BlackBerry PlayBook may soon have a native Email app called 'aMail' - See the Video!

One of the big disappointments to many users of the PlayBook at launch was the lack of a native email app. Now, it looks like at least one third-party developer has been working on a solution. The app, which is called aMail has been submitted to App World and is currently waiting for approval. The aMail app comes courtesy of AiFlex and is noted as being a “native email for multiple accounts in one easy to use app.” In terms of support, the aMail app offers support for any IMAP, SMTP and POP3 account and will come with preset configurations for Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail and Live accounts. AiFlex has even offered up a video (see below) of the aMail app in action while everyone waits to see if RIM will give it the thumbs up. We'll keep you posted on any changes.

Here is a detailed list of features:

High Performance Native Application

• Uses the best features available to sync with mail servers
• High performance and rapid message download from accounts

Secure Access and local file security 

• Supports common standards of mail system POP3 and IMAP4
• Access multiple mailboxes securely (uses SSL / TLS)
• User account details are always secure
• Local mail files are encrypted

Easy Message Viewing

• Swipe down for email accounts overview. Use your on device soft keyboard, swiping up from the lower bezel edge for text input.
• Animated message transitions.

Convenience and Ease of Use

• Manages up to 10 email accounts separately from within a single App
• Work offline when not connected and synchronize later
• Direct type input
• Smoother interface than using Webmail in local browser

 
[Mobile? Click Here for Video]

How to change the BlackBerry ID on a BlackBerry PlayBook

When setting up the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, a BlackBerry ID is required to activate the tablet. This allows seamless access to a variety of BlackBerry products and services such as the BlackBerry App World storefront.

Once this account has been configured during the initial setup, all activities on the BlackBerry tablet will be authenticated to that BlackBerry ID. If another BlackBerry ID is entered after the initial setup, the following message will be displayed:

In order to change the BlackBerry ID that has been activated to the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet on initial setup, a security wipe will need to be performed. To accomplish this, complete the steps below.

NOTE: Before performing a security wipe of the BlackBerry tablet, be advised of the following:

• A security wipe of the BlackBerry tablet will remove any downloaded applications and media (Including pictures/video taken on the BlackBerry tablet or transferred via a PC)
  • To transfer media and documents saved on a BlackBerry PlayBook to a PC before a security wipe, see How to transfer files to and from the BlackBerry PlayBook via Mac or PC.
• Applications purchased through BlackBerry App World on the BlackBerry tablet will still be associated to the BlackBerry ID they were purchased from but will be removed from the BlackBerry tablet upon a security wipe.
  • These purchased applications can be reinstalled through BlackBerry App World at a later time. Under the Uninstalled tab, tap the Reinstall button next to the application to reload
• Any configuration changes made to the BlackBerry tablet (Including Bluetooth pairing information, settings changes, etc.) will be reset to defaults after a security wipe is performed
• Depending on the amount of data stored and the capacity of the BlackBerry tablet (16 GB/32 GB/64 GB), the security wipe may take longer than expected. Ensure that the BlackBerry tablet is plugged into the power outlet to prevent power loss during the security wipe
• After a security wipe, Tetris and Need For Speed Undercover will be removed from the BlackBerry tablet. To reinstall these applications, complete the following:
  1. Open BlackBerry App World on the BlackBerry tablet
  2. Tap into the Search field
  3. Type EA Tetris and tap Return on the keyboard (Type EA Undercover to locate Need For Speed Undercover)
  4. Tap the Tetris for PlayBook icon (Should indicate the price is FREE)
  5. Tap Download

To perform a security wipe of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, complete the following:

1. Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner to open the Options menu:

2. Tap Security from the listing on the left 
3. Enter blackberry to confirm the security wipe, then tap Wipe Data
4. The BlackBerry PlayBook will then reset 
5. Once the PlayBook restarts, the initial setup process will be presented. Complete these steps and enter the correct BlackBerry ID when prompted.

Source

Pandora for BlackBerry updates to v1.1.8

Updates are rolling out in BlackBerry App World for the popular music app Pandora. The update is version 1.1.8 which notes that it is strictly for bug fixes. So if you were having issues with Pandora, then download the update and hope for the best.

BlackBerry PlayBook - Free GeeReader

EPI-USE Africa Pty Ltd has released GeeReader today which is a sweet Google Reader app for the BlackBerry PlayBook. It does not seem to cache articles for offline reading but it offers a sweet interface for Google Reader. It lets you login to your Google Reader account and view all your articles. The only things found missing were the ability to add a new feed and share the item on Twitter or Facebook.

