20,000 JAMAICAN TEACHERS TO GET BLACKBERRY SMARTPHONES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RIM

Research In Motion has teamed up with the Ministry of Education to provide approximately 20,000 teachers in Jamaica with Blackberry smartphones for the new academic year. The Canadian High Commission is supporting the initiative, which is aimed at improving communication and increasing technology awareness.

Under the partnership with RIM, the company will be making two of its newest technologies available to teachers – the Blackberry Mobile Voice System, which will reduce costs by having one phone extension for multiple numbers; and the Blackberry Pushcast to enable distribution of content such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, or audio files.

Users will benefit from closed user group (CUG) service, whereby calls between the teaching population and the Ministry will be free of cost; instant messaging with other smart phone users; and panic button for automatic calls to the police, fire department, and other emergency services.

The project is slated to last for a maximum of three years initially with new devices being issued after the first two years, and an option to extend it following review of the program at that time. They are also looking into using the smartphones to input grades and student attendance data into the Ministry's database management system. Kudos to everyone involved, this will be a great partnership.

Source: Jamaica Information Service

Research In Motion Introduces New BlackBerry 7 Smartphones!!

Press Release

Research In Motion Introduces New BlackBerry 7 Smartphones
Largest Global Launch of BlackBerry Smartphones Ever With More Than 225 Partners Around the World

WATERLOO, ONTARIO-- (Aug. 3, 2011) - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced plans to launch 5 new BlackBerry® smartphones based on the BlackBerry® 7 Operating System (OS). RIM, in conjunction with carriers and distribution partners around the world, is rolling out two new BlackBerry® Bold™ models and three new BlackBerry® Torch™ models, all running the powerful new BlackBerry® 7 OS.

The launch of this family of handsets will be RIM's largest global launch ever and more than 225 carriers and distribution partners have already commenced or completed over 500 certification programs for these 5 new handsets.

Featuring RIM's next generation of hardware and software platforms, these five new BlackBerry 7 based smartphones offer users a variety of designs to choose from and deliver the ultimate in communications, multimedia and productivity.

The new BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900 and 9930 are RIM's thinnest smartphones ever, each offering a large keyboard and brilliant touch display. The new BlackBerry® Torch™ 9810 smartphone builds on the popularity of the BlackBerry® Torch™ 9800 and combines a large touch display with a convenient slide-out keyboard. The BlackBerry® Torch™ 9850 and 9860 introduce an all-new, all-touch design featuring the largest display on a BlackBerry® smartphone to date.

"This is the largest global launch of BlackBerry smartphones in our history," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO of Research In Motion. "The BlackBerry solution offers a best-in-class mobile communications experience that customers love and we think they will be thrilled by the faster performance, enhanced browsing and richer multimedia delivered by these powerful new BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Torch smartphones."

Next-Generation BlackBerry 7 OS

BlackBerry 7 introduces a next generation BlackBerry browser with a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience that is among the best in the industry. Combining the dramatically improved performance of the advanced WebKit browser engine together with the powerful hardware enhancements found in the BlackBerry 7 based smartphones delivers browsing results that are up to 40% faster than BlackBerry® 6 based smartphones and up to 100% faster than BlackBerry® 5 based smartphones*. Additional enhancements to this next generation BlackBerry browser have also optimized zooming and panning for smoother web navigation and optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences.

RIM's new BlackBerry 7 based smartphones also feature Liquid Graphics™ technology, with each smartphone combining a dedicated high-performance graphics processor with a blazingly fast CPU and stunning high resolution display to deliver a highly responsive touch interface with incredibly fast and smooth graphics.

In addition, BlackBerry 7 based smartphones continue the tradition of delivering the world's best mobile communications experience with a highly refined and integrated suite of phone, email, messaging and social apps to keep users connected and productive throughout the day. Recent enhancements include the newest release of BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger) which now extends the real time BBM experience to a range of other apps (see separate announcement on July 28, 2011). The updated Social Feeds (2.0) app has been extended to capture updates from media, podcasts, and favorites all in one consolidated view. The new Facebook® for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook chat and BBM integration that makes it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real time.

