Bell Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant Unlocked!
Aug 21st
Finally! After almost a month of turmoil, Canada’s “best” Android phone has finally been unlocked, and it isn’t through one of those expensive third-party providers. In fact, you can unlock the device yourself. All you need is root access, a tiny .exe file, and a little Command Prompt knowledge.
See, the unlock code is in fact embedded in the device; all that needed to happen was someone to decode the hex values. So, over the last 24 hours, Galaxy S owners the world over have paraded around in their large underwears, dancing the jig of the carrier-free man.
I can confirm that procedure works, and I am currently using a Rogers SIM on the Bell Galaxy S Vibrant.
Hit up XDA-Developers for more information, and thank the original poster for his hard work!
Sneak Peak: PowerMat for iPhone 4 [Video]
Aug 21st
The PowerMat is an interesting, innovative accessory. It works well and does exactly what it’s supposed to: wirelessy charge your mobile phone, iPod or gaming system in a visually appealing way.
Today, we had the chance to sit and talk with PowerMat’s director of sales Grace Luna and she was very open to talk about how PowerMat is doing, its future, and their upcoming devices.
Have a look at the video:
[Click here for mobile friendly viewing]
After the interview Grace was kind enough to give us a few PowerMat samples to contest off!
Up for grabs are an iPhone 3GS charging kit, and two BlackBerry Tour kits (compatible with Bold 9650 as well). All you need to do to win is Like us on Facebook (and leave a comment on the wall so we can contact you), Follow us on Twitter, and leave a comment on this post as to why you should win. Contest ends midnight Friday Aug 20, 2024 so get commenting!
UPDATE: Thank you to all who entered, commented and took part in this great contest. We narrowed it down to the following 3 names:
@lakersfan2416
@summerfish
@dvlmn
Please email contact(@)thecellularguru(.)com to claim your new PowerMat prize pack!
Follow me on twitterMobilicity is alive and well
Aug 20th
Recently there has been rumors circulating the blogosphere that Mobilicity wasn’t doing well, and in fact had plans to close their doors.
Shortly thereafter my Twitter timeline exploded, followers looked to me for answers, asking me what was going on and some even dropping tips to our hotline mentioning “Mobilicity is preparing to announce bankruptcy.” Instead of posting on hearsay I reached out to my contact at Mobilicity for some answers and here is what she had to say:
Hi Corey,
Appreciate your call.
We wouldn’t put stock into slanderous rumours likely started by the competition. We have a more aggressive growth trajectory than any other new entrant and must be having a greater impact on their businesses than we first anticipated.
As you can see the rumors are just rumors.
Mobilicity is doing well and growing faster than they had ever expected, they already have a retail reach of over 300+ stores and that number is growing rapidly.
Thanks to all for the tips, I hope this post has cleared up any doubt in your minds.
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Are you experiencing notification issues with Facebook v1.8 for BlackBerry? Here’s the fix..
Aug 20th
It has been brought to my attention is that Facebook for BlackBerry v1.8 isn’t exactly a turn-key install. Many of my friends have experienced notification issues and I’m sure plenty of you have as well, but not to worry, there is a quick fix.
1. Open the Facebook app on your BlackBerry
2. Hit Menu, select Options
3. Scroll down to where it says ‘Turn off all Facebook Email Notifications’ and click on it.
**Make sure you leave the ‘Facebook notifications’ box checked
Explanation: Facebook for BlackBerry v1.8 uses BIS-B technology to push notifications to your BlackBerry. Email notifications are no longer needed. Keeping email notifications turned on can cause notification issues. Hope this helps!
Video: BlackBerry6 running on the Bold 9700
Aug 20th
Since OS6 was announced there has been argument as to which existing in-market devices would actually support it.
The first commercials showcased it on a touchscreen device (Storm series), then rumors poured down that non-touchscreen devices such as the Pearl 9100, Bold 9650, and Bold 9700 would be supported, but no one had seen actual proof of it.
Well, it’s Friday and what kind of Friday would it be without a nice video to feast our eyes on? BGR brings us BlackBerry 6 running on his 9700 for the world to see. He doesn’t go into specifics on the build, but he shows us all the drool worthy features once could ask for, all running smoothly with little to no lag.
Have a look at the video:
[Click here for mobile friendly viewing]
As you can see it runs smoothly with minimal lag and looks promising to those who don’t want to give up their precious 9700′s.
[via BGR]
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HTC Legend Being Discontinued?
Aug 20th
Some of the best Android devices get the shortest life span, and it seems as though the very popular HTC Legend is seeing its final days as well.
According to the above inventory screenshot, due to supply constraints, the HTC Legend is being discontinued from Bell’s lineup of Android phones less than 3 months after being launched as a Bell/Virgin exclusive. The device hasn’t even received its update to Android 2.2!
A lot is left up in the air with this one causing some to question its validity, but factually speaking since the introduction of AMOLED screens to the mainstream, the components have become incredibly scarce, meaning Bell may be looking for a quick exit strategy to put focus solely on the recently released Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant.
Unfortunatley, the Legend, like its predecessor the Hero, fit a certain small-handed niche in North America. Because Bell (and Telus before them) were the only carriers in North America to release the device, they became an importer’s dream down south, where neither of the phones were offered officially by a carrier.
