Gameloft is no joke when it comes to releasing mobile games. In fact, most of Gameloft’s mobile titles would also make worthy console ports. Unfortunately, a few of the best Gameloft titles are still not available on Blackberries.

Gameloft just released one of their most popular titles, 9MM HD, for use on the Blackberry Playbook!

9MM follows John “Loose” Kannon as he works with his team of “hardened cops” to clean up the streets. Kannon and his crew are not afraid to bend the rules to get their job done, and it leads to his team stealing millions from an drug lord after brutally executing him. As it would turn out the murdered drug lord’s brother launches a deadly vendetta against Kannon’s team and chaos ensues.

9MM includes jaw-dropping visuals, intense shooter gameplay and most importantly- bullet time (slow motion). 9MM also features online multiplayer, and a complete hip/hop soundtrack with music from Apathy, Beanie Sigel, Freeway & Jake One.

9MM is currently available for $0.99 from the Blackberry App World. That’s a great price by the way, consumers with alternate platforms (Android, iOS) have to pay $4.99!

The new Blackberry 10 camera app was unveiled when RIM’s CEO, Thorsten Heins, took the stage during the keynote at Blackberry World earlier this month. We know, shame on us because we should have covered the news earlier, but we wanted a little more information first.

If you haven’t seen the demos already, the Blackberry 10 camera app will function as both a camera and camcorder in tandem, allowing photo enthusiasts to rewind frames of an image to preserve the moment.

During the keynote, RIM showed off an image where one subject was smiling, and the other had their eyes closed. Unfortunately, with traditional imaging software the moment would have to be recreated and the photo would have to be recaptured. Using the Blackberry 10 camera app, a spherical window around the subject, with their eyes closed, appeared, and the user was able to rewind the frame (within the bubble) backwards to a time when the subject was smiling beautifully. The result was a perfect image, which captured the original moment and included everyone smiling.

When RIM demoed the BB10 camera app we immediately recognized the software, though, and despite a reluctance to cry déjà vu, it turned out we were right.

Scalado’s Rewind software is strikingly similar to what was demoed as the Blackberry 10 camera app’s signature feature, and it turns out there’s a reason for it. Scalado designed both the Rewind, and Remove, image capture software to help consumers capture better photos on various devices.

RIM’s Senior Manager of Public Relations Patti McKague spoke out to Techcrunch on the matter.

RIM has been working with Scalado on camera technology and has licensed some of the Scalado technology for the BlackBerry 10 platform. As shown during the BlackBerry World Keynote, RIM is planning a unique implementation of the technology on BlackBerry 10 to provide an incredible user experience, allowing for more customization by the user and enabling them to easily capture and share their perfect moments.

So there you have it folks, it’s been confirmed that RIM is working with Scalado to provide unique “camera technology” for their new Blackberry 10 OS. Could this software be the innovation RIM needed to stay afloat?

If you have yet to see how Scalado’s software works, here’s a terrific video that shows off Scalado’s Rewind.

If you are in the market for a Blackberry 6 device, the Blackberry Bold 9780 is your guy. After all, we still have at least half a year before RIM releases the Blackberry 10 OS, and it is uniquely tailored Blackberry product line.

Consumers also have the option to purchase Blackberry 7 devices like the Bold 9900/9930, Torch 9860/9800 and the latest in the Curve product line, but we think the Bold 9780 is still a superior device.

RIM has stated that the current lineup (meaning the devices that were most recently made available) will NOT receive a software upgrade to the Blackberry 10 OS. That means the Blackberry 7 OS devices will need to be traded in once the new BB10 devices hit the market, at least by those who want the new software upgrade.

While this news is disheartening, it is currently irrelevant, especially for those who need a new device right now. Upgrade time tends to sneak up out of the darkness, and putting up with an older mobile device can be frustrating. If you are the type of person that can wait patiently for the new Blackberry product lineup more power to you, but if you are the type of person who can’t wait, the Blackberry 9780 is an acceptable alternative.

