blackberry q10

Episode 43: Unboxing the BlackBerry Q10

The past three weeks of Always On showcased the roles tech can play in your summer vacation. In some cases, we determined whether or not your tech can survive your summer vacation. Now this episode doesn't involve snapping photos of spinner dolphins, desert road tripping in a tricked-out RV, or fitness tracking through mud at an average of 8,150 feet of elevation. But just because we're finally back home in the Bay Area doesn't mean we took a break from turning our environment into a tech battleground.

We start things off with an unboxing of the … Read more

How FreedomPop's free mobile plan will work

CNET Update features a freebie:

Is FreedomPop's free mobile plan too good to be true? In today's Update episode, I explain how the plan will work when it launches this summer. The free model runs on Sprint's network and has unlimited texts, but monthly limits on data (500 MB of 4G) and voice (200 minutes).

Paying for more data and voice on FreedomPop is still cheaper than going with a major carrier. In an interview with CNET Update, FreedomPop CEO Stephen Stokols explained he's targeting a price of $9.99 for unlimited calling, and $17.99 … Read more

How to edit application permissions on BlackBerry 10

The first time you install a BlackBerry 10 app you're required to approve or deny the app access to various types of information on your device. For example, the Foursquare app requires permission to access your location (among other things) in order to find nearby venues. While other apps may request permission to access your photos, music or connect to BBM.

Denying an app permission to one of the requested categories is a good way to protect your personal data, but should you mistakenly deny an app permission, you'll need to know where to go to edit these … Read more

Blaq is the best Twitter app for BlackBerry 10

The official Twitter app that came pre-installed on your BlackBerry 10 device gets the job done, but it's missing a lot of features. Instead of waiting for Twitter to make improvements and add functionality to the app, do yourself a favor and download Blaq.

BlackBerry fans will recognize the name of the app, as it has been available on legacy BlackBerry devices as well as the PlayBook.

Currently listed at $2.99 in BlackBerry World, Blaq is compatible with both the Z10 and Q10.

You'll find Twitter streaming support, the ability to mute keywords and clients, BBM integration, … Read more

How to securely erase a BlackBerry 10 device

Let's face it: BlackBerry 10 isn't going to be for everyone. There are going to be people who have purchased a Z10 only to find out it's not the device for them, and some people might find that they prefer the Q10, which launches soon.

As such, you're going to want to securely wipe all of your information from the device. With just a few taps you'll be able to secure your data, ensuring it doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

Before wiping your device, it's a good idea to use BlackBerry LinkRead more

The BlackBerry Q10 blends the best of old and new

Say hello to the BlackBerry Q10, which offers a larger and more spacious QWERTY keyboard and a fresh infusion of the BlackBerry 10.1 operating system. It builds on the greatness of past BlackBerry messaging machines, yet blends this with modern smartphone software powerful enough to run multiple apps at once without skipping a beat. It also surfs Web sites like a champ and has a battery that goes the distance. Of course, the BlackBerry ecosystem lacks a wide app selection, but the Q10's hybrid approach should satisfy traditional BlackBerry addicts who crave a practical upgrade.

The Q10 is … Read more

Track down a lost BlackBerry 10 device with BlackBerry Protect

One of the first things you should do on your brand-new BlackBerry 10 device after going through the initial setup process is to enable BlackBerry Protect. The free service offered by BlackBerry will allow you to locate a lost or stolen BlackBerry 10 device.

To enable the free service, go to Settings and tap on BlackBerry Protect.

The service will be turned off by default, but only requires you to slide the switch to the right to enable it. You'll need to be signed into your BlackBerry ID on the device. If you need a BlackBerry ID, you can … Read more

How to edit an e-mail signature on BlackBerry 10

One of the first things I do after setting up a new device is to change the default e-mail signature. The default signature on new devices is usually a free advertisement for your carrier, device manufacturer, or both.

The default signature on a BlackBerry 10 device is "Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone."

See what I mean? Free advertising.

Shortly after setting up my Z10 I sought out to change the e-mail signature. I looked in the Accounts section of the Settings app to no avail. I dug through other sections in the Settings app, even went into … Read more

Revived BlackBerry still needs to prove itself in U.S.

BlackBerry has built up a nice head of steam. The question is whether it can keep the momentum going.

So far, there's been a lot to like about the BlackBerry Z10's launch. Early consumer sales have been stronger than expected; retailers have acknowledged strong demand; and BlackBerry said an "established partner" placed an order for 1 million units -- the largest order in the company's history.

All of this is fuel for BlackBerry's turnaround ambitions. The company hopes its next-generation BlackBerry 10 platform, led by the Z10, gives existing BlackBerry users a reason to … Read more

Microsoft's Surface Pro has room to grow

Wednesday's CNET Update wants the best of both worlds:

We're all hunting for the one device to rule them all: the perfect tablet-laptop hybrid. Microsoft's Surface Pro aims to do just that, but it's not quite a laptop-killer yet. Read CNET's full review here, and be sure to compare how the Pro measures up to the competition.

Also in today's tech news roundup:

- Rumor site SamMobile says the Galaxy S4 could be announced in March for an April release.

- BlackBerry's CEO says the Q10 may not hit the U.S. until May or June. … Read more