CrackBerry.com blogs

The BlackBerry brand took a beating this year according to 2012 BrandZ survey

Kevin Michaluk — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:39:03 GMT

For the past few years we've been blogging about the results of the annual Milward Brown BrandZ survey, which through magic and voodoo and (we're assuming some science since they apparently conducted 2 million interviews), places a value and rank on the world's top brands.

The BlackBerry brand has faired pretty well in previous years. In 2009 BlackBerry ranked #16 on the Top 100. And we're talking Top 100 of all companies and brands here, not just in the tech category. In 2010 the BlackBerry brand climbed up to #14 on the Top 100. 2011 saw a drop to the #25, which arguably was still pretty awesome.

We all know BlackBerry has taken it's fair share of beatings over the past year, especially in the USA, so I expected to see the BlackBerry brand drop down the list this year. What I wasn't so sure on would be how much. Maybe #50? Maybe #75? With the 2012 report now available for download, it's no longer something to think about.

According to the Brandz survey for 2012, BlackBerry is off the Top 100 list altogether, and on the Tech Category list dropped to position 20 (we're guessing they must be ranking close to 101 on the list). The report says the value of the brand dropped 75%, down to just over $6 Billion from $24.6 billion a year before. That's a big drop. Bigger than I expected.

End of the day, I'm not sure the results mean that much for BlackBerry. There's brand value and then there's brand awareness. With 77 million subscribers and BlackBerry a household name, even though the value may have taken a hit this year I think awareness of the BlackBerry brand is at an all time high. And awareness equals the ability to impact value very quickly. This is why we saw the brand drop in value a lot in 2012. BlackBerry fell behind and quickly got punished. And it's why I predict we'll see BlackBerry climb way up the list next year, after we see a successful launch of BlackBerry 10. Let's getter done!

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. The BlackBerry brand took a beating this year according to 2012 BrandZ survey

Win a free tablet or smartphone of your choice with SwiftKey and Mobile Nations!

Kevin Michaluk — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:13:54 GMT

SwiftKey and Mobile Nations are giving you the chance to win a phone or tablet of your choice. SwiftKey is one of the leading aftermarket keyboard for Android, and in return for letting the SwiftKey guys know how you use your phones and tablets, you could bag the device of your choice, up to a value of $800.

Head over to swiftkey.com/survey to begin, complete the survey. If you're one of the lucky three (yes, three) winners, you could get your hands on your dream phone or tablet, even if it doesn't run Android. In fact, even if you don't currently own a device that supports their kick-ass keyboard, SwiftKey still wants to hear from you, and you could still be a winner.

The survey is open internationally for smartphone and tablet owners aged 18 and over, and it runs until midnight on Wednesday, June 6. Be sure to check SwiftKey's site for the full terms and conditions.

Head over to SwiftKey's survey page to get started!

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Win a free tablet or smartphone of your choice with SwiftKey and Mobile Nations!

RestartMe 3 now available for BlackBerry smartphones

James Richardson — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:12 GMT

We all know we have to pull our batteries from our BlackBerry once in a while, some more than others. S4BB dropped me an email to let me know that Restart me 3 is now available in App World to download. Some people may not be bothered about pulling the battery but for those of you who find it a hassle or use your BlackBerry with a case, this application may be perfect for you:

The app allows for the following features:

Easy to use: restarts your device with just a single click.
No-Brainer: avoids complicated key combinations to restart your device.
Quick Reset: you can auto-restart your device or do it manually.
Free your Memory: kills all the unnecessary applications running in background freeing your RAM.
Daily Restart Schedule*: e.g. wake up with a freshly rebooted smartphone every morning at 7:00 a.m. - * this feature is only available in Restart Me Pro

The application is free or there is also a paid version which is set at $.99 and will allow a scheduled restart. Need more info or just looking for the download? Click the link below.

