Technology & Business
More bad news from Blackberry
[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“305”] Blackberry shares have been falling since 2007 [/caption] The story of Blackberry is sounding more and more like that of Nortel. Once a shining star in the tech world, now a has been company that can’t seem to do anything right. Last week we learned that Blackberry (formely Research In Motion) will be laying off 40% of its workforce or 4,500 employees (worldwide). This terrible announcement was done at the same time as it notified the market it would have a GAAP net loss of $950 million - $1 billion in Q2.
Blackberry has stopped BBM for IOS and Android
Last week, I reported that BBM would finally be coming to Android and IOS this weekend. We then saw the IOS app appear ahead of schedule on some international iTunes stores (US was confirmed to me). Yesterday we heard that Blackberry was halting the roll out due to a leaked Android version. This version had been illegally used by 1.1 million users causing the Blackberry systems to strain. Those who managed to snag the official IOS version will still be able to use it.
BBM for IOS on itunes now available
IF you go to this link. You will see the BBM for IOS app with a release date of September 22 (tomorrow). I still haven't found it on the Google Play store but it should be forthcoming in the next few hours. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="928"]<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/id/app/bbm/id690046600?mt=8" target="_blank"><img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f68822a2b5.jpg" alt=" BBM for IOS page on Apple's iTunes Store "></a> BBM for IOS page on Apple's iTunes Store [/caption] “Some may be wondering why they can’t find it in iTunes. IT is currently only visible on the US iTunes store.
Cycloramic Studio 360 Panorama free
Cycloramic Studio 360 Panorama is temporarily free (normally costs $1.99). What makes this app so unique? It automatically rotates your iPhone 5 (or 5s) to make the panorama shot. It is the only app that takes "automatic" panoramas. You position is upright on a flat and fairly smooth surface and it uses the vibration motor to turn the entire phone and snap pictures. “Unexpected, fanciful, and useful all at the same time!” – Steve Wozniak “Pogie Award for Brightest Ideas of 2012″ - The New York Times Download the app from the iTunes app store here.
Get 10GB of extra free Google Drive storage now
Google bought QuickOffice over a year ago (which use to costs $14.99) and is now releasing it for free on iPhone and Android. Many believe this is being done as a direct response to Apple offering their iWork suit free on new IOS devices. The app is now universal on IOS which means it supports the iPhone, iPad mini and iPad. Since buying the app, they have completely reworked the interface and have added deep Google Drive integration. They have done such a good job that many will prefer editing Google Doc documents in it instead of the clumsy web interface.
BBM coming to Android and iPhone
Blackberries one saving grace is BBM. It is the one technology that has endured and kept BBM afloat. Some former Blackberry users have longed for the day they could use the familiar BBM on their iPhone and Android and now that day is almost upon us. BBM for Android will be released in the Google Play store on September 21st (early morning) and on the iPhone on September 22nd (just passed midnight) The Android version is expected to be compatible with compatible with Ice cream sandwich and above .
How to boost your flash's power by 8X
Every photographer will tell you that any use of a flash makes pictures less pleasing and less natural but there are times when it is simply too dim and a flash is your only option. <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/eb860bd93f.jpg" alt=""> Most flashes offer a couple of feet of coverage but their illuminating power quickly dissipates. Enter the Rogue Safari dSLR pop-up flash booster. It uses a Fresnel lens to focus your flash's light and push it up to 8x further. Check your device's compatibility before ordering but it supports most Canon and Nikon dSLTs sold in the last couple of years.
IOS 7upgrade failing on iphone
Just wanted to let you know that the IOS 7 upgrade is slowly being made available to everyone but that it isn't downloading on the first try.
New 2013 Nexus 7 with LTE available in Canada
[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“1059”] New 2013 Google Nexus 7 with LTE tablet on Google Play for $349 CAD [/caption] As much as I love the experience of IOS devices, I believe the best deal on a 7" tablet right now is the 2013 Nexus 7 (link). It is light, powerful and has an incredibly beautiful retina-like screen. Really puts the iPad mini to shame. Many have been eagerly waiting for the LTE variant of the new device and it is finally available in Canada.
No room in Canadian market for 4th wireless carrier says AT&T
BNN is reporting that AT&T considered entering the Canadian market (similar to Verizon) but believes the market is too small to support a 4th national carrier. Interestingly AT&T had a sizable ownership stake in Rogers in the early 2000's (selling their shares back to Rogers in 2004). Shifting Canadian foreign ownership rules are allowing these foreign entities to re-enter the Canadian market but they are all finding the market too small. The real marker of interest will be who actually bids on the new 700mhz wireless spectrum auction.