Posted by Mauricio on Oct 20, 2009 at 4:30 PM | Comments
Before I get to the guide I just want to clarify that yes, I do realize the latest beta for BeejiveIM is v1.9.6 and v1.1.2 is an old beta. This guide is for those BlackBerry users who prefer using BeejiveIM, don’t want to downgrade from OS 5.0 and don’t mind using an older beta version of BeejiveIM. Consider that you are already using leaked software (OS 5.0) so if you can’t IM with any apps other than BeejiveIM then this guide is for you.
@BRSDiddy sent me a some screenshots and details for how to get BeejiveIM Beta v1.1.2 to work with all OS 5.0 versions. He tried this method with the newer BeejiveIM betas, but it only worked with v1.1.2. If you’ve tried to open BeejiveIM with OS 5.0 you probably got a java language error and weren’t able to run it. This guide will help you get BeejiveIM beta to work on your BlackBerry running OS 5.0.
Since this guide is based on a beta BlackBerry application and leaked OS versions do this at your own risk and only if you’re comfortable with software that isn’t guaranteed to work. This is a temporary solution until RIM officially releases OS 5.0, followed by a compatible version of BeejiveIM from the guys over at Beejive.com.
Posted by Mauricio on Oct 19, 2009 at 2:05 PM | Comments
Many people have sent me messages and tweets about not being able to see their contacts’ avatar in the new BlackBerry Messenger 5.0. I would usually recommend the standard battery pull, having that contact re-load their photo, re-download BBM 5.0 or re-add the contact. In some cases these methods would work but in others they would not, and at the time I would usually recommend re-adding via PIN.
RIM has published a knowledge base article with a workaround to this issue since there is no resolution (right now).
This is a previously reported issue that has been escalated internally to our development team. No resolution time frame is currently available.
Here’s the workaround provided by RIM:
On the Home screen or in the Instant Messaging folder, click the BlackBerry Messenger icon.
Highlight the affected user.
On the contact list screen, press the Menu key.
Select Delete Contact.
To add the contact again, invite them by using scan a barcode or by email.
Once you re-invite the contact they will need to re-accept. Once the contact accepts you should both be able to see each others’ avatars. Keep in mind that both parties must be running BBM 5.0. You can download it OTA from blackberry.com/messenger.
If you’ve had issues where you can’t see your contacts’ avatars be sure to try this workaround and let me know how it works for you in the comments!
Posted by Mauricio on Oct 12, 2009 at 11:50 AM | Comments
Morrison (aka @moestepp) let me know that he has put together a video guide with instructions on how to install hybrid or beta OS versions using BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac.
I’ve transcribed the steps (below) for those that prefer text, but the video is better since it offers visual aide. The BlackBerry used for this tutorial is a Curve 8310 on AT&T. Do this at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with using beta/leaked software.
Morrison has also provided links to beta OS files in DMG format for use with a Mac computer. This method is mainly used for a hybrid OS upgrade. If you are using a beta “you would typically include the radio file in the same folder” (according to Morrison).
Plug your BlackBerry into your MacBook with BlackBerry Desktop Manager running
Install the carrier recommended OS (in this case AT&T OS 4.5.0.110)
Reload the OS that the carrier recommended for the phone. This will download all the appropriate files that are required.
Have the hybrid OS handy (in this case 8330 OS 5.0.0.238)
Go to Hard Drive > Username > Library > Application Support > BlackBerry Desktop Manager > Device Applications > Folder with numbers and letters
Open the Java file containing the hybrid OS files
Select all the files in the hybrid OS folder
Drag and drop these files into the folder with numbers and letters found in step 5
When prompted to replace files, click on apply to all and then replace
Go to BlackBerry Desktop Manager (should be running in background) and click on Applications and click Check for Updates
It will say there are no new updates in the next screen. Click on Show Other Versions in this screen.
You will now find the carrier recommended OS that was installed in steps 2 and 3. Click on the radio button to the left so it is “selected” and then click on Select.
Click on Reload
You’re done!