More info and to download Restart Me 3

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. RestartMe 3 now available for BlackBerry smartphones

Take your tablet in the car with the iGrip windshield mount for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Zach Gilbert — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:55:31 GMT

"The iGrip Windshield Mount is the perfect addition to the BlackBerry PlayBook's already ultra-portable design"

In Short:
"Easy to use and set up"

Should I Buy?
"If you're always on the move then having your PlayBook at you side could be crusical, and the iGrip mount helps you do just that"

BUY NOW

Navigating the world and keeping people entertained is hard enough in a moving vehicle, but add a tablet or a cell phone and it becomes a daunting task. As I drive down the road, I'm constantly using my phone or tablet for directions and music, all while thinking that there needs to be a better way to hold my BlackBerry PlayBook to make driving safer. When I had the chance to take a look at the iGRIP car mount for the PlayBook, I jumped at the opportunity. Continue reading to see if the iGRIP car mount for the BlackBerry PlayBook can hold its own.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Take your tablet in the car with the iGrip windshield mount for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Police in India to carry BlackBerry smartphones

DJ Reyes — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:54:25 GMT

We've written a few posts in the past about UK Police Forces taking up the BlackBerry solution in order to aid them in getting more Police Officers out on the streets policing instead of constantly being in the Police Stations filing paper work. One Police Force had even added the a fingerprint scanner attachment to their BlackBerry devices to be able to ID perps they've stopped on the streets a lot faster.

It seems that India is following suit in the city of Bangalore, where the police computer wing of Karnataka state police put up the proposal. It differs to the UK in that this BlackBerry solution is for the traffic police in order to help them produce on the spot fines for violating motorists.

There are currently 750 police officers in the traffic wing of Bangalore city police who have been issued with BlackBerry devices. They have also been provided with Bluetooth enabled printers so that documents can be printed on the spot. It is said that the implementation of this BlackBerry solution will also add another 250 police officers to aid in manning the traffic in the busy city.

News like this is just another testament to how reliable the BlackBerry solution is in providing people with the tools they need to carry out tasks without being tied to the desk.

Source: Times of India

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Police in India to carry BlackBerry smartphones

BlackBerry Curve 9320 launches in the Philippines

DJ Reyes — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:53:59 GMT

The latest BlackBerry smartphone in the Curve family has made its way into the Philippines. The BlackBerry Curve 9320 was launched last night in Taguig City at a joint event by RIM and Globe Telecom.

The BlackBerry Curve 9320 comes preinstalled with BlackBerry OS 7.1 which also brings an FM Radio for the device. It also has the dedicated BBM button which essentially brings back the left-convenience key, that RIM took away when the Torch 9800 came along. The Curve 9320 is a great upgrade to the Curve 85xx/9300 line that has been very popular with the teens and is also a great option for the budget conscious or even those looking to take the step towards the world of BlackBerry smartphones.

You can pre-order the BlackBerry Curve via the Globe Telecom website. The Curve 9320 is free on the BlackBerry Unli Surf 999 plan. This will get you unlimited surfing plus a P400 consumable every month for 2 years. In terms of calls and texts, with this plan you 200 texts and 10 mins to Globe Telecom numbers. It is pretty obvious this plan is aimed at those to consume more data than callls. Delivery is stated for mid-June and postage is free nationwide.

For more information and to pre-order the Curve 9320 from Globe Telecom
Check out our hands-on video with the Curve 9320

Source: Tech Pinas

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry Curve 9320 launches in the Philippines

My Porsche Design BlackBerry has found a good home!

Kevin Michaluk — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:09:59 GMT

I saw a few comments suggesting the Porsche Design BlackBerry that I gave away to a lucky reader might end up on Ebay, but that couldn't be further from reality. Thankfully, it found a great home with a deserving BlackBerry fan who appreciates it.

I shipped my P'9981 off to Toronto to CrackBerry member Houshinto, and he followed up with some photos of his P'9981, including a photo of it in its daily charging spot, next to its "protector". Gotta love it! I asked Houshinto for some background info on himself that I could share with CrackBerry Nation.

Turns out it's a really small world - Houshinto actually used to live in the same city I'm in (heck, his parents used to own a Chinese restaurant I've been to *many* times). CRAZY. Keep reading for a couple more photos and a bit more info on this lucky CrackBerry contest winner!

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. My Porsche Design BlackBerry has found a good home!

BlackBerry 10 Jam World Tour registration now open

DJ Reyes — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:09:25 GMT

If you're planning to attend one of the BlackBerry 10 Jam Road Shows, then you'll be pleased to know that registration has now opened for North America and Europe. Latin America dates have yet to be announced and registration will open soon for the Asia locations.

Remember there is a limited a supply of BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha devices and while non-developers are welcome to the event, only developers will be eligible to receive a Dev Alpha. Minors are also welcome, as long as they are accompanied by an adult and they register as a minor as per the terms and conditions.

