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RIM may take heat from critics and consumers often, and never seem to respond unless the media gets ahold of it (data outages, etc.) Tonight, they proved that they won't take any crap from other companies, however. This evening, after accusing the Bold 9700, the current flagship GSM BlackBerry, among other phones, that they too lose signal upon the so-called "death grip", Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, co-CEOs of RIM, came out with a joint statement:

"Apple's attempt to draw RIM into Apple's self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple's claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public's understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple's difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM's customers don't need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity. Apple clearly made certain design decisions and it should take responsibility for these decisions rather than trying to draw RIM and others into a situation that relates specifically to Apple."

Clearly, RIM does not like being told by Apple how they make their antennas.

Nokia also had something to say to Apple as well, although less up front:
"[sic]...Nokia designs our phones to ensure acceptable performance in all real-life cases, for example when the phone is held in either hand."

Personally, I'm very glad RIM did this, as Steve Jobs is attempting to spin the whole fiasco into an anti-all-cellphone manufacturer event.

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This morning, Andrew Bocking wrote a write-up on the official BlackBerry Blog. In the post, he outlines his excitement with the upcoming release of BlackBerry 6, noting "...which is on track for release this summer."
Some key things he highlights are

• new fluid user interface
• fun and approachable, yet extremely powerful
• context-sensitive pop-up menus
• Add a contact to the home screen

All in all, nothing we haven't seen from any leaked videos, but still a good sign that RIM is working hard at it and is proud of their progress. One thing to note is this is the first time we've seen the WebKit browser in an official video doing more than rendering 1 page. At MWC we saw amazon.com and one picture. At WES 2010 we saw a little bit in the promo video, but again, nothing that showed off tabs or even scrolling.

One thing that intrigues me about his post is how open to suggestions it is. At the bottom, he encourages users to tell him what they like, be it the WebKit browser, social feeds (which, I might add, looks AWESOME). I know there's been a lot of faith lost in RIM lately, and some have been discussing either RIM has some but things in store or absolutely nothing. Ever day, it looks like RIM knows more and is doing more than some give them credit for. We still have 72 days left of summer for any sort of release! However, leaks seem more probable to come fairly soon, as many people have found themselves with a pre-release 9800 or 9670.

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Networking firm Cisco announced that it will be entering the tablet market with a new device dubbed the Cius.

We covered rumors of Cisco's tablet plans earlier this year, when Cnet's Buzz Out Loud podcast received an anonymous e-mail hinting that the device was on its way. The e-mail detailed that the device would run on Google's Android operating system and would feature a front-facing camera, which, sure enough, is what the Cius features.

Cisco positions the 7-inch Cius as a mobile collaboration tool designed specifically for business use. The Cius tablet, pronounced 'see us', will integrate several of the firm's business applications, including WebEX, Quad, TelePresence and more. In addition to the official Cisco apps, Cisco also announced that Android developers are welcome to create independent applications for the device--with the help of Cisco's own SDK and APIs. The Cius has eight-hour battery life according to Cisco, and will also ship with an integrated Firefox browser.

Under the hood, the 1.14-pound tablet is powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, and supports 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G, and at a later date 4G mobile networking.

The Cius also includes a front-facing camera capable of shooting 720p HD video, as well as a rear-facing 5MP camera. You can also connect a headset via Bluetooth or through the Cius' micro-USB port.

When not on the move, the device can be docked into an optional 'HD audio station' which offers additional USB ports, a wired Ethernet connection and a telephone handset and speakerphone.

Cisco has posted a more detailed introduction to the upcoming device on their website, however no details on pricing is available. The Cius is not expected to launch until early 2011.
[pcworld]

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Despite heavy criticism, Research In Motion hasn’t given up on the Storm line of BlackBerry smartphones. Apparently, the company is currently testing a third version of the Storm, which sounds really interesting based on what’s we’re hearing from Salomondrin. For starters, it appears that device will not run BlackBerry OS 6. Instead, it will come with a different operating system of its own capable of running widgets and being highly customizable.

Additionally, the device will still feature SurePress. However, rumor has it that it won’t be as anything that we have seen before. It seems that the screen will have a new input mechanism, different from the existing Storm and Storm2. It will feature a 1GHz processor and 8GB of internal memory. It’s rumored that the device would originally have 512MB of flash memory, but now they have increased the flash memory capacity to over 1GB. Currently, the phone is said to be equipped with a 5 megapixel camera, which could be changed when the device is closer to mass production.

It’s said that a few devices are being tested in the wild by a limited team to prevent leaks. Furthermore, the test units hardware has been encased in existing BlackBerry Storm2 cases. That way if the phone is lost or forgotten at a bar in California by an engineer, the finder is not able to immediately identify the device as a Storm 3 test unit.

At the moment, it’s unknown exactly when the Storm 3 will make its big debut. Though one of the rumors state that the device is going to be the first or second LTE smartphones that Verizon Wireless will launch, which means we won’t see the Storm 3 until next year. Verizon Wireless Chief Executive Officer Lowell McAdam has stated before that the carrier will unveil several LTE devices in January 2011 at the Consumer Electronics Show [CES].