The Desktop Manager for Mac will think it’s just reloading the current OS to the BlackBerry but since you copied over the files from the hybrid OS it will actually be loading a different OS. As always please make backups before attempting to install or upgrade anything.
If you decide to try this out let me know how it works for you in the comments!
Posted by Mauricio on Sep 3, 2009 at 8:00 AM | Comments
Made Simple Learning let me know that they now have Training Center DVDs available through Amazon and at MadeSimpleLearning.com.
Made Simple Learning guides are made to help new BlackBerry owners quickly learn everything they can about their device. The Training Center includes:
Videos Now – full Video Library (over 80 Videos per device) which can be viewed on any PC or Mac
Videos to Go – full Video Library in a self-installing file (for PC users) and easy install (for Mac users) which loads the videos right onto your Micro SD card. (Videos to Go requires a BlackBerry 96xx, 95xx, 90xx, 89xx, 88xx, or 83xx BlackBerry Smartphone with at least 250 MB free on a Micro SD media card)
Made Simple Guide Book – The most comprehensive Guide Books available for BlackBerry Smartphones
The Training Center DVDs are currently available for the BlackBerry Curve (83XX, 8350i, 8900) series, 8800 series, Bold, Storm and Tour, with others coming soon. Each DVD is available for $31.99, a 20% savings from the regular list price of $39.99.
You can also find Made Simple Learning products in the store.
Posted by Mauricio on Jul 23, 2009 at 7:00 AM | Comments
Last week BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 was leaked and many were able to download it without a problem. Some, though, did run into some problems and did not make a backup, causing them to lose their BBM contacts.
I was actually surprised at the amount of people who did not know how to make a backup of their BlackBerry, so I decided to put together a guide with screenshots of how to do it.
Having a recent backup is important because if anything goes wrong and you lose address book contacts, messages, custom settings, custom words and more, you can easily restore it and it will be back as if they were never gone. Regular backups only include data, not applications, ringtones, wallpapers, etc.
There is a different kind of backup (which I will do a guide for also) which allows you to backup 3rd party applications in case your BlackBerry ever crashes and you don’t feel like installing every app one-by-one. For now though, I will show you how to backup and restore your BlackBerry and explain what the Advanced Backup and Restore option is for. Click the link below for the full guide.
Posted by Mauricio on Jul 20, 2009 at 10:45 PM | Comments
* UPDATE Found out that re-installing BBM 5.0 syncs avatars a lot faster than just waiting. Not all, but most of them did. If you’re not able to see avatars you may want to try re-installing BBM 5.0 if the steps below don’t work. Don’t forget to make a backup! *
Just thought I’d share with everyone that it seems as if RIM has decided to allow avatar usage within BlackBerry Messenger 5.0!
If you missed it, last Friday BBM 5.0 was leaked for many BlackBerry devices and is still available for download both through desktop installation with ZIP files and OTA installation right through your BlackBerry Browser.
I also did a roundup of new features with screenshots of the new BBM 5.0. At the time, though, BBM 5.0 did not allow syncing of your contacts’ avatars directly from them. You had to add them as a contact to your address book with a caller ID picture in order for their avatar to work. That’s not the case anymore as RIM is now allowing avatar usage for everyone! (I think)
So far many have been able to change their avatar photo, but some many not know how to. Using the photos above as a visual aid, follow these instructions if you need help changing/updating yours:
Open BlackBerry Messenger (5.0).
Open the menu, scroll to “Edit My Info” and click.
Once you’re in “Edit My Info” scroll up to the box displaying the silhouette of a person to the left of “Display Name” (see where the green arrow is pointing above) and click it.
In the next window you will be taken to the photos located in your BlackBerry device memory or media card. Once you find the photo you want to use select and click it.
Next you will have to correctly size the image for it to be displayed as your avatar. You are given the option to crop your image, or you can simply open the menu and zoom out enough to be able to use the entire image instead of cropping it. Once you have done what you want to do, open the menu and select “Crop and Save”.