Why Not Just Get a Blackberry 7 Device?

The Blackberry 7 operating system has several new features and enhancements, most of which implement touchscreen and gesture support into the standard OS mechanics. Considering a majority of the Blackberry 6 devices have no touchscreen, it’s obvious why RIM didn’t roll out the upgrade to the older devices.

Blackberry 7 adds several visual improvements to the user interface, which combines with the higher resolution displays of the Blackberry 7 devices to offer “a better experience”. Blackberry 7 also includes much faster internet browsing support than previous OS versions.

Regardless of what the Blackberry 7 operating system has to offer, the Blackberry 6 platform operates in nearly the same fashion, albeit with a slightly less attractive interface.

Realistically, the Blackberry 6 devices provide a superb browsing experience even by today’s standards. Sure, the older Blackberry 6 OS may lack certain flare that the Blackberry 7 devices have, but that doesn’t make it any less useful. BB6 is especially appealing when you consider the $300 Blackberry Bold 9780 price tag of a non-contract, unlocked model.

A Blackberry 7 device like the Bold 9900 still has a hefty price for the non-contract model, which ranges from about $450-500 new.

The reason we’re quoting non-contract and unlocked model prices is because the release of Blackberry 10 is right around the corner. It is a smarter idea to pick up an older non-contract phone so that when the new devices release, consumers can sign a new contract and get the standard carrier discount for a new phone.

Let’s face it, not everyone is an uber-geek with access to the latest and greatest, so there’s lots of folks out there who haven’t upgraded their phones yet. It’s also true that not everyone has money or extra resources they can just throw into the wind.

Don’t Waste Your Carrier Upgrade on a Blackberry 7 Device

As mentioned above, RIM will not be upgrading Blackberry 7 devices to the Blackberry 10 operating system when it rolls out, which means anyone who wants to use the new Blackberry OS will have to get a brand new device. There’s no point in upgrading to a Blackberry 7 device now and losing the opportunity to get a Blackberry 10 device when the products start hitting the market by the end of 2012.

That is exactly why we recommend picking up the older Blackberry 9780 Bold. Quite frankly, it was one of the best Blackberry devices ever, and was certainly one of the best Blackberry 6 devices. Of course, there are some out there who will argue that the Blackberry 7 devices are superior, and while this may be true from a software perspective, there actually aren’t that many improved features in the newer operating system. There are certainly not enough enhancements, in the newer OS, to warrant throwing away a carrier upgrade less than a year before new phone models are to release.

Blackberry Bold 9780 Review, Short and Sweet

It is worth doing a quick Blackberry 9780 review and covering the features and specifications, considering we’re recommending that consumers purchase one.

The Blackberry Bold 9780 is powered by 512MB of installed memory and comes bundled with a 2GB media card for storage. The Bold 9780 also includes a 5MP rear-facing camera, integrated Wi-Fi, and a 1500 mAHR Lithium Ion battery with 6 hours of rated battery life. In addition, the 9780 includes a trackpad, instead of the standard navigational trackball found in most Blackberry devices.

Unfortunately, the BB Bold 9780 does not include 4G LTE connectivity, but depending on the home area, and the carrier used, 4G may not be accessible anyways. As mentioned above, the 9780 does include an integrated Wi-Fi radio which means consumers can take advantage of any wireless network when in range, and these days nearly every business or location offers some form of wireless internet.

What’s likely more pertinent is the incredible selection of applications which are available for Blackberry devices. There are just as many, if not more, applications available for Blackberry 6 devices as there are for Blackberry 7 devices. In fact, most of the same applications are available on both operating systems, which is excellent news for those who aren’t interested in upgrading to the newest devices yet.

The Blackberry 6 operating system also natively supports Blackberry Maps and GPS functionality which means users don’t have to worry about finding their way around strange areas. Blackberry 6 also supports full multi-tasking for increased productivity with applications through the Blackberry Application switcher, which allows seamless jumping between applications.

