Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Target Joins Online Book War, BlackBerry Bold 9700 Revealed]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/target-joins-online-book-war-blackberry-bold-9700-revealed/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/target-joins-online-book-war-blackberry-bold-9700-revealed/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/target-joins-online-book-war-blackberry-bold-9700-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This morning's other big tech headlines....
  • Walmart and Amazon have been engaged in an epic online book war, slashing prices on well known tomes -- like the Sarah Palin autobiography and the new Dean Koontz thriller -- by as much as 60-percent. Target recently joined the fray, as well, and with holiday shopping right around the corner, there's only one thing to say: Keep up the good work, guys. [From: The Wall Street Journal]
  • The BlackBerry Bold 9700 will debut next month, and will reportedly feature an improved camera as well as higher screen resolution. BlackBerry must have been paying attention to its customer, too, because it apparently swapped out that sticky, clumsy trackball with an optical trackpad. [From: Engadget]
  • Recently, Bill Keller, the executive director of the New York Times, immersed himself for three weeks in the digital news world in order to investigate how newspapers, and journalism as a whole, can thrive online. Dispelling the myth that some publications and their leaders may be out of touch, Keller favors keeping up with the interests of his readers by reading their tweets. [From: The Nieman Journalism Lab]
  • For the first time in its 27-year history, the Weather Channel will begin showing full-length films -- starting, appropriately, with 'The Perfect Storm' on October 30th. Some titles to follow included 'March of the Penguins' and 'Deep Blue Sea.' Thankfully, there has been no mention of 'The Day After Tomorrow.' [From: The Associated Press]
  • Sony Australia has developed a new ad campaign that beautifully shows a PlayStation 3 being launched at a Sony Bravia at 50 mph, and the ensuing, glorious collision. Maybe Microsoft will follow suit with a similar ad featuring an Xbox. That should help alleviate some of the pain from that blasted ring of death. [From: Gizmodo]
  • There aren't many ways for Twitter to scale down its minimalist approach to social networking, but the site may actually eliminate one of its features, the 'suggested user' list. Now, Twitter just needs to figure out how to get a handle on the abundance of our porn spam followers. [From: USA Today]
  • Mozilla will be providing some welcome competition to the mobile browser business, as Firefox 3.6 will be available soon for Android phones. CEO John Lilly said that his company's new development will be "the most advanced mobile browser." We can't wait to find out for ourselves. [From: Download Squad]

SwitchedTarget Joins Online Book War, BlackBerry Bold 9700 Revealed originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>morningxtratopWed, 21 Oct 2009 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Stewart Copeland Double-Fists the BlackBerry and the iPhone]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/06/stewart-copeland-double-fists-the-blackberry-and-the-iphone/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/06/stewart-copeland-double-fists-the-blackberry-and-the-iphone/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/06/stewart-copeland-double-fists-the-blackberry-and-the-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Forever known for his role as the steady hand driving the Police's white-boy reggae (and the lanky American whose surfer-dude demeanor buoyed Sting's British flamboyance), Stewart Copeland has earned his place in the pantheon of pop music. Since those halcyon days, he hasn't exactly retired to the couch, having shared the stage with artists ranging from neo-proggers Oysterhead to alt. rock stalwarts the Foo Fighters. Now, the lauded drummer has added the vocation of author to his resume. This month, HarperStudio will publish his autobiography 'Strange Things Happen,' wherein he chronicles his life, from his beginnings as a CIA brat to his place on the drum throne with the Police's reunion tour. Finding time between his myriad projects, he found time last month to sit down with us and talk gadgetry.

Continue reading Stewart Copeland Double-Fists the BlackBerry and the iPhone

SwitchedStewart Copeland Double-Fists the BlackBerry and the iPhone originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booksfeaturesstewartcopelandswitchedquestionnairethepolicetopTue, 06 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Best New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/best-new-bluetooth-headsets-for-your-phone/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/best-new-bluetooth-headsets-for-your-phone/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/best-new-bluetooth-headsets-for-your-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


A few years ago, Bluetooth headsets were rarely seen in public, and early adopters were accused of making both fashion and etiquette faux pas.

But the proliferating bans on driving while holding a phone, coupled with people's discovery of hands-free convenience, has rendered the devices standard-issue these days.