 

The app lets you click on any article in Google Reader and it opens up a smaller view showing the article. Once the window opens if you like to make it full screen simply tap the blue bar at the top.

 

Until then this is THE app to have on your PlayBook if you don’t want to use Google Reader in the browser. You can check it out at this link in App World or simply search for GeeReader.

   

BlackBerry PlayBook TV and Media – What Can You Watch Without Hulu?

  

Once Hulu blocks a device, many of its content providers follow suit. As many of you know Hulu recently added the Playbook to their list of blocked devices. But to my surprise, in testing many content providers still work just fine. Here are a few:

• CBS
• NBC
• FOX
• ABC
• CWTV
• Comedy Central

So, Playbook owners, what other media sites have you been using on the Playbook?  

  

Troubleshooting BlackBerry PlayBook Bridge Issues – Fix Coming

Last week I confirmed with a contact at RIM that there are some reported issues for certain users trying to pair their BlackBerry PlayBook with their BlackBerry phone. RIM has confirmed this in a knowledge base article published today along with providing a pretty comprehensive resolution or workaround option that attempts to resolve a few issues. My contact told me this may be related to certain BlackBerry smartphone OS builds so you may want to also try upgrading your OS if all else fails. RIM’s publication claims the issue is only related to OS 6.0 devices so let us know if you are experiencing issues with OS 5.0 devices.

Here is how RIM describes the issue and workaround:

When attempting to pair (manually or automatically) a BlackBerry® smartphone with the BlackBerry®PlayBook™ tablet, one of the following errors is displayed:

On the BlackBerry® tablet

"Unable to connect BlackBerry® Bridge with BlackBerry smartphone. Please ensure you have BlackBerry Bridge installed on your device and turned on"

or

“Unable to pair with playbook. Try again”

or

“Failed to pair with BlackBerry model”

On the BlackBerry smartphone

“Unable to pair with PlayBook. Try again” – BlackBerry device

Environment

• BlackBerry® smartphones running BlackBerry 6 OS
• BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet
• BlackBerry® Bridge

Resolution

This is a previously reported issue that is being investigated by our development team. No resolution time frame is currently available.

Workaround

Delete the paired device on the BlackBerry smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.  Attempt to pair again using BlackBerry Bridge.

Step 1: Disconnect from BlackBerry Bridge and delete the paired device from the BlackBerry PlayBooktablet:

1. Select the Options icon from the top right corner of the main screen.
2. Select the BlackBerry Bridge item from the left side.
3. Select the Disconnect button from the bottom right side.
4. Select the Bluetooth® menu item from the left side menu from within the Options.
5. Select the Pencil button.
6. Click the Trash icon beside the paired BlackBerry smartphone.

Step 2: Delete a paired Bluetooth enable device

To perform this task, you must first disconnect your BlackBerry device from the Bluetooth enabled device.

1. On the Home screen, click the connections area at the top of the screen, or click the Manage Connections icon.
2. Click Bluetooth Connections.
3. Highlight a paired Bluetooth enabled device.
4. Press the Menu key > Delete Device.

Step 3: Uncheck all Bluetooth Message Services on the BlackBerry device

1. On the BlackBerry device home screen, Click on Options > Network and Connections > Bluetooth Connections
2. Click the Menu key and select MAP Options
3. Uncheck all Email addresses under Message Services
4. Save and exit

Step 4: Remove unused Serial Port Profiles (PlayBook uses the Data Transfer Serial Port Profile)

1. Open Bluetooth Connections from Manage Connections icon in home screen.
2. Click the Menu key and select Options
3. Uncheck unused Serial Port Profile entries except Data Transfer (Desktop Connectivity, SIM Access Profile, Wireless Bypass) 
4. Save and Exit

Step 5: Restart the BlackBery smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

1.  Perform a hard reset on the BlackBerry device, KB02141
2.  Perform a hard reset on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, by holding the Power button for 10 seconds

Step 6: Connect your tablet and smartphone using BlackBerry Bridge

To connect your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to your BlackBerry smartphone, you need to install the BlackBerry Bridge app on your smartphone.  You can download it from the BlackBerry App World storefront.

1. On your tablet home screen, on the status bar, tab Options icon and select BlackBerry Bridge
2. Tap Setup > Continue
3. In the BlackBerry Bridge app on your smartphone, tap Add Device > Next
4. Point your smartphone camera at the barcode that appears on your tablet to scan the barcode

Official workaround for using Bridge with PlayBook on AT&T!

