropbox isn't done hiring Android developers yet, but we'll have to wait and see.
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Download SquadDropbox bringing file-syncing magic to Android and Blackberry originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberrydropboxfile-storagemobileFri, 05 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unscientific text entry speed testing reveals surprising results]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/25/unscientific-text-entry-speed-testing-reveals-surprising-results/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/25/unscientific-text-entry-speed-testing-reveals-surprising-results/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/01/25/unscientific-text-entry-speed-testing-reveals-surprising-results/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Text Input speed testingI have a lot of friends that own both a Blackberry and an iPod Touch. When I ask them why they didn't just get an iPhone, I often hear that they "need a real keyboard". I have to admit that when I started with my iPhone, I wasn't sold on the idea of a soft-keyboard (one that exists only in software through the touchscreen), but it took only a short time to be convinced. I feel reasonably fast when typing on my phone now, which is something that I can't say about my years using a Windows-Mobile based PDA.

In fact, if I was to venture a guess, I'd say that I'm as fast typing on my phone as I am writing. It's a revelation to me to be able to take notes digitally at the same speed as I used to be able to write them.

Phil Gyford was even more curious than me about input speed, so he set himself up a test between handwriting, an Apple Newton MessagePad, a Palm Vx, a Palm Treo, an iPhone, and a laptop, using each's primary input method:

  • Pen and paper
  • The Apple Newton MessagePad 2100's handwriting recognition (1997)
  • The Palm Vx's Graffiti (1999)
  • The Palm Treo 650's hardware QWERTY keyboard (2004)
  • The Apple iPhone 3G's software QWERTY keyboard (2009)
  • A full-size QWERTY laptop keyboard

I'm particularly interested in the comparison between handwriting recognition and the iPhone's software keyboard. The results (scroll down!) might surprise you, as they did me. Do they match up with your experiences?

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Download SquadUnscientific text entry speed testing reveals surprising results originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple iphoneapple newtonAppleIphoneAppleNewtonblackberrygraffitihandwriting recognitionHandwritingRecognitioninput methodInputMethodiphoneipod touchIpodTouchkeyboardnewton messagepadNewtonMessagepadpalmpalm treopalm vxPalmTreoPalmVxpen and paperPenAndPaperphil gyfordPhilGyfordsoftware keyboardSoftwareKeyboardtouchscreenMon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle app coming soon for BlackBerry and Mac]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/amazon-kindle-app-coming-soon-for-blackberry-and-mac/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/amazon-kindle-app-coming-soon-for-blackberry-and-mac/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/21/amazon-kindle-app-coming-soon-for-blackberry-and-mac/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After coming to the iPhone and then to Windows desktops, Amazon's Kindle e-reader app is scheduled to conquer the BlackBerry next. Despite all the hype about the iPhone and new Android devices, BlackBerry is still one of the most popular smartphones out there, so this represents a significant new market for Amazon. There hasn't been a big announcement about the BlackBerry app, but the San Francisco Chronicle broke the story last week.

Kindle for BlackBerry is listed as "coming soon" on Amazon's Kindle product page, but we don't have an exact timeline yet. Will BlackBerry users want to read Kindle books on the small screens of their devices? Maybe not, but Kindle's well-known brand name and large library of books means Amazon probably has a better shot than anyone else at marketing a BlackBerry e-reader.

Kindle for Mac is also listed as coming soon, which isn't a huge surprise after the PC version was released in November. No one seems to have gotten a peek at the Mac app yet, so, like the BlackBerry version, the best we can say about the timeline is "coming soon." Early reviews of the PC version of Kindle praised the seamless WhisperSync download experience, but bemoaned the lack of display settings. Knowing how Mac users love eye candy, Amazon may have to step up its game for a successful OS X release.

[via AppScout]

Download SquadAmazon Kindle app coming soon for BlackBerry and Mac originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblackberrybooksereaderkindlemobileMon, 21 Dec 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[MapQuest introduces updates for Blackberry, Android, and iPhone]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/16/mapquest-introduces-updates-for-blackberry-android-and-iphone/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/16/mapquest-introduces-updates-for-blackberry-android-and-iphone/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/16/mapquest-introduces-updates-for-blackberry-android-and-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although we've seen MapQuest struggling to keep up with Google Maps, the popular map service continues to add features and improve existing ones. MapQuest has been especially active in the mobile arena lately, introducing new versions of Mapquest Mobile 4 for BlackBerry and iPhone, and updating its mobile site for iPhone and Android users.