BlackBerry 7 OS also includes a number of other pre-loaded applications and integrated functionality for increased productivity and collaboration right out of the box. The Premium version of Documents To Go is now included free of charge, offering users powerful document editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer. BlackBerry® Protect is also pre-loaded**, offering customers the peace of mind that personal data can be backed up and secured in the cloud. BlackBerry® Balance (announced May 2, 2011) is now integrated in BlackBerry 7, allowing users to enjoy the full BlackBerry smartphone experience for both work and personal purposes without compromising the IT department's need for advanced security and IT controls. And further, the popular universal search capability has been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can now simply speak to begin searching their device and the web for information.

A New Performance Driven Platform

RIM's line up of next generation BlackBerry smartphones are built on a new performance driven platform powered by the latest BlackBerry software and hardware. In addition to supporting the new BlackBerry 7 OS, each smartphone also features a range of powerful hardware enhancements including a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video recording, 24-bit high resolution graphics, and advanced sensors enabling new augmented reality applications such as Wikitude that can be seamlessly integrated with BBM 6 – all designed to deliver the ultimate in communications, multimedia and productivity for users around the world.

BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 Smartphones with Touch Display and Keyboard

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 series is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone yet (at only 10.5mm) and the first to offer the perfect union of a high performance keyboard and touch display integrated within the iconic BlackBerry Bold design. The new BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 are also the first BlackBerry smartphones to include built-in support for NFC (Near Field Communications), a new technology that is enabling many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone. Distinguished by its beautiful design, amazingly effective keyboard and brilliant touch display, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 series is crafted with premium materials including a brushed stainless steel frame that puts the finishing touch on a truly outstanding smartphone.

BlackBerry Torch 9810 Smartphone with Touch Display and Slide-Out Keyboard

Building on the popular design of the BlackBerry Torch 9800, the new BlackBerry Torch 9810 is faster and more fluid with high performance hardware features and the new BlackBerry 7 OS delivering an enhanced multimedia experience. Featuring a large 3.2", high resolution touch display and a distinctive BlackBerry keyboard that easily slides out to allow faster typing, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 truly delivers the best of both worlds.

All-Touch BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 Smartphones

The BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones offer the fast, fluid BlackBerry 7 experience in a stylish new all-touch design. With a spectacular new 3.7" display, the largest ever on a BlackBerry smartphone, the new all-touch BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones are optimized for displaying web pages, photos, videos, and powerful gaming experiences and still deliver the real-time communication and collaboration experience loved by millions of BlackBerry smartphone users around the world.

Availability

The next generation of BlackBerry smartphones will begin to be available from carriers around the world starting later this month. Availability dates for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM's partners.

Additional Information

For additional information please visit www.blackberry.com

BlackBerry PlayBook is Here!!!

It's been seven months of anticipation and finally launch day is here. The BlackBerry PlayBook launches today! This is of course the first installation of a BlackBerry tablet device and yes their first venture outside of a smartphone. So how will the PlayBook match up against the plethora of competitors out there, especially the current King of tablets the Ipad (based on sales figures)? Well only one true way to find out. Get out and grab one.

The PlayBook starts at $499 for the 16GB version and goes up to $699 for the 64GB version. We've been tracking reports and have heard the 64GB versions are harder to find than Steve Jobs in a BlackBerry store. Maybe they were scooped up on pre-order. Whatever the cause I know I can't wait to get my hands on one of these things...so time to stop writing and get to buying.

Sound off in the comments if you've gotten, or are planning to get a PlayBook or just tell us what you think about the BlackBerry move into the tablet market.

Video Leak!: Hands on BlackBerry 9860 codename: Monaco/ Monza

Leaked pictures, software and data sheets have been popping up all week. Here we have a video hands on of the rumored BlackBerry 9860 showing up, with some speed and a great looking GUI. With this video leak we also get a peak into how BlackBerry OS 6.1 will look and it looks good! Another point of note is the size of this device. When compared in thickness it looks super small beside the Torch 9800, and by the looks of it would rack up pretty close to the thickness of the 8900. This one looks like its gonna be a hot device, were hoping to see it launched along with a few other devices at BlackBerry World in May. Check out the video and let me know your thoughts.

