Carving their niche out as the “Business Model” of smart phones, the Blackberry brand has been a constant in the market since their premier in 2003. Famously becoming the first “Presidential Smart Phone” through President Obama’s constant endorsements, the brand has recently come under some major criticism due to a worldwide blackout of servers last October and the pressure of the leaps and bounds made by rival companies such as Google and Apple. Blackberry however is looking to show that they can still compete in the market with a new line of 4G phones, including the new Blackberry Torch 9810 (the 9800’s successor). Blast was recently able to test out the 9810 before its November 9 T-Mobile release date and see what the new model has to offer.

Hardware

Boasting a great deal more power and storage space than its predecessor, the 9810 comes with a 1.2 GHz processor chip (compared to the 624 MHz of the 9800) with 768 MB internal Ram (512 MB internal RAM  on the 9800). The memory has also doubled from 4 GB to 8, with cards allowing for up to to 32.

While the still image camera remains the same 5 Megapixels resolution as the 9800, the video camera has been upgraded from 420p to 702p making it the first Blackberry phone to record in HD. The display screen has also upgraded its resolution from the earlier model’s 480x360px to 640x480px.

The battery is extremely resilient; lasting around 28 hours under heavy strain (phone calls, texts, music, social apps, ect.) with a posted 6.8 hours of talk time. The phone however will begin to lock out functions as the battery dies, which can lead to some frustration near the end of the charge.

Layout/Application use

An extremely streamlined layout, the 9810 divides its apps from the main screen into five different categories.  All: a general view of the app; Favorites: a personalized section for users to save their favorite apps; Media: the music, pictures, and videos of the  phone as well as the camera and video camera; Downloads: the extra apps from the initially installed ones; and Frequent: where your most used apps are placed for easy access.

The media applications are extremely simplified, with the music system a carbon I-Tunes copy and the picture system divided into camera and downloaded pictures. Attached to the phone from the start is AT&T music, Live T.V., Slacker’s Radio, and Youtube for access to online media.

It should be mentioned as a negative point that the web browser does not run a Flash Player and the web browser tends to be all together nonfunctional compared to the competition. Anything that is made especially for the phone however (Twitter, Facebook, Okcupid, etc.) work very well.

The notification system is thinned out into a single section, with updates on your email, text messages, and social sites all condensed into a drop down menu from the main screen. There is also a Social Feeds app that comes standard with the phone that condenses all your social network feeds into one screen (organized by the time they were posted) allowing a quick look at all your social media updates.

There are still flaws within the social network apps. The Blackberry Facebook app for example lacks a way to check your events list. There is also the standing problem of Blackberry phones not including a free GPS app as most of their competition do.

Verdict

The Black Berry Torch 9810 is a great improvement on the 9800 in many ways. It is a straight forward 4G phone with the same simple features that Blackberry fans enjoy. However, many of the complaints that are made about Blackberry phones are still present and it is the least powerful of the newest line from the major distributors, with both new Droid Bionic and iPhone 4S having significantly better resolution, higher quality cameras, free GPS, and more comparable Internet browsers. It does however come in at almost one hundred dollars cheaper with activation than the other two on average, making the power difference less of a hit.

Anyone who is a fan of Blackberry would be well off upgrading to the Torch 9810. Also anyone looking to make a leap to a 4G phone without paying the Droid and I-Phone prices may also find The Torch 9810 worth checking out.

The Blackberry Torch 9810 is available November 9.

Google will buy Motorola’s former phone making division, Motorola Mobility, for $12.5 billion in cash, marking the search engine giant’s largest acquisition to date.

“Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies,” said Google CEO Larry Page in a statement. “Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers.”

Google Android competes directly with iPhone, Blackberry, and Microsoft Windows-based devices. Mobility makes smartphones for the Android, but sales have floundered, especially against the iPhone/iPad.

Motorola Mobility split from the rest of the company in January.

