BlackBerry Dev Blog:

I’ve heard a lot of people claim that the gamepad is dead – doomed to be replaced by touch screens. I disagree with this sentiment.  There’s nothing wrong with mobile games using cool new control schemes that make good use of touch screens – but if I’m playing a game that was designed with gamepads in mind, like Shadowgun, why can’t I just use a real controller?

Well, now I can – and so can you. Check out gamepad support now being added in upcoming Unity 4 for BlackBerry 10

After years of being frustrated by touch screen gamepads, I’m excited about bringing physical gamepad support to the Native SDK for BlackBerry 10. By making use of the new Gamepad API features developers can make their games work with physical controllers, giving their players the tactile responsiveness they’re used to from consoles and desktop PCs. When this is combined with BlackBerry 10’s built-in HDMI connectivity, you end up with a console experience in your pocket!

Here is another video showcasing gamepad pairing instructions and a racer sample on GamePlay3D that now supports not only desktop gamepad support but also BlackBerry 10:

Before you get started implementing this in your own game, I want to answer a few of the most common questions people ask me about the API.

1. What gamepads are supported right now?
   1. The SteelSeries Free.
   2. The Gametel.
   3. The Wii Remote.  Note that currently only the core buttons on the remote itself are supported – that means no attachments and no motion controls, just the D-Pad and other buttons.
2. If new gamepads come out, do I have to update my game to support them?
   1. No, you don’t!  When new controllers become available, we’ll update the mappings in a system update and your game will start receiving gamepad inputs from the new hardware.  Because the Gamepad API is an abstraction above HID, and because we map each gamepad’s unique HID report format to the Gamepad API, you don’t need to write any code that’s specific to a single controller.
3. Do users need to install anything to set up or configure their gamepads?
   1. No.  The Gamepad API is integrated into the Screen library, the same library you are already using to handle touch, keyboard, and other input events.  All users have to do is pair their device through the Bluetooth settings screen for it to start sending inputs to your game.

We realize there are other gamepads out there and continue to work towards supporting as many devices as possible. If you know of a Bluetooth, HID-compatible game controller that’s not supported yet, please let us know in the comments. Meanwhile, the fact that you won’t have to change your code when we add more devices to the list means you only help yourself (and your users) by starting to use this new feature right away.

Here’s a tutorial that should get you up and running. It includes plenty of code snippets and is based on this open-source sample project, which started as a little app I whipped up to test the new API. It eventually turned into a demo of two-player connectivity and a configuration screen.  I hope you find it useful.

Please, for the sake of everyone who’s ever been frustrated by touch controls, try this new feature and leave your feedback – I’m eager to do what I can to help if you have any trouble.  Most of all, I’m looking forward to playing your games with a real gamepad!

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Let us know what you think about the video in the comments!

Thanks Demz for sending this one in!

Disclaimer:You take full responsibility for modifying your device. Nerdberry.net will or can be held responsible for any damages to your device.

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Source: @evleaks 

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Official statement from Verizon:

Dear Valued Customer,

Verizon Wireless continues to focus its efforts to assist customers in the regions hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy. We announced November 4th that customers in portions of New York and New Jersey will not be billed usage charges for domestic voice and text usage incurred between October 29th and November 16th 2012. No action is required by our customers to be eligible for this program.

The following Q&A was made available to assist with additional program details.

Am I eligible?
This program will support customers in the following impacted areas:

New York: Bronx County, Kings County, Nassau County, New York County, Putnam County, Queens County, Richmond County, Rockland County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County

New Jersey: Atlantic City, Bergen County, Burlington County, Camden County, Cape May County, Cumberland County, Essex County, Gloucester County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Salem County, Somerset County, Sussex County, Union County, and Warren County.

What do I need to do if I’m in an impacted area?
Nothing, we are proactively taking care of this on your behalf.

What if I’m not in an impacted area listed above?
Please call customer care at 1-800-922-0204, where we’ll address additional requests on a case by case basis.

Will this program provide me credit?
This process will remove voice and text activity incurred between 10/29/12 and 11/16/12 for those in the designated counties. You will not see an actual credit on the bill, but simply won’t see any usage charges for voice and text activity during that period.

Will I still be billed for monthly access?
Yes, you will still be responsible for monthly access charges.

Can I still be billed usage outside of these dates?
Usage charges will apply to usage outside of the date ranges of 10/29 – 11/16. So there is still a possibility of charges for usage before or after those dates.

