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Oh, BlackBerry, you’ve done it again! The smartphone maker formerly known as Research in Motion has penned an open letter published in major news outlets around the globe to reconfirm that it’s not going anywhere — but will it be enough for faithful users to stick it out until the company can reverse its downward slide? Sure, it can say whatever it likes, but users will need to see real results or continue to defect to the iPhone or Android. Read on to find out more, including the fate of the BBM app…
1Password 4.3 for iOS Restores Wi-Fi Sync
Following the release of 1Password 4 for Mac last week, the folks at AgileBits unleashed 1Password 4.3 for iOS on Monday, which restores Wi-Fi sync for users who prefer to leave their sensitive data entirely out of the cloud. The update also adds the ability to change the built-in “1Browser” to be recognized as Safari for iPhone, iPad or Mac as well as Firefox and Chrome, along with additional iOS 7 support. The company notes that a full-on iOS 7 refresh is still on the way as a free update.
BlackBerry to Customers: “We Are Here to Stay”
Reuters reported Monday that Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry has penned an open letter to customers published in 30 news outlets across nine countries in an effort to reverse negative headlines in recent months. “We want customers to know that they can continue to count on us — we are here to stay,” said BlackBerry Chief Marketing Officer Frank Boulben. “We have substantial cash on our balance sheet and we have no debt. We are restructuring our cost base and this is a very painful transition, but it will make us financially stronger and we want to get that message directly to our customers.” Boulben makes valid points, but it’s hard not to see the open letter as a desperate plea considering the company’s very public missteps lately. The executive also claims the suspended release of BlackBerry Messenger for iPhone will continue “within days,” with more than six million smartphone users already pre-registered for information on the release.
Prepaid Carrier Cricket Boards iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c Train
MacRumors reported Monday that Cricket Wireless isn’t being left behind when it comes to the latest iPhones. Starting Oct. 25, the U.S. regional carrier will begin offering the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s as part of its contract-free nationwide talk, text and data plans which include 4G LTE as well as old-school CDMA-powered 3G. Earlier this year, parent company Leap Wireless stated that iPhone sales weren’t living up to expectations, only to turn around and announce first-quarter financial results that showed the handset was selling well, despite setbacks elsewhere in the company.
Windows Phone 8 Update Ready for Bigger Screens
Microsoft announced Monday that Windows Phone 8 Update 3 has been released to developers, which is expected to arrive on user’s handsets “over the next several months.” The update is literally a big deal for Windows Phone 8 fans, since it enables support for larger (five or six inch), 1080p high-resolution displays with more Live Tiles on the home screen. Update 3 will also support faster processors, specifically the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, as well as a new Driving Mode, improved internet sharing, more custom ringtones and better storage management. The update marks the first time developers have received early access to new builds, which will continue with the new Developer Preview Program.
U.S. Cellular Joins Shared Data Plan Bandwagon
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em? Regional carrier U.S. Cellular debuted shared data plans this week, presumably in an effort to stay competitive with current offerings from Verizon Wireless and AT&T. Each plan includes unlimited talk and text plus data tethering (i.e., Mobile Hotspot), with monthly plans starting at $40 per month for 300MB plus per-device connection charge. Through the end of 2013, the carrier is also offering a 25 percent discount on new Shared Data plans 6GB or higher.
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