In the sale, Google will pay $40.00 per share, 63 percent over Motorola’s closing stock price on Friday.

The Associated Press reported that Google is likely interested in Motorola’s many, many patents on mobile phone technology, as a consortium of its competitors, which included Microsoft, Apple and Blackberry maker Research In Motion, recently won the chance to buy thousands of patents from bankrupt Canadian networking gear maker Novell.

The company behind Blackberry phones, Research In Motion (RIM) unveiled two new Blackberry Bold smartphones today as well as a new Blackberry 7 OS.

The phones, Bold 9900 and 9930 will feature the Blackberry Keyboard as well as a touch screen, giving this new style of smartphone a sleek up to date look, which is on par with other smartphones.

These phones will also be the thinnest phones Blackberry has ever put out, measuring 10.5mm and their touch screen is going to deliver a faster smoother performance when it comes to navigation, web browsing, pictures and video.

These phones will also provide support for 4G networks.  As you can see with these new phones, the company is trying very hard to compete with the hottest phones of the moment, Android, Windows, and iPhone smartphones.

But is it too late for Blackberry? As of now, the apps available for Blackberry is not quite up to par with what an Android, iPhone or Windows type of smartphone offer and even with the launch of these new style of Blackberry phones, can it really compete? The phones will be available this summer.

TMZ.com reported that on Thursday actor Josh Duhamel, 38, was kicked off a flight from New York to Kentucky because he refused to turn off his cell.

Duhamel had already boarded a flight from LaGuardia Airport to Kentucky. However, when a flight attendant reportedly asked him to turn off his electronic device before takeoff, the actor reportedly refused to obey the regulations.

His behavior allegedly angered the flight attendant and even resulted in the plane getting turned around on the runway and sent back to the gate, causing the flight to be further delayed.

As BlackBerry users flock away and buy new smart phones, the maker of the seminal business phone may be preparing to release a brand new tablet computer and operating system to counter the iPhone/iPad revolution, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Research In Motion Ltd. may announce its tablet at the BlackBerry Developer Conference in San Francisco, the Journal reported, citing anonymous sources familiar with RIM’s plans.

The tablet has been called BlackPad by many, partly in reference to the iPad.

The tablet would have a 7-inch screen, at least one, possibly two, cameras, Bluetooth, and Wifi. It won’t be a phone in and of itself, but it can be plugged into a Blackberry. This is a drawback.

The device would also use a brand new OS under development by QNX Software Systems, which RIM bought in April.

The sudden launch of the iPad, and its resulting popularity, have spurred manufacturers to follow suit. Tablets have been around for years, but they failed to gain momentum before Apple launched the iPad.

Like many Americans today, I have a variety of gadgets that I use on an everyday basis. There’s my Blackberry, iPod, laptop, handsfree car system, camera and more. How do I manage to get everything charged? Frankly, I have a whole shoebox full of chargers and it’s almost impossible to keep the wires bundled together, so you always end up with a mess of wires. Then there’s the problem of never having enough outlets available to charge all your electronics, especially with the ones that use large power bricks.

A product from IDAP called the IDAP i4 recently came across the desk and claims to help to change all this and free up your outlets. The IDAP 4 is a charging station that allows you to charge up to four different devices simultaneously on just one plug, without the need for messy cables. The device comes with a series of interchangeable tips that insert into the three slots on the product and the other end simply plugs right into the device you wish to charge. Also along the side of the device is a USB port for devices that need to be charged via USB. The company claims the IDAPT i4 is compatible with over 3,500 brands of mobile devices, including Apple, Nintendo, PSP, Blackberry, Garmin, and more. The IDAP i4 creates a hassle free and mess free solution that doesn’t require you to dig out tons of cables or allocate lots of space for charging your gadgets.

