"The Hard Shell case for the BlackBerry Torch 9850/60 will keep your phone protected in style."
In Short:
"Protection and style, you can't ask for more in a case."
Should I Buy?
"For those of you that hate having a case on our BlackBerry but know that the world is a crazy place, should definitely pick up the Hard Shell case from BlackBerry."
To case or not to case – that is the question. whether you've dropped your BlackBerry smartphone already or not, a case is a fantastic idea to protect your phone. After all, it really is an investment. A little ways back we took a look at the Case-Mate Tough Case for the BlackBerry Torch 9850/60. Now we’re back at it with a new case for the same phone, but this one is made by BlackBerry. Continue reading to get the run down on the BlackBerry Hard Shell case for the BlackBerry Torch 9850/60.
Lua script bindings on all public interfaces of the framework.
Script binding generator tool for creating user-defined Lua script bindings from Doxygen XML.
AI state machine for AI programming/scripting on game objects.
Virtual gamepad input support with custom theming using UI system.
Optimizations using NEON math for mobile platforms.
Compressed texture support for DXT, PVRTC, ATC and ETC1.
Improved modular shaders with support for #include in shaders and new light map support.
Optimizations and Improvements to the UI system such as inertial scrolling and scrollbars.
Pre-built versions of the gameplay-encoder and gameplay-luagen tools.
Optimizations in animation and physics.
Fixes to support Maya 2012/2013 COLLADA DAE_FBX export.
FBX 2013 format support.
RIM also announced that things like support for physical gamepad input from Xbox 360, Wii and Bluetooth HID controllers would be making their way to the gaming platform in future releases. Until then developers can use the systems virtual gamepads but will also be able to create their own theming to make the controls unique to their game. Developers can grab the full opensource system at GitHub and can learn more about gameplay from gameplay3d.org.
Just a little while ago we took the time to review Tiny Bird for the BlackBerry PlayBook and BlackBerry smartphones. Today the version for the phones has received an update to version 1.6. The new version contains bug fixes as usual, but also brings along BBM integration. The new BBM integration will give you the ability to broadcast via your BBM status that one, you’re playing Tiny Bird, and two, showcase your achievements from the game.
Game features
Procedural island generation - Procedural graphics
Simple one button (one touch) control
Fly through the clouds
Cute graphics and nice animation
Score multiplier increases with each nest upgrade
Various goals made the game even more interesting
BlackBerry Messenger integration NEW!
The premise of the game is to reach the farthest island you can, but watch out for the raging tornado as it's ready to swoop you up and end the game. To get the full 101 you can check out the review of Tiny Bird here. If you haven’t had a chance to download the game, you can purchase it for the BlackBerry PlayBook or BlackBerry smartphones in BlackBerry App World for $0.99. Also note that there is a limited free version avilable for BlackBerry smartphones.
Any smart marketing professional would know that brand recognition is one of the most valuable things when marketing in today's high-tech world. The funny thing is, you’ve probably seen more brands and logos than you could even imagine. Each and every day, we as consumers are presented with thousands upon thousands of logos, which are in turn brands. The question is, how many do you remember? A few days ago XLabz Technologies, the developers behind games like Sketch W Friends for BlackBerry PlayBook, Uber Iris for BlackBerry PlayBook, have released their newest title called The Logo Game which is available on the BlackBerry PlayBook.
Features
300+ popular brands from around the world assorted in 8 levels
Facebook and Twitter friends can be used to solve hard Logos Ability to get hints, resolve instantly
Ability to buy hints
Facebook integration
The idea behind the game is quite straightforward. You will be presented with logos from brands that are all over the world, and you need to guess what company/product the logo is associated with. Just remember, as you’re playing the game on your BlackBerry PlayBook if you get stuck you can use a hint or ask a friend. There are two ways you can gain hints. The first is by getting perfect on your logo guess and the other is to buy them with an in-app purchase. Hints can be bought within the game for $0.99, $1.99, and $2.99, which will give you 25, 50, and 100 hints respectively. You can also ask friends via the built in Twitter and Facebook integration. The Logo Game is available for free on the BlackBerry PlayBook in BlackBerry App World so hit up the link below and test just how well you know your logos!
I’m guilty of it sometimes, and I’m sure I am not the only one. What I’m talking about is driving and using your cellphone -- something that we all know is quite dangerous but many continue to do. Now for me it was because I didn’t have a Bluetooth device to use -- and I know that’s truly just an excuse -- but now I have no excuses. Recently I was able to try out the Jabra DRIVE, an inexpensive yet effective in car Bluetooth device. Continue reading to see if the Jabra DRIVE is worth your cash.
