Saturday, April 7, 2012

What Does a Blackberry Phone Do?


Chima M. Oleru
The BlackBerry, produced by RIM of Waterloo, Canada, is a leading smartphone choice for the business-minded individual. Like most smartphones, it combines the functionality of a cell phone and an organizer, but a BlackBerry is much more than a digital organizer. A BlackBerry allows mobile access to computer-like functions such as email, web browsing, mobile banking, instant messaging and social networking, among others.


Phone

In conjunction with a plan from a cellular service provider, a BlackBerry can be used to make voice calls. Newer models have a built-in speakerphone and voice dialing. Like most modern cell phones, a BlackBerry can be used to send SMS and MMS messages when used with an appropriate service plan.

Email and PIN Messaging

Up to 10 supported email addresses can be accessed from any one BlackBerry device using the native BlackBerry email program. Email is delivered to the device using push technology, meaning that email is delivered automatically to a BlackBerry when it arrives in your inbox. Most of the popular web-based email accounts, including AOL, Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo, are supported. There is also support for popular business email software such as Outlook.

Personal identification number (PIN) messaging is unique to BlackBerry smartphones. Each BlackBerry smartphone has its own PIN, which can be used to address a PIN message to another BlackBerry user. PIN messages are BlackBerry to BlackBerry.

Calendar, Contacts, Clock/Alarm, Tasks and Memo Pad

The native calendar application allows BlackBerry users to organize and schedule important dates. Reminders and alarms can be set for appointments. Meeting times and events can be shared with friends and colleagues by emailing calendar items. Appointments scheduled for a specific time in a different time zone are automatically converted to the corresponding time in the default time zone. Calendar information can be synced to a computer using the included desktop software.
The address book holds an extensive number of entries. Contact information can be sent as a vcard attachment via email. Contact information can be synced to a computer using the included desktop software.
The built-in clock has a customizable alarm. The alarm can be set to go off at a specific time every day or every weekday. The newst BlackBerry models also have a stopwatch and a timer included in the clock application.
The Tasks feature allows BlackBerry users to add, edit and catagorize to-do lists. Tasks can be marked as "complete" or "in progress." Tasks can be synced to a computer using the included desktop software.
The MemoPad can be used to compose notes. Memos can be emailed from within the MemoPad application. Memos can be synced to a computer using the included desktop software.

Browser and Connectivity

The built-in browser lets BlackBerry users access web pages and popular search engines. Newer versions of the browser allow the use of RSS feeds.
Connectivity solutions vary among BlackBerry models. Many models offer WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. Some are considered "world phones," as they can be used on many international cell phone networks.

Calculator and Password Keeper

The calculator can be used to perform basic mathematical operations.
The Password Keeper allows BlackBerry users to securely store multiple usernames and passwords. Sensitive information (e.g., credit card numbers) can also be kept in the Password Keeper.

Media, Camera, Video, Games and Third-Party Applications

Many BlackBerry models include a media player. The media player allows users to listen to and organize music and video files. Devices that include a media player also have expandable memory through the use of microSD cards.
Most of the newer models have a built-in camera that can take both still photos and video. The camera has digital zoom and a built-in flash. The flash can be disabled or set to automatic.
Photos and video clips stored on the device can be emailed or transferred to computers via Bluetooth. If a third-party social networking application (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, Flickr!) is installed, photos can be uploaded directly to their corresponding websites.
All newer BlackBerry devices come with the popular BrickBreaker game. Some devices also include Word Mole, Sudoku and Klondike, among others. Additional games can be purchased and downloaded directly to the device. Some games are available as free downloads.
From productivity to organizational to games, many third-party applications are available for BlackBerry devices. BlackBerry App World is an online applications store that can be accessed from a desktop or via a BlackBerry device.