Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Software : BBM for Android and iOS rumored to release Sept. 20

Software : BBM for Android and iOS rumored to release Sept. 20

BBM for Android and iOS rumored to release Sept. 20

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BBM for Android and iOS rumored to release Sept. 20

More rumors have surfaced about the release of BBM for Android and iOS systems.

This time, Jakarta website TeknoUp claims they received an invitation to an event that's pegged for Sept. 20.

We're not sure how legit the invite is, but Crackberry compiled a list of plausible dates based on previous rumors and it seems like this Friday we'll see BBM hit the Google Play store for Android devices while the Apple store will see it on Sept. 21 for iOS.

We previously reported that BBM would touch down in Africa this Friday, so perhaps there is some truth in the rumors.

Where are you BBM?

The messaging app is supposedly releasing late this summer, which apparently really means the tail-end of summer considering Autumn starts Sept. 22 and we've seen nothing but rumors and teases.

There was an instance where it seemed BBM would be up and running but BlackBerry jumped the gun and pulled the site down.

We'll be looking out for the app this weekend to see if it really launches.

Updated: Samsung's BBM for Android app set to rain down in Africa on Friday?

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Updated: Samsung's BBM for Android app set to rain down in Africa on Friday?

Update: Samsung Nigeria may have jumped the gun a bit.

Victoria Berry, BBM communications director at BlackBerry, sent a statement to CrackBerry clarifying that "no one will have an exclusive on offering BBM."

"We'll be bringing the app to Android and iPhone users across the globe soon," she said.

While Samsung may lack an exclusive claim to BBM in Africa, we all should be in for some messaging goodness before long.

Original article...

The first official implementation of the BlackBerry Messenger platform on Android devices could arrive in Africa this Friday, exclusively for Samsung Galaxy phones.

According to a ZDNet report and a tweet from Samsung Nigeria's Twitter account, the South Korean tech giant may have snagged access to BBM three months before it arrives for other Android devices in the region.

As per an existing marketing agreement between Samsung and BlackBerry in Africa, the launch of the BBM platform for Galaxy devices will see it integrated within Samsung's own messaging hub application.

BlackBerry is launching its time-honoured app for iOS and Android sometime this year with the clear aim of becoming the world's No. 1 messaging platform, but as of right now the apps remain in private beta.

As yet, despite the odd hint hint here and there, there's no clear indication of when BlackBerry will pull the trigger on its BBM expansion project. However, the developments in Africa suggest it cannot be far away.

Bargaining chip

With the launch still pending, BBM has become a pivotal discussion point behind the potential sale of the Canadian smartphone manufacturer, which is currently welcoming offers as part of a strategic review.

The popularity of the free BBM app helped to keep the company's phones popular with the younger crowd long after the slump had commenced and is one of the most valuable chips BlackBerry possesses.

It may prove a target for potential buyers looking to pick the bones, or it may be a division that remains under Waterloo's control as other parts of the business are sold off.

Mozilla delays Firefox's 'return to the dark ages' on Windows 8

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Mozilla delays Firefox's 'return to the dark ages' on Windows 8

The Metro-style Firefox release has been pushed back from December to January, according to Mozilla.

In the online notes from its latest meeting (why issue press releases when you can publish raw bullet points?), Mozilla revealed that a "decrease in average team velocity" has caused the Firefox for Windows delay.

Firefox 26 for Windows is being designed specifically for Windows 8, with the system's touchy-feely, tile-based UI at the forefront of the browser's look and feel.

That's despite Mozilla's claims from last year that Windows 8 marked a "return to the dark ages."

T-t-touch me

The new, multitouch-friendly, "modern" Firefox was pegged last month for a Dec. 10 release, but the latest Firefox notes make it clear that the tiled browser will appear next year at the earliest.

This version of Firefox for Windows features a boxy, tile-based interface and features designed specifically to play nicely with Microsoft's newest OS, including versions on touch devices.

The exact reason for the delays is unclear, but this special version of Firefox has already been in development for at least a year - preview builds appeared as early as 2012.

Not much in the Windows 8 world has changed since then, though Windows RT is looking less and less relevant and Windows 8.1 will be out in mid-October.

No iPhone left behind as Apple offers older app versions through App Store

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No iPhone left behind as Apple offers older app versions through App Store

Apple is in the process of rolling out a new feature for iOS devices running older versions of the software, which allows the last compatible version of apps to be downloaded.

Apple's new iOS 7 software becomes available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners on Wednesday, but for handsets like the iPhone 3GS it's the end of the road when it comes to software updates.

With developers busying themselves with updating the apps for re-imagined software, the new feature will give those owners incapable or unwilling to use iOS 7 the ability to continue using their favorite apps.

According to reports today, the new notification pops up asking if users wish to install the last compatible version when they attempt to download an app that's not supported by their version of iOS.

New lease of life

The decision to make the older versions available, first spotted by a Reddit user, keeps devices like the iPhone 3GS and original iPad alive and kicking, despite their incompatibility with iOS 7.

It could even encourage some estranged iPhone users to dig the old handset out of the closet and give things another whirl.

Instant Video adds AirPlay support, but Amazon may have bigger TV fish to fry

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Instant Video adds AirPlay support, but Amazon may have bigger TV fish to fry

Amazon Instant Video added Apple TV AirPlay support today, but the e-tailer may have another project cooking to take Apple's set-top head on in the living room.

Let's start with the Instant Video app update. Now app owners can stream content from their mobile device to a television via AirPlay. It's not an earth-shaking update, but a function Apple TV owners are sure to welcome.

Users were previously able to switch from watching content on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to viewing on a Kindle Fire HD, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac or a number of connected TVs and Blu-ray players.

Throw Apple TV in the mix and you've got a growing Instant Video network that should force Hulu and Netflix to take notice.

Instant Video is free with an Amazon Prime subscription, though non-Prime members can buy or rent videos from the company's 140,000-strong catalog. Today's update also brings with it some new IMDB goodies, including cast and director info, ratings, "goofs," trivia and quotes.

Amazon TV coming in October?

While today's Instant Video update is an incremental step in Amazon stomp into the living room, AllThingsD has word that we could see the company seriously encroach on Apple TV's turf as soon as next month.

According to the site, Amazon is planning to release its own set-top box in the fall. Developer sources indicate the launch date won't happen until mid-October at the earliest, but that's really only a month away.

Amazon would join a growing connected TV space, shouldering next to the likes of not only Apple but Roku, Sony, Google, Microsoft and, eventually, Intel. With an Amazon phone likely in the works too, seems Amazon is preparing to hit a lot of top contenders where it hurts.

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