Why is the end date set for November 16th?
We understand the need for you to communicate with friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Extending the deadline until November 16th is one way Verizon can give back and show our support to you our valued customers.

I received an alert that I am close to (or over) my usage allowance for voice and/or text, is this correct?
You may still receive normal usage alerts during your bill cycle for voice and/or text usage. If you are an account owner you can manage alert preferences, including opting out, by signing into My Verizon. See Usage Alerts for additional details.

What else is Verizon doing to support impacted customers?
We continue to assist recovery efforts in the Northeastern United States in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy by:

deploying Mobile Wireless Emergency Communications Center (WECC) trailers in hardest hit areas
supporting public safety agencies with additional wireless communication devices
opening device charging stations in impacted areas
offering device charging and free domestic calling at its open retail locations
match customer text-to-donate contributions to American Red Cross relief efforts up to one million dollars
suspending late fees during the storm recovery period

All this is in addition to our round-the-clock efforts to restore network coverage in the affected areas.

Via

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Package Version: 7.1.0.2108
Consisting of:

• Applications: 7.1.0.746
• Software Platform: 5.1.0.546
• File name: 9900jAllLang_PBr7.1.0_rel2108_PL5.1.0.546_A7.1.0.746_Rogers_Wireless_Inc.exe
• File size: 286.93MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

Download OS 7.1.0.746 for BlackBerry Bold 9900 from Rogers Wireless

Note: If Rogers Wireless is not your carrier please remember that you must delete the vendor.XML file prior to loading. The vendor.xml file located in c:program files>common files>research in motion>apploader to install it on a different carriers device. Also, we at Nerdberry.net do not accept any responsibility for any damages that are caused by loading this or any OS. If you are not comfortable loading an OS please do not proceed without first asking for help. Remember to create a BACKUP of your phone first via the BlackBerry Desktop Software

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Package Version: 7.1.0.1647
Consisting of:

• Applications: 7.1.0.523
• Software Platform: 9.16.0.128
• File name: 9790jAllLang_PBr7.1.0_rel1647_PL9.16.0.128_A7.1.0.523_Rogers_Wireless_Inc.exe
• File size: 257.3MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

Download OS 7.1.0.523 for the BlackBerry Bold 9790 fro Rogers

Note: If Rogers Wireless is not your carrier please remember that you must delete the vendor.XML file prior to loading. The vendor.xml file located in c:program files>common files>research in motion>apploader to install it on a different carriers device. Also, we at Nerdberry.net do not accept any responsibility for any damages that are caused by loading this or any OS. If you are not comfortable loading an OS please do not proceed without first asking for help. Remember to create a BACKUP of your phone first via the BlackBerry Desktop Software

Thanks to all that sent this in!

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BASKING RIDGE, N.J., June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless, owner of the nation’s largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, today announced that its 4G LTE network will be available in 46 new markets and expand in 22 additional markets across the United States on June 21. Just in time for the summer travel season, the company will bring its 4G LTE network to a total of 304 markets, enabling 4G LTE speeds in vacation destinations throughout the country. With the new and expanded markets, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network continues to expand its reach with 4G LTE speeds available to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population, and more 4G LTE coverage than all other networks combined. “Time and time again, third-party surveys affirm that the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network keeps its promise to provide customers with consistently reliable responsiveness, download and upload speeds, and greater availability in more places throughout the country than any competing network,” said Nicola Palmer, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless. “Our aggressive 4G LTE network build-out is on track, providing our customers with the largest 4G LTE network in the United States – and the world – today. We are committed to cover more than 400 markets by the end of 2012. We will continue to expand and strengthen our 4G LTE network and plan to offer full nationwide coverage everywhere we have 3G coverage today, by the end of 2013.”