There’s a high chance that you’ve gone to school and faced a test that you didn’t prepare for, a test that you ‘forgot’ about, or just a test that was harder that you expected. For example, a CAT & CMAT test. Well, for those students who reside in India there is now a handy BlackBerry application to help prep you for these exams. Study Buddy for BlackBerry has been designed by Omni-Bridge Systems, with the intellectual data provided by one of the leaders in management entrance exam training, IMS.
If you’ve had a BlackBerry PlayBook for more than, lets say six months, you would have experienced the lack of games and apps on the new platform. But, that’s all changed. Not only are we seeing an influx in games for the PlayBook, those developers are also porting some of their titles onto the BlackBerry 7 platform. The latest game I’m taking a look at is available on both the BlackBerry PlayBook, and also on many BlackBerry smartphones.
Tiny Bird for the BlackBerry is an action packed, and might I say addicting game where your sole mission is to reach the end of the islands. The game features a small winged bird that doesn’t have much of a capacity for flying, so your job is to help it land and use the hills on each island to propel it into the clouds. Continue reading to see how this game stacks up to similar games available on other platforms.
While HP has their printing application for BlackBerry smartphones, the other printing giant that is Canon has been a little quiet in the mobile space until now. Cannon is officially releasing a mobile application for the BlackBerry smartphone. The application will allow users to not only print directly from their BlackBerry, but also scan documents from their Canon Multi Function printer and have it sent directly to their handheld.
“In today’s highly mobile workplace users seek instant access to important documents without sacrificing print quality,” said Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager, Marketing, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A. “The Canon Direct Print and Scan for Mobile application meets our customers’ demands by coupling the ability to manage printing needs from your fingertips while achieving high-quality output results.”
To achieve full connectivity with Canon printers you will need to first download the BlackBerry app and second you will need to have a Canon imageRUNNER Multi Function printer. With this new system from Canon and the ability to use Print to Go on the BlackBerry PlayBook, we truly have the ability for a paperless world
Something a lot of people overlook when buying a new BlackBerry, or any phone in that manner, is protection. Your BlackBerry is a $500 device that you carry around, toss in your pocket and all while forgetting its true value. I’ve personally gone through a few cases in my mission to find the perfect one. The latest one to cross my path is the Case-Mate Tough Case for BlackBerry Torch 9850/60. Continue reading to see just how well this case protects a BlackBerry smartphone.
During BlackBerry World 2012, RIM's Global Head of the Gaming Category Anders Jeppsson announced a few titles that would be making their way onto the BlackBerry platform. Among the titles he announced therein lied a gem, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I. Now, depending on your age you may not remember the game, but for those who do, it's pure nostalgia. The game has been developed officially by Sega America, so you know you're getting the real deal and not a half baked port.
Game Features
2 EXCLUSIVE LEVELS!!! - Two exclusive levels built specifically for using the accelerometer.
NEW MOVES - All of Sonic's classic moves are available, including the newer Homing Attack, which will add a new level of control and excitement.
CLASSIC SONIC STAGES - Race through 4 unique zones containing 4 acts each as well as 7 special stages.
SPECIAL STAGES RETURN - A staple of the Genesis-era games, the special stages return allowing fans to collect the 7 Chaos Emeralds and unlock Super Sonic.
REVAMPED CLASSIC BOSS BATTLES - Dr. Eggman returns with new and improved mechas and will go berserk when he accumulates damage.
For those of you who haven’t had a chance to experience the Sonic franchises in the past, let me fill you in. The premise of the game is to collect as many rings as you can, but also release as many of the animals from their robotic capsules as you can. The cool thing about this version of Sonic the Hedgehog is that it’s been redeveloped with the BlackBerry PlayBook in mind. This being said there are special parts in which you will be using the PlayBook's accelerometer to move yourself through the level; also all the graphics have been increased to fit the high-resolution screen. If you are looking to relive your past, or just want some addicting fun, you have to check out Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I. It’s available in BlackBerry App World for $6.99.
If you are looking into the sea of games and apps that have made their way onto the BlackBerry PlayBook, you may be wondering which ones are worth the price and which are not. If you’ve been following CrackBerry over the past few months, you should have noticed a few of the bigger game publishers and the quality of the content they produce.
While there are definitely a lot of indie studios that produce amazing content, today I found a new game by one of the big guys. Union has been alongside RIM for almost the whole time with the PlayBook and have ported games like Samurai II: Vengeance, Muffin Knight, and Roboto onto the PlayBook. Now they have launched yet another title, which brings their PlayBook game count to around 21 games.
