As you probably already know, RIM is experiencing another outage. I have heard that the outage is affecting most all U.S. carriers. I am unsure at this point if it is affecting Canadian carriers, From what I have read on the very few Twitter updates I received, they have been affected as well.
When I called Verizon Wireless to report the outage I received the standard recording saying that “They are aware of an issue in your service area, in regards to email and the BlackBerry server. RIM is working on the issue.”
So as it seems this is an issue that has been going on most of the day, as I am unaware of exactly what time I lost my data connection to the server. Hopefully RIM will have us back up and running soon. If you have service or any info in regards to the outage. Please leave us a comment here with carrier and region. Thank You and Happy Holidays
While checking Twitter updates on my break. I came across a tweet from our friends at www.BBHybrids.net with a link to BBM 5.0.0.52. I have installed this version which has been pulled from the newly leaked 9700 OS.
Although I haven’t had much time to tinker with it, I have noticed that the fonts have been changed and avatars seem crisper.
Here is the link for OTA. If you find any issues please let us know. Enjoy!
*UPDATE*
I have recently found out that this version has been released to carriers for testing so please use it and let us know what you think.
Some of you probably have been using this new Twitter client for a few days, but I had to showcase Seesmic.
For those of us that have been using Seesmic are used to seeing the cute little raccoon on our home screen that lets us know there is an update, but for some it may seem a little strange. Keep in mind that Seesmic is still in “alpha testing” but they have released it to all of us to get a little taste of whats to come.
Of course there are some improvements that could be made in my opinion. For example a different color in the time line to represent @replies and @DM messages. Theses are however listed in the menu screen, it would be nice to see them in the main time line. Also I would like to see a Friends/Followers in the menu that way people can be added or taken away with ease.
For the most part Seesmic Inc. has hit the nail right on the head with this one. I have been using Seesmic since it’s availability date and I am hooked. It is very clean and easy to use. While sending a new Tweet it allows you to shrink your tweet as well as add pictures from whichever service you choose during setup. Another great feature is that as you get closer to the dreaded 140 character limit the text window starts to change different shades of red. The redder the text window the closer you are. If you go over the allotted amount then it turns a very deep crimson color.
The look and feel of this Twitter client are great. It’s functionality is almost perfect. If Seesmic Inc. makes the right changes to this Twitter client I can see it becoming used more than Ubertwitter. If you are interested in giving this application a try just point you mobile browser HERE or your PC browser HERE. Give it a try I am sure that you won’t be disappointed.
OK so you have just gotten you nice new unlocked Blackberry 95XX series out of the box. You grab your SIM card out of your old phone slap it in your new storm and boom…no web or data. So you quickly grab your laptop and log into your favorite BlackBerry site (hopefully this one) to find out how to fix it. After an exhaustive search you finally find some very complicated directions that your not quite comfortable with, but try to use anyway. After a long bout of arguing with your Berry and screaming curse words at what anyone else would consider nothing, you are left frustrated with a phone that doesn’t work the way you had hoped.
If this sounds like something you have been through or perhaps you have witnessed a friend or two go through it. then you in luck. Our very own Macapple has brought you a very brilliant fix. This fix has bee revamped so anyone can do it. It is laid out step by step with illustrations of each step so you know exactly what it is you should be looking at. Now I haven’t been able to test this because I am currently with VZW but, I have looked over these beautiful sets of instructions. Yes you read right SETS. MacApple has given us both AT&T as well as T-mobile instructions for setting up your web and service books. Now keep in mind these are for the Storm. Included in the .ZIP file is all your needed APN settings and passwords for the appropriate carrier.
So enjoy these very easy to understand and use instructions. If you follow them you will be up and running in no time. A Huge thank you goes out to our very own MacApple for this find! Click the above links to download .ZIP file. Dont forget to leave us a comment here or in our forums to let us know how it all turned out.
Have you ever put your BlackBerry down at the airport or the grocery store and forgot to pick it up? Or maybe you had that big party on the weekend while your parents were out of town and now you cant find your phone. eGPS is the solution for you.
I know from first hand experience that sinking feeling you get when you can’t find your BlackBerry. All the thoughts that run through your head at a million miles per hour. Who’s in my contact list? Whats on my memory card? Is there anything private that I don’t need the world to find out.
I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a free copy of eGPS compliments of BBHybrids. As soon as I got the email with the link I was installing as fast as I could.
eGPS is host to a number of very convenient safety features. All of which can be activated via SMS or by email. eGPS will allow you to back up contacts, send an audible alert so you can find it even if your phone is set to silent or on vibrate. You can even wipe your phone or memory card all remotely. Now I have not tried all the functions of this because the wipe function will WIPE your phone completely. If recovered you will need to re install the OS and start from scratch. I didn’t really want to test this function but if it works as well as the other functions then this program is flawless.
Keep in mind that you have to have your GPS unblocked in order for this to function properly, so Verizon customers keep this in mind. Once eGPS is installed on your phone you will need to set it up. How hard is this? they have made it so easy my seven year old could do it. all you have to do is assign a pin number and an email address and them turn it on. Once the set up is all done you are ready to go. Simply email or SMS th command that you want to execute to the device and eGPS works it’s magic.