The IDAP i4 ships with either six tips from the factory or you may choose up to four of your own tips online. Additional tips can also be purchased for $9.99 and an AA/AAA battery charger tip is also available for $19.99. Customers may decide purchase additional power cords for $13.99, which is a great option especially for travelers who plan to be in another country and want to still use the IDAP i4 to charge their gadgets.

I found the device works perfectly. Gadgets fit well when placed onto the unit and can be removed also very easily. I’m pleased to see that the company included both small LED status lights directly in front of each charging slot that indicate that charging status and a main power switch located in the back center of the unit.

The IDAPT i4 sells for $59.99 and is available online in three-color choices of black, white or silver.

A recent poll from Engadget.com stated that only 42 percent of current BlackBerry users plan to stick around and purchase another BlackBerry device in the future.

Is it that consumers are ready for an operating system overhaul with a UI refresh, better browser, more features and an overall better user experience, more comparable to what you would find on other smartphones such on Apple’s iPhone or Google Android devices? Will the release of OS 6 and the new BlackBerry Torch be enough to drive back and attract customers to the Blackberry Platform?

Blackberry OS 6 will bring a lot of well-deserved and anticipated updates that Blackberry users have been demanding for quite some time now. Highlights include an improved search, webkit based browser with tabbed browsing, ability to add links to the home screen and HTML 5 support, better social networking with feed aggregation, a new and improved user interface as well media player and better multimedia support. Other features include better support for podcasting with a dedicated app, which allows users to wirelessly download and then listen to podcasts. Other new features and updates include: improved camera modes for better shots, an integrated YouTube application, a new viewing experience with five customizable views and a new Wi-Fi based media sync, which allows users to sync with their music library over their home network.

With the announcement of OS 6.0, RIM introduced the first device, which will run the new OS 6.0 software, called the Blackberry Torch. The device sports a slider design with a large 3.2-inch touch screen, trackpad and a large QWERTY keyboard. Along the back is a five megapixel camera and LED flash. BlackBerry is taking a new approach with the Torch being the first slider phone they have ever offered and the phone is exclusive to AT&T. Despite this, the phone seems to be plastered on posters all over AT&T stores nationwide. If you’re an existing BlackBerry owner, not into the sliding design or not ready to sign a new two year contract with AT&T, you’ll be glad to hear that OS 6.0 will be coming to current select BlackBerry devices with carrier approval. Compatible devices able to run the OS 6.0 software will be: the BlackBerry Bold 9700, 9650 and BlackBerry Pearl 3G, as well as future BlackBerry smartphones.

So keep your eyes peeled for the new OS 6.0 update, as it will bring many new features and OS enhancements. If the new Blackberry Torch 9800 interests you, it will available at AT&T stores and online starting August 12 for $199.99 with 2-year service agreement with AT&T.

The location-based app, Poynt for iPhone now has a new category of search that’s already been available for the BlackBerry and Android versions: gas prices. Now when you use this nifty little app for the iPhone, you can sort gas price results by price or proximity, and launch right into Maps for turn-by-turn directions. Additionally, there’s a few new features, such as being reminded of movie times or dinner reservations, and you can now add theaters to your favorites for quick access later on.

Download Poynt for your iPhone (for free!) after the jump!

The next stage for Guitar Hero to dominate is the little one, in the palm of your hand, via your Blackberry or Android-enabled device.

Today, Hands-On Mobile Inc., a cell-phone game developer, released the popular music-game on the world’s most popular smartphones, Android and Blackberry.

In the palm of your hands!

Guitar Hero: World Tour Mobile: Backstage Pass, the official name of the game, will run you $4.49 and comes with 15 songs to play and more made available each month.

"The Guitar Hero sensation is one that crosses all platforms with mass market appeal spanning generations and geography," said Lynn Monica, VP & GM of Mobile Games, Hands-On Mobile. "Guitar Hero World Tour Mobile: Backstage Pass has gameplay for everyone and will surely satisfy any mobile gaming fan from beginner to expert."

