Ross Cheriton, Editor at N4BB's Posts

How BlackBerry Can Drive the Resurgence of the Physical Keyboard

How BlackBerry Can Drive the Resurgence of the Physical Keyboard

These days, the term ‘smartphone” usually implies a full-touchscreen device with a virtual keyboard.  After all, almost all of the recent mid- and high-tier smartphones have no physical keyboards.  There is a reason for this of course.  And let’s face it. What most people want are smartphones with large screens on thin devices along with apps that they can use to entertain themselves or get things... »

Upcoming Features of BlackBerry OS 10.2

Upcoming Features of BlackBerry OS 10.2

In addition to the BlackBerry Live keynote speech, developers have been treated to another keynote speech by VP Developer Relations Alec Saunders which focuses on the upcoming features features for the development side of BlackBerry 10.  While the latest update for BlackBerry Z10 brings the version number to 10.1, the features for OS 10.2 is set to bring more features later on in June. Headless ap... »

First Impressions: The BlackBerry Q5

First Impressions: The BlackBerry Q5

BlackBerry just launched a new smartphone today, the BlackBerry Q5.  At first glance, its very similar to the Q10, but with chicklet-style keys.  This is a device aimed squarely at the mid-tier smartphone device, allowing you to get the BlackBerry 10 experience while keeping your wallet happy.  But is it worth it?  I’ll give you my first impressions of the BlackBerry Q5, BlackBerry 10′... »

BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10.1 Released

BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10.1 Released

Today, BlackBerry announced that BlackBerry Enterprise Service(BES) 10.1 will begin rolling out to businesses and institutions worldwide.  The update comes with updates the user interface/dashboard, Blackberry support as standard, cost-savings for customers, and additional features for IT departments to better manage their devices. BlackBerry is continuing to focus on their strengths and roots in ... »

BlackBerry OS 10.1 for the Z10 Released

BlackBerry OS 10.1 for the Z10 Released

In an unsurprising move, BlackBerry OS 10.1 has been released to BlackBerry Z10s today.  The new operating system will feature new camera features, HUB updates, better notifications, and tons of other updates. At N4BB, we’ve gone over many of the cosmetic updates to OS 10.1 over a pre-release version.  The official version comes only three months after the launch of the BLackBerry 10.0 OS, a... »

Soundhound Coming to BlackBerry 10, An Alternative to Shazam

Soundhound Coming to BlackBerry 10, An Alternative to Shazam

Apps has been a sticking point for BlackBerry 10, with many apps present on iOS and Android that simply are not available on BlackBerry 10.  However, day by day, apps are coming in.  Today, BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins announced a flurry of new apps that will be coming to BlackBerry 10.  Among these, a Shazam-type app called “Soundhound” is being released. This would allow Blackberry ... »

BlackBerry Q5 Announced: Coming in Red, Black, White and Pink

BlackBerry Q5 Announced: Coming in Red, Black, White and Pink

Today BlackBerry’s CEO Thorsten Heins announced a new BlackBerry 10 smartphone aimed towards the lower end of the market.  The new BlackBerry Q5 was leaked as the R10 over the last few weeks, and is the anticipated QWERTY device that is aimed to broaden BlackBerry’s marketshare. The phone features a similar square display, and a “curve-like” QWERTY keyboard.  The BlackBerry... »

N4BB Hardware Wish List: PlayBook 2

N4BB Hardware Wish List: PlayBook 2

With the BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 being pretty much available to everyone and their hyper-connected dog, its natural to wonder what’s next.  Well, it is rumored that BlackBerry will be coming out with a new tablet later this year, along with a new flagship smartphone dubbed the “Aristo”.  Despite the latest news which may lead you to think that BlackBerry is done with tablets, I be... »

Skype Available for Preview on the BlackBerry Z10

Skype Available for Preview on the BlackBerry Z10

When BlackBerry Live arrives in a few weeks, Z10 owners should be able to find Skype in BlackBerry World, and download it to their heart’s content.  Skype, as many of you know, is the #1 video chatting platform in the world.  The arrival of Skype for BlackBerry is a great step for BlackBerry as it is seen a selling-point for many smartphone users.  I can personally attest to that too. There ... »

Sneak Peek of BlackBerry OS 10.1

Sneak Peek of BlackBerry OS 10.1

This week, BlackBerry released a beta version of the BlackBerry 10.1 operating system for BlackBerry 10 devices.  The new update, while for developers, offers quite a few new features, tweaks, and enhancements to the operating system. To be specific, I’m talking about the 10.1.0.1485 Beta, which doesn’t have a calculator app, pictures app, music player, clock, Storymaker, Remember, New... »