Source: BBNews

BlackBerry PlayBook Demo!! (the stuff you want to see)

Training events are launching all over the US for the BlackBerry PlayBook. We got our hands on a video from an event in LA and whats cool about this demo, is that it shows pretty much what we want to see. So far most of the video demo's showed specific applications and functionality,and for the most part the multitasking capabilities/ power of the device. This video shows us some of the basics and more of everything we can expect from the PlayBook. Docs2Go, Media Player, Browsing, and personalisation options are all explored.
Point to note is that this is still a demo device, and does show some choppiness in areas, we of course expect all that to be resolved at launch. Below are a few highlights of the PlayBook as posted by the presenter in the video via CrackBerry

• No sign of video chat yet, but reps did mention it will definitely be included in the BBM on the PlayBook though there was no mention of it being there at launch.
• PIN's are going to be phased out within the next year or so and replaced with BBID - this is to push cross platform apps, messaging, and ease of use
• Presentation mode was demoed. It works by splitting the media output stream into two outputs that are independent of each other; meaning you can watch a video or load a presentation on your HDMI OUT and still browse/play/chat/message on the PB screen. Orientation, volume, brightness, etc are all independent features controlled by a Presentation Mode switch function that allows you to swap screen, toggle screens, and control the options on each screen. 
• Battery Life still unconfirmed but it was reiterated that we have a 5300mAh
• The OS constantly updates battery performance
• OS Updates are going to use a push-type system to be installed almost instantly on your device
• Doc2Go will be Premium for Free!
• The screen is very durable and hard to scratch
• Orientation Lock Feature was present on this build
• .MKV Videos will be supported via native OS soon after launch, but not initially at launch
• Flash games on the web were not supported with keyboard controls. This wasn't programmed into the OS but may be in the future.
• Power button will be fully programmable with options on what it does, kinda like your computer i.e. Sleep, Hibernate, Shut Down, Lock
• BlackBerry Bridge has not been finalized but I have verified that carrier data will not be transferred during bridging. No Texts or call logs folks. This was due to controlling security on the devices, since RIM is transferring over only their data from their end of the game, it's easier to control.
• The UI for the Bridge stuff was very polished, all updated, refined graphics and functions with even more options for stuff like adding events and such.

BB Tips and Tricks: Sharing Videos from your BlackBerry

Source: Inside BlackBerry

Have you ever captured something awesome on the video camera of your BlackBerry® smartphone and wanted to share it with others? If you haven’t had the opportunity to capture a video on your BlackBerry smartphone, let’s go through the steps now, so that you can try out the sharing options.

Device leak!! More Pics of the BlackBerry Monaco/ Monza

 

More pics and a bit more information about the anticipated BlackBerry Monaco/ Monza from RIM. If you've been keeping up you already know this will be BlackBerry's first dedicated touchscreen device to come with a trackpad option. Good news here is 1. of course the trackpad and the touchscreen which based on the new code names we don't expect to have the SurePress technology of the Storm series. I hope this means BlackBerry has shelved the SurePress which has plagued Storm users forever.

Looking forward though we can also expect this device to ship with the new BlackBerry OS6. 1 which by the looks of it has some cool icons and based on rumors should be alot faster and may offer a peak into the work BlackBerry and QNX have been doing to bring "PlayBook type" technology to smartphones. 

BlackBerry Messenger 5.0.2.12 Now available in App World

Good News BBMer's there's a new version of BBM out for download today! Not much change in the user interface or general options or usage. We suspect this update is more about bug fixes. It did give us a bit of trouble to download but we got it eventually through a App World Web Sync. I figure the provider updates and App World updates will go worldwide soon as there have been reports of an easier download process in some parts of the US and Canada. So if you're not familiar with the web sync process you may wait a couple days for any of the other download methods.

Sound off in the comments box on any changes you notice..

BlackBerry Protect now available in open BETA

Finally!! I know I've been waiting on this one for months, and the release of BlackBerry Protect is now available in open BETA through BlackBerry App World. Whats so exciting about BlackBerry Protect you may ask? Well how about never losing your BB info, or being able to lock/ wipe or  locate your BB should you lose it. These are some of the great features that BlackBerry Protect will offer and did I mention...it is absolutely FREE!!. So hop on to BlackBerry App Word and download this one now, well so long as you are in North America or Latin America (BETA release limited to those areas).