With Google/Android recently surpassing Apple/iPhone, it’ll be interesting to see if developer’s attention soon shifts more dominantly to the Android Marketplace over the App Store. Fight!

Israel has forbidden travelers from bringing iPads into the country, saying the device’s wireless technology could interfere with or overpower other products already in operation there.

The Ministry of Communications declared the ban earlier this week. “The iPad’s Wi-Fi wireless technology was built to the U.S. standard, which allows stronger signals than those allowed in Europe and Israel,” The Wall Street Journal reports.

That means the iPad’s wireless signal strength violates Israeli law, which makes operating the device in country illegal. Ministry spokesman Yechiel Shavi says once the device is built to comply with European standards, the ban will be reversed.

But technology analyst Richard Doherty is skeptical. He says the Wi-Fi chip used in the iPad is an industry standard. “If they’re paranoid about the iPad then they should be paranoid about BlackBerrys and the iPhone.”

He went on to tell the The Wall Street Journal that because of the iPad’s small antenna and aluminum casing, the signal is actually weaker than devices of similar size.

Techies in Israel feel slighted. Especially after hearing rumors that the iPad was banned because the Israeli military feared the “strong” signal would interfere with their technology.

Apple only recently established a presence in Israel. Their first official store opened in Tel Aviv in January 2009.

Hate messing around with cables? Want to put the music from your BlackBerry onto your home stereo system without a lot of hassle? BlackBerry users will be very excided to hear about the BlackBerry Music Gateway, a companion accessory for your BlackBerry from RIM.

This device allows you to wirelessly transmit music to your stereo system from your BlackBerry Smartphone or any other compatible Bluetooth Mobile device. The process is simple; choose a song on your BlackBerry Smartphone or any Bluetooth enabled device that supports the A2DP profile, hit play and you’re hearing that song through your stereo speakers wirelessly via the BlackBerry Music Gateway.

The first thing I noticed about this device is its compact size, measuring in at 50 millimeters both horizontally and vertically. The device is so small that you could easily place it somewhere and forget about it. On the front of the BlackBerry Music gateway is a LED light, which indicates the status of the device. Along the back is a Micro-USB power connecter and a 3.5 mm stereo jack. In the box, RIM includes an RCA auxiliary cable in addition with a 3.5 mm stereo cable. The RCA auxiliary cable allows you to use the standard red and white RCA audio connecters to connect the product to your home stereo system or you may choose to use the standard 3.5 mm connection.

Once powered on and connected, the product performed very well. Setup was a breeze and the included manual and documentation had very clear directions on how to get the product up and running. All that is necessary is for you to pair up your phone or device with the BlackBerry Music Gateway. Next, select a song and your wirelessly streaming it to your stereo via the Blackberry Music Gateway. The sound quality and range were excellent and I was able to walk around my entire house without any drops in audio. The music sounded loud and clear and I really like how it gives you the ability to adjust the volume directly from the device and stream music within applications. I was able to launch Internet radio applications like Pandora and Slacker Radio and hear the music streaming over 3G to my stereo via the BlackBerry Wireless Gateway with great clarity.

One small disappointment is that the product does not include a power cable in the box; instead they urge users to use their existing travel charger. This may bug some users, especially Blackberry Tour owners like myself, as the Tour travel charger that RIM urges you to use isn’t compatible with the Music Gateway. Tour users must purchase an additional travel charger in order to power the device, which is a minor drawback.

I find this product very useful and I love how it creates a seamless integration between your BlackBerry Smartphone and your existing home stereo. The $89.99 price tag along with the $30 cost for an optional adaptor if your device charger isn’t compatible, may be a bit steep, but the product definitely performs well above my expectations and does everything RIM claims. Sound quality, setup and range were all very good and if you own a BlackBerry Smartphone and you’re tired with messing around with wires to hook up your Berry to your stereo system, you really can’t go wrong with the BlackBerry Music Gateway.