BlackBerry 10: Past, Present and Future

BlackBerry 10: Past, Present and Future

BlackBerry 10 is probably the most controversial mobile platform out there today. People love to have an opinion of this company, especially the media.  Heralded by some as the generation of mobile, it is also dismissed by others as the last gasp of a company desperate to stay relevant. Most tech media articles today tend to err on the side of sensationalism, making it seem as if somehow BlackBerr... »

T-Mobile Steps Up With 4G LTE, New Pricing, and new 4G Smartphones

T-Mobile Steps Up With 4G LTE, New Pricing, and new 4G Smartphones

Today, US carrier T-Mobile has outlined its strategy to appeal to customers looking for an alternate to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint. In the press release,  T-Mobile plans to add 4G LTE service to over 200 millions American by the end of the year, providing much needed competition in the high-speed mobile market.   In another awesome move, T-mobile has plans to carry the latest 4G LTE devices to w... »

BlackBerry Launch Party Kicks Off Z10 Availability in the US

BlackBerry Launch Party Kicks Off Z10 Availability in the US

After almost two months after the official global launch of the BlackBerry Z10, the US will finally join other countries where the BlackBerry Z10 can actually be bought.  The first carriers to start selling the BlackBerry Z10 will be At&T and T-Mobile, followed by Verizon in about a week.  To kick off such an event, BlackBerry hosted quite a party.  This includes big names like Ludacris and Qu... »

The Z10-Limited Edition Hybrid: The Best Looking BlackBerry Ever?

The Z10-Limited Edition Hybrid: The Best Looking BlackBerry Ever?

With the BlackBerry Z10′s subtle texturized backing and the hot red of the Limited Edition Developer version of the Z10, one of our readers has asked how a hybrid of the two would look like.  With a simple switch of the battery doors, the phone instantly looks different and less…er…red.  I think it looks amazing.  Is this the best looking BlackBerry you’ve ever seen? Thanks... »

The Limited Edition Developer BlackBerry Z10 in Pictures

The Limited Edition Developer BlackBerry Z10 in Pictures

Developers have been receiving  their Limited Edition BlackBerry Z10 smartphones for over a week now.   This (incredibly red) version of the Z10 is pretty exclusive  with only 12,000 made.  While the internals are no different than the a regular Z10 that runs on LTE GSM networks, it comes with an exclusive numbered battery door and a very glossy red polish.  I’ve put it right up beside the b... »

Fast meets Fast: BlackBerry and Mercedes Partner Up In Promo Video

Fast meets Fast: BlackBerry and Mercedes Partner Up In Promo Video

A new video has popped up on the official BlackBerry channel talking about the partnership between BlackBerry and Mercedes.  These two have joined forces as a result of their  shared core values of innovation, communication, technology, and efficiency.  The video features the Mercedes F1 Team talking about the new BlackBerry 10 platform and the BlackBerry Z10.  Gratuitous footage of F1 cars racing... »

AT&T Pushes OS 10.0.10.684 for BlackBerry Z10

AT&T Pushes OS 10.0.10.684 for BlackBerry Z10

Today (the incredibly few) Z10 owners on AT&T will be able to upgrade to the latest BlackBerry 10 operating system, 10.0.10.684.  While the Z10 isn’t exactly available for purchase yet, the update ensures that AT&T customers will have the latest software when the Z10 is released. While there is no change log for the update, the consistent updates to the BlackBerry 10 OS  are much app... »

BlackBerry 10 Review

BlackBerry 10 Review

The new BlackBerry Z10 runs the proprietary BlackBerry 10 OS (see our Z10 review here).  In case you think it’s related to older BlackBerry operating systems, think again.  To put it in perspective, OS X and iOS have more in common than BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry 7.  BlackBerry has built an operating system from the ground up.  The foundation of QNX was used to provide a stable, real-time operat... »

BlackBerry Z10 Review

BlackBerry Z10 Review

Introduction This is by far the most important product launch in the history of Research in Motion (now known as BlackBerry).  Not only is the BlackBerry Z10 simply a new smartphone for the company, it runs a brand new platform, comes at a critical time, and has undergone a huge redesign.  BlackBerry as you know has changed forever.  It is in no way similar, related, reminiscent, or even vague acq... »

Live From Toronto!  BlackBerry 10 Launch Imminent!

Live From Toronto! BlackBerry 10 Launch Imminent!

Jan 30th is here, and so is BlackBerry 10.  As we count down the moments to the Launch of BlackBerry 10, the room at the Carlu in downtown Toronto is filling up.  In typical BlackBerry fashion, the high-contrast, cool theme is evident in the room. Press and invited guests are all very excited and so am I.  Stephen and I are here to cover the event in Canada, where we see Dan Dodge, Michael McLeod,... »

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