The agenda for the event looks full-packed, seeing the afternoon go into the breakout sessions. These are separated into Native and Web sessions, so you'll have to decide whether you're going down the WebWorks route or Native route as you'll have to register for these sessions before the event.

If you're a developer it would be an event I'd recommend attending. It's free for one and there's a chance of you getting a BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha. I have already registered for the London event and I am very much looking forward to the day.

Which locations are you planning to attend? Let us know in the comments.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry 10 Jam World Tour registration now open

BlackBerry theme roundup - May 23, 2012

Alicia Erlich — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:32:01 GMT

Welcome to another edition of our theme roundup my fellow theme addicts. I hope you all had a great weekend! Now it's time to get back to work and I have some great themes to show you in the roundup this week. Be sure to click on the jump and check them out.

If you developed a theme you want to share or see featured in the contest or discovered a really great one out there by all means shoot it on over to us! Submit your tips and suggestions to themeroundup[at]crackberry.com for consideration. I hope you enjoy this week's picks so be sure to click on the jump to check them out.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry theme roundup - May 23, 2012

Deal of the Day: Save 45% on the OtterBox Impact Series Case for BlackBerry Bold 9930 and 9900 - Get it for $10.95

ShopCrackBerry.com — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:31:01 GMT

Today Only: Buy the OtterBox Impact Series Case for BlackBerry Bold 9930, Bold 9900 and save $9.00!

Wrap your BlackBerry Bold 9930 or Bold 9900 in this OtterBox protective silicone case and head around the world. More than just a simple silicone skin, the Impact Series case offers added protection from bump and shock by adding inner coring to dissipate impact away from the device. All buttons, functions, and ports are fully accessible through this case, and it looks great wrapped around your BlackBerry Bold 9930 or Bold 9900. It includes a self-adhering screen protector to help protect your screen from scratches and smudges.

Item not available in Canada store.

List Price: ~~$19.95~~ Today Only: $10.95

Learn More and Buy Now

May 23, 2012

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Deal of the Day: Save 45% on the OtterBox Impact Series Case for BlackBerry Bold 9930 and 9900 - Get it for $10.95

Could 4G be coming to the UK in time for BlackBerry 10?

James Richardson — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:08:47 GMT

I had a meeting yesterday morning with Everything Everywhere, the owners of T-Mobile and Orange in the UK. I wasn't initially going to post the details here on CrackBerry, but the more I think about it, the more the discussions I had may well be to RIM's advantage.

The meeting was about Everything Everywhere's plan to hopefully roll out 4G finally in Great Britain. (We are lagging way behind our American friends over the pond). I say hopefully as they are still waiting for the go-ahead from Ofcom and without the clearance we will stay on 3G. However, Everything Everywhere are confident that things will move positively and in the meantime they are preparing their current cell sites for 4G so a switch to the new technology will be swift once the green light is given.

So where does RIM come in you may ask? Well, we know that the first BlackBerry 10 device is scheduled for release in Q4 this year and of course for the U.S. market it will support LTE. Everything Everywhere have stated today that they 'hope' to have the HSPA+42 network in place late this year "subject to Ofcom spectrum liberalisation", so I presume the UK variants of the BB10 handsets will also have the same LTE capabilities. To cut a long story short, if Everything Everywhere are to support BlackBerry 10 devices from the offset they potentially could be some of the first 4G smartphones to launch in the UK giving RIM UK an extra selling tool.

With Everything Everywhere being the UK's biggest network, it maybe time for them to grow even more as they are the only carrier that are working towards rolling out 4G ASAP.

May be great timing for RIM? Or fate. Or their destiny!

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Could 4G be coming to the UK in time for BlackBerry 10?

BlackBerry 7 and 7.1 OS approved for government use in Australia and New Zealand

DJ Reyes — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:03:51 GMT

We recently saw the BlackBerry 7 OS get approved for use by the UK government, now the same OS, along with OS 7.1 has been approved for use by Australian and New Zealand governments. It certainly is reassuring to know that our beloved BlackBerry operating systems is secure enough to get government approval. While not many consumers are hugely concerned about security, I, for one, like this about BlackBerry so I always like hearing news like this.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry 7 and 7.1 OS approved for government use in Australia and New Zealand

RIM hosting BlackBerry Enterprise application showcase May 30th

Bla1ze — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:15:59 GMT

If needing to know about BlackBerry Enterprise applications is your thing, then you may want to check out RIM's upcoming BlackBerry Enterprise application showcase. The event, to be held online on May 30th will offer a look at some of the enterprise solutions available from some of RIM's key partners including Citrix, SAP, and Box.

