Blackberry App World Updated to v3.0.0.71 in the Beta Zone

Today RIM released Blackberry App World 3.0.0.71 in the beta zone and it's really coming along nicely. The new UI is much more user friendly and and lighting quick, especially if you're using an OS 7 device. The latest update includes a few bug fixes and improvements to speed and screen transitions. The icons too, if I'm not mistaken, have been updated. It really is a sight to behold and hopefully we'll get an influx of apps soon as developers look to update for the OS 7 handsets.

Sign up to the Beta Zone now and get downloading.

Bold 9900 Charging Pod Review

Today I took delivery of my Bold 9900 charging pod and I was mighty surprised when I opened it. Unlike the charging pod's for the 9700/80 and Torch 9800, the new kit is much more sleeker and well built. What was more surprising is that RIM included a charger with the product: in the past you had to use the charger from your handset to use the pod.

The pod works like the previous pod's (apart from the Torch 9800 which used micro-USB) and connects directly to the metal charging nodes at the bottom of phone. It fits in perfectly and charges every time; you don't need to wiggle it around to make it connect, it just works.

One issue is that the pod is rather lightweight so could easily be knocked off a table by a clumsy person. But on the other hand the size of it makes it ideal for traveling. The pod isn't case compatible (I don't know any cases, do you?) though, which is disappointing. I don't think anyone wants to take put their case on in the morning and take it off at night when charging. This is something to consider before buying it.

PROS:

- small and transportable

- comes with a charger

CONS:

- not case friendly

Buy from Play.com for £15.99 (Free postage & packaging)

Adding search engines to OS 7

The OS 7 browser has a great new feature allowing you to add your own search engines from just about anywhere. It's very easy to set-up too, although I found it just that bit simpler to email myself the long URL's and then copy-and-paste them into the 'manage search engines' feature located in the browser options.

Off the top of my head I simply added the first five that came to me. All you need to do is replace the search term word in a particular website with '%s' (without the quotation marks) and it should work just fine.

Here is a few to get you started:

1) Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=%s&x=0&y=0

2) eBay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=%s&_sacat=See-All-Categories

3) Play.com: http://www.play.com/Search.html?searchtype=allproducts&searchsource=0&searchstring=%s

4) MobileFun: http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/search/?searchterm=%s&x=0&y=0

5) Crackberry: http://crackberry.com/googlesearch?zone_tag=homepage&cx=partner-pub-8460099860738313:nmiqw5p44m4&cof=FORID:9&sa=Search&hl=en_US&as_q=%s

48 hours with the Bold 9900

A look at my findings, praises and criticisms after 48 hours with the Bold 9900.

Browser:
The browser has often been a let down on previous Blackberry devices and a lot of people have probably gone elsewhere because of it. But it's 2011 and people no longer want a gimmick app as important as the browser on their phone. The new OS 7 browser is a gargantuan upgrade from OS 6. It's a very slick operation now, and the touchscreen makes browsing the web a pleasure rather than a chore. You actually feel confident about whipping your phone out to google something because you know it's going to work with more conviction. It isn't quite checkmate with the chequered-board problem yet, but it's a lot less noticeable and every phone has this problem in some capacity. A new and relevant feature is the ability to add you own search engines. Now you can do a quick search of Amazon or eBay right in your browser.

Hardware:
The 9900, like past Blackberries, is a well-built device and extremely pleasing on the eye. If Bugatti Veyron made phones then it would be this. It feels great in your hand(s) and typing on the new keyboard is a joy. Since the device is slightly wider–more reminiscent of the Bold 9000–typing with two hands is truly blissful. They keys feel easier to press down too I think and I don't think anyone will be disappointed. Only one convenience key is present on the 9900 but I wouldn't say it's a huge letdown, especially as the device is now a touchscreen and you can 3 rows of 18 convenience keys if you so please. The trackpad is by no means a forgotten hero: you will still use it in combination with the touchscreen, it just depends what mood you're in and what feels good at the time. The trackpad now lights up around the edges, but if you ask me it serves little purpose and other than using your phone in the dark. The top of the device has just one lock/sleep button, which is a little bit more difficult to press, although there's now less chance of the device unlocking and pocket dialling. The left side has the standard headphone jack and micro USB slot, while the right side has up-and-down volume key either side of the mute key. It's below that you will find the lone convenience key. The backdoor is glass with a nice carbon fiber effect patten and beyond that is some rubber that offers some good grip support. Overall a solid device and the metal bezel gives off a sparkling finish.

Battery:
Battery life is a very important necessity for Blackberry users because, as a business phone primarily, people need to be hammering out emails all day long an know that they aren't going to run out of juice at a pivotal moment. RIM (god know why) decided to slim-down the battery of the 9900 in order to create a sleeker, sexier device. For that, the battery had to pack less of a punch at just 1230mah compared to the Bold 9700/9780 which boasted 1500mah under the hood. That lesser battery in a much more powerful device was always going to have an affect. OS 5 & 6 devices could last a couple of days without a charge for some people, but the 9900 isn't quite as effective. My first day with the device saw me take it off charge at 10:30am and by 8:30pm I was down to 5% power—this was with moderate use. They say batteries can take time to settle so I hope this is the case, but we shall see. I hope to see an extended battery from Seidio in the near future.


Bugs:
Bugs I've encountered with OS 7.0.0.317.


Problem syncing my Gmail account. The synchronising page will complete address book, but for calendar it will remain at 55% and never move.

Sometimes duplicate albums show up: one album has the music, the other one empty and cannot be deleted.