Yes, you did read the title correctly. RIM has posted an official workaround for the problem of AT&T users not being able to bridge a PlayBook with a BlackBerry device under it's service, available here (KB26699). This is for users who get the following errors on their PlayBook:

• "Unable to connect BlackBerry Bridge with BlackBerry smartphone. Please ensure you have BlackBerry Bridge installed on your device and turned on"
• “Unable to pair with playbook. Try again”
• “Failed to pair with BlackBerry model”

And it also applies to users who get the error message “Unable to pair with PlayBook. Try again“ on their BlackBerry Smartphone.

Read the full workaround below:

Quote:

---

Environment:

• BlackBerry® smartphones running BlackBerry 6 OS
• BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet
• BlackBerry® Bridge

Resolution:

This is a previously reported issue that is being investigated by our development team. No resolution time frame is currently available.

Workaround

Delete the paired device on the BlackBerry smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Attempt to pair again using BlackBery Bridge.

Step 1: Disconnect from BlackBerry Bridge and delete the paired device from the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet:

1. Select the Options icon from the top right corner of the main screen.
2. Select the BlackBerry Bridge item from the left side.
3. Select the Disconnect button from the bottom right side.
4. Select the Bluetooth® menu item from the left side menu from within the Options.
5. Select the Pencil button.
6. Click the Trash icon beside the paired BlackBerry smartphone.


Step 2: Delete a paired Bluetooth enable device

To perform this task, you must first disconnect your BlackBerry device from the Bluetooth enabled device.

1. On the Home screen, click the connections area at the top of the screen, or click the Manage Connections icon.
2. Click Bluetooth Connections.
3. Highlight a paired Bluetooth enabled device.
4. Press the Menu key > Delete Device.

Step 3: Uncheck all Bluetooth Message Services on the BlackBerry device

1. On the BlackBerry device home screen, Click on Options > Network and Connections > Bluetooth Connections
2. Click the Menu key and select MAP Options
3. Uncheck all Email addresses under Message Services
4. Save and exit


Step 4: Remove unused Serial Port Profiles (PlayBook uses the Data Transfer Serial Port Profile)

Open Bluetooth Connections from Manage Connections icon in home screen.
Click the Menu key and select Options
Uncheck unused Serial Port Profile entries except Data Transfer (Desktop Connectivity, SIM Access Profile, Wireless Bypass)
Save and Exit
Step 5: Restart the BlackBery smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

1. Perform a hard reset on the BlackBerry device, KB02141
2. Perform a hard reset on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, by holding the Power button for 10 seconds


Step 6: Connect your tablet and smartphone using BlackBerry Bridge

To connect your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to your BlackBerry smartphone, you need to install the BlackBerry Bridge app on your smartphone. You can download it from the BlackBerry App World storefront.

1. On your tablet home screen, on the status bar, tab Options icon and select BlackBerry Bridge
2. Tap Setup > Continue
3. In the BlackBerry Bridge app on your smartphone, tap Add Device > Next
4. Point your smartphone camera at the barcode that appears on your tablet to scan the barcode

---

Did this work for you? Tell us in the comments!

source blackberry.com

How to remove applications from the BlackBerry PlayBook

To remove an application from the BlackBerry PlayBook complete the following steps:

Method 1 (via App World):

1. Launch BlackBerry AppWorld and tap My World at the top of the screen.
2. A list of currently installed applications will appear. Tap on the Delete button next to the application to be remove.
3. When prompted, tap OK to complete the deletion.

Note: Applications can be reinstalled at any time by tapping on the Uninstalled section of this screen in the upper right, then tapping the Reinstall button next to the desired application.

Method 2:

1. Expand the application drawer on the All tab.
2. Press and hold (sometimes known as a long press) on any icon to enter Edit mode.
3. Tap the trash can icon below the icon for the application you wish to delete.

Note: This will allow deletion of any application, including system defaults. Default applications can only be restored through a system software update.

BlackBerry PlayBook - Power Button Explained

The BlackBerry PlayBook Power button serves serveral functions:

1. Stand-by - Click the Power button for less than 2 seconds. The BlackBerry PlayBook Screen will goes off, background services will continue to operate, this includes Bluetooth and WIFI
2. Shutdown/Restart - Click and hold the Power button for 2 seconds. This will bring up a prompt asking to Turn Off, or Restart
3. Forced Power Off - Click and hold the Power button for 10 seconds. This will force the BlackBerry PlayBook to power off.

