RIM is the latest company starting an official blog, but this one is bit a different. Insider BlackBerry is aimed at helping BlackBerry owners get the most from their devices. They've assembled a group of smartphone experts, each focused on a particular area related to using a BlackBerry.
The official BlackBerry blog will cover social apps, instant messaging, email and desktop software. They expect to add new experts along the way and promise dialogue with customers through their comments area.
RIM released Facebook 1.5 earlier this week offering a host a features and a must have app for any BlackBerry user who uses Facebook. According to CrackBerry, RIM will be releasing an update tonight that will addresses issues with the initial release.
A new website dubbed Shortcovers allows you to buy and read books on your BlackBerry. They offer thousands of books that you can purchase on your computer and then read on the go via your BlackBerry. The BlackBerry companion app is available as a free download from their site. Books are priced similarly to Amazon's Kindle books.
Google today announced a new Maps tool called Google Latitude that will allow BlackBerry users to automatically track friends. Latitude will debut on Android phones later this week as part of the T-Mobile G1 R33 update. No official word when Google Latitude be available for the BlackBerry. We'll keep you updated as soon as it's available.
With all the coverage of President Barack Obama's unwillingness to part with his BlackBerry, Microsoft's Randy Seigel seized the opportunity to comment on why it might not be our best interest for President Obama to use a BlackBerry. "You would be sending your data outside the country; we wouldn't want the casual musings or official communications of the most important person in the world being intercepted by others," said Seigel who works as an Enterprise Mobile Strategist on federal government projects.
Say one thing for Seigel, he's entertaining. While BlackBerry data does channel up north, to say that data snooping could occur is a bit of a stretch, even for a Microsoft employee.
Just a few weeks ago, SlingMedia promised the release of SlingPlayer Mobile beta on December 30th. According to their homepage, it's now available, yet download links are nowhere to be found. We expect this will be corrected shortly and the downloading will commence. You can download directly to your BlackBerry via their mobile site.
It's official, SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry will be available as a public beta starting on December 30th. Sling Media announced early in the year they were working on a version for the BlackBerry, but up until now access to the beta was limited. SlingPlayer Mobile allows you to watch and control your home TV and DVR via your Slingbox (sold seperately).