Unfortunately for me I had recently hooked up to a BES server so BlackBerry Protect wont work for me, hopefully they'll allow it in the official release as I would like to use the locate and lock features through BlackBerry Protect.

This app is a must have for all BlackBerry users. Click and download from the link below, and let us know what you think!

Features List:

• Remote Device Management:
• Remote wipe
• Remote lock and ‘Lost and Found’ screen
• Remote activate loud ringer
• Cell Tower and GPS device tracking
• Over the Air (OTA) Backup and Restore:
• Contacts and Calendar
• Memos and Tasks
• Browser Bookmarks
• Text Messages
• Administration:
• Based on BlackBerry ID system
• Web-based End User portal
• Operator Call Center access

Download BlackBerry Protect from App World

Learn more about BlackBerry Protect

Case-mate POP!! Arrives at SMS

Smart Mobile Solutions is pleased to announce the arrival of the Case-mate POP! Case from Case-mate now available in store. This case fuses the best of both worlds in a way never before seen. Plastic and hard rubber materials have been molded together, to create a durable case with a toughness sure to protect against those unforeseen impacts. Currently colored in Black/Grey the case also includes a screen protection kit to keep your screen scratch free and enhance your device protection. Available for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and 9780 and Curve 8520 (Gemini)

BlackBerry Storm 3 (Monaco) Video Leak

A few weeks ago we showcased some pics of the BlackBerry Storm 3 rumored to be the next generation of touchscreen device from BlackBerry. Well today video confirmation of this device's impending release is here!
The video though short, shows us a few key points. For one this device looks super cool, it's super thin, true touchscreen and comes with an optical track-pad. Couple that with the specs below and you have one cool looking, cool feeling and extremely powerful device.

Dimensions: Sleek, thin profile - 11.5mm thick (120 x 62 x 11.5 mm)

Processor: Qualcomm 1.2GHz Processor

Radio:Dual band CDMA, EV-DO Rev A, RX Diversity ; Quad band EDGE / Single Band UMTS

Display: 3.7" - 800x480 resolution, 15:9 aspect ration, 253 DPI

Camera: 5 MP - Flash - Image Stabilization - HD Video Recording (720p)

Navigation: Capacitive touch + BlackBerry navigation keys + optical navigation module. One convenience key

Memory: 4GB storage + 768MB RAM + up to 32GB MicroSD

WiFi/GPS: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n + GPS + Bluetooth 2.1 EDR + Mobile HotSpot

Connectivity: Micro USB - Bluetooth - NFC

Sensors: Magnetometer - Accelerometer - Proximity

Software: Enhanced BlackBerry SW v.6.1, BlackBerry Evolution 6, Open GL ES 2.0, APIs for magnetometer and        augmented reality apps

Dont look for this one to come out anytime before Q2 or Q3 though, but seems like it would be worth the wait. After all there are PlayBook's to be purchased soon. Check out the video and let us know what you think

BlackBerry PlayBook at MWC 2011: Tetris, Need for Speed and more!!

The Mobile World Congress is off and running in Barcelona Spain, and of course RIM is showing off the PlayBook in all its glory with live demonstrations of the power and versatility of the device making waves at the conference.
We came across this video post from our friends at CrackBerry which shows the PlayBook gaming power! And I purposely say power here, because as you will see from the video showcasing Need for Speed and Tetris, it is running super smooth even in a multitasking environment. Did I mention, these games are coming out of the box on the PlayBook!?...#supercool. Check out the video and let us know your thoughts.

BlackBerry PlayBook to improve HealthCare!

Good news about the PlayBook's power and capability just keeps popping up. QNX the newly acquired subsidiary of RIM, and architects of the inner workings of the BlackBerry PlayBook announced that they will be showcasing "a new reference design for safety-critical medical devices".
This essentially means the BlackBerry PlayBook could be used to connect to and monitor different medical devices in hospitals. These devices would include your blood pressure monitor, weight scale or pulse oximeter. So medical professionals could in the very near future be monitoring and referencing patient information through the ultra portable BlackBerry PlayBook.
Couple this with the plethora of medical applications that have been on the wire for the PlayBook and this could turn out to be one powerful medical tool possibly replacing those ten or so pens always tagged to doctors lab-coats!