And headsets continue to improve in both sound quality and features. Most new devices utilize one or more noise-canceling technologies, such as dual microphones and voice optimization (which suppresses ambient noise for less distortion). Some headsets use a boom (which extends the microphone closer to the mouth), and better in-ear designs either eliminate the dorky ear loop altogether or relegate it to an optional add-on.

Some of these Bluetooth devices boast A2DP technology in order to wirelessly stream music from a phone. And designers are finally paying attention to fashion, not just functionality.

To help you find the best match for your ear, we've taken some of the newer Bluetooth headsets out for a test drive, using them on calls everywhere from noisy city streets to wireless-saturated offices and homes (where there's a lot of potential interference). We evaluated them on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent) for sound quality, ease of use (especially for tasks like pairing and answering calls on the fly), comfort, and aesthetics (you know, so you don't look like a 'Bluetool' while you're wearing it). Take a look at our favorites.

Continue reading Best New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone

SwitchedBest New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetoothheadsetscellphonefeaturesheadsetmobileaccessoriestopWed, 30 Sep 2009 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Engadget: Xbox 360 Holiday Bundles, Updated Macs Coming]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/the-daily-engadget-xbox-360-holiday-bundles-updated-macs-comin/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/the-daily-engadget-xbox-360-holiday-bundles-updated-macs-comin/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/the-daily-engadget-xbox-360-holiday-bundles-updated-macs-comin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

the daily engadget: xbox 360 holiday bundles announced, updated mac minis and imacs expected soon
Our friends over at Engadget obsessively cover everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics, which is why we compile this daily roundup of their top stuff (or, at least, what we think is tops). For more details on any of these stories, click on the Engadget links in each story below.

Xbox 360 Holiday Bundles Announced
If you jumped in and got an Xbox 360 at its new, lower price of $299, you might be wishing you'd waited a few weeks. Microsoft has just announced a new bundle that includes two games for the same price.

New iMacs and Mac Minis Coming?
Word on the proverbial street has it that supplies of the Mac Mini and iMac are running thin. You know what that means: hardware refresh is coming soon.

Continue reading The Daily Engadget: Xbox 360 Holiday Bundles, Updated Macs Coming

SwitchedThe Daily Engadget: Xbox 360 Holiday Bundles, Updated Macs Coming originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsthedailyengadgettopWed, 30 Sep 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry TiVo App Lets Users Remotely Schedule Shows to Record]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/blackberry-tivo-app-lets-users-remotely-schedule-shows-to-record/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/blackberry-tivo-app-lets-users-remotely-schedule-shows-to-record/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/blackberry-tivo-app-lets-users-remotely-schedule-shows-to-record/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Have you ever been stuck late at the office and realized that you'd forgotten to set your TiVo to record the new episode of 'Lost?' If you own a BlackBerry, your heart will no longer sink upon such a revelation. Research and Motion (RIM) and TiVo are today launching TiVo for BlackBerry, available for download on the BlackBerry App World.

The free app features a program guide, which users can browse by category, most popular, or even daily picks. The guide also offers plenty of details about each show, including a description and air time. Of course, the real benefit of the app is the ability to remotely program your TiVo to record your favorite shows.

Continue reading BlackBerry TiVo App Lets Users Remotely Schedule Shows to Record

SwitchedBlackBerry TiVo App Lets Users Remotely Schedule Shows to Record originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry app worldBlackberryAppWorlddvrrimsmartphonetivotoptvWed, 30 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM Developing Native BlackBerry Twitter App?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/rim-developing-native-blackberry-twitter-app/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/rim-developing-native-blackberry-twitter-app/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/rim-developing-native-blackberry-twitter-app/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If the rumors are true, Research in Motion (RIM), the developer of the BlackBerry, might soon change the way users tweet from their smartphones. There are plenty of third-party Twitter apps, but according to the CrackBerry blog, more details have emerged about a Twitter app designed by RIM, which could unseat apps like TwitterBerry. The as-of-yet unnamed application will boast push features (you'll be notified of new Tweets as they arrive) and integrate with your other BlackBerry apps like the address book, browser, and device setup wizard. You can also expect access to trending topics.