Your avatar will now load and sync to your BBM contacts (if they have 5.0).
If you already have an avatar selected for yourself you may need to re-load it using the steps above. It may take a minute or two depending on your network connection, so no need to worry if your BBM contacts aren’t seeing your image right away. Some of my own contacts were able to update their avatar and I am now able to see them in my BBM contact list.
Hope this was useful. Let me know how it works out for you in the comments!
If you have a brand new BlackBerry Tour and are looking for a way to maximize your experience with it, using the Made Simple Learning Training Centeris definitely a good way to go.
Dozens of hidden or little-known time-saving tips and tricks.
Save hundreds of dollars using our International Travel checklist.
Using the GPS Features of the Tour™ 9630
Using the new “BlackBerry App World.”
Synchronizing your BlackBerry with your Windows™ or Mac™ computer.
How to squeeze every ounce of power from the Address Book, Calendar, Tasks and MemoPad.
How to become “Master of Your BlackBerry Email”
How to use Google Sync for true “Wireless Sync” without an Enterprise Server
Support for both BlackBerry Internet Service and Corporate BlackBerry Enterprise Server users.
Tips and tricks to unlock the rich Media Features of the BlackBerry Tour™.
How to turn your 9630 into something that could replace a video and audio “iPod™”
How to use your 9630 for Mapping (including Google Maps.)
Learn how to go Online as well as update your Facebook and Myspace pages – right from your BlackBerry
The Complete Training Center is available for $29.99. The Videos can be purchased separately for $19.99 and the EBook can also be purchased separately for $20.
In the store, Made Simple Learning offers Ebooks and training for various BlackBerry devices on sending email and typing basics, learning about your BlackBerry’s camera, tips for watching videos and much more.
If you have a Curve 8350i (or any BlackBerry for that matter) and have been looking for a way to learn all there is about it, Made Simple Learning is the way to go.
Here are some highlights of what the Made Simple Learning Training Center offers for the Curve 8350i:
Dozens of hidden or little-known time-saving tips and tricks.
Using the Wi-Fi and GPS Features of the Curve ™ 8350i
Using “Direct Connect” or “MIKE” walkie-talkie feature
Synchronizing your BlackBerry with your Windows™ or Mac™ computer.
How to squeeze every ounce of power from the Address Book, Calendar, Tasks and MemoPad.
How to become “Master of Your BlackBerry Email”
How to use Google Sync for true “Wireless Sync” without an Enterprise Server
Support for both BlackBerry Internet Service and Corporate BlackBerry Enterprise Server users.
Tips and tricks to unlock the rich Media Features of the BlackBerry 8350i.
How to turn your 8350i into something that could replace a video and audio “iPod™”
How to use your 8350i for Mapping (including Google Maps.)
Learn how to go Online as well as update your Facebook and Myspace pages – right from your BlackBerry
The Complete Training Center is available for $29.95. The Videos can be purchased separately for $19.95 and the EBook can also be purchased separately for $14.95 until July 30th, after that it goes up to $20.99.
In the store, Made Simple Learning offers Ebooks and training for various BlackBerry devices on sending email and typing basics, learning about your BlackBerry’s camera, tips for watching videos and much more. Ebooks and training from Made Simple Learning will soon be available for the Tour 9630.
Now that you have the latest DM we can continue with upgrading your BlackBerry OS. First thing’s first…make a backup! Run the DM and select Backup/Restore, then Backup and select where you want the file saved.
WARNING: Do this at your own risk. I am not responsible for any problems that may occur as a result of following this guide. Like I always say…make plenty of backups!
This guide was supposed to go up a while ago but the site was having a weird redirection issue, which is why the OS shown in the guide isn’t the most recent. Let me know if it helps!
Posted by Mauricio on May 22, 2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments
Sometimes we install applications, games or themes that we may not want to keep forever or are causing problems for our BlackBerry. This happens a lot for people that like to beta test applications that might contain bugs, or just aren’t compatible. This guide will help you delete them directly from your BlackBerry Options.
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