In addition, the Bold 9780 is available with a glossy black or a matte white body finish.

Skip Blackberry 7 Devices If You Don’t Own One Already

There’s no point in purchasing a Blackberry 7 device if you’re waiting for Blackberry 10 and currently have a carrier upgrade available. Blackberry 7 devices will not be upgraded to the new Blackberry 10 OS, and a plethora of new models will hit the market designed specifically for the new operating system.

The Blackberry 6 OS may be showing it’s age by now, but it won’t be long until Blackberry 10 releases, RIM has already made public their plans to release by the end of 2012.

If you need a newer Blackberry device to hold you over, pick up a 9780 off-contract and carrier unlocked on the cheap. The Blackberry 9780 price tag for a non-contract, and carrier unlocked model is approximately $300. Then, after you purchase the 9780, wait out the release of RIMs newer devices and pick up a Blackberry 10 with subsidized pricing (discounted with a 2 year contract service agreement).

If you decide not to listen to our advice and use your upgrade for a Blackberry 7 device, when BB10 releases you’ll have to wait two full years before subsidized pricing is available again, unless you purchase a phone at full price (usually in excess of $600) or switch carriers and then pay cancellation fees

Blackberry Mobile Fusion is an enterprise centered product that allows mobile device management to be done through a single, web-based interface. It also includes support to allow users access to work email and data at all times, while securely protecting said data.

“At RIM we feel like we were the first mobile management solution.”

Mobile Fusion was designed with IT managers in mind, and RIM advertises it as an efficient platform for managers to control and monitor business related devices.

Vikas Shakyaver, Enterprise Product Manager for Research In Motion, covered the basic security and features in the new version of Mobile Fusion.

“Blackberry Mobile Fusion is Blackberry’s next-gen mobile device management platform.”

When RIM representatives were asked if Windows Phone is in the agenda for future supported products of the Mobile Fusion software, they answered that the platform will be included once it’s relative in enterprise environments and enough consumers show a requirement for it.

Mobile Fusion Universal Device Management Service

Blackberry Mobile Fusion now includes a universal device management service. The new software version of Mobile Fusion has been adapted to include Blackberry 7 and previous Blackberry OS devices, Blackberry Playbook tablets and now Android (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3, 4) and iOS (version 4) devices. That’s right, IT managers can now interact and manage Android and iOS devices thanks to Mobile Fusion.

RIM identified that with enterprise software like Mobile Fusion, end users look for the same type of elegance and experience which they have in their personal lives, in their professional lives. Mobile Fusion allows for a safe, secure and seamless integration between business and personal mobile device use.

Most importantly, the Mobile Fusion software allows IT managers a single management layer to manage all related devices. There is no additional management software required, and all devices now apply.

To utilize the universal device service on iOS and Android consumers must first install a unique application on the related device which authenticates access and helps protect data. The Mobile Fusion application for iOS and Android is available on the public market as well as through the Blackberry site, so its not difficult to find.

Blackberry Mobile Fusion also includes security measures to restrict access to devices and notify managers when a device is not in compliance with company standards. Mobile Fusion includes jailbreak and rooting detection, and can even be adapted to restrict access to iOS and Android devices altogether.

When a device is out of compliance, the system allows managers to notify the user in order to give them a chance to fix the issue themselves, or just take care of the problem through the software.

Mobile Fusion also allows management of installed apps, and IT managers can install or remove mandatory apps, as well as remove alternate apps from a device (apps that are not installed by IT managers through Mobile Fusion software).

Anyone interested in more information about the software may visit the official Blackberry Mobile Fusion web page.

Annual licenses for the Blackberry device service and universal device service start at $99 ($4.00 per month).

There sure was a lot of talk about “Blackberry People” last week, and RIM casually threw the phrase around so much, that it seemed they were actually trying to whisper sweet nothings into the ears of every Blackberry World attendant.

