Refresh Roundup: week of July 29th, 2013

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Filed under: , , ,

Comments

BlackBerry 10.2 resources suggest A10 smartphone may ship as the Z30

BlackBerry code suggests Aristo may be named Z30

Many rumors surrounding BlackBerry’s first big smartphone, the Aristo, have only made references to an A10 model number. However, we’re now learning that even the A10 badge may just be a codename. CrackBerry forum member ofutur has found references in pre-release BlackBerry 10.2 code that relabel the phone as the Z30, and CrackBerry editor Bla1ze has uncovered associated tutorial resources that tie images of the device back to the Z30. There’s no guarantee that this is the final name, but it’s consistent with BlackBerry’s use of letters to signify form factors — the touch-only Z30 could complement the Z10 while leaving room for in-between devices. Let’s hope that the company doesn’t leave us waiting long for an official answer.

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Via: N4BB

Source: CrackBerry (1), (2)

BlackBerry A10 for AT&T flaunts 5-inch screen in latest leak (video)

BlackBerry A10 for AT&T flaunts 5inch screen in latest leak video

Looks like Verizon isn’t the only carrier that’s in line to receive the anticipated BlackBerry A10. In the latest leak from Tinhte.vn, the smartphone is shown off in a hands-on video wearing AT&T branding on the rear. A quick removal of the A10’s back cover reinforces the claim of a beefy 2,800mAh battery and 5-inch HD AMOLED display (unlike the LCD panel on the Z10), along with slots for both micro-SIM and microSD cards. Touring the device, micro-USB and micro-HDMI ports are both visible on the phone’s left side — another similarity to the Z10 — along with BlackBerry’s traditional three-button volume rocker on the right, and a both a power button and headphone jack on the phone’s top. You can see the comparison between BlackBerry’s current flagship and the A10 in the hands-on video, but you’ll need to learn Vietnamese to gain much in terms of impressions.

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Source: Tinh Te (YouTube)

Unity 4.2 adds support for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and BB10

Unity 42 adds support for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and BB10

One of game development’s most used engines is adding support for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and Blackberry 10 today in its latest version, 4.2. Some support was already offered in the latest version’s beta run, but today Unity 4.2 drops out of beta and into primetime. That brings Unity’s mobile platform support up to four: Android, iOS, Windows Phone 8 and BB10 (for both free and paid version of the engine). Of course, the implications here are what matters — Unity powers major mobile titles like Temple Run 2 and Republique, not to mention the new Deus Ex mobile game. As for Windows 8, games like Surgeon Simulator 2013 (trust us — look into that one) and Interstellar Marines are powered by Unity. There are also a smattering of previously paid functions going free — head past the break for the full list.

Filed under: , , , ,

Comments

iHeartRadio launches on BlackBerry 10

iHeartRadio launches on BlackBerry 10

You may have moved to a brand-new BlackBerry, but you won’t have to give up the traditional sounds of iHeartRadio — Clear Channel has released a port of the streaming app for BlackBerry 10 devices. It largely keeps pace with versions for other platforms, including Perfect For mood matching as well as the usual choices of live and customized stations. Provided you live in a US territory, you can download the BB10 edition at the source link.

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Via: CrackBerry

Source: BlackBerry World

Twitter for BlackBerry 10 updated: revamped UI, multiple account access and more

Twitter for BlackBerry 10 updated revamped UI, multiple account access and more

Suffice it to say, the BB10 crowd hasn’t exactly been pleased with the current Twitter app on the platform — a quick look at the BlackBerry World reviews pretty much sums up the frustration. Now, hoping to alleviate some of those troubles, Twitter’s releasing version 10.2 of its application, which brings a hefty amount of improvements to folks with a Z10 or Q10. The app now displays a redesigned UI that makes it easier to browse, as well as other new features including access to DMs and multiple accounts, the ability to save photos being shared, an overhauled Discover tab and more enhancements to search. We have a feeling BlackBerry 10 users will certainly appreciate today’s beefy update, so do let us know in the comments below if you’re enjoying it thus far.

Filed under: , , ,

Comments

Source: BlackBerry World

BlackBerry Z10 prices slashed across the board: $99 at Verizon and AT&T, $49 on Amazon

Looking for an excuse to try out BlackBerry’s latest flagship? Here’s one: now it’s cheap. Folks willing to sign up for a usual two year agreement can score the BlackBerry Z10 for $99 at both AT&T and Verizon or a mere $49 at Amazon. The price drop is most likely designed to spur sales in the wake of the Canadian company’s $84 million loss last quarter. “Now is the right time to adjust the price,” a BlackBerry spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal. “It’s part of life cycle management to tier the pricing for current devices to make room for the next ones.” In other words, BlackBerry needs to move its existing stock before it can sell the public on a second-generation device. Either way, the Z10 is a steal at $49 — unless you’re in one of the regions that’s simply giving them away.

Filed under:

Comments

Via: N4BB

Source: Amazon, AT&T, Verizon, Wall Street Journal

BlackBerry reportedly loses execs responsible for social apps, BB10 Hub

BlackBerry reportedly loses execs responsible for social apps, BB10 Hub

BlackBerry has had trouble retaining executives as of late, and its situation may not be getting much better when the Wall Street Journal claims that two software overseers recently left the company. T.A. McCann (pictured at left), a VP who oversaw BBM and social networking apps, reportedly said goodbye two weeks ago. Marc Gingras (right), who masterminded the BlackBerry 10 Hub and came with the Tungle.me acquisition, supposedly quit in “recent weeks.” BlackBerry hasn’t commented on the rumored exits, although the Journal believes that both McCann and Gingras left voluntarily. If real, the departures aren’t coming at a good time — BlackBerry is in rough financial straits, and it needs executives willing to turn the ship around.

[Gingras image credit: Kris Krüg, Flickr]

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Source: Wall Street Journal

Flixster for BlackBerry 10 adds UltraViolet movie streaming

Flixster for BlackBerry 10 adds UltraViolet movie streaming

BlackBerry 10 users have had Flixster’s app as a movie guide since January, but they haven’t had the chance to watch their discoveries on the BlackBerry itself. Thankfully, Flixster has provided that missing piece of the puzzle today by adding UltraViolet support (not pictured here). As with Android and iOS, anyone with a BB10 device can now stream videos saved in their UV locker. The upgrade brings regular Flixster accounts, too — members can mark the movies they want to see and review them afterward. Between these two major additions, the new Flixster app is easily worth an update at the source link.

Filed under: , , ,

Comments

Via: CrackBerry

Source: BlackBerry World

BlackBerry OS 10.2 leak reveals actionable notifications, WiFi Direct and more

BlackBerry OS 102 leak reveals actionable notifications, WiFi Direct and more

BlackBerry 10 users rejoice! The awesome folks over at the CrackBerry forums have leaked a few screenshots of BlackBerry’s upcoming OS 10.2 (build 10.2.0.483, to be exact) which reveal a bunch of new features, including actionable notifications and WiFi Direct. With the former, you’ll be able to pull down on notifications and respond to them (as shown above). This OS version will also provide a way to mute notifications or view them on the lock screen. WiFi Direct, which was hinted at during BlackBerry Live, is now confirmed with this build. It enables simple peer-to-peer wireless connectivity between various devices like phones, tablets, printers and TVs. This update also include a new native Evernote app, settings app and app manager. Find out more at the source link below.

Filed under: , , ,

Comments

Via: PhoneArena

Source: CrackBerry forums