Issue #2
March 2005
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Location, location, location. The saying applies to more than just real estate, and is a hot topic for BlackBerry® developers. In addition to the latest news on developing for BlackBerry, this issue of the Developer Newsletter will focus on Location Based Services (LBS) and how to create LBS applications for BlackBerry.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Share them with us at developernewsletter@rim.com.
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Latest & Greatest
What is LBS? Develop applications or enhance existing ones with BlackBerry.
Location Based Services (LBS) refers to the set of services now available on assisted Global Position System (aGPS) or Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled handhelds, where applications can take advantage of location information to provide additional services. Examples of services include personal navigation and mapping software, field service software, job dispatching software, and continuity of operations software. The addition of LBS capabilities will create new opportunities for BlackBerry developers to enhance their applications and to provide even more compelling solutions utilizing the BlackBerry handheld.
BlackBerry Java Development Environment (JDE) v4.0.1
The BlackBerry JDE v4.0.1 is now available, enabling BlackBerry developers to implement, test and simulate LBS applications. The extension includes several components, including:
- net_rim_locationapi.jar - The net_rim_locationapi.jar file allows developers to compile their JSR 179 compliant Java™ code by importing this jar file into the properties of their existing application.
- BlackBerry 7520™ Simulator – The BlackBerry 7520 simulator has the ability to simulate longitude and latitude for the handheld. It also includes the new Location Based Services option item, providing users with the ability to determine their current location.
- Enhanced Documentation – Additional documentation is provided to cover the LBS APIs, including sample code.
Coming Soon! Download the BlackBerry JDE v4.0.1.
Java Specification Review (JSR) 179
The Java Specification Review (JSR) 179 represents an optional package that enables developers to write mobile LBS applications for resource-limited devices. Find the JSR 179 specification.
Introducing the BlackBerry Enterprise Server Resource Kit for the BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0
The BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ has become critical to IT organizations. In addition to the many enterprise features that have been added to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0, we are also offering a new set of utilities specifically designed for enterprise administrators.
Recognizing that administrators need enterprise quality utilities to effectively manage business critical servers, BlackBerry has developed the Resource Kit to:
- ease administration;
- aid in troubleshooting;
- accurately monitor and report on BlackBerry Enterprise Server activities
The Resource Kit is available for download free of charge from the support section of the BlackBerry website.
Read more about the utilities and features of the Resource Kit.
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GPS-capable Device: BlackBerry 7520 Handheld
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The BlackBerry 7520 handheld is the first BlackBerry handheld to provide integrated GPS capabilities with both assisted GPS and autonomous GPS support. Assisted GPS (commonly referred to as aGPS) provides network assisted GPS capabilities for resource constrained handhelds by offloading processor intensive calculations to network supported machines. Autonomous GPS provides direct communication with satellites to provide the most accurate location information.
Want to know more? Find it here.
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| See it! The BlackBerry 7520 Simulator will be available soon, as part of the BlackBerry JDE v4.0.1. |
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Ask the Guru
Who is the Guru, you ask? Guru is our in-house technical expert ready to answer your development questions in each newsletter issue. If you have a question for Guru, please email guru@rim.com. Selected questions and Guru's replies will be featured in each newsletter, so stay tuned. Consult the Guru.
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Tips & Tricks
Need some quick tips? Find the latest solutions to help you develop more effectively from this corner of the newsletter. Think of them as shortcuts, if you will, to solutions we and other developers have discovered. In this issue, get LBS tips.
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Events & Webcasts
Events and webcasts of interest to developers are featured in this section of the newsletter.
The Wireless Enterprise Symposium, 2005
Whether you are new to developing wireless applications or an experienced BlackBerry developer looking for the latest tips and tricks, the Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES) developer track provides in-depth sessions on developing rich client and browser-based applications for BlackBerry.
WES will include tracks and sessions dedicated to wireless application development for BlackBerry, managing and understanding the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and wireless strategy in the enterprise.
Developing Java applications for BlackBerry sessions:
- Introduction to the BlackBerry JDE and Java APIs
- How to manage memory and wireless transport most effectively to deliver the best user experience
- Leveraging GPS, Bluetooth and other advanced APIs in your applications
Developing Browser-based applications for BlackBerry sessions:
- Overview of browser-based development for mobile handhelds
- Optimizing existing web content for BlackBerry: tips, tricks and samples
- Developing Browser PUSH applications
- Extending Lotus® Domino applications to the BlackBerry Browser
Other topics will include:
- Introduction to the Plazmic Content Developer Kit (CDK) for rich media applications
- Next-generation rapid application development tools for mobile applications
View the latest agenda and register today! Special, discounted group rates are also available… learn more.
Check out www.attendwes.com for more details.
Webcasts on the BlackBerry Resource Portal
Check out the BlackBerry Resource Portal for an archive of useful webcasts. It is updated frequently, so keep checking back for updates!
Recent & Upcoming webcasts of interest:
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Developer Journal
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The newest issue of the BlackBerry Developer Journal is now available. Find it here. |
Check out these two new articles in the Journal:
Read the first in a series of API Spotlights, detailing how to create telephone-related applications using the BlackBerry JDE v4.0.
Want to learn how to write BlackBerry Browser push applications? Read the recent article from the Journal, complete with full source code.
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| © 2004 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion, ‘Always On, Always Connected' and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. The specifications and features contained in this document are subject to change without notice. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. Prices subject to change without notice. Research In Motion Limited presents information about third party products and services on BlackBerry Connection for your information. However, since Research In Motion Limited relies on information provided by outside sources, it makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the features, reliability or pricing of third party products or services, or their compatibility with any Research In Motion Limited products. |
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