The Latest
Robert Rodriguez collaborates with up & coming filmmakers in a BlackBerry project
When BlackBerry wrote me last week and invited me to go to the BlackBerry House during SXSW in Austin, TX it wasn’t just the allure of seeing a bunch of BlackBerry fans in one place that got my mojo flowing. It was the chance to see Robert Rodriguez praising the new BlackBerry Z10, hearing a true film making legend speak about 2 of my very favorite things: BlackBerry & Film. Having worked in video stores for much of my early 20′s I learned a lot about movies, especially cult classics like El Mariachi, Desperado & From Dusk Till Dawn. So let’s just say I am ecstatic about RR’s love for his new Z10!
FULL SCOOP on Robert Rodriguez’s Two Scoops:
Acclaimed filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi, Desperado, Spy Kids, Sin City) kicked off his BlackBerry Keep Moving Project today. Rodriguez is known as ‘the one man film crew’ because he often assumes the role of producer, director, writer, editor, cameraman and composer on his films. He is teaming up with BlackBerry to create an unfinished three act short film entitled “Two Scoops.”
With his BlackBerry Z10 smartphone, Robert will use social media to invite aspiring filmmakers to collaborate with him and contribute different story elements in each act in order to complete the film. The film will use green screen technology and be finished in post-production by Robert and his team after the online contributions have been reviewed. He will pick one main contribution per act, as well as a number of smaller contributions that will be featured throughout.
“Two Scoops” (see trailer here) is an action packed story about twin girls who run an ice cream truck and just happen to be giant monster hunters in their spare time. Beginning today through April 3rd fans can upload a film of themselves acting a certain part in the movie or share a photo to be featured as one of the “missing townsfolk” in posters dotted throughout the film. More information about how fans can submit to the project and about the storyline of “Two Scoops” can be found on the BlackBerry Keep Moving Hub.
Of course like BlackBerry said to us we’ll keep you posted on this project as things unfold!
N.O.V.A. 3 FREE for BlackBerry 10 by Gameloft inc.
Here’s a great BlackBerry World Promotion worth mentioning. Thanks to CrackBerry & forum member Driftdreams for pointing it out. Should you not own this game already I must say you should! N.O.V.A. 3 is the much anticipated follow-up to N.O.V.A. 2, only on PlayBook. This update is currently only on the Z10 but even at it’s full price tag of $6.99 I couldn’t find anything to complain about since the last update.
The only obvious difference I can see from the FREE & Paid versions is a slight difference in the version numbers. And if you’ve already paid for it like I did then I’d keep the one you have for now. As for the gameplay let’s just say N.O.V.A. has never looked this good before. Now go snatch up your FREE copy while you still can!
Download your FREE copy of N.O.V.A. 3 from your Z10 here!
[Review] Tennis In The Face for BlackBerry 10 by 10tons Ltd.
Being a huge fan of 10tons Ltd I always find myself bragging about their latest releases. Being known for such classics as King Oddball, Azkend 2 & Boom Brigade 2 you’re already sure to get sense of quality when you see the name at the end. The game is called Tennis In The Face, comical, addicting & gorgeous graphics all combine to make a well rounded thrill ride.
FEATURES
- Easy to pick-up bouncer gameplay
- Hilarious ragdoll characters
- Slow motion level finales
- Over 100 levels plus bonus game modes
- A dozen challenging Scoreloop achievements
LINKS Trailer: bit.ly/tennisintheface
Learn about the game: tennisintheface.com
Learn about Explodz: explodz.com
BlackBerry’s New App Wednesday on Thursday!
We’re a day late on this one, but never a dollar short on any new product. Tyler let us know about the New App Wednesday last week and we’re ecstatic about these posts. Not only does it give readers a fresh idea of what’s new in all categories, but it gives us an idea of products we may have missed out on.