Do take into account that we cannot verify the legitimacy of these claims. Also, the device is still a prototype, which means it is subject to minor and major changes. We will definitely keep our eyes and ears open for more information on this device. Let us know what your impressions are so far.

[erictric]

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Android users who want to to keep tabs on their Yahoo mail and learn more about their favorite movies should welcome the addition of a couple of new apps to the growing mobile marketplace.

Yahoo announced Thursday the launch of Android apps for its Mail and Messenger programs topped off by a new mobile-search widget. Available free at the Android Market, the new apps support Android 2.0 or higher and are optimized for the Motorola Droid, HTC Incredible, and Google Nexus One, according to Yahoo.

The Yahoo Mail app offers a variety of enhancements optimized for Android, said Yahoo. Users can e-mail contacts from their Yahoo address book as well as from the native address book. They can upload photos from their phone's camera or photo gallery, view and download attachments, and get push notification of new messages. Existing e-mail can be searched by sender, recipient, subject, and keywords. All messages, folders, and spam can also be managed from the app, according to Yahoo's mobile blog.

The Messenger app gives people the ability to instant-message their friends and send them photos from the camera or photo gallery, said Yahoo. They can check on the status of their friends and update their own status and availability. Push notifications will let users keep the app running in the background while they do other work, Yahoo said.

Finally, the new search widget displays a Yahoo search box on the home screen of the device, allowing users to search by text or voice. A Search Assist feature offers suggestions on search terms, while the auto-locate technology helps find local results depending on the user's location, according to Yahoo.

IMDb has launched its own app for Android, giving people the ability to search for and browse its huge database of movies and TV shows. Users can look for local listings of current movies and TV episodes, watch trailers, and pick up the latest gossip about their favorite celebrities.

The new mobile app is part of the company's "IMDb Everywhere" initiative in which it now offers mobile apps for Apple and Android devices and lets people view and share IMDb content through Facebook and Twitter.

[cnet]

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It's easy to think that Apple and Google are leading the smart-phone race.

Apple released its iPhone 4 a week ago and promptly sold 1.7 million of them in three days. Earlier, Google said about 160,000 phones running its Android operating system were being activated daily.

But the two companies still trail the North America leader, Research In Motion. RIM's BlackBerry devices control 35 percent of the U.S. market, compared with 28 percent for the iPhone and 9 percent for Android, according to the Nielsen Co., a research firm.

But the numbers belie a significant shift as RIM's market share - which five years ago was more than 50 percent - erodes in the face of increased competition.

By 2012, Gartner predicts, Android will become the second-best-selling smart-phone platform worldwide behind worldwide leader Symbian, closely followed by the iPhone. RIM, currently in second place worldwide, will fall into fourth place.

RIM finds itself at a crossroads. Its aging smart phones remain essential to businesses and continue to gain users. But compared with iPhone and Android devices, BlackBerrys have less broad appeal and generate less loyalty from customers and developers.

The next year may prove critical in determining whether BlackBerrys can compete in the new age of powerful smart phones or become yesterday's technology.
'Pressure is on'

"The pressure is on RIM," said Ramon Llamas, an analyst with research firm IDC. "Under the old 'CrackBerry' usage model, people wanted a BlackBerry for e-mail and messaging, but you can do that on an iPhone and an Android phone. Other platforms have helped push the paradigm of using smart phones not just for phone calls and messaging."

RIM is planning to step up its game later this year with a more robust operating system, BlackBerry 6.0, and new devices are rumored to include a slider touch-screen that will blend some of the iPhone cool with RIM's trademark physical keyboard. The Canadian company also updated its application store App World earlier this month.

Research In Motion CEO Jim Balsillie said during the company's quarterly earnings call last week that BlackBerry is well positioned for the brewing battle, with big international growth ahead, strong carrier partnerships in place and an efficient data infrastructure that will become more important as cellular operators adopt tiered data pricing.

Balsillie avoided specific talk about the company's plans for the second half of this year but hinted at significant innovations and marketing campaigns.

"We have an exciting line of products, services and promotions expected to be introduced between now and the end of the fiscal year, and we believe that these, together with the introduction of new tiered service pricing in the U.S. and around the world, are setting the stage for an acceleration of growth," Balsillie said.

[sfgate]

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Another update to Google Maps for Android (4.3) adds the times to public transit as well as Latitude and easy restaurant ratings.

Just a month after the last feature update of Google Maps for Android, Google has updated the application again with more standout features.  This time, the app receives big help for commuters using public transportation and Geo-social networkers.

Now, if you click on a train or bus stop, Google (GOOG) gives you as much information about the schedules as is available in a new overlay, including the most important info: upcoming departures.

That is pretty convenient for most of the country.  However, in case you were wondering, New York Subways don't have times (was hoping for a miracle here - it turns out a timetable doesn't exist).