The device sells for $89.99 and is available directly from BlackBerry.

It is extremely hard to design a case to shield all the buttons and balls of the BlackBerry.

OtterBox somehow found a way to get as close as you can.

While you still can’t throw it in the ocean and make calls from the deep end of the pool, the OtterBox Defender. The tough plastic shell we’re used to with an OtterBox combines with an optional clear membrane to protect the screen and keyboard.

The case is surprisingly comfortable. It’s still easy to use the keyboard, but the trackball is a little more awkward. How awkward? It’s harder to play BrickBreaker and make those quick saves when the ball suddenly accelerates or jumps because you got a text message.

The OtterBox is comfortable, but practicality is a slight concern. It’s not waterproof. It protects against a few accidental drops of water, but that’s it. So you can’t really count on it when you’re in the canoe or something. I did find that it keeps a lot of the sand out at the beach, though.

OtterBox is a popular brand with outdoorsmen. I’m not sure how many hunters and fishermen carry a BlackBerry, but the OtterBox is as good as it gets. If you drop your phone a lot or work with your hands and are always banging your phone against something, the Defender is great.

As the search continues for an iPhone killer, the ball is in Blackberry’s court. The Storm has made a valiant effort, and once again, it’s a solution that’s just not as good as the iPhone.

The Blackberry Storm has implemented a new type of touchscreen. To beat the problems of a lack of accuracy that have faced other touchscreen phones, the Storm touchscreen is a two-step process. First, an item can be selected on the screen by placing a finger over it. The item will be highlighted to ensure that it is in fact the user meant to select. Then, the user presses down on the screen over the selected area and voila, item selected. While it works the majority of the time, but is a real pain and takes too much time and effort.

Blackberry phones are above all work phones, so the cross over to a fun, application based toy like the iPhone felt a bit awkward. Instead of being all work or all play, the Storm lost itself somewhere in the middle, making it a bit of a pain to access e-mails and the business functions, but equally as uninteresting to play games and use the other fun-based apps.

Typing on the Storm’s touch keypad is fairly simple, the implemented touch-and-tap system making accuracy all the easier. However, there are three types of messaging styles: the vertical QWERTY keyboard similar to the one used for the Blackberry Pearl can either be set to auto-text or normal and a horizontal full QWERTY keyboard. The problem with the three types of keypads is they are not universally implemented on the phone, and it is hard to be sure which type is being used.

The Storm is heavier than the other touchscreen phones out there, weighing in at 5.5 ounces. For someone used to the tiny Krazor, its 4.43″ by 2.45″ body was too awkward to hold comfortably.

The Storm’s 3.25 in. screen plays video and displays pictures beautifully, it’s auto-focus feature on its 3.2 mega pixel camera makes taking photos far easier than your standard camera phone fare and its music player booms sound out sufficiently. Verizon’s great VZ Navigator GPS feature tends to be a little laggy on the Storm, stating after a street is passed that it was the proper one to turn down. Blackberry’s venture into the touch screen is valiant and solid, it just doesn’t have anything unique to set it apart from the competition.

Close but no iPhone

Technically speaking, the Storm is a great phone. It doesn’t have any major flaws, and is sufficient for any phone users daily needs. However, that is as far as it goes. It does not have any stand-out features to set it above the rest of the touch screen phones out there. It certainly is not the best, though it weighs in about second in the race for the best touch phone on the market.

For Verizon customers, the Storm is better than the LG Dare, but no one has yet to come close to topping Apple and its iPhone.

BLAST has learned there was a complete outage of the popular Blackberry email-retrieving smart phone service Monday.

An AT&T spokesman told Fox News in Boston that the outage affects all phones and all carriers across the country.

Research in Motion said in a message to large corporate customers that a “critical severity outage” meant they would be unable to send or receive mail.

There is no word on the cause of the problem, which left users across North America without wireless email for about four hours.