Switched

iPhone Users Have More Sex Partners, OKCupid Survey Finds

Amar Toor — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, iPhone

We all know that iPhone users struggle to place or receive calls on their smartphones -- except, apparently, when said calls are of the 'booty' variety. According to a recent survey from OKCupid, iPhone owners, on average, have more sex partners than either Android or BlackBerry owners. In a survey of 9,785 smartphone users, OKCupid's team of statisticians found that the typical male iPhone keeper has bedded ten unique people by the age of 30, while your everyday iFemale claims to have conquered 12.3 different Justin Long look-alikes. Male BlackBerry users, by comparison, say they've slept with an average of 8.1 different people by the age of 30, with female BB-ers laying claim to laying 8.8. Last and, well, least, are Android users, who report having done the deed with roughly six unique individuals (6.0 for males, 6.1 for females -- curiously Android-genous).

Of course, these sex-tistics only apply to 30-year-old users, so you could reasonably speculate that older BlackBerry patrons would see a spike once they cash in on those swanky stock options, or that iPhone clients may experience a lag once their trust funds run dry. (We kid.) OKCupid, though, managed to piece together stats from users ranging in age from 18 to 40, and the same sexual discrepancies seem to persist across the full sample.

Continue reading iPhone Users Have More Sex Partners, OKCupid Survey Finds

iPhone Users Have More Sex Partners, OKCupid Survey Finds originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dish Network to Stream Live TV to Its Free Mobile Apps in September

Matt Evans — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Cell Phones, BlackBerry, iPhone, Web, BlackBerry 101

In an effort to combat other satellite companies and cable providers, Dish Network Corp. will begin streaming live content to subscribers' smartphones and mobile devices next month, without extra charge. Currently, Dish's mobile apps only allow a subscriber to browse shows, set them to record and use their cellular device as a remote control. With the new app installed, however, a subscriber will be able to remotely change channels and watch live TV, as well as view whatever content is stored on their DVR. Fortunately, if you already subscribe to Dish, you likely have a Slingbox or HD DVR, so you'll only have to download the free app available on the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and BlackBerry once it becomes available in September (Android phones will get the app in October). [From: AP, via: Yahoo! News and Engadget]

Dish Network to Stream Live TV to Its Free Mobile Apps in September originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Saudi Arabia Announces Immediate Suspension of BlackBerry Data Services

Amar Toor — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

On Sunday, telecom regulators from the United Arab Emirates announced their plans to suspend e-mail, instant messaging and Web-browsing services for BlackBerry users, due to manufacturer RIM's refusal to allow the government to monitor the data sent across its network. Now, another major Middle East country has instituted a similar ban that, unlike the UAE's, will go into effect very soon.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) formally asked Saudi Telecom, Mobily and Zain Saudi Arabia to suspend services to BlackBerry users, beginning this Friday. As the Saudi news agency SPA told Al Jazeera, telecom regulators decided to implement the ban because RIM's BlackBerry data service "in its present state does not meet regulatory requirements." According to CNET, some 700,000 Saudi Arabian users are expected to be affected by the latest suspension.

Continue reading Saudi Arabia Announces Immediate Suspension of BlackBerry Data Services

Saudi Arabia Announces Immediate Suspension of BlackBerry Data Services originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Poor RIM. Study Finds Less Than Half of BlackBerry Users Loyal to Their Phones

Amar Toor — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

Our smartphones are, to a certain extent, like our children. We keep them by our sides at all times, curse at them when they do something wrong, and, on occasion, lose them at bars. One thing we don't normally do with kids, though, is robotically trade them in for a smarter, better-looking model. And, according to a new study from Nielsen, that's exactly what most heartless BlackBerry owners are planning to do in the near future.

As All Things Digital reports, Nielsen's survey shows that only 42-percent of current BlackBerry owners say they're loyal to their RIM smartphones. A full 29-percent say their next phone will be an iPhone, and 21-percent say they'll be switching to an Android. Among the three major brands, Apple seems to inspire the most loyalty among its consumers, with 89-percent of respondents saying their next phone will stay within the Jobs family. Meanwhile, 71-percent of Android users promise to stay true to their smartphones. On the other side of the coin, only 2-percent of iPhone users and 3-percent of Android devotees say they'll be switching to a BlackBerry.