How to change the payment method in BlackBerry App World for BlackBerry PlayBook

In addition to PayPal, you can now pay for apps and make purchases within an app using a credit card or charge them straight to your wireless bill.
To change the payment method for BlackBerry App World on a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, complete the following:

1. From a PC or Mac, visit appworld.blackberry.com/webstore
2. Click the Sign In link in the upper right area of the website
3. Enter in your BlackBerry ID username and password, then click Login
4. This will then return to the App World Featured Items carousel. In the upper right area of the website, click My Payment Options
5. Select the method of payment to change to, then click Next
6. Depending on the method of payment you selected, fill in the required information to proceed
7. A prompt will be presented to confirm the change of payment options

Note: When visiting BlackBerry App World storefront on a Mac, a prompt will advise that some features are not compatible with this operating system. Select Continue Browsing to continue into the BlackBerry App World storefront to browse applications and change the payment method for the BlackBerry ID. Syncing applications via a wired connection to the BlackBerry smartphone is NOT supported on the Mac at this time.

Source

How to import security certificates on the BlackBerry PlayBook

Please complete the following steps to import and use security certificates on the BlackBerry PlayBook:

1. Connect the PlayBook to a computer using a USB cable
   1. If it hasn't already been completed, follow the steps on the PlayBook screen and the computer to install the drivers
2. On the PlayBook navigate to the Gear icon and select About
3. In the Information drop down list, select Network
4. Copy either the IPv4 address listed under USB or Wireless
   1. On a Windows computer, open the Run dialog box and type \\127.1.1.1 (where 127.1.1.1 should be replaced with the actual IP address of the BlackBerry PlayBook)
   2. On a Mac computer, select Go -> Connect to Server... and type smb://127.1.1.1 (where 127.1.1.1 should be replaced with the actual IP address of the BlackBerry PlayBook)
5. Copy the certificate file to the certs share on the BlackBerry PlayBook
6. Touch the Gear icon in the top right hand corner of the PlayBook and select Security
7. Within the Security menu, select Certificates
8. Touch the Import button in the bottom right corner
9. Select the certificate to be imported and touch Next
10. Select the Class and which certificate store(s) to import the certificate into
11. The certificate will now be available when creating a VPN profile, Wi-Fi profile, or when a accessing a secure website

Tutorial Source

How to setup Bluetooth Internet Tethering on the BlackBerry PlayBook

Depending on the wireless service provider, a BlackBerry smartphone or Bluetooth® device can be connected to a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet with a Bluetooth connection and be used as a modem to connect to the Internet when the BlackBerry tablet might not otherwise have access to the Internet.

One BlackBerry smartphone can be used as a modem at a single time. If the BlackBerry smartphone is associated with a BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, contact the administrator to make sure that the appropriate IT policy is turned on to use this feature.

Complete the following steps to setup Internet Tethering on the BlackBerry tablet:

1. From the Home Screen, select the Settings icon.
2. From the Settings screen, select Internet Tethering.
3. Select a device from the list of already paired Bluetooth devices. See the additional information on how to to pair a Bluetooth device.
   
   
   
4. Do any of the following:
1. Select the Carrier from the list of pre-configured Wireless Service Profiles.
   
   
   
2. Click on the Add button to create a customer Internet Tethering Profile. Enter all the required information and select Connect.

Note: In order to setup Bluetooth Internet Tethering on the BlackBerry PlayBook the mobile device must support Bluetooth Dial-Up Networking (DUN).

Tutorial Source

How to pair the BlackBerry PlayBook with a Bluetooth device

Complete the following steps to pair the BlackBerry PlayBook with a Bluetooth device:

1. From the Home Screen, select the Settings icon.
2. From the Settings screen, select Bluetooth.
3. Ensure Bluetooth Connectivity is set to ON.
4. Click on Add New Device.
5. Perform any of the following steps:
   1. Have the PlayBook Search for Bluetooth devices.
      • Once the BlackBerry PlayBook has searched all discoverable Bluetooth devices, select the Bluetooth device from the list.
      • If prompted, confirm the Pairing Numbers on the PlayBook and Bluetooth Device match and select Yes.
   2. Have the PlayBook Listen for Bluetooth device.
      1. On the Bluetooth device, select the BlackBerry PlayBook from available Bluetooth devices
      2. If prompted, confirm the Pairing Numbers on the BlackBerry PlayBook and Bluetooth device match and select Yes.