Our casual joking aside, it was evident throughout the keynote, and the entire conference, that RIM undoubtedly took the time to figure out who their majority user base is, and what they stand for.

Thorsten Heins, CEO of Research In Motion made several comments regarding Blackberry users, elaborating on who they are as a community.

“We spend a lot of time on who are we mostly talking to, who is the target customer. The common denominator with all our customers is that they are striving to succeed.”

“Blackberry people care about being productive.”

“Blackberry is focused on Blackberry people, our users are hyperconnected.”

The question still remains, who are “Blackberry people”? Are “Blackberry People” comprised of mainly an older audience which includes business minded folk, or are “Blackberry People” younger in nature and ideals?

Do Blackberry People walk the city streets with the rest of us common folk, or are they floating along on some trans-spiritual highway in the heavens?

It’s hard to focus on such a diverse community and choose one focus group, or one specific age group. Blackberry users are everywhere, and the community is made up of people of all ages, denominations, and nationalities. Most of all, Blackberry users seem to have their own agenda when it comes to Blackberry products, and they utilize each platform to achieve whichever goals it is they need to achieve.

Blackberry People include corporate and business employees, DJ’s and music enthusiasts, developers and programmers, and even young “productive” minded hooligans.

One thing is for certain, the Blackberry platform is now solely dedicated to “success”. RIM wants its consumers to succeed, and they were pushing this idea with every resource available to them.

Thorsten Heins is working to change the way Blackberry applies to the world, not necessarily by changing the platform or their business goals and directives, but by this idea of success that he so fondly alludes to. During the general session on Tuesday morning, Heins went on further to say that the idea of “Blackberry People” and “Success” is not mutually exclusive.

“When I talk about people that want to be successful, that is not in any way exclusive. The design objective of Blackberry products is to help people succeed.”

“There are 55 million Blackberry subscribers.”

“Blackberry is all about success. This is the core of Blackberry.”

Heins also clarified that the Blackberry platform “aids 77 million people to succeed on a daily basis.”

It would appear, RIM is a little obsessed with this idea of success, which is not necessarily a terrible thing. At least it’s evident they’re focusing on the future. Also, we now know who “Blackberry People” are, sort of.

We, at Blackberry Rocks, will stick to believing in our previous idea of Blackberry People, floating spiritual orbs who happen to use electronic gadgets to achieve their aspirations.

Rumors were abound that in order to adapt and grow, RIM would be abandoning the mobile consumer space and would instead focus on what’s always been its strongest audience, the enterprise and professional market.

The rumors were sparked by Hein’s original comments in which he stated that RIM was refocusing on the enterprise market. The press and media took this statement out of context, and began speculation that RIM would no longer produce consumer related products.

“Many said that RIM will leave the consumer business- that is absolutely not true, that is not what I said.”

Heins clarified further that by his original statement, he only meant that RIM needed to stop designing as many services in-house and that they should instead try and achieve their consumer-based goals through external partnerships.

“We spend a lot of time on who are we mostly talking to, who is the target customer. The common denominator with all our customers is that they are striving to succeed.”

Heins went on to strengthen the idea of “success” which he first talked about yesterday morning during his presentation at the general session (keynote). RIM has refocused its goals to target productive Blackberry users who strive to be successful.

“When I talk about people that want to be successful that is not in any way exclusive. The design objective of Blackberry products is to help people succeed.”

Throughout the conference RIM continuously referred to it’s consumer base as “Blackberry people,” and identified them as all people who wish to succeed. It’s evident that RIM also plans to succeed. There is no reason why this new focus and “success” plan shouldn’t prevail, so long as RIM sticks to their guns.

RIM has made is abundantly clear that they want plenty of applications and content to be available for the Blackberry 10 launch later this year.

“We understand you want key content on your Blackberry when we deliver the new platform to you.”

Thorsten Heins, the CEO of RIM, identified that consumers want ample content available to them proceeding a product launch, and he clarified that RIM is dedicated to making that happen.