Continue reading Poor RIM. Study Finds Less Than Half of BlackBerry Users Loyal to Their Phones

Poor RIM. Study Finds Less Than Half of BlackBerry Users Loyal to Their Phones originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hands On With the BlackBerry Torch

Thomas Houston — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

We got a few minutes with BlackBerry's newest phone at today's Torch/BlackBerry OS 6 launch event. Offering a middle ground between the touch-based Storm and full-keyboard smartphones, RIM's Torch opts for both a touch interface and full slider, QWERTY keyboard. Loaded with a new UI and much-needed WebKit Web browser, BlackBerry OS 6 is a big step forward for the company, so keep reading to get our first impressions.

Gallery: BlackBerry Torch

Continue reading Hands On With the BlackBerry Torch

Hands On With the BlackBerry Torch originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Torch Gets Official, Runs BlackBerry 6 OS

Thomas Houston — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

We're live at RIM's BlackBerry event in New York, and the company's Torch phone (previously known as the 9800) just appeared on AT&T's site for $199. The first device running the brand new BlackBerry 6 operating system, the touchscreen and slider phone Torch represents a new form factor for RIM. Though the phone has hardly been a secret, we're finally getting the official specs and details. The Torch packs a 5-megapixel, flash-equipped camera, and comes with 4GB of internal storage. The usual Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g/n) are here, as well. The Torch lands August 12th. Check out our hands-on with the Torch and BlackBerry OS 6 here.

Gallery: BlackBerry Torch

Continue reading BlackBerry Torch Gets Official, Runs BlackBerry 6 OS

BlackBerry Torch Gets Official, Runs BlackBerry 6 OS originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dropbox Releases Beta Version for 1,000 BlackBerry Users, Fills Quota Immediately

Amar Toor — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

The mobile version of Dropbox, the popular app that lets users sync files across disparate computers and gadgets, has always been restricted to the iPhone and Android-powered phones. Now, though, BlackBerry users can get in on the action as well, thanks to a newly released beta version of the app. As with the iPhone and Android versions, Dropbox for BlackBerry enables users to open files, stream music and upload content to 2GB of cloud memory. As Ubergizmo reports, the beta version runs best on OS 5, as some users have reported having problems when running it on earlier OS versions.

Before downloading the new app, you'll have to sign up on Dropbox's website. The bad news, unfortunately, is that the beta version was made available to only 1,000 users, and that quota, according to Wired, has already been filled. Organizing your chaotic digital life, then, will probably have to wait until the next batch of beta. [From: Wired and Ubergizmo]

Dropbox Releases Beta Version for 1,000 BlackBerry Users, Fills Quota Immediately originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

UAE, Saudi Arabia to Implement BlackBerry Bans

Amar Toor — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

Multi-billionaires in Dubai and Abu Dhabi may soon have more trouble doing business on the go, as officials in the United Arab Emirates have announced that, as of October, BlackBerry users will no longer be able to send e-mails or instant messages within the country. As the New York Times reports, Sunday's announcement comes after a lengthy standoff between the Middle East nation and Research in Motion (RIM), which produces the BlackBerry. Because encrypted data sent via BlackBerry is automatically routed to servers located outside of the UAE, it's difficult for Emirate authorities to monitor user activity. RIM has thus far refused to meet the UAE's demands, but the looming threat of a ban, as the country's telecom regulator told the BBC, will certainly put the Canadian company under serious pressure.

Should the ban go into effect, it could severely hamper RIM's business not only in the UAE, which boasts an estimated 500,000 BlackBerry users, but throughout the Middle East, as well. Authorities in Saudi Arabia, for example, are already planning on instituting a ban on BlackBerries next month, while regulators in Kuwait and Bahrain have begun raising similar concerns over RIM's services.

Continue reading UAE, Saudi Arabia to Implement BlackBerry Bans

UAE, Saudi Arabia to Implement BlackBerry Bans originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

RIM's 'Blackpad' 9.7-inch Tablet Rumored to Debut in November

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Computers, BlackBerry

For quite some time, rumor had it that RIM has been wanting to get into the tablet game, and who can blame it? Microsoft has had a long history in the market, Apple's iPad has proven popular, and it seems that just about every other manufacturer is trying to cram Android into the form-factor. A couple of days ago, we heard that RIM had acquired Blackpad.com, and the world collectively cringed at what we hoped was a purely defensive move to keep domain squatters at bay. Now, according to Bloomberg, there is confirmation that RIM plans to call its 9.7-inch tablet the Blackpad.

