Facebook for BlackBerry v1.8.0.49 available in App World!
Aug 18th
Facebook v1.8.0.49 is now available in App World. I’m not sure if it’s available for all devices as of yet, but I just downloaded it on my 9700. The UI seems slightly cleaner than the previous beta/leaked v1.8.0.31. I haven’t really played with it yet so I can’t comment on any other findings or fixes.
Update: When browsing App World on my PC, it still shows Facebook v1.7.0.22 so the new version is probably not available on all devices or in all areas yet.
Click here to open the Facebook link in Appworld and see if 1.8.0.49 is available for you!
If not you can download OTA here via BBHybrids, but do so at your own risk, as it may not be built for your device.
RIAA wants FM radios in every mobile device, but why? Because it’s huge business!
Aug 18th
Earlier this week, the RIAA and the record companies issued a request to the US Congress to mandate the inclusion of FM radios on all future mobile phones. The motivations are clear: having them on devices that everyone already uses will increase listenership, and therefore ad revenue. Not to mention the fact that all one really needs is a pair of headphones plugged into a 3.5mm jack, and you have yourself a built-in antenna.
Indeed, the latest Android phones that I have used, including the Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant and the HTC Desire, both have FM radio capabilities included in the kernel. All you need is a pair of headphones to act as an antenna (copper wire is a great antenna of FM signal) and you’re good to go.
But why do they want to move backwards when the rest of the industry seems to want to move forward with digital music sales? Doesn’t it scream desperation? Absolutely! And they don’t care! Advertising is still, by far, the more profitable way for media to be consumed. There is a reason that HBO/TMN is so expensive when added to an existing cable line-up, or that movie ticket prices haven’t greatly increased in the last ten years despite exponentially larger budgets.
FM radio, according to Ars Technica, isn’t decreasing in listenership, either. In fact, it has grown in the past few years. 239 million people listen to radio on a regular basis, and 93% of individuals aged 12 and higher listen to radio at least weekly. I know some people who have it on all day at their office desks. And for those who commute, it is much easier to turn on the dial than load up a CD that ends after 50 minutes.
Like the TV that is always there, blabbing away in the background, FM radio will never die, as long as their is pop music to keep listeners coming back. But do you listen to the radio on your phone? And would you, if it was there? Despite having it on my Galaxy S for the past couple weeks, I have never listened to the radio because I hate ads. Why would I subject myself to something I don’t want to hear for 10 minutes of every hour?
Would you? Let us know.
(via Ars Technica)
A Phone Only Michael Phelps Could Appreciate
Aug 18th
All right, picture this: You are going for your morning swim and your phone rings, what do you do? The person with the most common sense answers “Let it go to voicemail.” For the rest of us who can’t fathom the thought of missing a call, I introduce to you the first fully submersible, rugged phone from Motorola, codenamed “Jordan.”
Slated to launch on T-Mobile in November, the IP67 rated device can withstand being submerged in water up to 10 meters, though I doubt it can be under for long periods of time. It can more realistically survive a drop in the pool or being in a pocket when a friend “accidentally” pushes you in.
Imagine what calling home underwater would sound like? Or even cooler try combining this phone with some underwater music, and the morning front stroke doesn’t seem so boring anymore.
[via MobileCrunch, Source BGR]
Follow me on twitterRogers Launches The LG Neon2
Aug 18th
The LG Neon, though not the most successful phone to launch on Rogers (or Fido for that matter) was always the go-to phone for consumers looking for a discounted full QWERTY/Touchscreen device.
Just over a year since its launch comes the second generation of the device: The Neon2, refreshed with a few minor changes from its predecessor. A new 3-inch WQVGA touchscreen display with a resolution of 240×400 (was a 2.4-inch display with the first Neon), increased support for expandable memory to 8GB (instead of the previous 4), and a bit heavier at 122 grams from its former 109 gram self.
The device is priced at a very reasonable $19.99 on a 3 year term or $174.99 outright, and don’t be surprised if it drops to $0 during back-to-school promotions set to launch in the coming weeks.