Will BlackBerry users switch from third-party Twitter apps to an official RIM app? Probably so. It would make sense that the Twitter app be similar to other RIM social networking apps, so it shouldn't be too difficult for seasoned users to use. [From: CrackBerry, via Mashable]

SwitchedRIM Developing Native BlackBerry Twitter App? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applicationblackberryblackberry app worldBlackberryAppWorldrimsmartphonetoptwitterMon, 28 Sep 2009 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[$200K BlackBerry Features Diamond-Encrusted Cover]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/diamond-dipped-amosu-blackberry-retails-for-over-200k/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/diamond-dipped-amosu-blackberry-retails-for-over-200k/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/28/diamond-dipped-amosu-blackberry-retails-for-over-200k/#commentsFiled under: ,


Apparently no longer satisfied with being just a smartphone, the BlackBerry went out and got itself some swagger.

Designer Alexander Amosu has introduced his new, tricked-out riff on the BlackBerry -- an 18-carat gold gem of a device, replete with 4,459 finely cut diamonds. Users can brand their new bejeweled bambino with their company name and logo, and will have a 24-hour "global concierge" service at their doubtlessly Tiffany-laden fingertips. Just think: all of this can be yours for the limited, one-time offer of $200,366!

Continue reading $200K BlackBerry Features Diamond-Encrusted Cover

Switched$200K BlackBerry Features Diamond-Encrusted Cover originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amosuamosu luxuryAmosuLuxuryblackberrycell phoneCellPhoneluxurysmartphonetopMon, 28 Sep 2009 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama's Healthcare Facebook App, BlackBerry and Mac Together at Last?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/21/obamas-healthcare-facebook-app-blackberry-and-mac-together-at/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/21/obamas-healthcare-facebook-app-blackberry-and-mac-together-at/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/21/obamas-healthcare-facebook-app-blackberry-and-mac-together-at/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....
  • President Obama's administration, a team known for its Net savvy, has published a 'Reality Check' Facebook quiz, letting participants know how his planned health care reform will affect them. The app's comment section has already gotten ugly, with some supporting the plan and others somehow dubbing it both "socialist" and "fascist." (They are polar opposites, people.) [From: ReadWriteWeb]
  • As evidenced by many of us at Switched, Mac users don't always use the iPhone. BlackBerry users with Apple computers will likely get BlackBerry Desktop Manager for their Macs come September 25th. The app will improve contacts, media, calendar and other data syncing. [From: Boy Genius Report, via TUAW]
  • In an effort to rebrand itself, Yahoo! is launching a massive new campaign with the slogan "It's You!" (in the Yahoo! font) to promote its newly customizable search options. Too bad. We were gunning for "Yahoo! Yippee!" as the new catchphrase... [From: WallStreetJournal.com]
  • Facebook Beacon, the cross-platform advertising program put forth by the social networking giant, is officially dead. Good riddance. Facebook Connect is much more useful, anyway. [From: Cnet, via Download Squad]

SwitchedObama's Healthcare Facebook App, BlackBerry and Mac Together at Last? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>morningxtratopMon, 21 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MoGo Talk Headset Fits Into the Back of Your iPhone, BlackBerry]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/17/mogo-talk-headset-fits-into-the-back-of-your-iphone-blackberry/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/17/mogo-talk-headset-fits-into-the-back-of-your-iphone-blackberry/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/17/mogo-talk-headset-fits-into-the-back-of-your-iphone-blackberry/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Wireless Bluetooth headsets are such a dilemma -- they're so handy to have in order to keep from Texting While Driving (TWD), yet so difficult to keep in a handy place while you're on the go (they're just so dang small). Until now, at least, thanks to Newton Peripherals, the folks who brought us the wafer-thin MoGo Mouse that stores neatly in your laptop's PC card.

Announced back in June, but finally available starting today, the Mogo Talk for iPhone ($129) is a nifty little Bluetooth headset that snaps into a storage compartment on the back of a black plastic iPhone case. That's right, you won't have to worry about where you stuffed your headset because this one will be attached to the back of your iPhone (3G or 3GS models only). The case includes a built-in USB charger that plugs into your laptop, and the headset itself is a tiny little (5mm, or just under 2-inches) one-piece that fits snugly in your ear thanks to an included earbud fit kit, without any of those annoying hooks typical of many headsets that are such a pain to get around your ear.

