BBM for iOS and Android launching this Friday?

BlackBerry has been in the press a lot today and for all the right reasons. For one, they've finally announced the much-leaked BlackBerry Z30; though no official price points or release dates have been given. But, that's not the most important news to talk about at the water cooler: as per CrackBerry, we finally have a purported launch date for the cross-platform version of BBM.

This Friday September 20th, 2013 is apparently d-day - how casually convenient. This means, for all of you who have pre-ordered the new iPhone 5s, you can launch iOS7 and reload all those lost friends from BBM past. Below is the unofficial rollout schedule sent over to CB:

- Friday, Sept 20th, 7am EST: Android version published on Google Play
- Friday, Sept 20th, 7am EST: BBM.com goes live
- Friday, Sept 20th, 7am EST: CRM messages sent out to pre-registrants
- Friday, Sept 20th, 7am EST: Follow-up CRM message sent after App Store deployment
- Saturday, Sept 21st: BBM on iOS becomes available 12:01am EST in local time zones

Of course, until it actually happens, this could just be a sick joke. In fairness, it does align with BlackBerry's original 'before end of summer' promise..... Fall begins Friday at midnight.

Stay tuned.

BlackBerry starts airing 'BBM for All' TV Ad

With its launch imminent, BlackBerry has begun airing TV ads to promote their famed instant messaging app BlackBerry Messenger going cross-platform (iOS and Android). Although it isn't much more than a splash screen with a URL directing viewers to the BBM.com domain, it's a sign of good things to come - especially considering back in May at BlackBerry Live, BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins promised an "end of summer" release.

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iOS 7 beta 4 reveals fingerprint scanner feature possible in next iPhone

Some folks digging around the developer version of iOS 7 beta 4 have uncovered a Biometric Kit which when paired with the fact that Apple purchased semiconductor-based Authentec last Summer for $356 million, then it is likely that Apple might include a fingerprint scanner for added security and access control in upcoming iOS devices.

Authentec makes fingerprint sensor chips used in personal computers and mobile devices. More than just access control, Authentec can add functionality to the home button of most iOS devices by making them more accurate cursors as well as access specific functions or apps upon verification.

Source: AppleInsider

DHL App for iOS, Android and BlackBerry Simplifies package tracking

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL, now offers customers a mobile app to track their ocean and air freight shipments. Among other features, “DGF Cargo Mobile Tracking” shows users their shipping history and the status of their current shipments. The app provides global access and is available free of charge in the respective app stores for iPhone and iPad, Android and Blackberry smartphones.

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