The BlackBerry® Enterprise Application Showcase is a one-day virtual event that highlights key partner applications that are designed to fully enable a productive mobile office. This virtual conference offers all of the same benefits you'd experience attending a physical conference, all without ever leaving your desk.

Timely, Relevant Information - Gain key insights from the leading minds in enterprise mobility today.

Savvy Keynote Speakers - See innovative apps from top enterprise partners Citrix, SAP, and Box.

Instant Takeaway Collateral - Download all the relevant information to review and share

Real-time exhibitor interaction - Visit booths and ask questions in a content-rich virtual 3D environment

Things will kick off at 10:30am ET and run until 2:30pm ET. If you're interested in learning more, you can hit the link below for further details and to get yourself registered if you do so with to attend the event.

Learn more and register for the BlackBerry Enterprise application showcase

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. RIM hosting BlackBerry Enterprise application showcase May 30th

BlackBerry App World category changes now in effect, beta category discontinued

Bla1ze — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:06:35 GMT

If you happened to open up BlackBerry App World recently and noticed some changes you're not alone. In fact, RIM has sent out notification to BlackBerry developers letting them know that new category changes for applications are now in effect for BlackBerry App World and to adjust their apps accordingly if needed. The changes are as follows:

News: The News category has been expanded to include magazines. This category is now called News and Magazines and includes Blogs as a subcategory.
Beta: The Beta category is discontinued. The apps located the Beta category have been moved to relevant categories.
Reference and eBooks & Education: The Books and Reference category has been divided in to separate categories so that these are now individual categories respectively. The Reference category includes Education. This new category is Education & Reference.
Shopping: The Shopping category has been renamed Lifestyle.
Maps & Navigation: The Maps & Navigation category now includes Travel and has been renamed Navigation and Travel.
Music Creation (*NEW*): There is a new subcategory Music Creation available under the Music and Audio category.
Children’s Categories (*NEW*): There are two new children’s focused categories: New Children’s Games category within the Games Channel, New Children’s Books subcategory within the Books category

While most of the changes are minimal, the removal of the beta section is a rather interesting one. RIM has spent a lot of time revamping the BlackBerry Beta Zone for their applications so it begs the question how BlackBerry 10 will handle betas, if at all. Then again, the beta section in BlackBerry App World was never really used by RIM themselves.

Via: BlackBerry Cool

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry App World category changes now in effect, beta category discontinued

SmarTone HK releases OS 7.1.0.428 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Porsche Design P'9981

Michelle Haag — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:03:14 GMT

SmarTone HK has officially released OS 7.1.0.428 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the Porsche Design P'9981. While this is an official release, remember to use caution when updating your device. If you need help along the way, you can head into our help forums or check out some of our BlackBerry 101 articles including How to Install or Upgrade to a new OS. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion. Thanks to everyone that sent this in!

Download OS 7.1.0.428 for the Bold 9900
Discuss more in the forums

Download OS 7.1.0.428 for the P'9981
Discuss more in the forums

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. SmarTone HK releases OS 7.1.0.428 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Porsche Design P'9981

Announcing CrackBerry's Member of the Month for May - Sedalia066!

Michelle Haag — Tue, 22 May 2012 23:01:54 GMT

We have no shortage of great people here at CrackBerry. The forums are full of interesting people all sharing a common interest, BlackBerry! Each month we're going to single someone out to recognize their contribution to our community and post about them right here on the blogs. These members go above and beyond to be active, not only helping out others but contributing to conversation and helping to make our community not just something you visit when you have a problem, but somewhere you feel welcome and want to belong to.

This brings us to the Member of the Month for May. His name is Jerry Northington, better known on the forums as Sedalia066. The mods noticed that Jerry is always there to welcome our new members, warmly greeting them and offering assistance when they have questions. He's a friendly and interesting person to say the least, so make sure you say hi when you see him around the forums. Keep reading for our Q&A with Jerry.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Announcing CrackBerry's Member of the Month for May - Sedalia066!

