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Posts tagged BBM
This Week In BlackBerry 8/8-8/14
Aug 15th
[Link for Mobile Viewing]
Between the release of the Torch 9800, BBM v5.0.1.38, Desktop Manager 6.0 and the BlackBerry Podcast App, there’s been something for everyone this week in BlackBerry. Hit the jump to see what else you may have missed here at TheCellularGuru>>
News & rumors
RIM Officially Announces the Blackberry Curve 3G
Rogers Blackberry Curve 9300 price dropping August 17th to $49.99
India Planning To Ban Email and BBM By September
Telus launches the BlackBerry Curve 3G
Virgin Mobile to release the Blackberry Curve 3G
Apps & Software
BBM Updated To Version 5.0.1.38!
Official BlackBerry Podcasts app now available!
Blackberry Desktop Manager 6.0 available for download
PingChat! for BlackBerry updated to 0.5.0
Editorial
Mobile Lifestyle: How To Be Sneaky On BBM!
BBM Updated To Version 5.0.1.38!
Aug 10th
BlackBerry Messenger has been updated to v5.0.1.38! For those of you who weren’t able to take advantage of the Beta Zone BBM program, you definitely want to download this. The UI is much improved from v5.0.0.57 and you will notice it most in the chat screens; especially bubble chat. You can also comment directly with photos you send, and have the option for single line contact view. It’s been so long since I’ve had v5.0.0.57, that I can’t really remember all of the upgrades with 5.0.1.xx. Make sure you go into your BBM options and backup your contacts before downloading, just to be safe.
You can download BBM v5.0.1.38 OTA here.
Mobile Lifestyle: How To Be Sneaky On BBM!
Aug 8th
Lately, I feel like I have been bombarded with BBM commercials of really obscure groups of people using BBM. The only thing I could possibly relate to is when a woman around my age says, “I can see when they received the message!” <Insert evil laugh here> Thankfully, I am here dear readers, to inform you of deeper and more pertinent features of BBM.
Just when I thought I had exhausted the subject of blackberry messenger with my ever popular debate of “received” versus “delivered” messages and argument of BBM being a personal messaging tool, there is more.
Consider the following scenario: Adam has not replied to Sarah’s message for 3 days and she knows this because it’s “delivered” and not “received”. However, Sarah has a blackberry 8830 and Adam has a 9700. Why does this matter?
Let’s examine the 9700 a little closer:
Notice how the first line of the message can be viewed without answering it? You are able to read what the person is saying without actually answering the message, therefore the message remains delivered to the sender. Furthermore, you can click “back” on your Blackberry and the alert (whether it be the flashing red light or sound is disabled) allowing one to completely forget the about message except that the icon remains. Fortunately, older Blackberries allow you to disable the alert without answering the message yet do not allow the luxury of reading the first line in the way described above. Fortunately, there is a way around this for older users, let’s look at an 8830 Blackberry messenger screen:
If you get a message that you don’t want to answer, go to another active conversation, the incoming message will appear (at least the first line) at the bottom of your conversation, however this does not appear to work for the bold. For other blackberry versions, you can go to your “messaging” icon which collects all of your messages; the first line of the BBM message will show up there. Just be sure to checkmark or click yes in BBM options for “forward/show chats in message application”.
The new version of BBM is very sexy compared to the older versions as it includes options of showing a picture and little status message; it’s very ICQ-esque. Yet, as I argued in an earlier post – with these new features of picture and status changes – it becomes quite personal and borderline stalker city since there is no private settings for BBM – all your “friends” see you. The advantage is, although they can see you, they don’t have to know that you read their message. That, folks is how to be sneaky on BBM.
Why Is BBM So Addictive?
Jul 28th
Today we introduce another contributing editor to the site, GuruNic. Nic is an avid BlackBerry lover and cellphone guru-in-training. Please welcome him!
I’m often asked what it is about the BlackBerry platform that can keep people so attached when (and I say this with all the deepest affection I have) the hardware is far behind the new premium devices. For me, the factors of the BlackBerry that keep me so attached will always be tied to the keyboard and style. The one thing I hear most from those that leave [the platform] is the emptiness that is being without BlackBerry Messenger.
So what is BBM exactly? At its core, actually nothing more than an instant messaging service, but what makes this IM client so addictive? Is it that it is closed to only BlackBerry devices as well as being always on? Maybe. Why does it matter that it’s only found on Berries? If gives the users something special that only they have access to. By being always on, you never have to worry about signing in or waiting for others to sign in. Both parties can see live when the other is typing as well as seeing icons knowing that their message has been sent, delivered to the other device, and received by the other person. These little Ds and Rs can mean the world to those in the conversation. But I’ll touch on that more in a second.
The other thing that BBM offers that makes it more than just another IM client is the ability to share you status message and broadcast a message to all your contacts. This makes BBM more of a social networking platform akin to Twitter than just another instant messenger.
Since groups were added BBM has become even more useful. Create a group for you immediate work group and pack of friends and share pictures, calendar, chat, lists, etc. You stay connected in real time with all the things you care about.
When I first came to BlackBerry I didn’t have much use for BBM. I didn’t have any other contacts than my parents and a few work colleagues. Short time later my girlfriend started using it and now it is the primary communication tool for us when we are apart. It has completely changed my expectations on messaging on a phone. Something about seeing the little received ‘R’ pop up makes me feel more connected. Its gives your messages substance. It makes you feel somehow closer to the person you are communicating with. And although I have some contacts that still use SMS as a primary tool for sending messages, I don’t feel that same connection. I’ve since grown my contacts list and make use of BBM daily.
The frustrating part of using BBM is when you get the little R and no reply! This frustrates my girlfriend to no end when, while busy at work, I check her messages but don’t often reply for an hour or so. Perhaps this should be a setting to not let your contacts know that you’ve received their message. Or perhaps we as a society need to re-learn the art of patience. Either way, I have often felt that way when sending messages in BBM, but I can quickly tell myself that at least I know they got it while I would be clueless by sending a text message.
To me there is no doubt that BBM is just one of the great features that keep people holding their Berries amid all the other smartphones out there. Having a glimpse of the future by participating in the BlackBerry Beta program has given me even more to look forward to this simple, yet addictive app.
How to lose a GIRL in 10 BBMs
Jul 26th
It appeared that most of you related to my last article. So much so that I felt the need to write a Part Deux. Believe it or not, there are many ways to lose a guy through BBM. Yet, did you know that girls can equally be lost through similar means?
Most girls are emotional creatures who thrive on feelings! Isn’t it then ironic that most communication now occurs through the use of devices that through which it is impossible to successfully convey emotions?
Perhaps it would be helpful for there to be an app that would judge the type of emotion and level of intensity of that emotion via cellular communication. Unfortunately, we are left with decoding emotion with wild imaginations that create large dramatic storylines.
Thankfully, I am here to save you from hours of analysis with the following simple translations:
The One Worded Guy
You see clear and normal interaction in real life which involves conversation in full sentences. Yet, when it comes to BBM – the conversation skill level deteriorates to that of a 2 year old. Could it be that he has abnormally large thumbs? Perhaps he wants to avoid all miscommunications so he replies with a simple “yes”, “no” and the occasional smiley face (J).
Guess what, buddy, your every move is being analyzed and evaluated! My only advice to this poor soul is to remain consistent between your real life self and your electronic self – you are currently giving off standoffish signals! Next!
The Crazy Emoticon Guy
Are you in high school? Okay, then please carry on.
Yes, an emoticon is used to portray emotion (sort of), yet there is a point where too much use of smiley faces can make you appear immature and in some cases, desperate. “Everything in moderation” should be your new mantra. I know guys can be a bit on the non-emotional side in real life; in that sense pouring out your heart through the use of emoticons is not the way to go.
The Over Use of LOL guy
Is it really that funny? No, I don’t think so. As a constant BBMer, even I have fallen victim to the overuse of LOL – am I really laughing out loud? Only in rare instances does such an event take place. Am I that funny? Well, apparently, because everyone is laughing out loud with the occasional “rolling on the floor.”
To a guy that overuses this term, please invest in a thesaurus. Furthermore, if it’s not funny then don’t lead us on and think that you are actually laughing out loud; do us a favour and tell us what you really think – a smile emoticon would work in this instance (but not too many!).
The Rest
You may have encountered a mixture or parts of these types of people in your history of BBMing – the best way to deal with it is to let the person know that you just don’t roll like that. The bottom line is: keep emotional and earth shattering conversations off BBM!
There are of course other anomalies that I have not encountered, yet. What types of emotional misunderstandings have you come across on BBM?
Mobile Lifestyle: How to lose a guy in 10 BBMs
Jul 18th
A boy must have invented the “delivered” versus “received” system on BBM because he certainly did not take into account the potential torture and agony that would ensue. Don’t get me wrong, I love BBM, yet where do you draw the line on who to add and when it is appropriate to add them? To avoid emotional turmoil, and embarrassing conversations like the one below, I have developed some simple rules.
| BBM Conversation | Translation |
| 1:54 am R u still up? | Drunk text to new guy |
| 1:54 am thx baby – had a great time too J | Misdirected message intended to be sent to old guy |
| 2:18am oh! Sorry, wrong person…..lol! eek.. | Back peddling! |
| (messages all received) | The glaring “R” shows up on all messages to new guy |
| 2:19am hello??? | More Back peddling and slight anger at his non-responsiveness |
| 2:21am k listen, don’t worry about that message – its nothing. | …. |
| 2:22am am I | …. |
| 2:22am right? | …. |
| 2:23am k, well ur prolly sleeping | Resignation and acceptance |
| 2:23am are you?? | Disbelief |
| 2:24am I am sorry for waking u up… | Apologetic |
| (all messages received) | Anger and Rage |
| 12:34pm Yah I was. I was fast asleep and I heard my phone beep 10 times. | Good riddance – didn’t like him anyways |
- Do not engage in drunk-texting, sexting or any type of mobile communication after 1:51am. This will ultimately lead to messages sent to the wrong recipients. #fail
- Do not date those that choose to leave your message as “received” with no answer. These individuals are clearly not eager to read your message – how dare they.
- There is also a smaller group who choose to leave the messages “delivered” for up to 3 or more hours that could be on the non-date list as well. These individuals are either a) playing games b) industrial strength phone answering control. In either case, you are a phone junkie and need to know things right away and have no patience for either.
- If you do choose to place your new “special someone” on your instant message list – first think about the implications: 1. You can be reached 24/7 – do you want to be that available? 2. Unfortunately, deleting will be noticed.
- My number one rule going forward with BBM is to just keep it to close friends and family where no miscommunication can occur. If it does, than a simple phone call can alleviate such matters.
Email is sooo 2009, BBM is the new hotness, and in any case it’s more personal than email.
When you add a new contact it’s an open invitation to conversation 24/7. So be mindful and weary as to who you draw into your inner personal mobile space – it can get crowded.
RIM Finally Starting To Push BBM Through TV Commercials
Jul 14th
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RIM has been bragging about BBM for the longest time in press conferences and trade shows but hasn’t put any true effort into promoting it until recently. In the past few months there’s been the contest to tell RIM how you use BBM for a chance at $5,000, RIM’s NHL sponsorship with the focus on BBM, giant BBM barcodes at concerts and such to win access to VIP spots and or BlackBerry devices/accessories, etc. Now RIM is adding BBM centric television commercials into the mix. Hit the jump to see the rest of the vids>>
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If you’re a BBM user, it’s most likely your favorite form of mobile communication already and commercials aren’t needed to prove its greatness to you. As far as non-BlackBerry subscribers go, commercials can play an important role in making people switch to BlackBerry. I have also come across BlackBerry addicts (usually in the 40+ age range) that have never used BBM and don’t understand what it is. In my opinion, the BBM commercials could have been a bit more exciting and intriguing to captivate these audiences.
I personally use BBM daily to communicate with many people on different levels for personal use, business use, group messaging, etc. It would have been nice to see some real BBM use in action; maybe a little less talking and a little more showing. That’s just my opinion, but what do you think?
Obviously BBM isn’t the only reason to buy a BlackBerry, but with BBM usage up 500% this year, it’s clearly a major selling point. All in all, it’s nice to see RIM continuing to step up in the advertising arena.
[Source: CrackBerry]
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