The most important new feature on MapQuest's mobile site is the ability to let MapQuest use your location on iPhones and Android devices.

Both the new apps and the new mobile site have added walking directions.

Wait, what? MapQuest didn't have these before? Oh right, they're struggling to keep up.

MapQuest.com can also now locate business and provide better search results on iPhone and Android. In addition, the updated iPhone app offers a new, more readable way to view directions, with a larger map and a collapsable directions list.


Download SquadMapQuest introduces updates for Blackberry, Android, and iPhone originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberrydirectionsiphonemapquestmapsmobileWed, 16 Dec 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[RealNetworks brings COLLAPSE! to practically every platform]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/10/realnetworks-brings-collapse-to-practically-every-platform/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/10/realnetworks-brings-collapse-to-practically-every-platform/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/10/realnetworks-brings-collapse-to-practically-every-platform/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Collapse is a popular color-matching puzzle game that's been around for a couple of years, but now it's getting a fresh relaunch across mobile, desktop and web platforms, and a new name in all caps: COLLAPSE! RealNetworks is taking COLLAPSE! viral by making it available on PC, Mac, Facebook, BlackBerry, iPhone, and Android. COLLAPSE! is actually the first big game to come out of RealNetworks' new cross-platform game engine, Emerge, so we can look forward to more games like it in the future.

The Mac and PC versions feature 180 levels and the ability to customize an avatar, while the mobile versions have 65 levels. The different platforms interact with one another, though: you can win codes on the mobile version of the game that'll work in the desktop version. You can also play in tournaments with your friends on Facebook. If being on every platform means that COLLAPSE! turns into a success on every platform, this could become an important new model for casual games.


[via VentureBeat]

Download SquadRealNetworks brings COLLAPSE! to practically every platform originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberrycollapseemergefacebookgamesiphonemacintoshmobilepuzzlerealnetworkswebwindowsThu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Foursquare app coming soon to BlackBerry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/07/foursquare-app-coming-soon-to-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/07/foursquare-app-coming-soon-to-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/07/foursquare-app-coming-soon-to-blackberry/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Foursquare delivers a fun location-based social game to iPhone and Android users, and also has a less-than-stellar mobile website that works on some other platforms. While people with iPhones and Android devices have been talking up FourSquare as the social network of the future, BlackBerry users have been waiting their turn for a FourSquare app of their own. According to GigaOM, that app is coming soon.

Om Malik has been able to test the app, and he says that it delivers a familiar BlackBerry experience. The app is stable, although the beta version could use some work in the navigation department - Om says it's hard to get to the leaderboard, and some functions require loading up the mobile site in your browser. If you're a BlackBerry owner who wants to play FourSquare before everyone else, you can sign up for a beta invite.

[via GigaOm]

Download SquadFoursquare app coming soon to BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablackberryfoursquarelocation-basedsocial networkingSocialNetworkingMon, 07 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nimbuzz brings multi-network chat to the BlackBerry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/03/nimbuzz-brings-multi-network-chat-to-the-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/03/nimbuzz-brings-multi-network-chat-to-the-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/12/03/nimbuzz-brings-multi-network-chat-to-the-blackberry/#commentsFiled under: ,

There are plenty of competing chat apps for iPhone and Android, but BlackBerry users have, thus far, been left out in the cold in terms of multi-service chat clients. Nimbuzz is stepping in to plug that hole, though, with a BlackBerry-native app that allows you to chat over AIM, Gtalk, MSN, Skype, Facebook and more.

Being a native app means Nimbuzz can run in the background and take advantage of push notifications and alert sounds, which is a must for a decent chat client. Nimbuzz isn't offering Internet calling capabilities yet -- Skype support is limited to text chat -- but that's a possibility for the future. The app is free, and it should run on any BlackBerry with version 4.6 or newer of the OS.