Continue reading MoGo Talk Headset Fits Into the Back of Your iPhone, BlackBerry

SwitchedMoGo Talk Headset Fits Into the Back of Your iPhone, BlackBerry originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetoothheadsetbluetoothheadsetsbreaking newsBreakingNewsiphoneaccessoriesmobileaccessoriesmogomogotalktopThu, 17 Sep 2009 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[More Folks Listening to Net Radio on Their Phones]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/13/internet-radio-taking-leap-from-the-desktop-to-the-pocket/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/13/internet-radio-taking-leap-from-the-desktop-to-the-pocket/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/13/internet-radio-taking-leap-from-the-desktop-to-the-pocket/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

At this point, free Internet radio stations abound, but one of our perennial favorites has been Pandora.com. (Go on and sign up; you'll see.) Based on an admirably well researched database called The Music Genome Project, Pandora automatically generates a customizable playlist based on whatever song or artist you choose, explaining exactly why each song has been selected in remarkably musical terms. Many a late night at work has been made infinitely more bearable thanks to its intuitive and automatic operation.

Now, according to the New York Times's Bits Blog, the radio station is taking an almost unwitting leap from laptops to smartphones. (Pandora now offers apps for Android, iPhone, BlackBerry and Palm Pre.) While each day sees 65,000 music lovers sign up for Pandora's free service, a full 45,000 of them are registering not on their computers, but on their phones.

Continue reading More Folks Listening to Net Radio on Their Phones

SwitchedMore Folks Listening to Net Radio on Their Phones originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsblackberryinternet radioInternetRadioiphonepalm prePalmPrepandoraradiosmartphonetopSun, 13 Sep 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Last.fm Going HD]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/11/last-fm-making-jump-from-web-to-hd-radio-broadcasts/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/11/last-fm-making-jump-from-web-to-hd-radio-broadcasts/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/11/last-fm-making-jump-from-web-to-hd-radio-broadcasts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In a move that goes against the grain, Last.fm will become more than just a Web property by expanding to the radio airwaves. Starting in four markets (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco), Last.fm will broadcast on CBS HD radio stations. According to paidContent, the broadcasts, set to begin October 5th, will feature music pulled from the online service's user-generated charts. In addition, there will be plenty of live performances and interviews from the New York studios.

There are three ways to listen: click on over to the Last.fm, CBS Radio, or Yahoo Music sites; download an application for your iPhone, BlackBerry (some models, anyway) or iPod touch; or, if you have an HD radio receiver and live in one of the four markets mentioned above, just tune in to the proper frequency.

Continue reading Last.fm Going HD

SwitchedLast.fm Going HD originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cbshd radiohdradiointernet radioInternetRadiolast.fmmediaradiotopwebFri, 11 Sep 2009 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Smartphones to Overtake Desktop PCs by 2011, Say Analysts]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/04/smartphones-to-overtake-pcs-by-2011-say-analysts/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/04/smartphones-to-overtake-pcs-by-2011-say-analysts/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/04/smartphones-to-overtake-pcs-by-2011-say-analysts/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Remember how some time ago, we started to hear that Japanese people primarily used cell phones to access the Internet, rather than computers? And remember how we thought that seemed kinda ridiculous and impractical?

Yeah.

According to a report by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) analyst Mike Abramsky, smartphone sales will surpass PC sales worldwide by the end of 2011, right around 400 million units a year, for those keeping score at home.

Continue reading Smartphones to Overtake Desktop PCs by 2011, Say Analysts

SwitchedSmartphones to Overtake Desktop PCs by 2011, Say Analysts originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryiphonepcsmartphonetoptrendsFri, 04 Sep 2009 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Can't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help.]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Switched Download: Evernote

Evernote

What it is: Evernote is a note-taking tool that lets you store information online and quickly reference it from any Web-connected computer or mobile phone. You can clip parts of Web pages, save text, images, or even hand-written notes. It's a place "in the cloud" to store anything you might need to recall at a later date -- be it a to-do list, meeting notes, Web research, a picture of that wine label you took while on vacation in Napa Valley, or even more sensitive data like difficult-to-remember network keys.