Check out the full article after the jump:

SmartPhone Wars 2010!!

The Smartphone market wars continue to heat up with manufacturers struggling for market share across the globe. The International Data Corporation IDC recently released its research on smartphone shipments worldwide and the findings, though not necessarily surprising, do make for an interesting read. Nokia continues to lead in Smartphone sales with Iphone and BlackBerry respectively coming in at 2nd and 3rd. Note that these are worldwide sales and doesn't breakdown the market share of each manufacturer in separate markets.

Check out the full press release after the jump:

BB Tips and Tricks: Customize Universal Search OS6

Source: CrackBerry

I am a big fan of Universal Search in BlackBerry OS6. Getting to things quicky an easily just by typing a few letters is brilliant. One thing that can be annoying however is that by default there are tons of results shown for items you are not necessarily interested in. Universal Search by design searches through and gives you results from pretty much everywhere on your device. So you may only use Universal Search to find contacts but find that your searches also bring up your music files, browser bookmarks and BlackBerry messenger contacts when all you want to do is call Cousin Bill.  
Luckily there is an option to customize the search results. By going to Options > Device > Search you can choose which items to display in your results. Disable whatever you don't want showing up and be more productive when using Universal Search. You can select specific email addresses to search, YouTube, Google, BlackBerry App World, Facebook and lots more.
This is a definite time saver!

BlackBerry PlayBook for Business: Demo!!

BlackBerry today uploaded a brand new video showing more PlayBook power! This time around we get a look at the business side of things with a working demo of the BlackBerry Bridge software which allows you to pair your BlackBerry Smartphone to your BlackBerry PlayBook through a secure Bluetooth connection.

Of course we get another peek into the multitasking capabilities of the PlayBook with the mail, business apps and videos all running alongside each other with BlackBerry Bridge working seamlessly throughout.

Check out the video, and let us know how you think BlackBerry Bridge can help you "Amplify" your BlackBerry experience

18karat Gold BlackBerry Torch!

Well if you can, why not do it? Amosu Couture has created an 18karat Gold BlackBery Torch for all of you who want to take your bling! to the next level. This is the latest release from the jeweler famous for his mobile device creations. Word is that the Golden Torch was commissioned by a Supermodel from New York. The device will be available to those who can afford it starting at US$12,000 and presented in Rose, Yellow and Pink Gold.
The Golden Torch also comes with a matching genuine, crocodile or python case. Did I mention, purchase of this limited edition phone also carries with it International Concierge Service. Well if you think you  must, you better hurry these are limited editions and word is they go fast!

New Device update: More BlackBerry Sedona Pictures!!

The BlackBerry Sedona, rumored to be the next generation BlackBerry Curve has shown up again with more live photos from N4BB. This device is expected to pack a heavy punch, with an 800Mhz processor and BlackBerry OS6.1 Lite. These features would make the phone, the most powerful BlackBerry to date.

Currently the rumors only speak to a CDMA version, but I doubt GSM providers would be left out of this one!

The Sedona is also expected to have the backlit trackpad first shown on the BlackBerry Style, and overall just looks like a sleek device. Your thoughts!?

Check out more pics after the jump...

BBM 6 Features Leaked!

Ready for an upgrade to your BlackBerry Messenger!? Well no official release date is set as yet but as it was when BlackBerry first mentioned BBM 5, anticipation is growing for the release of BlackBerry Messenger 6. With all the coolness that comes with BlackBerry OS6 we can only expect great features from a BBM 6.

What's been the buzz though about the rumor mill is that BBM 6 gives us the first insight into the much talked about but still unreleased BlackBerry Social Platform. So what we should be seeing here are apps that will interact directly with the BlackBerry Messenger platform!

Here's the leaked features list:

The ability to play games and use your BBM user name as your gamer name

Cross chats between users over BBM (and it looks like you and the other parties playing don’t have to be on each other friends list)

Also, when we complete tasks on these new games our status will change to show what task we completed (sounds like its similar to the “show what i am listening to tab” and will probably have an option to share with your BBM contacts or hide it from your contacts)

It also seems like on BBM6, BBM groups will be able to handle more members

The new BBM6 will be supported on all devices running OS 5+ (at least for now)

Live Pics of BlackBerry Apollo/ Sedona Released

It seems the new device rumors just keep on coming. We recently told of the BlackBerry Apollo, and showed concept pictures of what would be the fifth generation Curve. Well today N4BB has released live pics of the device along with some information on what's to be expected from the new BlackBerry OS 6.1.
Check out pics and info after the jump...

