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If you've been waiting to dump your BlackBerry for an iPhone because you don't want to give up the free BlackBerry Messaging service that allows you to bypass carrier text messaging, then the wait is over.

Earlier this week, Apple announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco that its new iMessage feature that will be baked into the latest version of iOS software due later this year, will offer a similar messaging service that Research In Motion's BBM service offers.

In addition to seeing when and if messages have been received, just like BBM, iMessage … Read more

By the end of this year, users of Google Android smartphones should be able to sink their teeth into the next version of Android OS: Ice Cream Sandwich. But what does this upgrade really mean for smartphone users?

I was at the Google I/O developer conference this week in San Francisco, where Google announced a brand new OS upgrade for its Android mobile platform. So I was able to get the lowdown on what's expected in this latest version. Google Android OS updates have been introduced so rapidly since Android first launched two and a half years ago … Read more

We're limiting iPad 2 chat to 10 minutes of airtime because you're probably sick to the gut from hearing all the rumors, the news, and the buying guides. Suffice it to say that Apple is now offering a $100 refund to anyone who purchased an iPad 1 in the two weeks leading up to this week's announcement.

Apple's price-matching program is nothing new--it has offered a two-week price-matching deal on almost all its hardware after something new is released, but it's up to third-party distributors like Best Buy to decide whether they want to honor the deal.

If you were unfortunate enough to purchase an original iPad on February 16 or later, head to an Apple Store and don't get bitter with the employees--they don't know about releases ahead of time.

Prepare your thumbs for soreness if you own an Android or Apple smartphone, as the two operating systems may soon get BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) courtesy of Research in Motion.

BBM is a free instant messaging service currently exclusive to BlackBerry smartphone users, but Android and iOS may soon benefit from the instant communication service.

In the meantime, if you want another way to get free texting, check out… Read more

RIM may be gearing up to officially announce BlackBerry Messenger 6, the latest version of the BlackBerry peer-to-peer messaging service--BBM to fans.

Real-time gaming among BlackBerry owners is one possible new feature suggested by a source known to the BlackBerry site PocketBerry.

The rumor specifically addressed playing under the BBM log-in name, chatting with other gamers who aren't on your friend list, and integrating gaming results into your status update. BlackBerry Messenger 6 may be supported on all OS 5 devices and up, according to the rumor.

So how far off is the rumor? Hopefully it's right on … Read more

RIM has granted India access to its BlackBerry network, but not the ability to monitor secure customer e-mails.

The BlackBerry maker confirmed today that the Indian government now has the means to access its Messenger service.

"RIM has now delivered a solution that enables India's wireless carriers to address their lawful access requirements for our consumer messaging services, which includes BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and BlackBerry Internet Services (BIS) e-mail," Research In Motion said in a statement released today and e-mailed to CNET.

But RIM insisted that the access does not include the ability to monitor e-mails on … Read more

For years, BlackBerry Messenger has been one of those native apps that has flown a little bit under the radar. RIM's announcement today at its third-annual BlackBerry Developer conference shines a brighter light on the peer-to-peer communications platform, and grants it more social skills.

The new BlackBerry Messenger platform will now allow applications like those in the Blackberry App World to tie into the chat client to take advantage of its ability to push content from one BlackBerry user to another in as little as a single click. For example, you'll be able to select an option while … Read more