Living in fear is something many face every day of their lives, the fear that they will become the victim of a crime. While the truth is that no one can ensure that we as people will ever be able live in a crime free world, there are people who are trying to bring that idea to that fruition. This week Crime Stoppers Toronto has officially launch their tips application onto the BlackBerry Torch 9800, and with more devices to be supported later. This application is no ordinary app, Crime Stoppers has stated that it's the first of it’s kind in North America.
With this new technology the user has the ability to:
Record a video or photograph for easy tip submission.
Find the nearest police station using GPS and receive turn by turn directions.
Check the status of submitted tips.
View Toronto’s “Most Wanted”.
One touch calling directly to a Crime Stoppers Representative.
One touch email composition to submit an email tip.
View Toronto’s “Crime of the Week”.
Connect with Toronto Crime Stoppers Social Media Pages.
The Crime Stoppers application offers the same options as calling into one of their contact centers. Your information is kept private and will not be disclosed to anyone at the Crime Stoppers team. If any of your tips lead to an arrest or advancement into the case you may actually be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000, help fight crime and get cash seems like a win-win. The application is available in BlackBerry App World for the BlackBerry Torch 9800, but keep checking back to see if your device gets support down the road.
On a side note, if you’re not on the BlackBerry platform you can also download the Crime Stoppers app for iOS and Android in their respective stores.
We all know that NFC is the future in mobile payments; heck your credit card or bank card may already have the technology built into it.
With NFC technology already in real world use, it isn’t too far of a stretch to believe that this tech will be making it’s way onto our next generation BlackBerrys and other mobile devices as well. In the third and final installment of the “CrackBerry goes to Waterloo” series, I’m going to take a look on just how RIM is planning to build a more connected future with BlackBerry and Near Field Communications technology.
To understand how RIM currently feels about NFC, we need to see how they’ve implemented it into the BlackBerry 7 operating system currently, with your NFC enabled BlackBerry, you can do a few things like transferring photos and videos to another BlackBerry, adding a BBM contact, suggesting apps from App World and more all by just a touch. If you haven’t tried it out, I suggest you do so. Also, RIM has built NFC into the all-new BlackBerry Stereo Gateway - a Bluetooth connected media hub that allows you to connect to your BlackBerry by just a tap. With the current implementation, it shouldn't be too hard to imagine just where things are headed in the connected future.
I seriously can not leave my house without my BlackBerry PlayBook, it's all because of the games, and the 7 inch form factor. Now, do not get me wrong I would love to see more applications come across this tablet (like Instagram, Banking apps, and more). What I will say is that I'm definitely enjoying games like Dead Space, Angry Birds, and now Rope Rescue. Rope Rescue is a physics based game in which your sole job is to help other birds escape from wooden cages. I’m sure you’re reading this thinking “Zach, this concept is simple and seems unchallenging. Why buy?”, but just wait CrackBerry Nation, just wait. While the idea of helping a bird get out of a cage seems straightforward enough, how you actually go about doing it is far from it.
Features
Puzzling levels will keep you wrapped up for hours.
Addictive gameplay with multiple solutions for each level will have you playing for hours.
Avoid flying knives, fire cannons and of course the evil bats.
Collect or purchase butterflies to unlock later levels or provide hints to
Visit the bird sanctuary to see the cute baby birds you have rescued
HD graphics
Now, to elaborate on the whole complexity of the game, and why you won’t just simply fly over to a cage and open the door to let the bird out. They used the word rope rescue for a reason. You will use a rope and fly through obstacles like flying knives and moving barrels, all while trying to use as little rope as possible to get a decent score. I was relived to see a new concept game being developed, while I personally love the angry bird franchise, some developers that are trying to mimic the same experience just haven’t hit the nail on the head. Check out the hands on video above, and if you dig the game grab Rope Rescue from BlackBerry App World for $2.99.
If having accessories working for you is your kind of thing, then you'll want to check out this how to guide. Within BlackBerry 7, RIM has built a feature called 'Smart Accessory'. The Smart Accessory feature allows various manufactures to build an option in to their accessory that will allow it to talk to your BlackBerry smartphone, thus allowing your phone to change the sound profile when it's placed in a dock for example. The options don't stop at sound profiles, you can also make driving safer and disable the network connection. Disabling the network would stop you from messaging people while you're driving down the highway. Continue reading to learn how to enable the Smart Accessory option on your BlackBerry smartphone.
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