Microsoft dumped in favour of BlackBerry for Ford Sync

The Ford Sync in-car infotainment system was proudly powered by Microsoft but that's changing as Ford has opted to go with BlackBerry to power Ford Sync moving forward.

The up and coming Sync 3 will make use of QNX which has a reputation for rock solid performance and embedded applications. QNX is no stranger to car infotainment systems, it partnered with Apple for CarPlay functionality that seamlessly runs iPhone functionality on vehicles that allow it. While Microsoft and Ford collaborated on Sync for seven years, it seems what the carmaker and many users found it too sluggish so going to QNX made sense in the long term. We hope to get a demo of Ford Sync 3 at CES 2015.

Source: Engadget

Update to BBM Shop gives various new options to enhance chat and communication

Ther recent update to BlackBerry's cross-platform BBM chat feature now offer new ways for users to customize their chat experience with a variety of new digital content.

The BBM Shop update is available for download from the respective app stores for the Android, BlackBerry and iOS platforms. 

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BlackBerry and NantHealth team up for NantOmics Cancer Genome Browser

BlackBerry and NantHealth are teaming up to create the first in a series of innovative offerings being developed jointly for use by healthcare professionals. The NantOmics Cancer Genome Browser is the first clinical genome browser that gives doctors secure mobile access to their patients’ genetic data on the BlackBerry Passport smartphone.

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BlackBerry Classic now available for pre-order at $499

BlackBerry has opened up online pre-orders of the BlackBerry Classic which reanimates various favoured features of the once-popular BlackBerry Bold line including the Trackpad and Classic navigation buttons. On tap are a 3.5-inch touch display with a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, nanoSIM, microSD slot, 2GB of RAM, a 2515mAh battery, 8MP camera, 2MP front-facing camera.  Expected to start shipping on December 17, the unlocked BlackBerry Classic costs $499 on their online store.