The first app that caught my attention was Rogers Smart Home by Rogers Communications Inc. The application was designed specifically for BlackBerry Z10 users. Rogers Smart Home Monitoring will let users *Arm & Disarm their system, *View live camera feeds, *Control connected lights & thermostats, *View system event history, Sensor details & so on.
In the same Lifestyle & Utilities category you’ll also find a very attractive update to the popular Navita Translator application by Navita Tecnologia. You won’t see the screenshots via BlackBerry 10′s BlackBerry World app, but a quick FREE download will have you translating in seconds.
Jumping straight into the games category (one of my favorites) will have you uncovering some gems like Halfbricks classic Jetpack Joyride! Oh I love this game, and if you have or haven’t already enjoyed hours of this title via BlackBerry PlayBook then you will no doubt be jamming all over again with the BlackBerry 10 version! Hope to see some other games of theirs make way to the platform soon.
Cross Fingers by Advanced Mobile Applications LTD just caught my eye as I am writing this. The title appears to be a realistic puzzler where you’ll combine solid pieces in a gigantic tangram. I can’t wait to get some down time with this game! Check out the rest of the titles from BlackBerry below.
New in BlackBerry® World™ this week:
Lifestyle & Utilities:
- · Zara (Zara.com)
- · Rogers Smart Home (Rogers Communications Inc.)
- · Twellness (Twellness SRL)
- · Navita Translator (Navita Tecnologia)
Gaming:
- · Jetpack Joyride (Halfbrick)
- · CrossFingers (Advanced Mobile Applications LTD)
- · Ka’arupan (Guaraling Criacao de Jogos e Entretenimento Digital)
- · Super Cricket (Nikhil Suresh)
Video & TV:
- · Pocoyo TV (Zinkia Entertainment S.A.)
Social:
- · Keek (Keek)
- · Spinged (FastFind IT Solution)
- · Feather Duster (Conduct)
Business & Finance:
- · Emirates Islamic Bank (Emirates Islamic Bank)
- · Charge Anywhere Mobile Payments (CHARGE Anywhere)
News & Magazines:
- · PressReader (NewspaperDirect, Inc.)
- · TheStar Mobile News (v1) (Star Publications Malaysia Bhd)
Latest App News: Wall Street Journal and Amazon Shopping Coming to BlackBerry World This Month!
For a look at all BlackBerry 10 apps, head to the BlackBerry World .
For the latest BlackBerry news, press releases and headlines, follow @BlackBerryNews on Twitter.
See you next Wednesday…
Source: Inside BlackBerry
BlackBerry partner purchases 1 Million BlackBerry 10 smartphones!
I’ve spent time with the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha A, currently a pro Alpha B, soon to be a Z10 from Verizon, with a BlackBerry 10 & SIM card coming for review as well. And I can say safely that I’m madly in love with the software already. BlackBerry has been fighting the good fight. We’ve seen some big changes over the past year. Now we can see that BlackBerry has achieved something no one can take away from them. That’s right baby. BlackBerry just made their largest single purchase order in history. 1 million BlackBerry 10 smartphones! We’re all so proud of you. What a great day tomorrow will be. Here’s to your future BlackBerry.
Check out the full scoop from Marketwire below
March 13, 2013 15:17 ET
BlackBerry Partner Purchases One Million BlackBerry 10 Smartphones
Largest ever single purchase order in BlackBerry’s history
WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – March 13, 2013) – BlackBerry® (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB) announced today that one of its established partners has placed an order for one million BlackBerry 10 smartphones, with shipments starting immediately. This order marks the largest ever single purchase order in BlackBerry’s history.
“An order for one million devices is a tremendous vote of confidence in BlackBerry 10,” said Rick Costanzo, EVP Global Sales, BlackBerry. “Consumers are ready for a new user experience, and BlackBerry 10 delivers. With strong partner support, coupled with this truly re-invented new platform, we have a powerful recipe for success.”
BlackBerry unveiled the new BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 smartphones on January 30th. BlackBerry Z10 is now available for purchase in a number of markets around the world and will be available in the United States starting this month.