What we like about it: We love that you can use it from pretty much any computer or cell phone. While the Windows and Mac versions let you access and save notes offline to be uploaded the next time you are online, there are also dedicated Evernote apps for iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm's WebOS, and Windows Mobile, not to mention a separate mobile site for cell phones. The regular Web site has a slick interface that easily lets you create and save notes, tag them, and divide them up into separate notebooks. There's also a plug-in that lets you "clip" content from the Web with just one click and then automatically upload it to Evernote. As if all that weren't enough, you can also e-mail or tweet notes to Evernote, where they will automatically be added to your collection.

Continue reading Can't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help.

SwitchedCan't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help. originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Believe it or not, there are a number of data-equipped cell phones that lack integrated Wi-Fi (like the new BlackBerry Tour). If you own one of these phones and it has a microSD slot, you may now be able to retroactively add Wi-Fi to it, thanks to a new card developed by KDDI Corp. Similar to wireless network-accessing camera memory cards, these cards can instantly (and hopefully cheaply) add network access to phones and other devices.

Unveiled at the Wireless Japan 2009 expo, the tiny 11 x 16 x 0.7mm card is equipped with an 802.11 b/g antenna. The card was demonstrated at the show with a laptop, (which makes it one of the smallest Wi-Fi dongles out there), but you can bet that smartphones are the desired target here. There's no word yet on pricing, or what phones will be compatible with the card, but it could make Web browsing on your old school flip phone a tolerable experience. [From: TechOn via CNET]

SwitchedNo Wi-Fi on Your Phone? New MicroSD Card Changes That in a Flash originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonemicrosdtopwifiSun, 26 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the BlackBerry Curve 8900 Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/25/is-the-new-blackberry-curve-8900-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/25/is-the-new-blackberry-curve-8900-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/25/is-the-new-blackberry-curve-8900-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


BlackBerry Curve 8900

What it is: The 8900 is the next-generation version of the popular, easy-to-use, and versatile Curve line.

What's different about it? The original Curve 8300 was our favorite BlackBerry when it first came out because it was as full-featured as the more business-oriented BlackBerrys (like the 8800 series), but still had everything you needed to have fun with your phone (still camera, media player). The 8900 has that same satisfying combination, only in a more powerful, slimmer (2.36-inches) package - namely, a 3.2-megapixel camera, the new BlackBerry OS (which includes an improved browser that delivers fuller versions Web sites), a normal headset jack (so you can use your favorite headphones), and a camcorder.

What we like: Besides the souped-up features in a more affordable package, the Curve still has all the great specs that made the original Curve 8300 a winner - built-in Wi-Fi capability that enables seamless switchover to UMA Internet phone calls (on T-Mobile models) any time you hit a wireless hotspot, an easy to use media player, expandable memory, and the ability to read and edit office documents easily. It has has an even more spacious QWERTY keyboard than before, which is good enough to write lengthy business memos, documents (and articles!), not to mention read and respond to your e-mail regardless of whether you've got a mobile phone signal or not (while you're on an airplane, for example). Bonus: It'll work in most countries around the world since it runs on the globally popular GSM network (used by AT&T and T-Mobile).

Continue reading Is the BlackBerry Curve 8900 Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the BlackBerry Curve 8900 Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrycurveblackberrycurve8900curvefeatureshypechecksmartphonestopSat, 25 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the BlackBerry Tour Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/24/is-the-blackberry-tour-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/24/is-the-blackberry-tour-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/24/is-the-blackberry-tour-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



BlackBerry Tour

What it is: The latest and greatest CDMA BlackBerry device -- in other words, it runs on Sprint and Verizon Wireless's networks -- and quite possibly the best BlackBerry ever.

Why it's different: It seems as though it's been an eternity since a new QWERTY-keyboard-equipped BlackBerry has hit the market for CDMA customers. While our BlackBerry-toting GSM brethren with T-Mobile or AT&T plans have had later and more evolved devices (with larger, brighter, crisper screens, and more spacious keyboards), the rest of us have been stuck with older models (or annoying touchscreen Storms) on Verizon Wireless and Sprint for months. The Tour is the first next-generation BlackBerry for Verizon and Sprint customers that brings the hardware into the year 2009. It sports a better and more full-featured browser than its predecessors, the Curve 8330 and 8830 World Edition, a higher resolution camera (3-megapixels), and a faster processor.

Continue reading Is the BlackBerry Tour Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the BlackBerry Tour Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrytourfeatureshypechecksmartphonestoptourFri, 24 Jul 2009 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the BlackBerry Bold Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/is-the-blackberry-bold-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/is-the-blackberry-bold-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/is-the-blackberry-bold-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,




BlackBerry Bold

What it is: A full-scale, sleek BlackBerry with a to-die for QWERTY keyboard and a one-of-a-kind vintage camera look -- textured faux-leather back, chunky silver accents -- that's drawn celebrity (think John Mayer) and power users alike.

Why it's different: The Bold is a chunkier affair than its newer sibling, the Tour (a CDMA phone for the Sprint and Verizon networks), which, as the newest BlackBerry, is even sleeker than the Bold. Still, the HSDPA, GSM Bold is a "world phone," if you will, while the Tour -- well, that one will work in beautifully in North America, but you'll find its performance and features reduced when using it internationally. The Bold also (unlike the Tour) boasts Wi-Fi -- great if you're always near a hotspot! And, you're trying to choose between the BlackBerry Storm and the Bold -- well, the obvious difference here is the keyboard.

Continue reading Is the BlackBerry Bold Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the BlackBerry Bold Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryboldboldhypechecksmartphonesThu, 23 Jul 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrity BlackBerry Addicts, Part Deux]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/celebrity-blackberry-addicts-part-deux/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/celebrity-blackberry-addicts-part-deux/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/celebrity-blackberry-addicts-part-deux/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Between having their tweets ghostwritten and hocking us digital cameras about which they know absolutely nothing, it's clear that today's modern celebrity is in love with technology. One thing they're often photographed with -- besides bottom-feeding hangers-on -- is the BlackBerry. Even our commander-in-chief can't keep his Crackberry jones hidden from the public eye. From A-list to Z-list, check out Switched's gallery of famous BlackBerry fiends, starting below.

SwitchedCelebrity BlackBerry Addicts, Part Deux originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebscrackberryfeaturestopThu, 23 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Ways BlackBerry Beats the iPhone]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/22/10-ways-blackberry-beats-the-iphone/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/22/10-ways-blackberry-beats-the-iphone/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/22/10-ways-blackberry-beats-the-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Like a child star making the inevitable transition from puberty to probation, the two biggest names in the smartphone game also suffer from some serious identity issues. The BlackBerry is by nature a business device trying desperately to appeal to consumers, while the iPhone is the ultimate consumer trinket clamoring for acceptance in the corporate world. Neither one is categorically better than the other. Each excels at certain tasks and falters when it comes to others. Which one you should purchase depends wholly on the features your lifestyle requires. And with that little disclaimer out of the way, here are ten areas in which the BlackBerry spanks the iPhone. (Stay tuned to Switched for the other side of the argument, in which the iPhone spanks the BlackBerry.)

Switched10 Ways BlackBerry Beats the iPhone originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuressmartphonetopWed, 22 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Cell Phones Can't Escape Island Home]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/japanese-cell-phones-cant-escape-island-home/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/japanese-cell-phones-cant-escape-island-home/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/japanese-cell-phones-cant-escape-island-home/#commentsFiled under: ,

Japan sells some of the most advanced handsets in the world. Sure, the iPhone has a fancy touchscreen, but does it use facial recognition software to unlock it? Can you watch live TV on your BlackBerry Storm? Does the Palm Pre lead a double life as a credit card?

For years, the Japanese have been building phones that are years ahead of other nation's mobiles. Yet companies like NEC, Panasonic, and Sharp (hugely popular in Japan) have had little success in extending their reaches beyond the island nation.

Takeshi Natsuno, of Tokyo's Keio University, told the New York Times that the Japanese cell phone market suffers from Galápagos syndrome. As with the isolated species that Charles Darwin famously discovered on the Galápagos Islands, these Japanese mobiles have evolved in a dramatically different way than have their mainland cousins.

Continue reading Japanese Cell Phones Can't Escape Island Home

SwitchedJapanese Cell Phones Can't Escape Island Home originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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