I think the Best part of this besides it’s functionality of course is the price. Most applications that claim to be able to do all this ding your pocket book on a monthly or yearly basis, and it always seems to be twenty bucks or better for this type of security. eGPS can be found in the mobihand store for the one time cost of just $4.99. If your like me and would rather avoid paying for applications. DO NOT avoid paying for this one. This could possibly be the best five dollar investment you make. Especially for all the people who actually use their Berries for Business. There is no monthly fee involved. Check out a video of eGPS in action HERE
So if you are like me and would like to have the security of knowing that if your phone ever goes missing and you cannot find it, your contact list can be saved and all personal info can be wiped rendering the device useless untill revived. Head to the store on the left side of our page and get you copy today. Enjoy your Blackberry more knowing that it is safe.
Now I know that most of you are saying not another post about unbricking your BlackBerry, but after talking to a friend at work I felt that I should share my knowledge. A buddy of mine approached me at work and asked if I knew how to fix a bricked berry. He said that he had taken his phone to a corporate store and the told him that his device needed to be replaced. This is not the truth at all. I am aware that most of our readers can probably do this in their sleep. So for those of you who do not know or are unsure here it is.
To unbrick your BlackBerry you will need some very key tools. Without them you will be dead in the water.
#1: Desired OS installed on PC. This is the single most important tool. Make sure that if you are using a “leak” or another carriers released OS be sure to delete the vendors file.
#2: Make sure you have a copy of BBSAK.(BlackBerry Swiss Army Knife) I prefer this over JLcmder. It is easier to use for someone that is new at the process or not familiar with DOS based commands.
#3: You will need to have the latest copy of Desktop Manager(DM) installed on you computer.
#4: Last but definitely not least you will need your most current back up. If you do not currently back your phone up on a regular basis I recommend doing it on a Bi-weekly basis at the least. Having a current back up has saved my bacon a few times now.
Now that we have all our tools lets begin. First go ahead and install the desired OS on your PC making sure to delete the vendor file and uninstall Rim Tools if necessary. Once your OS is installed you can install BBSAK if you have not done so yet. Second plug your Berry into your PC and open BBSAK. Click on Wipe device. You will receive a warning saying “this is a low level wipe do you wish to continue” click yes. Do not be afraid to do this. By this time it will not hurt anything. Let BBSAK run and do its thing, you will receive a message when it is done. After it is done wiping, your device will reboot. Your not done yet because at the end of start up it will still read reload OS. Now you have a completely clean slate to work with. Third click on load OS. It may take a min to start up but just let it go. Once it starts you will see a window open that contains all the stuff to load on to your phone. You will have to check all the stuff you want to load or it will only load the bare essentials onto you phone. Simply scroll down the list and check the boxes of all the applications that you want installed. After you are done this click next, and you will see a confirmation window of what is to be loaded or unloaded from your device. Pay close attention to this as it will help to make sure you get everything that you want installed. If you missed something just click back and check it’s box. If everything is there then click next. Now the installation process will start. It could take up to 30 minutes to complete this. When it is done you will receive a message saying it is complete. Your phone should now be rebooting.
Now that the hard part is done take the time to make sure everything was loaded and is working fine. If you find something is not right you may have to repeat the process. Once you have determined everything is A okay you will need to open your DM. With your DM open and phone plugged in click on back up/restore. Select the restore option and choose your latest back up. Your Back up will be a .ipd file, when you find it double click it. A small window will appear showing all that will be restored to your phone. If this is correct then click next. After the installation process is over of course your device will reboot. After start up double check again that everything you wanted to be installed is there and working properly. If not just repeat steps.
Keep in mind that it seems a lot harder than it really is. I know that most people are not comfortable with the proccess and wiping the device may scare you. But remember If you are looking at a white screen with a message that reads Reload OS with an error code, you can’t mess it up any more. I have seen a couple of people waste money on a new device simply because they did not possess the knowledge and the tech also did not possess it either. If you follow these steps then you should be able to re-install your OS without any problems. If you have a question about this proccess or if I left something out feel free to let me know HERE.
Just a friendly reminder that the forums are now open. Come by ask a question, maybe give a little insight. Or maybe you just want to read. This is the place to be. If you are looking for an OS, swing by the OS forum. MacApple is working on getting all the OS’s for our beloved Berry’s together in one single place. So far the 9500 and 9530 OS’s are up and he is working on the rest. So remember tell your family and tell your friends. Even tell that guy sitting across from you on the train during your early morning commute. theBlackBerryfactory is where its at. People with a passion helping others.
Hello BlackBerryfactory members!I’m Bruce but I go by the screen name Phantom.I’m looking forward to meeting all members new and old. I’m an app junkie of sorts and will be giving you reviews on all the neat and usable apps I find through my searches. I can be emailed at BruceBivins@theBlackBerryfactory.com
In the short time we’ve been up and running we have gotten a huge amount of support from our readers and many of you have sent in emails offering your services. As I’ve said in the past I want this site to be as community interactive as possible. That doesn’t mean I expect each readers to devote there time and energy to the site, I just want to provide you guys with a place to showcase anything you may want to share with the BlackBerry world. Our newest member Michael Belland aka macapple is in the process of building his own servers so you guys can have access to every OS update in one easy to use location. Mike also creates his own hybrid operating systems that he’s going to share with our readers. A big thanks is due to all our new and returning visitors for giving theBlackBerryfactory such a warm welcome into the blogosphere.
Why wait for the upcoming Onyx or Storm 2 when you can have the BlockBerry F020i or the BlueBerry 950 today? As cheesy looking as these devices may look they actually have pretty impressive specs and at only $69.00 on ebay, RIM may have to keep an eye on the competition. Hahaha. Anyone ditching there current Bold for the BlueBerry 900?