According to "people familiar with" the situation, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-capable device will be unveiled in November with front- and back-facing cameras. While there is no indication of when the Blackpad will find its way into customers' hands, the RIM tablet is expected to cost about as much as the iPad. Like our friends at Engadget, we're seriously hoping for a Microsoft-like change of heart when it comes to the name. [From: Bloomberg, via: Engadget]

RIM's 'Blackpad' 9.7-inch Tablet Rumored to Debut in November originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Obama Says Presidential BlackBerry Is 'No Fun,' But His iPod's Stocked With Jay-Z

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, iPod, BlackBerry

It's a well known fact that President Obama has a bit of a BlackBerry addiction -- so much so, the man fought long and hard to keep his beloved device once he entered the White House, making him the first sitting president to use one of the e-mail centric smartphones. But Obama revealed on 'The View' Thursday that, perhaps, it wasn't worth all the trouble. Though White House security and IT personnel eventually succumbed to the president's desires, only a select few are authorized to contact him on the device. A grand total of ten individuals know the President's BlackBerry info. As he told the ~~coven~~ round table on 'The View,' it's "no fun" because people refrain from sending him the "real juicy stuff" in order to avoid being archived under the Presidential Records Act.

There are some other tantalizing tech bits. "Some 20-year-old" person tweets for the presidential Twitter account. And, while he hasn't "made the switch" to an iPhone, he does have a fully loaded iPod upon which he's dependent. His music choices? "You name a song, I've got it," the President explains, mentioning Jay-Z, Frank Sinatra and Maria Callas -- but definitely not Justin Bieber. [From: AFP, via: Engadget]

Obama Says Presidential BlackBerry Is 'No Fun,' But His iPod's Stocked With Jay-Z originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cell Phone Autocorrect: How It Works and Why You'll Never Avoid Embarrassing Texts

Matt Evans — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:25:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

The modern smartphone possesses the ability to surf the internet, scan retinas, fly a hovercraft and even make calls ~~using your left hand~~. So, you'd think getting one of these hunks of plastic to send a sensible text would be a cinch. It's not, however. Auto-correction software for phones too often mutates a word into something completely nonsensical or embarrassing. [Ed. Note: We once had a phone that often switched "home" and "good," which lead to a couple of embarrassing professional moments when we agreed to, "Be good all night to finish project."] So, then, if software such as T9 isn't tapping into our inner thoughts, how does it actually work?

The fundamental algorithm driving auto-correction software is, in fact, not much different from your run-of-the-mill spell checker; it recognizes text input, and then crosschecks completed words against a built-in dictionary. Some software will attempt to guess the word you're typing before you have completely entered it. However, Scott Taylor, vice president of mobile solutions at Nuance, testifies that building a correct dictionary and an accurate prediction system are no easy tasks. Privacy policies prohibit companies from retrieving and analyzing words that actual people have typed and sent. Instead, companies like Nuance are forced to analyze a massive pool, or "corpus" of articles from the popular media, and then create their own language model based on the articles' "structure of language [and] frequency of use," Taylor says.

Continue reading Cell Phone Autocorrect: How It Works and Why You'll Never Avoid Embarrassing Texts

Cell Phone Autocorrect: How It Works and Why You'll Never Avoid Embarrassing Texts originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

'BlackBerry Protect' Brings Mobile Backup and Remote Wipe to Your Phone

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, Web, BlackBerry 101

BlackBerry isn't in danger of becoming irrelevant anytime soon thanks to its deeply entrenched enterprise install base. But it would be foolish to pretend there were no threats to the throne. Apple's iOS and Google's Android have been adding enterprise-friendly features, and Microsoft will soon be introducing the exciting looking Windows Phone 7 later this year. Recent teasers of BlackBerry OS 6 have revealed a company in the midst of a severe identity crisis that, rather than doing what it does best, is trying to compete with the other boys on the block at their own game. That's why we're excited to see BlackBerry Protect, a new distinctly business-user-friendly tool to secure your RIM handset (or fleet of handsets).