BlackBerry will be reporting results for its fourth quarter and year-end of fiscal 2013 on March 28, 2013. A conference call and live webcast will be held beginning at 8 am ET, which can be accessed by dialing 1-800-814-4859 or through your BlackBerry® 10 smartphone, personal computer or BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet at http://ca.blackberry.com/company/investors/events.html.
[Review] Seven Point Ten by BBThemes
If you want a dope theme I’ve always been quick to point directly to my good friend Dave over at BBThemes. There’s something special about devs that will spend as much time as it takes to release a great product, without rushing it out. Add Seven Point Ten to the must have list. Plus it boosts those sick BlackBerry 10 icons. Users holding onto their OS6, OS7.1 devices impatiently awaiting a Z10 or Q10 deserve this theme.
Another NEW App Wednesday by BlackBerry!
It wasn’t easy at first, but keeping up with the apps and games on the Z10 was a challenge at first. Being with a carrier not yet available or not having the proper tools can be a bit of a headache. However it took some time and patience but now I’m able to fully support these apps, games and most importantly the developers behind them. Thanks to BlackBerry!
Now as for the apps and games I’m enjoying on this list, first I’ll mention Pacemaker for BlackBerry 10. This app is incredible. Just like the PlayBook version this application will blow your mind. Get the full scoop from my review at BerryReview here. Oh and Yes I started writing some reviews for my other favorite BlackBerry blog thanks to Ronen & Luis.
Games that caught my attention: N.O.V.A. 3, Where’s My Perry, Tetris & Flight Control Rocket being my favorite of the lot! Nice to see the EA games Tetris and Flight Control Rocket make their way to the BlackBerry Z10.
Thanks again to BlackBerry! See the full list below:
Sports & Entertainment:
- · NHL GameCenter 2013 (NHL Interactive)
- · Cineplex (Cineplex Entertainment)
Published Media
- · Press Reader (NewspaperDirect Inc)
Music & Audio:
- · Pacemaker® for Z10 (Pacemaker Music AB)
- · Gaana for BlackBerry 10 (Times Mobile Ltd.)
- · Hungama (Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.)
Gaming:
- · N.O.V.A. 3 (Gameloft)
- · Where’s My Perry? (Disney)
- · Eggies (Bitheads)
- · RaonDefenders (Marmalade)
- · Space Leap (Marmalade)
- · Alien Breed (Amiga)
- · Zixxby (Marmalade)
- · 20 Amiga Games (Amiga, Inc.)
- · Tetris® (Electronic Arts)
- · Flight Control Rocket for BlackBerry 10 (Electronic Arts)
Business & Productivity:
- · LexiComp for BlackBerry 10 (Lexi-Comp)
- · Unidic (asgatech)
Latest App News: Kindle Coming to BlackBerry World This Month!
For a look at all BlackBerry 10 apps, head to the BlackBerry World .
For the latest BlackBerry news, press releases and headlines, follow @BlackBerryNews on Twitter.
Stay tuned for next week…
Source: BlackBerry at InsideBlackBerry
“BlackBerry Z10 Keep Moving with Alicia Keys” Sweepstakes
We wanted to let you know that BlackBerry has teamed up with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile for the “BlackBerry Z10 Keep Moving with Alicia Keys” Sweepstakes, which has officially kicked off as of 9:00am this morning! Up until March 20th, fans can enter for a chance to win BlackBerry Z10 smartphones and an “Alicia Keys VIP Experience.” This is a very exciting contest! And it’s wonderful to see 3 major US carriers supporting it!
Keys is set to embark on her Set the World on Fire Tour this week, and four lucky grand prize winners per carrier will be flown to London to see her perform and meet her in person. They will also get hooked up with BlackBerry Z10 smartphones, which Keys has been using to engage with fans through her Keep Moving Project. The sweepstakes also includes a first place prize consisting of a brand new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone.