ADDITIONAL TIP:
The Properties button from the Settings screen allows the user to change the Bluetooth name of the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Tutorial Source

How to transfer files to and from the BlackBerry PlayBook via Mac or PC

The following sections outline different methods of transfering files to and from the BlackBerry PlayBook.


Wi-Fi Sharing
Complete the following steps to share files over a Wi-Fi connection:

1. From the BlackBerry PlayBook home screen, select the settings icon.
2. Select Storage and Sharing.
3. Toggle Wi-Fi Sharing to ON.
4. Tap Properties to verify network identification information. (PlayBook name, password etc)
5. From a Windows or Mac based computer on the same network as the BlackBerry PlayBook, navigate to the IP address of the PlayBook which can be found under Settings > About > Network.
   1. On a Windows computer, open the Run dialog box and type \\127.1.1.1 (where 127.1.1.1 should be replaced with the actual IP address of the BlackBerry PlayBook)
   2. On a Mac computer, select Go -> Connect to Server... and type smb://127.1.1.1 (where 127.1.1.1 should be replaced with the actual IP address of the BlackBerry PlayBook)
6. Users will then connect to the media folder which contains several subfolders such as documents,music, photos, videos etc. Users can then move files between the computer and these folders.

File Sharing with a Mac via USB connection

To share files between a Mac and the BlackBerry PlayBook, BlackBerry Device Manager will need to be installed. Complete the following steps to install BlackBerry Device Manager:

1. Connect the BlackBerry PlayBook to the Mac.
2. On the desktop or within Finder, double click BlackBerry PlayBook CD.

3. Double click the BlackBerry Device Manager Installer to start the installation process.
4. After reviewing the Read Me and License Agreement click Continue Installation.
5. Reboot the computer when prompted.
6. After the reboot is complete and the PlayBook is started, a message may be presented stating that a new network interface has been detected. If this is the case, click on Network Preferencesand click Apply.

7. After the PlayBook has been setup in Network Preferences, the PlayBook share will appear on the desktop whenever the PlayBook is connected to the computer.
8. Click the Playbook icon on the desktop to display the PlayBook share. Users can then move files between the computer and the PlayBook.

File Sharing with a Windows PC via USB connection

To share files between a Windows based PC and the BlackBerry PlayBook, BlackBerry Device Manager will need to be installed. Complete the following steps to install BlackBerry Device Manager:

1. Connect the BlackBerry PlayBook to the computer via USB cable.
2. If BlackBerry Device Manager is not yet installed, the PlayBook will display a screen entitled Installing Drivers.
3. On the computer, double click the BlackBerry PlayBook CD drive icon.
4. Open the Drivers folder.
5. Double click Setup.exe
6. After selecting the appropriate region and accepting the License Agreement select Install.
7. Select Finish and then OK to the prompt confirming that the PlayBook will need to be disconnected and then reconnected prior to use.
8. Once reconnected to the computer, the BlackBerry PlayBook will be mounted as a Network Drive labelled PlayBook [PIN: 500AAAAA]. Double click the network drive icon to access the PlayBook folders. Users can then move files between the computer and the PlayBook.

Tutorial Source

How to change the BlackBerry ID on a BlackBerry PlayBook

When setting up the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, a BlackBerry ID is required to activate the tablet. This allows seamless access to a variety of BlackBerry products and services such as the BlackBerry App World storefront.

Once this account has been configured during the initial setup, all activities on the BlackBerry tablet will be authenticated to that BlackBerry ID. If another BlackBerry ID is entered after the initial setup, the following message will be displayed:

In order to change the BlackBerry ID that has been activated to the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet on initial setup, a security wipe will need to be performed. To accomplish this, complete the steps below.

NOTE: Before performing a security wipe of the BlackBerry tablet, be advised of the following:

• A security wipe of the BlackBerry tablet will remove any downloaded applications and media (Including pictures/video taken on the BlackBerry tablet or transferred via a PC)
  • To transfer media and documents saved on a BlackBerry PlayBook to a PC before a security wipe, see KB26068.
• Applications purchased through BlackBerry App World on the BlackBerry tablet will still be associated to the BlackBerry ID they were purchased from but will be removed from the BlackBerry tablet upon a security wipe.
  • These purchased applications can be reinstalled through BlackBerry App World at a later time. Under the Uninstalled tab, tap the Reinstall button next to the application to reload
• Any configuration changes made to the BlackBerry tablet (Including Bluetooth pairing information, settings changes, etc.) will be reset to defaults after a security wipe is performed
• Depending on the amount of data stored and the capacity of the BlackBerry tablet (16 GB/32 GB/64 GB), the security wipe may take longer than expected. Ensure that the BlackBerry tablet is plugged into the power outlet to prevent power loss during the security wipe
• After a security wipe, Tetris and Need For Speed Undercover will be removed from the BlackBerry tablet. To reinstall these applications, complete the following:
  1. Open BlackBerry App World on the BlackBerry tablet
  2. Tap into the Search field
  3. Type EA Tetris and tap Return on the keyboard (Type EA Undercover to locate Need For Speed Undercover)
  4. Tap the Tetris for PlayBook icon (Should indicate the price is FREE)
  5. Tap Download