Battery Saving Tips BlackBerry OS 6

Our friends over at the BlackBerry help blog have offered up a suite of battery saving tips for you guys running on OS6. Most of the tips are actually generic to all BlackBerry operating systems, but you'll have to search through the options menu to find the relevant settings as the instructions below apply to the OS6 interface. So read on and remember to leave us a comment on your own battery saving tips.

Source: http://helpblog.blackberry.com

Ever wonder how you can get even more battery life out of your BlackBerry® 6 OS smartphone? Lucky for you, the new user-friendly OS makes it even easier to fit more productivity into your busy life before you start running low...

RIM launches Built for BlackBerry Program: Certified Quality Accessories

source: www.blackberry.com
The Built for BlackBerry program is a partnership between Research In Motion (RIM) and selected partners. These partners will develop accessories and peripherals specifically designed to work with BlackBerry® smartphones and the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet.

Built for BlackBerry accessories will meet a high level of quality and are designed specifically for your BlackBerry smartphone or tablet. These accessories can also leverage advanced features that integrate your accessory and device in new ways.

The Built for BlackBerry program expands the existing line of Authentic BlackBerry® Accessories to provide you with more choice in accessories for your BlackBerry device. Enhance your BlackBerry experience with accessories that fit your needs, style, budget and brand preference.

It’s easy to spot Built for BlackBerry accessories. All Built for BlackBerry accessories include a Built for BlackBerry logo on their product packaging and marketing materials. When you see the logo, you’ll know the accessory was designed and built for BlackBerry devices.

The Built for BlackBerry program has already collaborated with a number of leading manufacturers to make products that are compatible with BlackBerry smartphones. Built for BlackBerry products will include carrying, in-vehicle and A/V solutions. From carrying cases to audio accessories, you’ll find quality accessories built just for your device.

Watch the Built for BlackBerry Video

Manufacturers already on the Program include: CaseMate, Incipio, OtterBox, IGrip, TRU protection, and Speck.

Buy Built for BlackBerry Accessories at Smart Mobile Solutions

BlackBerry Torch Sync Pod

  

The BlackBerry® Sync Pod compliments your BlackBerry® smartphone with style. The Sync Pod can be used for data transfer and charging, giving you easy access to USB functionality without the hassle of the wires. While at work or at home, use it to transfer your data, music, photos, and videos. The illuminated LED accent helps you locate your BlackBerry smartphone in the dark, making it the perfect alarm clock when using the BlackBerry Sync Pod at your bedside. Contoured to fit the BlackBerry® Torch Smartphone, the BlackBerry Sync Pod delivers multi-purpose functionality with a classy look. 


Available now at Smart Mobile Solutions

Apple CEO Steve Jobs on Medical Leave of Absence

Almost two years after his liver transplant in early 2009, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has again taken a medical leave of absence. It is not yet known what the reason for the leave of absence is, but the day to day operations of Apple will be handed over to current COO Tim Cook. Jobs will remain as CEO and will still be involved in major strategic decisions. Below is the note Jobs sent to his team regarding his absence, how long he will be away for is still unknown:

"Team,

At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.

Steve  "

"Your Life on a BlackBerry PlayBook": RIM launches cool app on Facebook

Research in Motion makers of the BlackBerry Smartphone have launched an innovative application on Facebook, as it continues to ramp up marketing of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet PC. The "Your Life on a PlayBook" application gives the user a feel of how the PlayBook looks and feels (well as best as can be done without actually holding one in your hand). Sliding menu screens, a picture gallery, a news feed with browser links, are a few of the cool features this application shows off. All in all this is a very cool idea from RIM and definitely adds to the anticipation surrounding the launch of the BlackBerry PlayBook slated for sometime before April 2011.

