blackberry

For U.S. Windows Phones, it's worth waiting (Ask Maggie)

The spotlight is shining on Microsoft's Windows Phone platform with the recent launch of its Mango update and the new Nokia Lumia series of devices. But new hardware is still weeks, if not months, away in the United States. So what's an American consumer to do?

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I offer advice to one reader who is considering buying Nokia's Lumia 800 unlocked and using it on a U.S. carrier. I also offer some guidance to a longtime BlackBerry user about deciding between a new BlackBerry and the iPhone 4S.

Ask Maggie is … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1564: Molly's new iPhone 4 is no Halloween trick (Podcast)

In the tech news this week, Stephen and Brian bust me for buying an iPhone 4 on eBay to tide me over until there's a phone I really want--or until my Verizon contract is up. Nicole Lee joins us to talk about Nokia and Microsoft's new baby, the Lumia 800, and Sony's plans to get serious about making smart phones. Plus, stock advice from the gang, the coming nightmare that is the Stop Internet Piracy Act, and Computer Love.

RIM unveils cloud service for Microsoft Office 365 users

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion has launched a new service that not only extends access to Microsoft Office 365 but lets businesses better manage their BlackBerry devices.

Currently available as a beta for Microsoft Office 365 customers, BlackBerry's Business Cloud Services offers four key benefits to potential customers, according to RIM:

Access to Microsoft Exchange online email, calendar, and organizer data from BlackBerry smartphones. BlackBerry Balance technology, which lets users see both personal and work-related content on their phones but keeps the two separate from each other. Online access to smartphone security features where users can remotely lock or … Read more

The 404 926: Where Siri ratted us out (podcast)

We didn't think it would take this long, but somebody finally exploited the iPhone 4S to catch a cheater using the new Find My Friend app on iOS 5.

The scary part of this story, though, is how easy it is to use GPS to lurk on your S.O. using Google Latitude or any one of these mobile spy apps.

In that same vein, today we're chatting about our favorite tech pranks along with the latest news headlines that include BlackBerry freebies, iPhone record breaking, cell phone bill shock, and a fishy story out of Sesame Street.

BlackBerry Messenger vs. Apple's iMessage

One of iOS 5's most anticipated features is iMessage, an Apple instant-messaging service that can be used only among iOS devices. This is essentially Apple's answer to BlackBerry Messenger, RIM's own internal messaging system. The idea behind both messaging services is that they don't cost anything extra and won't deduct from your text messaging plan.

The catch, of course, is that both exist only in either the iOS or the BlackBerry ecosystem. Here, we take the opportunity to compare both messaging services. … Read more

The 404 924: Where we open the pod bay doors (podcast)

iOS 5 reviews are coming in from around the Web, but the Siri voice control application is grabbing everyone's attention with a clever answer to nearly any question you throw at it.

Apparently it'll tell you everything from where to hide a body to how to secure paid company for the night, and explain the meaning of life. Strangely, it seems the only thing it won't do is call the police. Siri needs to get her priorities straight!

Today's 404 features CNET's Scott Stein and Bridget Carey; read on for the news highlights.… Read more

Texting app banned by BlackBerry returns on own terms

Even the lawyers can't stop technology.

When a startup called Kik launched a mobile messaging app a year ago, the growth was explosive. More than 2 million people downloaded it in its first few weeks, turning Kik into a viral sensation on both the iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones.

Then the trouble began. First, BlackBerry maker Research In Motion pulled the Kik app from its app store. Then it filed suit against Kik Interactive in federal court in Canada, claiming misuse of trademarks and patent infringements. RIM makes the popular BlackBerry Messenger service, called BBM.

But while the legal process … Read more

How to track your favorite TV shows

When you can't make it home for every episode, or two shows you like are on at the same time, digital recorders can catch every moment for later viewing. However, if you're watching a lot of shows, it's hard to keep track of what's airing each night. So how about an easier way to see what shows are coming up and which ones are already in your queue for watching? Here's how to turn your Google Calendar or Reader into a personal TV guide:

Getting started

Step 1: Create an account at TVRage.com and … Read more

How to add events to Google Calendar via SMS

Google Calendar has Web, smartphone, and even desktop applications to help make managing your schedule an easy process. But if you don't want to fuss with any applications and just want to add a quick reminder to your Calendar, sending an SMS is the best method. There's a little bit of setup involved, but it's quick and painless.

Step 1: Log in to Google Calendar on the Web and go to the Settings menu in the top right corner (click the cog and then go to Settings).

Step 2: Go to the Mobile Setup tab in the … Read more

Dialed In 192: Verizon may choke you

Verizon Wireless doesn't like to use the word "throttle" when describing how it will restrict heavy data users, but it has no problem with the word "choke." And as Jessica tells us, that's exactly what the carrier is starting to do for the "most active five percent of its 3G data customers." No, it's not very convenient, but at least the carrier is trying to be polite about it.

Elsewhere in the podcast, we tackle a new female-oriented phone from HTC that may have Rhyme, though it's without any real … Read more