Google Maps 4.3 also  further integrates Google Latitude by suggesting friends to add.  After briefly trying out the service, it appears that it looks through your Gmail for others who have signed up for Google Latitude.  From there it gives you simple add or dismiss options.

Finally, Google Maps 4.3 for Android also adds a quick restaurant ratings overlay (pictured below).  This is a fantastic way to quickly decide which restaurant to visit in an area where you don't have local expertise.

The new Reviews overlay also includes links to book a table through Opentable.com or share the place using Buzz, Facebook, Twitter or other social networks.

[cnn]

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Looks like the Moto Droid X is finally official on Verizon for $199! The Droid X is amongst the new large screen Android run smartphones with the latest speed processor. It comes packed with great features too!

    *  A huge 4.3", 16:9, 854x480 screen (that's 400,000 pixels)
    * HDMI out and DLNA support
    * 1GHz OMAP processor
    * Full Flash 10.1 (not available at launch)
    * 8 gigs on board and a 16gig card included, but compatible with 32gig SD cards for a total potential memory of 40 gigs
    * 512mb RAM
    * 8 megapixel camera that captures 720p HD video
    * Three microphones (outward-facing for video, noise-canceling, and regular)
    * a 1570mAh battery, which should be 'comparable to the Droid 1' on battery life
    * GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, naturally

As you can see the device has a lot to offer, and more! It comes with some great apps already pre installed such as the BlockBuster app to rent movies, Backup Assistant, Skype, NFL Mobile etc. The device will be available on the 15th of July, going for $199 with a $100 mail in rebate, and a $29.99 data fee plan. Better yet, no matter when you contract ends, as long as it ends in 2010 you are eligible for an upgrade! The downfall is that it will not include Flash at release, but will eventually be incorporated.

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It looks like 5.0.0.714 has become official for the Bold 9700 via T-Mobile. Everyone with the latest official OS will be able to do a wireless update to 5.0.0.714. If you are not on an official build, you can also pick up the latest desktop version on the T-Mobile website, or download from the mirror link below. We aren't sure what the changes are on this build, but you should report back to us and let us know how it is running for you!

Download 5.0.0.714 for BlackBerry Bold 9700 [here].

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US Cellular has just announced that they are to be carrying the Bold 9650! We know that the device is available on Sprint and Verizon networks, and now US Cellular is finally hopping on the wagon.

"We're thrilled to announce that the new BlackBerry Bold 9650 will be coming to U.S. Cellular stores in early August! It's got a 2.4 HVGA Display, 3.2MP camera, Wi-Fi, Optical Track Pad Navigation and World Phone capabilities. Yes, this is one great smartphone --- if we may be so, ahem, bold. "

Well unfortunately we don't have the date in which they will be releasing it on the carrier, however it shouldn't be long from now. The phone is not currently showing on their website, however keep on the look out and stay tuned for more news!

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The Android touchscreen phone called the i5500 Galaxy 5 has been announced to release in Europe and Asia this summer in July. Samsung will be releasing their i5500 Galaxy 5 to the public of those continents hoping to target a younger audience. The phone will have a sorry 2 megapixel camera, with your standard bluetooth. This should be a great start off phone for teenagers so for those of you waiting for it just keep your ears open July is only half a month away!

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Looks like another speed monster 4.4 inch Android device is making it's way this summer to help overshadow smart phones not yet running the 1Ghz processors. The Moto Droid X is suppose to be really fast, and to me it won't be that much different from the other devices in it's league. Just a different skin. Well we don't know a heck of a lot about this device yet, however it is estimated to launch on June 23rd, however that is just an estimation and not fact at the moment. We shall see, maybe the official specs will surprise us with something a little different! It does seem to be a somewhat significant upgrade to the Motorola Droid, however it may just be in a completely different league.

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Well it's about time this phone has gotten a new build. I'm tired of this stupid .607. 5.0.0.713 has been made official by TbayTel. I haven't actually had a chance to download it however I will most likely do it this weekend. Has anyone download it yet?

If you havent, you can get 5.0.0.713 here.

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Well it looks like it another build is out for the Tour 9630, with 5.0.0.732 being released by Verizon. If you are running on an official build you can just wirelessly upgrade through your device. However if you are running a leak you will definitely have to update from your desktop, unless you just prefer that method anyhow.

You can download 5.0.0.732 to your desktop here.

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For those of you unfamiliar with Kik, it is a cross platform messaging application similar to BlackBerry messenger, which basically allows you to chat with people over all platforms. There are some interesting changes within the new update that should be well worth the time. These changes include:

    * Improved the UI
    * Made it even easier to invite others to join Kik
    * Improved reliability
    * Reduced battery usage

Along with this update, iPhone has finally moved their Kik version out of beta, and an Android version will be released shortly. That is kind of the point of cross platform is to have the app available on ALL platforms. The application will be free for download up until June 22nd so get in their now and grab it before it's too late. You can download the latest BlackBerry version here.