New and Expanded Markets On Thursday, June 21, the company will introduce its 4G LTE network in 46 new markets: Florence, Ala.; Harrison, Ark.; Yuba City/Marysville, Calif.; Panama City, Fla.; Carrolton, Gainesville and Newnan, Ga.; Blackfoot, Idaho; Decatur/Effingham, Kankakee/Bradley-Bourbonnais and La Salle/Peru/Ottawa, Ill.; Columbus and Michigan City/La Porte, Ind.; Greater Portland, Maine; Greenville/Greenwood, Jackson and Tunica, Miss.; Houghton and Traverse City, Mich.; Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks and West Plains, Mo.; Binghamton, Elmira/Corning/Hornell and Oneonta, N.Y.; Burlington, Hickory/Lenoir, Jacksonville and New Bern, N.C.; Bedford and Sharon/Farrell/Hermitage, Pa.; Anderson, Florence and Greenwood, S.C.; Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Midland, San Angelo and Waco, Texas; Danville, Va.; Ashland, Ky./Huntington, W.Va. and Logan, W.Va.; Fond du Lac, Janesville/Beloit and Sheboygan, Wis.; and Gillette, Wyo. The Lihue, Hawaii market launched June 11. The company will also expand its 4G LTE network in 22 markets where Verizon Wireless 4G LTE was already available: Denver and Fort Collins/Loveland, Colo.; Philadelphia., Pa./Wilmington, Del.; Daytona Beach, Gainesville and West Palm Beach, Fla.; Hilo, Hawaii; Boise/Nampa, Idaho; Chicagoland, Ill.; Lafayette, Ind.; Hammond, La.; Springfield, Mo.; Glens Falls and New York, N.Y.; Charlotte/Gastonia and Greenville/Washington, N.C.; Indiana, Pa. and Hagerstown, Md./Chambersburg, Pa.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va.; Seattle, Wash.; Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis.

4G LTE Devices, Plans and Speed Verizon Wireless offers 24 4G LTE devices, the largest selection of 4G LTE devices offered by any carrier. Devices range from tablets and mobile hotspots to the latest smartphones and more, including the Samsung Galaxy S® III, currently available online for pre-order, and the soon-to-be available DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC. Details on available devices can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at www.verizonwireless.com/plans. Verizon Wireless also offers a variety of smart accessories, including the FitBit Ultra Wireless Activity Tracker and the Withings WiFi Scale, for customers to use with their 4G LTE devices. A full list of smart accessories can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/smartaccessories. In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area or when they travel to areas already covered by Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network. On June 21, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available in 304 markets across the United States. Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for a full list of 4G LTE markets and additional information on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. For street-level detail of coverage and more, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE.

About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit Cell Phones – Smartphones: Cell Phone Service, Accessories – Verizon Wireless. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless today announced Share Everything Plans that will forever change the way customers purchase wireless services. Share Everything Plans include unlimited voice minutes, unlimited text, video and picture messaging and a single data allowance for up to 10 Verizon Wireless devices. In addition, the Mobile Hotspot service on all the devices is included in the Share Everything Plans at no additional charge. The groundbreaking Share Everything Plans debut on June 28 and will be available to new, as well as existing, customers who may wish to move to the new plans.

“Customers asked, and today Verizon Wireless delivered an industry first,” said Tami Erwin, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “Share Everything Plans are the new standard for wireless service. They are simple; customers no longer have to think about their voice and message plans, because both are unlimited. Share Everything Plans are convenient; customers purchase one data plan and they share it with up to 10 mobile devices. And, they are worry-free; customers can connect their 3G or 4G devices wherever and whenever they want on America’s most reliable network.”

How Share Everything Plans Work

To get started on a Share Everything Plan, customers first select the devices they want on their accounts. The next step is to choose a plan that includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messages and a shared data allowance that begins at 1 GB for $50. Customers adding a tablet on their Share Everything Plans can do so for an additional $10, with no long-term contract requirement. The following matrix shows pricing for an account with several different devices, such as a smartphone, a tablet and a basic phone, billed to the same individual.

“When developing these plans, we first asked customers what they wanted in a wireless service plan. We also looked at the technology and how customers were using it to manage their lives. And last, we took into consideration the evolution of the technology and how customers would use wireless in the future,” Erwin added. “Share Everything Plans are the outcome of that research. They cover every device Verizon Wireless offers, from basic phones to smartphones, from tablets to Jetpacks and more. Share Everything Plans represent a tremendous shift in how customers think about wireless service.”

Switch to a Share Everything Plan

Customers are free to keep their existing plans, but there is no fee or contract extension to move to the new Share Everything Plans. To help customers determine the best Share Everything Plan option, Verizon Wireless has created an easy to use online tool at www.verizonwireless.com/ShareEverything

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You can get on Crickets monthly smartphone plan for only $55. The $55 covers unlimited talk, text, and 3G data. There is no contracts with Cricket which appeals to a lot of people so head on over to your nearest Cricket Wireless store and grab the BlackBerry Curve 9350 today!

Learn more on the BlackBerry Curve 9350 from Cricket

Via: CB

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