Check out the Facebook App here:

"Your Life on a BlackBerry PlayBook"

BlackBerry Storm 3 Shows up! Pics and specs

As if yesterday's device showings weren't enough, today we have more information emerging on the much anticipated Storm 3. Impressive looking specs on this one and of course its said to be sporting OS 6.1. No confirmation on if the SurePress Touchscreen technology, which has been the bane of the Storm series will be preserved, but last we heard RIM said they were not scrapping the technology. For now though the Storm 3 is shaping up to be a great addition to what is emerging as a new breed of power packed BlackBerry Smartphones to be released soon. See specs below:

photo credit BGR

Storm 3 Specs:

1.2GHz processor

3.7-inch 800 x 480 capacitive display

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE

Tri-band UMTS/HSPA

5-megapixel camera with 720p video recording

8GB eMMC (storage for apps and data), 512MB of RAM

microSD slot

Magnetometer

Proximity sensor

Accelerometer

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

2.4GHz b/g/n and 5GHz a/n Wi-Fi + UMA

3G Mobile hotspot

Optical trackpad

1230 mAh battery

BlackBerry OS 6.1

OpenGL ES 2.0

Blog Link!: Hundreds line up for LIME mobile TV to watch Buju

Click Here for full story: Hundreds line up for LIME mobile TV to watch Buju

4G BlackBerry PlayBook coming to Sprint this summer

So one of the most popular items at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was the BlackBerry PlayBook. Ever since its announcement early 2010 the PlayBook has been making waves wherever it shows up. With RIM promising relaease in Q1 2011 the big question on everyones mind at CES 2011 was exactly when the release date was.
RIM of course stayed true to form in not announcing an exact date of release, but what we now know is that they will be teaming with Sprint in the summer for release of a 4G WiMax PlayBook. Check out the official press release after the jump.

More Device Rumors: BlackBerry Torch 2 w/ specs

Wow 3 device rumors in one day. Happy Thursday people! So the latest release is the BlackBerry Torch 2. Which seems to be a sizable upgrade to the current Torch device. Most noticeable from the spec sheet is the  1.2 GHz Processor and 8GB built in memory which means this phone is packing superior performance power.

Of course the Torch 9800 is just over 6 months old so no chance of this Torch 2 coming any earlier than Q3 2011, but the prospects are exciting. With all this power are we seeing a phone getting ready for QNX smartphone software? Only time will tell, for now the spec sheet below mentions OS 6.1.

1.2GHz processor

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE

Tri-band HSPA 14.4Mbps

3.2-inch VGA 640 x 480 capacitive display

8GB built-in memory

512MB RAM

Bluetooth 2.1

GPS

NFC

5-megapixel camera with flash

Magnetometer

Accelerometer

Proximity sensor

1300 mAh battery

BlackBerry OS 6.1

OpenGL ES

14.6mm thin

New Device Rumor:New BlackBerry Curve Specs and Pics

Our friends over at BGR posted this new version of  the BlackBerry Curve today. Codenamed "Apollo" the first thing that stands out is the much sturdier look when compared to the 8520. Unfortunately no pictures yet of the back of the phone to confirm the return of a flash to the Curve series. However the spec sheet does boast of a 5mp camera with flash! And yes that is BlackBerry OS 6.1 mentioned!

Here go the rest of the Specs:

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE

Tri-band UMTS/HSPA 7.2Mbps

Bluetooth 2.1

Wi-Fi b/g/n

GPS

NFC

512MB of eMMC, 512MB of RAM

5-megapixel camera with flash

HVGA 480 x 360 display

1050 mAh battery

Tavor MG-1 800MHz CPU

BlackBerry OS 6.1

11mm thin

Welcome to the SMS Blog Spot

Welcome to the SMS blog. Here you can get up to date news on whats happening in the world of BlackBerry, specifically through the eyes of your #1 BlackBerry Support Unit: Smart Mobile Solutions. Look out for reviews on BlackBerry accessories, handsets and applications.
We will use this spot to give you information on what's happening with SMS as we continue to expand our reach in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Smart Mobile Solutions is committed to enhancing the BlackBerry experience for our clients. As such we believe this blog will go a far way in ensuring that our customers are equipped with the relevant knowledge to make full use of their BlackBerry Smartphone.

We look forward to your comments and queries!