BlackBerry Protect offers remote management tools that should come by default (and for free) on every modern smart phone. First, the service will back up or restore your data over 3G. In the event you lose your precious CrackBerry, Protect can set off an alarm to help you locate your phone or remotely wipe it to protect sensitive information. If you still think you've got a chance of uncovering your phone, BlackBerry Protect can lock your handset and use GPS to locate it on a map. All of these features will be accessible through a handy Web interface.

Gallery: BlackBerry Protect

Continue reading 'BlackBerry Protect' Brings Mobile Backup and Remote Wipe to Your Phone

'BlackBerry Protect' Brings Mobile Backup and Remote Wipe to Your Phone originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

In a Nutshell: What Are QR Codes?

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, iPhone, BlackBerry 101

What is a QR Code?

At its most basic, a QR Code is a barcode on steroids. They're used for encoding information in two-dimensional space -- like in the pages of magazines, in advertisements and even on TV and Web sites. They were originally used to track auto parts, but have become popular (especially in Japan) for much broader, often commercial purposes.

How is it different than a barcode?

Whereas a barcode encodes data in only the horizontal plane (as scanners read the width and distance between the vertical lines), QR codes encode data both horizontally and vertically in a grid of tiny squares. This allows for much more data to be encoded in a smaller space. Barcodes, then, though ubiquitous, are good for little more than identifying products and objects. Specially programmed scanners can read barcodes, and match them to product names, prices and inventory, but that's about it. QR codes, on the other hand, can actually embed that information in the code itself, and, when read with the proper software, can trigger actions like launching a website or downloading a file. Additionally, QR codes can be read from any angle, while barcodes must be aligned properly.

Continue reading In a Nutshell: What Are QR Codes?

In a Nutshell: What Are QR Codes? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Adults Text While Driving Just as Much as Teens

Warren Riddle — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

Adults frequently employ heavy-handed tactics to combat teen texting and driving, but impudent kids remain unfazed by gory films and harsh laws that specifically apply to minors. According to media portrayals, teens seem determined to endanger everyone on the road. But, before adults implement more restrictions or disseminate further propaganda, society's elders may need to cast a long, hard look in the rear-view mirror.

According to the Pew Research Center, a new study -- which will inevitably inspire a stream of "jump off a bridge" lectures -- indicates that "Adults are just as likely as teens to have texted while driving." Even more embarrassing for the patronizing parents and policy makers, the study concludes that adult drivers simultaneously chat on their cells dramatically more often than younger motorists. Of adults who text (at any time), 47-percent admit to reading or sending messages while behind the wheel, compared to 34-percent of 16- and 17-year-old texters.

Continue reading Adults Text While Driving Just as Much as Teens

Adults Text While Driving Just as Much as Teens originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

FaceCash App Lets You Buy Goods With Your Phone and Face

Amar Toor — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

If you blame your credit card for making it all too easy to unconsciously rack up piles of debt, just imagine the kinds of splurge purchases you'd make if you could pay with your face.

FaceCash, the new mobile payment system from ThinkLink, is an app that allows users to store credit card and bank account information directly on their smartphones, enabling them to purchase groceries, clothes or more smartphones without ever having to whip out their wallets. As Engadget reports, all you have to do is sign up, register your credit card or bank account with ThinkLink and then let the frivolous spending begin. The app, available for BlackBerry, iPhone and Android, also allows users to directly transfer cash from one person to another, and then automatically archives every purchase made. In order to prove your identity, you'll have to show the cashier a photo of your face, which is stored on your phone.

Continue reading FaceCash App Lets You Buy Goods With Your Phone and Face

FaceCash App Lets You Buy Goods With Your Phone and Face originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

RIM Tests Touchscreen BlackBerry and Tablet Prototypes

Caleb Johnson — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry

Apparently, Research in Motion (RIM) isn't satisfied to stand pat in the smartphone market. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, RIM is testing a touchscreen BlackBerry prototype that has a slide-out keyboard and will run the yet-to-be-released BlackBerry OS 6. Users would be able to swipe and pinch the screen, and the device would also have a universal search bar for users to navigate the OS and probably the Web. Sound familiar? When released, this device could become a direct competitor to Apple's iPhone 4. But that's not the only Apple device in RIM's sights, according to the Journal's anonymous source. The company is still experimenting with a BlackBerry tablet, too. It wouldn't be a standalone device like the iPad, but the tablet would connect to the Web via a BlackBerry phone.