Either way, the HTC Legend had a great run in Canada, you can read our review on it here or say R.I.P. and let is go to Android heaven with the recently demised Nexus One.
[Via MobileSyrup]
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BlackBerry App World v2.0.0.36 Rolling Out Now - Full Details
Aug 19th
According to InsideBlackBerry, App World 2.0 has come out of private beta and will be rolling out tonight to 65 countries. One of the newer surprises is that developers now have the option to set a price of $0.99 and $1.99 for their apps! In the past, every paid app required a minimum cost of $2.99. If you currently don’t have App World on your device, or have not been prompted for the upgrade, you can click on over to www.blackberry.com/appworld from your device and see if it has rolled out to your area.
*Tip: If your App World download page shows the old version, holding down ‘alt’ while pressing R + S + T, then backing out, and re-entering the page may push the update to you. Worked for me
Hit the jump to see all of the new features of App World 2.0>>
Top 25 Themes and Top 25 Apps
Let’s get started! You’ve asked and we’ve listened – you enjoy your BlackBerry Smartphone themes, but you want to see them listed by themselves. You also asked to see what’s new and what’s been updated recently in BlackBerry App World, and we’re happy to deliver.
In our new “Top 25” screen, you can see the Newest apps, Recently Updated apps, Top 25 Free Apps, Top 25 Paid Apps, and Top 25 Themes. These lists update every 24 hours, and are based on a combination of number of downloads and user ratings.
BlackBerry App World Barcode Scanning
Another cool feature we’re adding is the ability for our developers to use a QR barcode to promote their apps. BlackBerry App World 2.0 will have a new menu option called “Scan a Barcode” – which works just like scanning a barcode for a new contact or group in BlackBerry® Messenger 5.0. Just point the camera of your BlackBerry Smartphone at a QR barcode and the details page for the app you’re scanning pop right up!
More Billing Options
In addition to the ability to purchase apps with a PayPal® account, we’re adding support for two new billing methods to BlackBerry App World. To access these new billing options, you will be able to simply log in and choose ‘Payment Options’ from the menu.
Credit Cards
We know that many of you will be happy to hear that you will soon be able to use a major credit card (cards vary by region) to purchase apps. If BlackBerry App World credit card payments are available in your country, you’ll see the new “Credit Card” option where you can securely enter and save your credit card information for all your App World purchases.
Carrier Billing
We’re also excited to tell you that we’re working on integrated billing with various carriers to enable carrier billing as a payment option in BlackBerry App World.
PayPal
If you prefer the simplicity of paying with PayPal, then just choose the PayPal option. You’ll be asked for your PayPal account email and password once, and then all your purchases can be made using your PayPal account.
Introducing BlackBerry® ID
We’re also proud to introduce the new BlackBerry® ID, a device-independent user identification. With your BlackBerry® ID, you can easily download and purchase apps, then manage them in My World. Also, if you ever need to switch to a new BlackBerry Smartphone, logging in with your BlackBerry ID will bring all your apps to your new BlackBerry smartphone so you can always have the apps you need, when you need them!
[Via: InsideBlackBerry]
Third Dropbox Beta Released For BlackBerry
Aug 19th
I got an email in my inbox this morning telling me that Dropbox for BlackBerry beta had been updated to version 3.
So far the update has proven quite good, and stability has improved. I am running the app on a BlackBerry Torch 9800, and it seems to be pretty robust.
Improvements, according to the company are as follows:
- Support for all devices running 4.5 and above (audio and video supported in OS 4.6 and above only)
- Back-button from main screen hides app
- Fixes around opening files in external viewers (xls, etc)
- Support for open-edit-upload scenario for external viewers (e.g., docs2go)
If you have a spot in the closed beta, head to their mobile website, login to your linked account, and get updating!
Wondering what the next version of Android will be called?
Aug 19th
It is a known fact for Android users that with each upgraded version, comes a new codename in form of a dessert.
History has seen the following names accompany each version as released:
C is for Cupcake (v1.5)
D is for Donut (v1.6)
E is for Éclair (v2.1)
F is for Froyo (v2.2)
G is for Gingerbread (v3.0)
Leaving the letter H questionable, with no apparent codename.
Low and behold, BGR has been tipped off that though it is still a ways away (3.0 hasn’t even been released yet) H will stand for “Honeycomb”. No other information is known on this new Android OS, but it makes me wonder what could be used for I? I put $20 on “Ice Cream”, any takers
[via Mobile Crunch, Source BGR]
*Hat-tip to MobileCrunch on the picture, couldn’t pass it up
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BlackBerry Bold R020 To Replace 9700
Aug 19th
The ink is barely dry on all the wasted Torch 9800 marketing, but, low and behold BlackBerry fan-boys have something else to drool over.
Leaks of the BlackBerry 9780 (or R020 as it’s coded on this internal document) have been consistent and now internal documents show that it does exist, with a release date literally just around the corner.
If you are un-familiar with this hot new device, it is literally what Bold die-hards have been anticipating. It has the size and form factor of the 9700, with all the necessary upgrades to make it OS6 compliant. It will run the new, and high sought after, web-kit browser, have double the RAM of its predecessor (512MB from 256MB), and have a stunning 5MP camera (as seen on the Torch 9800).
According to this document it should launch in October, so keep your eyes peeled!
[Via BGR]
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