Starwood started out with a simple mobile website but now they have entered the BlackBerry app scene with their new SPG Mobile Application. This new app lets you login to your Starwood Preferred Guest account from your BlackBerry and view things like point balance and upcoming booking details. You can also use the app to browser and reserve at any of Starwoods 1000+ hotels and resorts around the world including the Sheraton, Westin, W, Four Points, and more.
Features include:
- Access to SPG account, including Starpoints® balance, recent activity, stays needed to reach the next level and more.
- View upcoming stay information including map to hotel from your current location and call hotel directly from your BlackBerry.
- Search, book and view hotel information and photos for 1000+ hotels globally across nine brands. Sheraton, Westin, Le Méridien, The Luxury Collection, W, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, Element, and Aloft.
- Access customer support around the globe.
- Browse TheLobby.com blogs to stay updated on the latest travel trends and insider information.
The only catch is you need to be a SPG member but you can easily join at www.spg.com/join. After that you can pick up the app for free in App World. You can read more about it in the press release.
Just a quick heads up. Xobni let us know that they finally got their Xobni Mobile for BlackBerry app in App World. I guess getting investment capital from the BlackBerry Partners Fund doesn’t give you preferential treatment. I am not sure what the holdup was but its nice to see another solid app make its way into App World.
You can find it in App World at this link
The minute I spot any theme with pink and blue my eyes perk up. Such was the case recently when I ventured onto Themes4BB theme store (which by the way, has gotten even easier to use) and found this latest theme called Tokidoki True Love. Designed by Phantom’s Themes (a designer who’s themes I have already loved), Tokidoki True Love is not just purrrty, it’s really efficient. Some may argue it’s not worth the $6.99 price because in all honesty, I have always felt that that price was a little high. However, I will say that this theme definitely has a lot of work put into it. The mini bottom dock is easy to move about, and the battery/signal meters plus date all go to other areas of your BlackBerry. This is a cute theme that has extra function. More information and purchase links can be found at Themes4BB. Tokidoki True Love is available for a variety of BlackBerry devices…enjoy.
I don’t know what to make out of this latest rumor coming from Kevin over @CrackBerry. He is usually spot on with this kind of stuff and his sources are saying that the BlackBerry 9670 clamshell device will be called the “BlackBerry Style.” Not a bad name but it is going to lead to a whole slew of double entendre Google searches and support questions.
I am kind of curious why RIM gave up on the BlackBerry Pearl name since this just looks like a Pearl Flip on steroids. We know how popular the Pearl Flip ended up being so I am not sure what RIM is thinking with the BlackBerry Style. Maybe they are trying a shotgun fire approach of throwing as many form factors out there as possible and seeing what sticks? First a brick, then a full touchscreen, flip SureType, Slider, and now a clamshell… Who knows it might just work… I just didn’t think RIM needed yet another model line after giving up on the Tour.
Anybody waiting for RIM to release the BlackBerry Style? Something tells me this will be the CDMA equivalent of the Torch for awhile while the 9780 and 9650 maintain the brick form factor.
What do you think of the BlackBerry Style name?
It changed slowly but it looks like the $199 starting price point for smartphones is here to stay. Time Inc pointed out an interesting article on CNNMoney that tries to explain why all smartphones start selling at $199. It is slightly odd that no matter what the device they always seem to sell for $199 be it a BlackBerry, iPhone, or Android device. Don’t get me wrong carriers and resellers discount most of them to free over time but carriers seem to be stuck on the $199 price point.
It makes me wonder what the magic is of $199. Booz & Co consulting firm partner George Appling claims that “The obvious answer is that $199 is a magic price point for smartphone volume.” That could definitely be but I think it is just because carriers have managed to condition us that a new device will cost $199 with a new contract. Curve devices have usually gotten a $50 discount to $149 but carriers do not seem eager to change it up based on how much the device costs them…
What do you think?
It looks like the BlackBerry Torch 9800 will be making a big splash up north on September 24th. First we heard that Rogers would be getting the device and now we have confirmation that both Telus and Bell will also be carrying it on the 24th.
Thanks John for sending this one in! via BBSync
I know there is many BB users that love starbucks; @Mi_Infierno let us know that Starbucks released an app for Blackberry that allows you to locate stores near you, add your starbucks card information and even make payments at certain starbucks locations using your BlackBerry.
You can pick up the app at this link or to find out more go to this link and is available for most Blackberry devices from the 83xx and up.
Here is a description from the Starbucks website:
“Just enter your Starbucks Card number and your BlackBerry Tour, Curve or Storm becomes your Starbucks Card. You can register your card, check your balance and track the Stars you earn toward free beverages through My Starbucks Rewards.
And here’s the coolest feature: in some places you can pay for your drink using the Starbucks Card Mobile app. Enter your card number and your device will display a barcode you can use as your Starbucks Card to make purchases. It’s fast. It’s easy. And it’s a revolution in mobile payment. Mobile Pay is available at select stores in Seattle and Silicon Valley, and at all Target® Starbucks stores in the United States. To find a store, use our Store Locator and select the Mobile Payment filter.
To download Starbucks Card Mobile for your BlackBerry, text GO to 70845
Have some questions about the Starbucks Card Mobile app? Consult our FAQs.”
Since BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 was released users have been having problems with their BlackBerry Messenger icon disappearing. This has led RIM to resort to posting the following ***PLEASE READ*** warning at the top of the product page for BBM in App World:
- Before downloading, please back up your contact list by displaying the menu within BlackBerry Messenger – Options – Back Up. (Available for BBM 5.0 and 5.0.1 users)
- Please ensure that you are using RIM or carrier approved BlackBerry® Device Software to avoid compatibility issues that may result in loss of the BBM icon. For more information, read article KB23968 (http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=KB23968)
- After installing the new version of BBM, please restart your device.
Read the rest of this article
Starwood started out with a simple mobile website but now they have entered the BlackBerry app scene with their new SPG Mobile Application. This new app lets you login to your Starwood Preferred Guest account from your BlackBerry and view things like point balance and upcoming booking details. You can also use the app to browser and reserve at any of Starwoods 1000+ hotels and resorts around the world including the Sheraton, Westin, W, Four Points, and more.