Clean the streets of drug lords in 9mm HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Zach Gilbert — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:14:17 GMT

“City thugs and drug lords are no match in 9mm HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook”

Picture yourself as an inner city cop, but you’re no normal cop, you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty and bend the laws to get things done your way. Gameloft has launched yet another title on the BlackBerry PlayBook called 9mm HD. In 9mm HD, you play a cop named John "Loose" Kannon, and with a small arsenal of guns attempt to clean up the streets of the drug lords and other city crime. The game features HD quality graphics, superb character acting, and more. Continue reading for the full review of 9mm for the BlackBerry PlayBook.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Clean the streets of drug lords in 9mm HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook

BlackBerry App World carrier billing arrives on Virgin Mobile UK

Bla1ze — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:15:17 GMT

Although they're not the first to have it in the UK, Virgin Mobile have joined the likes of Telefonica and Vodafone having now integrated BlackBerry App World carrier billing.

We've launched carrier billing with Virgin Mobile UK today! BlackBerry App World now offers carrier billing with 42 partners!^AK

As noted, that means RIM now has 42 partners onboard for the service, allowing folks quick access to app purchases in BlackBerry App World with the charges going right on their carrier bill. Thanks, Richard!

Source: BlackBerryDev

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry App World carrier billing arrives on Virgin Mobile UK

Clarification yet again... you will NOT be able to upgrade your BlackBerry 4, 5, 6, 7 Smartphone to BlackBerry 10

Kevin Michaluk — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:29:28 GMT

Don't be sad... it'll be more fun to upgrade to a new BlackBerry 10 phone anyway!

In the past 24 hours I've literally received three emails and twice as many tweets from readers asking me if they'll be able to upgrade their BlackBerry 7 phone to BlackBerry 10 when it comes out later this year.

The answer is still no. Seriously. This isn't news. There should be no surprise here. It's been *crystal clear* since Research In Motion unveiled the BlackBerry PlayBook on September 27th, 2010 at BlackBerry DevCon that devices on the existing BlackBerry OS would not be upgradeable to the new QNX-based platform. It is a new platform. A fresh start. Period.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Clarification yet again... you will NOT be able to upgrade your BlackBerry 4, 5, 6, 7 Smartphone to BlackBerry 10

Why it wouldn't make sense for RIM to initially launch a BlackBerry 10 phone with a physical keyboard

Kevin Michaluk — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:26:59 GMT

We've had a hunch for a long time now that the first BlackBerry 10 phone to hit the market later this year will feature a full touchscreen design, lacking the physical keyboard that BlackBerry is traditionally known for. This was confirmed earlier this month at BlackBerry World, when we got our first preview of BlackBerry 10, running on a full touchscreen Dev Alpha device.

Some media outlets took the BlackBerry 10 touchscreen typing demonstration to mean that Research In Motion would be abandoning the physical keyboard on future phones. CEO Thorsten Heins quickly squashed that misinformation the next day, when he confirmed during a press session that there would definitely be phones in the BlackBerry 10 portfolio that offer a physical keyboard.

Phew. This confirmation led to a big *sigh* of relief from CrackBerry Nation, including your's truly. Despite this good news, however, I've observed a lot of comments and discussions in the forums among users arguing that it's a mistake for BlackBerry 10 to launch with a full touchscreen device. For many BlackBerry users, it's precisely the love for the physical keyboard that has kept them from defecting to the competition, and it's these users who have been waiting the longest for a major operating system revamp to BlackBerry phones.

As of now we're not sure how long it will be after the launch of the first BlackBerry 10 phone before a variant with a physical keyboard will be released. For the sake of the BlackBerry faithful who want it, I hope that the wait will be a short one. But I will reason that RIM is absolutely making the right decision to launch a full touchscreen BlackBerry 10 phone first. Keep reading for my reasons why.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Why it wouldn't make sense for RIM to initially launch a BlackBerry 10 phone with a physical keyboard

Deal of the Day: Save 50% on the Puregear Hard Shell Case & Holster Combo for BlackBerry Bold 9930 and 9900

ShopCrackBerry.com — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:24:18 GMT

Today Only: Buy the Puregear Hard Shell Case & Holster Combo for BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Bold 9900 and save $15.04!

Carry your BlackBerry Bold 9930 or Bold 9900 in style with the Puregear Hard Shell Case & Holster Combo. The durable Snap-On Cover protects your device while allowing full access to all functions. The Purgear hard shell case is impact resistant and form-fitted to keep you covered even in the toughest places.