To perform a security wipe of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, complete the following:

1. Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner to open the Options menu:

2. Tap Security from the listing on the left
3. Enter blackberry to confirm the security wipe, then tap Wipe Data
4. The BlackBerry PlayBook will then reset
5. Once the PlayBook restarts, the initial setup process will be presented. Complete these steps and enter the correct BlackBerry ID when prompted.

Tutorial Source

"Unable to display the BlackBerry ID agreement" during the PlayBook setup

During the setup of the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet setup, the user is prompted to select a country for the BlackBerry ID agreement. When a country is selected the following error is displayed:

Unable to display the BlackBerry ID Agreement. Please select your country and language, then try again.

• 
  

Environment

• BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

• 
  

Cause

If you are connected to a Wi-Fi® Hotspot, you will need to enter the username and password to obtain internet connectivity.

• 
  

Resolution

When the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet has successfully connected to a Wi-Fi HotSpot, the following "Hotspot Setup" button appears at the bottom left:

Click on the "Hotspot Setup" button, and this will open a window to enter the username and password.

For additional information on Wi-Fi setup, please refer to the following:

KB26228 - Getting started with BlackBerry PlayBook tablet initial setup

KB26096 - Troubleshooting Wi-Fi and networking on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Tutorial Source

Locating the PIN and serial number on the BlackBerry PlayBook

Complete the following steps to locate the PIN and serial number on a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet:

1. From the home screen, tap the settings icon has highlighted below:




2. From the menu on the left, select About.
3. Under the General section, note that the Serial Number is listed.




4. Select the dropdown next to View information about your tablet and choose Hardware.




5. Under the Hardware section, note that the first entry is the PIN.

Tutorial Source

How to restore data to a BlackBerry PlayBook

CAUTION: When you restore data to your BlackBerry PlayBook, all files that are stored on your device are deleted before the backup file is restored.

Connect the BlackBerry PlayBook to a computer that has BlackBerry Desktop Software installed.

1. Open the BlackBerry Desktop Software, click Device > Restore.
2. Select a backup file that contains the data you want to restore.
3. Do one of the following:

• To restore all your device data, click All device data and settings.
• To select which data you want to restore, click Select device data and settings. Select the check beside the data type that you want to restore.

4. A warning will appear that all data will be replaced with the back up file. Click Yes.
5. If the backup file is encrypted, type the password that you set to encrypt.
6. Click Restore.

Closer Look at the BlackBerry Digital Compass; Apart of OS 7 & Using the Magnetometer

During DevCon Asia, RIM announced that OS 6.1 (now known as OS 7) would support a magnetometer. This meant the next-generation BlackBerrys would be full digital compass capable. We captured a quick glimpse at the compass in the first live shots of a Bold 9930 (Montana) ‘Bold Touch’.

The BlackBerry digital compass is a simple app, yet the implications are far reaching as it coincides with RIM’s developmental progress. With the digital compass app in OS 7, you can see you current location, set a location to see how far away it is, calibrate the compass, and manage different options. Hit the break for more on its features.

The digital compass app lets you select a destination to see how far away it is. You can also see your current location utilizing BlackBerry Maps.

The digital compass app has many options. You can change the latitude/longitude display format with options such as: Decimal degree, Decimal degree with direction, degree.minute.second, and degree.minute.decimal. You can change the display mode from 2D to test mode. Perhaps we’ll see 3D eventually? Last option is that you can select if you’d rather use magnetic north or true north.

Occasionally, you’ll need to calibrate the digital compass, as settings can sometimes be way off. We’re very excited that RIM made the decision to have a magnetometer in some of the upcoming next-generation BlackBerrys. We’re as equally excited to see how 3rd party developers can utilize this new technology for games, apps, and more.

To calibrate, you simply move the BlackBerry device in a figure 8 motion.

source n4bb.com