To read more on the LG Neon2 check it out on Rogers.com
[via MobileSyrup]
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T-Mobile Launches G2 Teaser Site, Set to be Carrier’s First HSPA+ Phone
Aug 18th
T-Mobile just posted up the teaser site for their first HSPA+ phone, the G2. Previous leaks of T-Mobile’s roadmap lead us to think that it will be a HTC Android device launching sometime in September. While the people at Engaget seem to think the smokey silhouette above looks like the myTouch HD that has been leaked previously, I think it better resembles another leak, the HTC Blaze. Whatever it is, it’s coming soon and should bring a hot piece of hardware to T-Mobile. While you wait, check out the G2′s teaser site and feel free to sign up for updates if you’re into that sort of thing. Otherwise, we’ll keep you posted.
Apple.ca Begins Shipping iPhone 4
Aug 18th
Good news has finally arrived for those patient Canadian iPhone 4 purchasers who didn’t want to wait in line on launch day. Apple’s Canadian website Apple.ca appears to have finally begun shipping the unlocked iPhones to those who bought on, and around, the release date.
Initially Apple.ca had stated there would be at least a 3 week delay in shipment due to overwhelming interest, and lack of supply. The wait seems to be up as several customers have reported receiving their shipment notices in their email. If you ordered from Apple.ca, have you received shipment confirmation yet? Or are you still waiting?
[via iPhoneInCanada]
Do You Tumbl?
Aug 17th
In the year 2010, if you don’t have a blog and a Twitter account, you are rapidly falling behind the times. One of the more recent, popular, blogging websites has been “Tumblr” which is what some have dubbed “The ADD of blog sites.”
In all honesty this is a fair description. Users tend to post much shorter blogs with a variety of different media. I have recently made the switch from standard blogging to “Tumbling” and I have enjoyed it quite a bit. One of the bigger positives for me was the ease in which you can post from your iPhone. The official Tumblr app is available in the App Store free of charge, and has all the options you would typically find on the website.
The Dashboard is also viewable, which means all of the other Tumblr blogs you follow are available in mobile view without having to launch Safari. The posts all load quickly and easily, and have the option to send a message to your Twitter account as well.
Most blogging apps on the iPhone are very minimalistic in design and leave much to be desired. Perhaps it is the initial simplicity of Tumblr that allows the app to be so well-rounded, but either way it is a great way to blog while you’re on the go.
BlackBerry 9670 Clamshell Not Exclusive to Verizon, Headed to Sprint Soon?
Aug 17th
Remember the BlackBerry 9670 Clamshell? You know the one that we showed off forever ago and also the one that just had its simulator leaked online. Knowing that, it’s pretty obvious that the device’s launch has to be coming up soon, and until now we thought the destined carrier would be Verizon. BGR just let the word out that the 9670 is actually headed to Sprint and is therefore not going to be available exclusively for Verizon subscribers. They also report that live, Sprint-branded units are already out in the wild for carrier testing. I don’t think most people are crazy about the form factor of the 9670 so this phone will need all the help it can get to sell well, and another carrier to call home is a step in the right direction. Still, I’ve got to wonder who is going to buy this over Sprint’s other offerings such as the HTC EVO 4G and the upcoming Epic 4G.
[Via BGR]
Torch 9800 Poll - Follow Up
Aug 16th
Just to recap on last weeks poll, it looks like only a small percentage of our readers were able to get their hands on a Torch. That’s not surprising being that AT&T is the only carrier that has released the Torch as of yet. Unfortunately 46% of the voters are waiting in limbo for their carrier to release the Torch. Not to worry, the Torch will be coming to Telus, Bell, Rogers, Virgin Canada, Orange UK and Vodafone UK in the upcoming weeks. It seems to me that a lot of GSM BlackBerry subscribers were/are starving for a touch-screen BlackBerry device.
The remaining 41% of the voters are either happy with their current devices or are waiting for something else to release. I happen to be in that 41% as well. I just love the standard QWERTY form factor and plan on sticking with my 9700 until the 9780 releases, but I must admit, I am jealous of you people who are already running BlackBerry 6.
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