Deal also available in Canada store

List Price: ~~$29.99~~ Today Only: $14.95

Learn More and Buy Now

May 22, 2011

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Deal of the Day: Save 50% on the Puregear Hard Shell Case & Holster Combo for BlackBerry Bold 9930 and 9900

will.i.am tweets from his Torch while carrying that other torch

Adam Zeis — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:12:59 GMT

Yesterday will.i.am made a quick run through the town of Taunton with the Olympic torch in hand. The London Olympics are only a few months away, and thousands of lucky people will be carrying torches throughout the UK. The Olympic torch wasn't the only torch in-hand however. will.i.am was also clutching his trusty BlackBerry Torch and managed to crank out a few Tweets along the way.

That was like, a surreal moment. You know I remember in 1984, the Olympics in Los Angeles, and me being a little Will, watching it on TV, wishing I could be at the Olympic Games, and I had that flashback when they handed me the torch to run through Taunton. So it's like a blessed moment, and a surreal moment, and an 'I-can't-believe-it moment' all at the same time," said will.i.am.

The Olympic torch will be making it's rounds for another few weeks until landing back in London for the start of the games on July 27th.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. will.i.am tweets from his Torch while carrying that *other* torch

Dear Berry: Where is the Sounds & Notifications option on my BlackBerry PlayBook?

Dear Berry — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:48:11 GMT

It's that time of week again CrackBerry Nation. There have been a few queries come in, so let's crack open the mailbag and clear up your BlackBerry woes. This week we have a question from confused and slightly frustrated PlayBook owner who asks:

How do I change the alert settings on my Blackberry playbook? It has the little beep everytime I get an email and I have no idea how to turn it off??

Thanks,

- Shereen

At first glance this seemed like a pretty simple solution -- go to Sounds & Notifications and slide the Audio notifications all the way to the left. But then Shereen replies with:

The actual settings tab " Sounds & Notifications" tab is not even visible on my playbook. I want to turn off the email sound alerts but have no way of doing so? How do I get this setting back on my playbook??

- Shereen

This of course was mystifying. Follow me after the break to find out the solution I recommend for Shereen.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Dear Berry: Where is the Sounds & Notifications option on my BlackBerry PlayBook?

Free online photo editing for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Adam Zeis — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:27:12 GMT

Often times you may find yourself wanting to edit some images on your BlackBerry PlayBook. While there is a small seleciton of apps available, as forums member edyb pointed out, there are also plenty of free online editors that work great on the PlayBook. In my experience the best is pixlr.com, but there are others that appeal to different users as well. Keep reading for the full list, then play around a bit with each to see which you like best (let us know in the comments). Be sure to hit up the forums and let us know which one is your favorite.

Discuss more in the forums

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Free online photo editing for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Remote control your car with the OnStar app for BlackBerry smartphones

Zach Gilbert — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:00:48 GMT

Last week Hyundai let us know that they are working on a BlackBerry application to work with their Bluelink in-car technologies, and now GM has officially stepped into the ring with OnStar. Today those with an OnStar enabled Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick or GMC that live in the USA will be able to access features like activating your horn & lights, starting your vehicle remotely, locking/unlocking your doors and more.

Features

NEW! Find a destination on your phone and send it directly to your OnStar Turn-by-Turn or In-Dash navigation system (OnStar Directions & Connections subscription required). Your directions will be downloaded and available upon vehicle start, and you are on your way.
Lock/unlock your doors from any distance
Start your vehicle remotely (based on vehicle capability)
Control your Chevrolet Volt charging and charge mode settings
Activate your Horn & Lights to help locate your vehicle
Contact an OnStar Advisor, Roadside Assistance or your Preferred Dealer

Unprecedented connectivity to:

View real-time fuel information, including fuel range, gallons of gas remaining and your lifetime MPG
View your Chevrolet Volt battery state of charge, electric range, electric miles and MPG
Check your current lifetime mileage
Check your remaining oil life
View your current tire pressure information
Access account information

Of course for some of these features you will need OnStar paid services and a data connection on your BlackBerry smartphone. The OnStar app is only available for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Bold 9930 at this time, but I would expect that to change in the coming months. Also, I hope that a BlackBerry 10 application using the Cascades framework is underway; I’m sure it would look amazing and function like a charm.

Download the OnStar app for BlackBerry smartphones

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Remote control your car with the OnStar app for BlackBerry smartphones