Naturally, RIM remains tight-lipped about these rumors, but CNET News reports that BlackBerry OS 6 will become available by September 30th. If that's true, we wouldn't be surprised if both of these rumored devices were to launch late this year or early next year. Until then, we'll continue to be consumed by all this iPhone 4 madness. [From: The Wall Street Journal, via: CNET News]

RIM Tests Touchscreen BlackBerry and Tablet Prototypes originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Best BlackBerry Apps

Warren Riddle — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

Thousands of apps now inhabit BlackBerry's App World, but many of the categories definitely seem overpopulated with overpriced, duplicated and sometimes completely worthless selections. Compelling and highly entertaining free apps can fulfill the mobile needs of most every BlackBerry user, but possessing the patience and digital dexterity to scroll through the inordinate supply of choices may seem impossible. Well known apps and services like the BlackBerry App World, the official Facebook app and Google Maps should be loaded on everyone's smartphones at this point. We've also previously discussed the superior benefits of ScoreMobile and Uber Twitter. However, for folks interested in music, restaurants, security and other services, a few specific -- and absolutely essential -- free apps should alleviate the daunting and confusing task of selecting the proper offering.

Continue reading The Best BlackBerry Apps

The Best BlackBerry Apps originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

In A Nutshell: What Is 3G?

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Columns, BlackBerry, Web, BlackBerry 101

Part of being a good user and consumer is understanding how technology works, why we use it the way we do, and what that barrage of acronyms and PR jargon means. We're here to help you make sense of it all, and to give you a better appreciation of how those transistors, pixels, and antennae work together to deliver the conveniences of the modern world to your living room or office.

What is 3G?

3G is an umbrella term for a collection of technologies that make up the third generation of cellular data networks. These standards allow cell phones (and other devices capable of connecting to a cellular network) to send and receive data at speeds comparable to cable or DSL. There are two major families of cellular tech, commonly called CDMA (code division multiple access) and GSM (global system for multiple access), each having their own confusing array of specific sub-technologies, that qualify as "3G."

Continue reading In A Nutshell: What Is 3G?

In A Nutshell: What Is 3G? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Radiation-Shielding Products Appear on the Market for Paranoid Cell Users

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:15:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Computers, BlackBerry, BlackBerry 101

The debate over whether or not the electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones is dangerous to the human body is far from settled. Some, though, would rather be safe than sorry, and a market has opened for products that claim to protect against those invisible waves of energy. While allegations of those waves' danger may not be grounded in good science, some of the protective designs are.

Using special fabrics that incorporate metal fibers, Belly Armor makes t-shirts, blankets, and a belly band for pregnant women. The fibers act as a sort of Faraday Cage, shielding the fetus from any nearby radiation source. The company claims that the Chinese government has tested its products, and has shown that the blankets and shirts block more than 90-percent of electromagnetic radiation.

Continue reading Radiation-Shielding Products Appear on the Market for Paranoid Cell Users

Radiation-Shielding Products Appear on the Market for Paranoid Cell Users originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bitbop Beta Streams TV to Your BlackBerry, Puts Hulu on Notice

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, TV, Playroom

Thanks to the inclusion of Flash, some intrepid users have figured out how to watch Hulu on the latest edition of Android. Of course, Froyo isn't officially available yet, and, even if it were, it wouldn't be of any help to non-Android owners. But while Hulu drags its feet on entering the mobile space, Bitbop, a Fox-backed streaming TV service, is landing on handsets now with a beta version of an official app.

Oddly, Bitbop is available only on BlackBerry at the moment, but you'll find all your Hulu favorites, including '30 Rock' and '24,' and feature-length films to come soon. Content partners for Bitbop are almost identical to those for Hulu (e.g., Fox, NBC, CBS and Comedy Central), but sadly some big names are missing (in particular, 'The Daily Show,' 'The Colbert Report,' and 'The Simpsons'). On the plus side, streaming works over both 3G and Wi-Fi, and, for the moment at least, the service is free. Eventually, Bitbop will add the option of a $10-a-month premium subscription, which will be required for mobile streaming and will feature no advertising. iPhone and Android owners need not worry, though. Bitbop has apps for those platforms in the works as well. If Hulu doesn't want to miss the mobile bus, it'd better get moving. [From: Bitbop, via: Engadget]

Bitbop Beta Streams TV to Your BlackBerry, Puts Hulu on Notice originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 27 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments