BlackBerry, unless otherwise noted. BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) has been updated today for devices running BlackBerry OS 5, adding support for free voice-calls over a WiFi connection, in-app alerts for BBM updates and better.
Next 5 million in line – your turn!
That was the tweet that appeared at 10:16 pm last night on the official BlackBerry Messenger Twitter account when downloads of the iOS and Android version of BlackBerry Ltd.'s instant messaging application hit the five million mark shortly after it was made available to the public.
'The demand for BBM on Android and BBM on iPhone continues to be amazing,' wrote Andrew Bocking, executive vice-president for software product management and ecosystem at BlackBerry in a post on BlackBerry.com. 'About six million people signed up for information about BBM at BBM.com.'
He also said that in just seven hours about one million Android users were using the 'unreleased version of BBM for Android.'
It was a rare shot of good news for the troubled Waterloo, Ont. smart phone which still faces an uncertain future after reporting last month a loss of US$965 million largely due to unsold inventory. BlackBerry has already reached tentative $4.7 billion buyout deal with Canadian insurance firm Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.
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To manage the 'unprecedented pent up demand' Bocking said BlackBerry was implementing a line-up system to enable a smooth roll-out of BBM:
1. Download BBM – Visit BBM.com from your Android or iPhone browser
2. Once you install the app, open it, and enter your email address to hold your spot in line
3. You will get an email as soon as you reach the front of the line and can start using BBM
Those that took the time to sign up in advance for the app on BBM.com before the release can start using BBM immediately without waiting in line.
Last week, BlackBerry announced that it will offer BBM as a free download in the Google Play Store for Android and in Apple Inc.'s App Store for iPhones over the weekend.
The apps were actually supposed to debut in September. That launch was delayed after an Android version was prematurely leaked online before BlackBerry could officially release one.
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If you are looking for a speedy, hassle-free way to switch from a BlackBerry OS device to a new BlackBerry 10 smartphone make sure you take advantage of BlackBerry Link.
Not only can you switch devices, BlackBerry Link can also help you manage your music, videos, and files, update your device software, synchronize your personal information, and of course, back up and restore your BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
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If you are looking for a speedy, hassle-free way to switch from a BlackBerry OS device to a new BlackBerry 10 smartphone make sure you take advantage of BlackBerry Link.
Not only can you switch devices, BlackBerry Link can also help you manage your music, videos, and files, update your device software, synchronize your personal information, and of course, back up and restore your BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
- Personal contacts and calendar appointments*
- Tasks and memos**
- BBM contacts and groups
- Password Keeper entries
- Phone call logs
- Wi-Fi profiles
- Browser bookmarks and folders
- SMS and MMS messages
- Alarms
- Unencrypted files from your built-in media storage
Tip: Switching from Android or iPhone? Check out our post on how to transfer your data wirelessly using the Device Switch app!
* Any data that you back up wirelessly, or synchronize with an online account (such as Gmail or Hotmail) will not be migrated. Records you synchronize with BlackBerry Enterprise Server will also not be transferred. This information includes items such as Contacts and Calendar entries; only records stored locally on the smartphone will be migrated. To obtain the missing records please add the email account you previously used to synchronize this data.
** Tasks and memos are only transferred if your old BlackBerry smartphone was not activated on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server and can be found in the Remember app.
Step 1 – Install BlackBerry Link and connect your BlackBerry OS device
Available for PC and Mac, visit the BlackBerry Link website to download the appropriate version of BlackBerry Link.
After you install BlackBerry Link, open it, and then connect your BlackBerry OS device. After your device is detected, click Transfer Device Data. A summary of information that will be transferred to your new device appears.
After you finish reviewing this information, click Next to start copying data from your BlackBerry OS device.
Step 2 – Prepare your new device
Because you are moving from a BlackBerry OS device to a BlackBerry 10 device you must use a micro SIM card. If you switch to the upcoming BlackBerry Passport you'll need to use a nano SIM card.
If you don't have a SIM card, contact your wireless provider to get the right type of SIM card based on the device you are switching to. They can also help verify that you are set up with the right data plan for your new device.
After you insert your new SIM card, complete the setup wizard and log in to your new BlackBerry 10 smartphone using the same BlackBerry ID.
Now you can set up your email and social networking accounts. To do this, tap Settings followed by Accounts, and then tap the account type you'd like to add.
For more information about adding an email account, tap the Help app on the home screen of your device.
If your previous device was activated on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server, contact your administrator for the information you require to continue receiving work email.
Step 3 – Connect your new device
After you complete the setup wizard on your new device and add your email and social networking accounts, disconnect your old device, and then connect your new BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
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Click your new device when it appears; specify a name, for example 'MyBlackBerry', and then click Next. Information saved from your old device will now be copied to your new device.
Step 4 – Secure your new device and turn on BlackBerry Protect
After you set up your accounts and transfer your old device information to your new device, take a moment to set a device password.
Setting a password can prevent unwanted access if you leave your device unattended, and in the event you misplace your device, no one can view your personal information.
To set up a device password, complete the following steps:
- On the home screen, swipe down of the top of the screen
- Tap Settings followed by Security and Privacy
- Tap Device Password
- To set a device password comprising characters and numbers, set the Device Password switch to On, and then enter your desired password twice
- To set a quick device password comprising only numbers, set the Simple Password switch to On, and then enter your desired password twice
After you set a device password, turn on BlackBerry Protect. Doing so can save you a lot of frustration if you ever misplace your device. To learn more check out our post on how to find a lost BlackBerry 10 smartphone using BlackBerry Protect.
Step 5 – Security wipe your old device
After you complete this process don't forget to perform a security wipe on your old BlackBerry OS device to remove your personal information. To learn more about what a security wipe does, and how to do it, check out our post 'what is a security wipe and when should I use it?'
Step 6 – Learn more and where to find help
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The easiest way to learn more about your new BlackBerry 10 device is by opening the Help app, which contains a lot of useful information ranging from tips and tricks to how-to overviews. You can also view, or optionally download and save the user guide for your device by visiting http://docs.blackberry.com.
I also strongly recommend visiting the set-up page—click the following link depending on your BlackBerry 10 device.
If after reviewing this content you have a question, pop by the BlackBerry Support Community Forums or send a tweet to @BlackBerryHelp.
Got a question about using the Device Switch app, leave a comment and let me know!
