The BlackBerry Onyx 9780 is going to be the latest handset to join the impressive lineup of RIM’s BlackBerry smart phones. As one would expect, the handset uses RIM’s proprietary OS –in fact, the Onyx is reported to be packed with the latest version, OS 6.
The phone is a very simple device, it comes with a 2.44 inch TFT touch screen, a 5 mega pixel camera, the latest version of the BB operating system and of course, the physical keyboard that BlackBerry handsets are always known for.
Overall, the device looks pretty much like what one would expect from BlackBerry –which is actually what is so good about the Onyx. While other mobile phone manufacturers tend to deviate their overall look and design, the BlackBerry series’ has distinctively classic appeal to users.
Staying in familiar ground is one thing, but stagnation is another, and RIM has been tweaking out the operating system to keep their mobile devices up to date. For many years, the BlackBerry smart phone has been considered to the best choice for businesses –with very few switching to Windows Mobile. BlackBerry’s OS and hardware capabilities bring together a complete business solution package to business users.
RIM’s stable and reliable handsets are also appealing to general users; however, the minimal focus on multimedia has always been an issue for some –particularly those who are not too keen on the whole physical keyboard thing.
Without a doubt, non-keyboard users are better off with full touch screen devices; but for those who need the best of both types, BlackBerry has come up with the OS 6 (which will be featured in the BlackBerry Onyx 9780). This brings more media related features as well as a new interface that should appeal to general users a lot more, the platform is also geared more towards user interface designs that rely on touch screen input.
Not to mislead, after all, the BlackBerry OS can handle various forms of music and video file formats for a long time. It is just that BB devices are never really seen as a substitute for media devices at all.
This is because Research in Motion has positioned their BlackBerry handsets in a very unique niche in the mobile phone industry –for serious users. And by serious, we are referring to business clients and more importantly, hardcore text and email users. Of course, modern BlackBerry handsets are also equipped with cameras, video recording capabilities, media playback, game apps and a whole load of other features, but these are all extras. BlackBerry users choose this brand to answer very specific mobile phone needs.
However, it seems that RIM is no longer happy with their niche, and it is finally time for the BlackBerry OS to expand. Looking at the upcoming features for the BlackBerry 6, it is easy to see the new direction that RIM is planning to take.
The BlackBerry OS 6 seems to be fully loaded with all new media playback features. This will enable users to access and enjoy media content better than previous versions of the OS. The most significant change will have to be with the user interface. The button and control layout for listening to music or playing video files on the OS has been changed to make controls easier and more focus is given on the content.
Album art and other details are now viewable during playback, and controls have been changed to incorporate more conventional touch controls such as the use of swiping and other gestures. User images are now more organized, and users will be able zoom in and out using pinch motions. RIM has also added in onboard editing and sharing tools as well.
The smart phone industry is changing. The focus is shifting from business users to the general market and each year, more and more people come to rely on the smart phone more than having a desktop computer or other similar devices. With the smart phone becoming a crucial part of our society, it is only natural that the BlackBerry gets to keep up with the times.
The initial demonstrations and leaks regarding the Blackberry OS 6 points out that the OS is running properly and is not bogged down by anything at all. In fact, one could even say that the new OS is a sign that RIM is leaning more towards the more common designs and styles for a mobile platform.
In many ways that is actually a great thing. The new UI looks plenty inspired by the Windows Phone 7 with the addition of more dynamic elements, the smooth transitions and the overall look. With functions however, this is still very much a BlackBerry smart phone.
The BlackBerry Messenger is now more hip looking with the new look and it has also been enhanced with additional media content attachments. Users can now send media such as videos, music and images to contacts through the messenger. Universal search is also now part of the OS. This makes finding specific contacts, content and even conversations easy. The feature will be present throughout the entire handset too.
RSS feeds for both news and social networks have been improved, making it easier to see the latest updates without having to jump across several pages. Updating a social network profile on different sites can also be done instantly.
Lastly, the new OS will be giving the users enhanced browsing. The layout now more stylish with the thumbnail pre-loaded views of the sites that is currently open.
Not to mislead of course, as the BlackBerry Protect is a great service for anyone –even those who have not yet lost a single mobile phone. But for some folks who are chronically inclined to accidentally leave their devices in the car, at the office, or even down at the local pub (hello, Apple iPhone prototype engineers!) having a special online service that allows a user to remotely access a mobile phone is pretty amazing.
BlackBerry Protect is basically a simple online service that allows existing BB users to sign in their device and have it accessible through the Protect network. This means that as long as you have access to the internet, your phone can easily be access to create alarm sounds (through a call or a text message), be locked or, if really needed, wiped clean.
It is security system that provides BlackBerry users with a backup plan in case they lose their handset. This is one service that businesses are really going to like as it allows users to instantly wipe the data from their devices. As RIM mostly targets enterprise clients and offer business solutions on their mobile phones, the average BlackBerry handset is bound to have valuable business related information –and some even have access to existing company infrastructure based networks as well.
Right now, the service relies on a web based remote access scheme. Users will have to make an account online and register their device. After doing so, a user will need to keep their login to the Protect service secure as it will allow the holder of the account to have full remote access to a device. The service includes simple functions like locking the device, to turning on the GPS and locating the device manually. The service is still in beta right now, but it is expected to be available to all users by the end of the year.
With the huge selling success of the BlackBerry 8100, many people assumed that a follow up phone would be invertible, but no one thought BlackBerry could ever match up to what they had already created. However, with the release of the Pearl 9100, BlackBerry really show their true colors, by releasing a phone which incorporates style, with performance and speed.
The sleek black body makes for the signature BlackBerry look, and as usual, the phone looks dominating and important. The phone features a track pad alongside with the normal keyboard, which helps you to control the phone easier. It also makes normally slow tasks faster, allowing you to have more control over the phone and what you use it for.
The phone also comes complete with 3G. This is incredibly useful if you need to stay in touch via the internet whilst on the go. It also allows you to easily connect to such sites as Facebook, myspace and twitter. You can also browse the general internet, on any site you choose, providing the web page doesn’t have to many un doctored images on.
The phone comes complete with a 2.0 megapixel camera, which is perfect for taking high quality pictures whilst on the go. Perhaps you need to photograph some notes or letters you need to remember, of perhaps you want to treasure a favorite moment with that special someone. Whatever photograph you take you can edit it in the BlackBerry photo editing program.
A video has been released on the internet of the BlackBerry Pearl 9100 in action. If you want to see a short demo, check out The BlackBerry Pearl 9100 tour for a great demo of some of the phones most common features and performances, and also check out some of the great BlackBerry deals online.
The specs of the Storm 2 are out and they are quite impressive; if you can deal with a transmissive touch screen. Putting aside all the previous impressions of the old Storm phone, the new Storm is a pretty nice touch screen phone that gives decent functionality. Still, the BlackBerry brand is well known for their devices with excellent messaging capabilities. Without a physical keyboard and a hard to use on screen keyboard, the Storm 2 does not focus on typing, instead, it plays a more a general purpose role.
Moving From 1 to 2
With the BlackBerry Storm series, Storm 2 reviews find it impossible to look at Storm 2 without remembering the fiasco that was the original Storm. Considering that this series marks BlackBerry’s foray into the touch screen technology, one might question the wisdom of choosing a transmissive touch screen over a capacitive screen. In terms of accuracy and ease of use, capacitive touch screens are far more accurate.
Aside from that, the Storm 2 was mode focusing on all the old mistakes of the old Storm. While improving over what was bad is a good thing, it appears that the Storm 2 serves as more of a re-doing of a bad model than a new device.
Aside from the 3.25 inch screen, the Storm 2 also features Wi-Fi –a feature that was sorely missing from the original. The onscreen keyboard supports landscape and portrait views. Also, it now has face recognition; the phone will shut down the display when pressed near your ear for calls –this prevents users from accidentally tapping the screen when making or receiving phone calls.
Storm 2 in Vodafone
There are Storm 2 contracts available from Vodafone UK. The device is still available for free at 35 Pound plans. It is also available on business plans and in Vodafone Ireland.
After the BlackBerry Bold 9700’s October launch, this device has been one mobile phone to turn to when it comes to messaging. The Bold 9700 is currently the king of mobile messaging thanks to its impressive design and ergonomic QWERTY keyboard. This is a case where phone practicality far surpasses the features and functions of other high end mobile devices.
Of course, the true value of the Bold 9700 only comes to users who do a lot of messaging (email, text, etc.). Mobile phone users who are into heavy multimedia specialization like high end camera need to look elsewhere.
Hardware, Features and More
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 uses the BlackBerry proprietary operating system, while it does not have the full range OS like Windows Mobile, the BlackBerry OS is well designed and is very intuitive. The new BlackBerry track pad also makes navigating the OS a very pleasant experience. The quick response of the screen to track pad commands creates a seamless feeling when using the phone.
The 2.44 inch screen can display up to 65 thousand colours and has a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels. Images are nice and crisp when viewed on the screen. Users can take images and videos with the built in 3.2 mega pixel camera. Media storage is tight with the 256MB internal storage, so expect to rely on the microSD card for more space. The phone can play music for up to 35 hours.
As a 3G device, the Bold 9700 can connect to HSDPA. Users can use GPRS and EDGE too, and the phone supports wireless LAN (WiFi).
Carrier Deals
BlackBerry Bold 9700 deals are now available with both Vodafone and T-Mobile. They offer this phone for around 35 Pounds a month. Orange Mobile UK now lists the phone as soon to be available but no confirmed launch date has been set yet.
Inquiries into BlackBerry’s Bold 9000 and BlackBerry Curve 8900 smart phones have revealed a new operating system will now available for them. This new version of the system software for the platform is OS 5.0.0.348. There are various indications all over that these latest Operating System add-on will give owners of Bold 9000 or Curve 8900 something relish at the moment.
One can’t really say what the exact improvements of the new platforms are but considering that the Blackberry Bold 9000 hasn’t seen too many Operating System leaks, then this new version may just come with a lot of benefits for users. Although they are still unofficial releases, it had however been anticipated that the handset manufacturers would deliver something before too long.
Users who would love to try out the new platform for Bold 9000 and Curve 8900 can check for more details at the manufacturer’s site. It is advisable for one to take all necessary precautionary steps before proceeding with an update to avoid glitches and bugs usually accompanied by leaked Operating Systems as if not performed correctly may render the phone useless.
Related news reveal that RIM is set to release BIS 3.0 sometime in the first quarter of next year which would include a Gmail plug-in, add/remove labels, synchronization of read/unread messages, Google calendars etc.
Everybody is waiting for what analysts and techie bloggers have to say about the newly-released Blackberry Storm. After all, when the original version was released last year, many regretted rushing the purchase and ended up complaining about slow operating speeds, the inconvenient absence of the QWERTY keyboard and seemingly heavy gadget.
Before the release of Storm 2 at the end of October 2009, much buzz has been heard about the problems of the older version already gone and fixed. For starters, the new version is thinner and much lighter, but the attractive interface is intact. The applications are also going to run smoother and faster with larger memory allocations.
As for the touch-screen QWERTY improvisation, it allows double-touch-at-one-time for speedier typing. Users would fine the “real keyboard” typing experience offered by the Storm 2, even hearing the clicks while they do.
The newer Blackberry also has a wi-fi and features video and music applications as well. The advanced camera features, the phone, emails and SMS services and video and music players integrated into the Storm 2 makes it a leading choice for busy people. Also, heavy and constant users of Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites will find the new version really high on connectivity.
Of course, we could not discount the similar capabilities and features of the Apple iPhone and the Satio from Sony-Ericsson, both having solid shares of the all-touch multimedia smartphones market. Each has an advantage at one aspect, like the 12.1 megapixel of the Sation. On the other hand, HTC’s offering called the Tattoo is also marking high on sales being the latest unit to use the Google touch-screen interface.
It can be said that more individuals with relaxed mobile phone usage opt for these latter, while Blackberry Storm remains the solid preference for business users.
To read more related information, click: Source: Times Online
The new messaging device by BlackBerry is more than just impressive, it is absolutely mouthwatering. The BlackBerry Bold 9700 combines a physical keyboard, ergonomic design and wide range of messaging features that makes this device one of the best QWERTY keyboard mobile phones ever.
Well, maybe I will hold it on the same level as the Palm Pixi; regardless, the initial confirmation from Research in Motion clearly shows that their new BlackBerry is definitely the device to look out for. Yes, it’s a 3G smart phone, so expect the usual quad-band support and other basic networking features. What I really want is the new integrated web applications for Facebook, Flickr and Twitter.
There are plenty of web applications out there but none are as impressive as the ones that the Bold 9700 will have. The most useful is its instant messaging function. The device supports practically all major messaging programs such as AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ and more.
Imagine being able to instantly access all your contacts there in a single mobile device. Then there is the support for email, social networking sites and media sharing websites. Believe me when I say that the Bold 9700’s physical keyboard will be seeing a lot of use thanks to these applications.
The hardware is something you would expect from a modern 3G smart phone and probably a little more. Previously, I thought that this device would be carrying the same 628 MHz processor as the original BlackBerry Curve, but as the report states, a new TI processor will be used and it will be much faster –could TI be trying to square off with Qualcomm? We can only hope to see another 1 GHz processor.
Seriously, I think the new core will clock at over 700. The Bold 9700 will also have 256MB of internal storage, wireless LAN support, HSDPA and a 3 mega pixel camera with LED flash.
The BlackBerry Onyx 9780 is going to be the latest handset to join the impressive lineup of RIM’s BlackBerry smart phones. As one would expect, the handset uses RIM’s proprietary OS –in fact, the Onyx is reported to be packed with the latest version, OS 6.
Blackberry | Liam | 
July 27, 2010 2:12 pm | 
Comments (0) 
With the huge selling success of the BlackBerry 8100, many people assumed that a follow up phone would be invertible, but no one thought BlackBerry could ever match up to what they had already created. However, with the release of the 
The 
After the 
Inquiries into BlackBerry’s Bold 9000 and 
Everybody is waiting for what analysts and techie bloggers have to say about the newly-released Blackberry Storm. After all, when the original version was released last year, many regretted rushing the purchase and ended up complaining about slow operating speeds, the inconvenient absence of the QWERTY keyboard and seemingly heavy gadget.
The new messaging device by BlackBerry is more than just impressive, it is absolutely mouthwatering. The BlackBerry Bold 9700 combines a physical keyboard, ergonomic design and wide range of messaging features that makes this device one of the best QWERTY keyboard mobile phones ever.