In order to attract developers to the dark side -okay, so that’s not politically correct- the Blackberry side, RIM gave every developer at the Blackberry 10 Jam one of the Dev Alpha devices for use during the development process.

By now you’re probably wondering how the red and blue caped crusader comes into play, keep reading, we’ll get to that.

RIM is doing more than just giving away a bunch of innovative phones to boost application development for the upcoming Blackberry 10 platform. Alec Saunders, RIM’s VP of Developer Relations, revealed that Blackberry will guarantee developers a minimum of $10,000 in annual revenue. If first year developers happen to fall short of the 10K mark, RIM will pay the difference.

But don’t for a second believe that RIM hasn’t added some stipulations in order to cover themselves. Before RIM pays for anything, the application in question must make at least $1,000 in the App store. If, and only if, the application makes its $1,000 sales mark, then RIM will play Superman and swoop in to save the day. This policy will at least form some kind of protective film for RIM, ensuring they only have to support quality apps.

Unfortunately, all you silly developers out there looking to make a quick buck with the next phone tanning app, we’re sad to report that you won’t be seeing a check from RIM anytime soon.

While we applaud RIM for adopting such an ambitious campaign, we can’t help but ponder how desperate it all seems. With this campaign RIM seems more than just desperate, they’re practically shouting to the heavens that Blackberry 10 apps will be sufficient, and we all know that a whole lot of shouting doesn’t just make things true.

If RIM maintained focus on building a great development platform, the apps would eventually come. Although, like RIM, Microsoft has also offered developers money for quality apps, so one could easily argue the counterpoint that desperation is absent and this is now a normal process.

We’re not knocking you RIM, we’re just wondering if this campaign is such a brilliant idea.

Nevertheless, the real news here is that RIM is entirely dedicated to fleshing out the application market for the Blackberry 10 product line. In fact, they’re so dedicated that they’re willing to guarantee developers $10,000 in profit.

Good luck with that RIM.

Blackberry users began squirming in their seats yesterday morning during the keynote when RIM confirmed that the Blackberry 10 Dev Alpha device is, in fact, running the latest version of the Blackberry OS.

The demonstrations of the device and the Blackberry 10 features showed off a tremendously fluid user interface and virtual experience, but there was one blinding problem. The Blackberry 10 Dev Alpha device is purely a touchscreen candy-bar style phone, a physical keyboard was absent.

RIM has always offered Blackberry devices that included a hardware keyboard in the past. It’s understandable, and only natural, that worry would wrack a community which has grown accustomed to a physical keyboard on their mobile devices, especially when it comes to the public demonstration of a touchscreen mobile device that includes only virtual keyboard support.

Thorsten Heins, CEO of Research In Motion, confirmed this morning during a press exclusive Q&A session that RIM will be releasing Blackberry 10 devices with a physical keyboard. His confirmation puts to rest the rumors that Blackberry 10 will be a touchscreen exclusive. For those of you still holding your breath, you can now release.

“I can confirm that the physical keyboard will be an option in the Blackberry 10 portfolio.”

Heins went on further to say that while developing BB10 RIM focused on one question.

“What is the ideal typing experience on a Blackberry?”

The Blackberry experience was designed with this specific approach in mind. It’s no secret that typing is a core component of the Blackberry platform.

“We want the typing experience on the Blackberry to be the best in the world, whether that be on a physical keyboard or a virtual keypad.”

Several times during the keynote yesterday morning, Heins hinted at the idea that the Blackberry 10 Dev Alpha device was only one of many products to come. But it wasn’t until this morning at the Q&A that he officially confirmed it.

“Make no mistake we only showed you one element of what the future of Blackberry will be, there are other elements to come.”

So, for those of you who have been erupting in fear, loathing and just pure nerd rage, you can relax your minds. The Blackberry 10 device lineup will include devices with a physical keyboard.