Here’s how it works:
· Visit www.verizonwireless.com/blackberryz10, www.att.com/Z10, or http://us.blackberry.com/campaigns/keep-moving-with-alicia-keys/t-mobile.html during the sweepstakes period and submit the official online entry form.
· Registration begins March 4, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time and ends March 20, 2013 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. There is a limit of one entry per person.
· A random draw will be conducted for each sweepstake on or around March 27, 2013.
· 12 grand prize winners, four per carrier, win a pair of tickets to Keys’ London concert on May 30 or 31, a meet and greet with Keys and two BlackBerry Z10 smartphones.
· 600 first place prize winners, 200 per carrier, will receive a BlackBerry Z10 smartphone.
We encourage you to spread the word and get your smartphone friends in the loop with BlackBerry 10! Teach them what it’s like to really love their smartphones.
Another Edition of Greg’s Blog:
I watched the Oscars for the first time in a long time last night. I was entertained. I was also bombarded with Samsung ads. (Apparently that was a USA thing. I read via Twitter from Chris Parsons, aka Bla1ze, that BlackBerry had ads in Canada and not Sammy.) What was really interesting to me was not the commercials themselves, but rather how Samsung used another large venue to continue a commercial started at the Super Bowl. In the Superbowl ads, Sammy showed a fake mobile game being setup, Unicorn Apocalypse, that had 4 weeks to launch. They must have done well, because they “launched” during the Oscars with a commercial AND captured the interest of Tim Burton who, in another commercial, met with them regarding a movie deal which turned out to be too weird for Mr. Burton.
Now, the Superbowl took place on Sunday, February 3rd. It was the first time that BlackBerry bought ad time. They had a colorful, interesting commercial. Today is Monday, February 25th. No carrier commercials, no BlackBerry ad during the Oscars, and I still can’t walk in to a store and purchase a Z10. In the meantime, Samsung will be unveiling the Galaxy S IV (4) on March 14th.
If the Galaxy S4 hits shelves in the USA before the BlackBerry Z10, that could be a major issue. Even if Samsung simply starts advertising the S4 before the Z10 can regrab attention, BlackBerry could have issues. (Attention spans are short. I haven’t done research, but try asking people on the street which Superbowl ads they remember. BlackBerry probably won’t make that list. Then ask them which Oscars ads they recall.)
I don’t have the answer of whom to blame. BlackBerry says it’s the carriers and carriers don’t say anything. The big problem is, the BlackBerry Z10 needed to be in stores no later than 2 weeks after the launch event in the USA. BlackBerry had a small window all to itself. Post-Christmas, pre- MWC and GS4. Now Samsung has the chance to take the spotlight away. BlackBerry needs the carriers to firm up dates and start advertising. Time is slipping away. The value of the Superbowl ad is diminishing at a rapid rate. (I haven’t seen it since the Superbowl. Anyone else in the USA?)
It’s time to get the Z10 out in the USA. As Elvis sang, “Tomorrow could be too late. It’s now or never.” The USA won’t wait, they don’t’ do that anymore. They move onto the next big thing.
Are you a BlackBerry Enthusiast (Dev, Blogger, Promoter) waiting for your Carrier, CDMA, VZW or BlackBerry?
We realize everyone has a unique situation. Many of you may have gone to the launch in Toronto, NY etc and received a BlackBerry Z10. However those who did only walked out with a device that would not work on Verizon, Sprint and a couple other carriers. Money will not solve this issue. But should you check any BlackBerry enthusiast blog you will see that most all of them are running things just fine. Even we have one writer; Kevin Ahoy who does have a Z10 with full service. Glad to have him too!
Unfortunately though this leaves many developers, bloggers, and enthusiasts just stuck without the most important tool to do our jobs or in my case hobby. Most all of the employees at Verizon and BlackBerry have been so helpful. But I’ve heard some mixed information. Alec Saunders for instance said that I would need “special permission to run a Verizon Z10 prior to official launch.” Where as Verizon told me I would just to get my paws on the CDMA, Verizon branded device with the correct MEID prefix. I’ve offered to pay anyone full price that can help me achieve this early on.
As of today I have purchased 82 apps/games with my Dev Alpha A. Some run well, some not so much. But the most important thing is these products are incredible! I may be throwing away all the money spent here on apps minus the developers that keep me sandboxed. I am forever grateful for you guys. Though I don’t care. I’m happy to support these products, throw a tweet here and there. Plus I will run a couple posts on what I feel is the best stuff for your money soon. But I would love to have all my purchases going though a Verizon or even a rental GSM device. At least something I can place my BlackBerry ID on and get things swinging. Currently I have the worst writer/editor block I’ve had in years.
This is another setback however. Posting this type of news prior to even the US having their devices (Q10 or Z10) would be somewhat of a waste. People want to see these posts when the device is available. Other blogs are just going on like it’s business as usual. Because in Canada, the U.K. and some other key countries business is as usual.
Living in the US and supporting BlackBerry is a challenge in itself. Even our carriers want us to buy their latest Android/iPhone’s to boost sales and get their incentives. Strong minded BlackBerry users like myself have to be on our game when we walk into these shops. I’ve actually gotten so tired of it that I do most of my purchases, defective returns etc via Verizon employees I know from being involved in BlackBerry blogging/promoting.
This is the longest time we’ve had to stew and deal with a situation like this. Even when many users can buy an overpriced unlocked Z10 off PayPal, Amazon etc, users on CDMA Carriers like Sprint/Verizon cannot. We are all feeling very left out. What can we do to make this easier? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I love my BlackBerry friends, the developers, the employees and especially the lifestyle. I was even promoting the new technology to employees at Regional EMS Authority (REMSA Care-Flight) out here as well at the large Trauma hospital Renown Regional Medical Center with my Dev Alpha A. Both large scale companies that I’ve worked at and made close friends in IT at for the past year.. In hopes that one or both companies would give the BlackBerry another chance for Enterprise. But each day that they read something negative or half hearted, it’s like more bricks get thrown. I’m a fighter. Berryfication is a fighter. We’ve been through a lot, dealt with our fair share of BS, felt small for not having the big flashy posts with the 10+ crew of editors but we’re still in love with BlackBerry at the end of the day. Please share some insight, positive or negative is welcome.
[Review] Pootermobile Wallpapers App for BlackBerry 10
Pootermobile and The World Of Pootermobile have been huge BlackBerry supporters since before I can remember. Originally it was themes. Some of the most technical & fun themes you’ve ever seen. Pooter coded things and made shortcuts that we never even knew possible. BlackBerry eventually stopped support for themes and now with BB10 & those of you lucky enough to own a Z10, TWP has made access to their incredible wallpapers almost instant with this new app!
Features
-Unique wallpapers
-Automatically updates with new wallpapers (no need to update app)
-Swipe down gesture to invite friends to download app through BBM
-Awesomeness at your fingertips
*Huge thank you to Kisai Labs for making this app possible. Coding wizard!
Check 10tons’ Valentine’s Sales here http://www.10tons.com/Sales.html
There’s offerings for iOS, Mac OS X and Blackberry (Playbook and Z10).
iOS: Dragon Portals, Dragon Portals HD and Joining Hands are down to 0,99 USD. Tennis in the Face is still 1,99 USD too, but that’s not technically a Valentine’s sale, but a part of our launch sale period. And Coming Soon for your shinny new BlackBerry Z10 & PlayBook. You’re really going to love this one too!
OS X: Joining Hands is down to 0,99 USD, Azkend 2 down to 1,99 USD (which is a steal, the game’s gorgeous)
Blackberry: Sparkle and Joining Hands are down to 0,99 USD, (or 0,89 EUR, as it is nowadays)
This sale will be a quick one, ends sometime during Friday. Thanks for the tip 10tons! We love your games!