[via TechCrunch]

Download SquadNimbuzz brings multi-network chat to the BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aimblackberrychatgtalkiminstant messagingInstantMessagingmobile minuteMobileMinutemsnnimbuzzThu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seesmic Mobile arrives for Android and Blackberry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/23/seesmic-mobile-arrives-for-android-and-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/23/seesmic-mobile-arrives-for-android-and-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/23/seesmic-mobile-arrives-for-android-and-blackberry/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Seesmic have released their 'Seesmic Mobile' Twitter client for Android and Blackberry on their respective application stores. Available for download free of charge, the clients are slick, feature packed and refreshingly free of advertisements.

The Android client (pictured above) has a great design that utilises a standard tab-based user interface with a red accent, providing virtually every feature (bar multiple account support) that a Twitterer could desire. Included are the ability to scroll without limits back through your timeline, photo and video upload (either from your device camera or from the gallery) via a variety of online services, the ability to add your location to your tweet, URL shortening, saving tweets-in-progress as drafts, switchable full name / username display and very granular notifications.

The Blackberry application also features a native-feeling UI and adds lists and saved search support, albeit at the expense of video and location features.

If you give Seesmic Mobile a try, let us know how you get on and - of course - don't forget to follow @downloadsquad!

Download SquadSeesmic Mobile arrives for Android and Blackberry originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberryfreewaremicrobloggingmobilerimseesmicseesmic mobileSeesmicMobilesocialtwitterMon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Minute: Open GL and Flash support coming soon to your Blackberry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/dont-forget-the-blackberry-open-gl-and-flash-support-coming-so/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/dont-forget-the-blackberry-open-gl-and-flash-support-coming-so/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/11/10/dont-forget-the-blackberry-open-gl-and-flash-support-coming-so/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not being pretty and white, nor slender, shiny and fashionable, the BlackBerry devices don't get as much attention as its SoCal sister the iPhone.

But that doesn't mean the clever folks over at RIM aren't busy developing and releasing exciting new technologies for their latest OS 5.0 devices! You just don't hear about them quite so often, which I hope to rectify with this little bit of news. As covered by our clever cousins over at Engadget, you can expect the following additions and changes to soon become available:
  • Open GL ES support -- this is the big one. This is the single change which will see the BlackBerry shift away from the black-straight-edged-suits and more towards the cool-chic-students. The developer kit is already out, so games makers should really get on to that right now...!
  • Extensive Adobe technology support -- not only will we be seeing great Flash support (as covered by Engadget Mobile previously), there will also be more integration with rest of the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • And much more -- the BlackBerry Payment Service, Theme Studio, and Advertising Service will all make an appearance at the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010.
These changes should cover all Storm and Curve owners, along with anyone that's lucky enough to own a Storm2!

So what does the iPhone do that the BlackBerry devices don't?

Does RIM really have to release a white-plastic-and-aluminum BlackBerry...?

Download SquadMobile Minute: Open GL and Flash support coming soon to your Blackberry originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryflashiphonemobileminuteopenglesosupdatesRIMTue, 10 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Orbit: mobile phone book plus social networking updates]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/09/orbit-mobile-phone-book-plus-social-networking-updates/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/09/orbit-mobile-phone-book-plus-social-networking-updates/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/10/09/orbit-mobile-phone-book-plus-social-networking-updates/#commentsFiled under: ,

Orbit is a mobile app that brings together your Facebook and your phone book. It's a phone book at heart, but it shows your friends' recent Twitter and Facebook status updates, and allows you to create groups called "orbits." You can turn the level of social noise from each orbit or individual up or down according to your needs. Of course, you can also initiate a call, text or email from within the app.

As long as Facebook won't allow phone numbers to be exported into your contact app of choice, something like Orbit seems to be the best solution for a light Facebook/phonebook combo. Being able to take a quick glace at a friend's latest Facebook or Twitter status before you call is a cool feature, but it's the customizable groups that really make Orbit appealing. Orbit's favorites list also changes dynamically, updating your favorite contacts depending on who you communicate with most often.

The only problem with Orbit is that it isn't out yet. It's coming to the iPhone and the BlackBerry before the end of the year, and if it turns out to be as useful as it looks on paper, it's going to have a permanent place on my iPhone's home screen.

Download SquadOrbit: mobile phone book plus social networking updates originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerrycontactsfacebookgroupsiphoneorbittwitterFri, 09 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST