Rapid John
PositionMedia Relations Manager
Joined20 November 2013
Articles2,746
Rapid John has a quarter of a century in programming for Government and Corporate bodies and is proficient in most major programming languages.
British Airways

British Airways Data Breach affects 380,000 card payments

British Airways is investigating a data breach of customer data from its website and app over a two-week period and has urged customers affected to contact their banks or credit card providers. The airline said around 380,000 payment cards had been compromised and it had notified the police.
NewsUK
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BlackBerry KEY2 LE officially announced at IFA 2018

 TCL  today unveiled its newest BlackBerry smartphone – the BlackBerry KEY2 LE. This newest addition to the BlackBerry KEY series smartphone lineup offers three colors variants – Slate, Champagne and Atomic – while keeping with the BlackBerry KEY2 design evolution which includes minimised screen bezels and redesigned chassis for a more modern look and feel.
BlackBerryAndroidDevices and OS
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Punkt

BlackBerry Secure Punkt MP02 to launch 17 September

Back in March of this year, BlackBerry announced it had signed a technology and brand licensing deal for “BlackBerry Secure” with Swiss consumer electronics maker, Punkt Tronics AG. The new agreement enables Punkt to bring to market a range of highly-secure products which will embed BlackBerry cybersecurity technology
Devices and OSBlackBerryAndroid
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BlackBerry Spark

BlackBerry Spark update brings easier Key Management System and more

BlackBerry has released an update to the BlackBerry Spark Communications Platform for developers. The biggest change to this release (R6) is that developers no longer have to manage their own Key Management Service (KMS). When you create your domain, you now have the option to have BlackBerry Manage and distribute your cryptographic keys.
DevelopersBlackBerry
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BlackBerry

BlackBerry Recognized as a Leader in 2018 IDC MarketScape EMM Report once again

BlackBerry today announced it has been positioned by IDC, as a 'Leader' within the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Enterprise Mobility Management Software 2018 Vendor Assessmenti, which provides an in-depth analysis of worldwide enterprise mobility management (EMM) software providers. BlackBerry was one of six EMM vendors to be named as a 'Leader' this year.
BlackBerry
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BlackBerry Hub Plus

Configuring BlackBerry Hub+ with Microsoft Azure using OAuth

BlackBerry is beta testing a BlackBerry Hub+ Services configuration for users in Office 365 that utilize Modern Authentication. Modern Authentication simplifies authentication for developers by providing identity as a service (IaaS), with support for industry-standard protocols such as OAuth 2.0.
Tips
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Square launches Square Reader SDK for Developers

Square today launched the Square Reader SDK, giving Android and iOS developers the ability to use Square hardware to accept in-person payments directly from within their own application, with no app-switch required. With only a few lines of code, developers can quickly add EMV- and PCI-compliant in-person payments to any Android or iOS app.
DevelopersUS
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BlackBerry Evolve & Evolve X launched in India

Optiemus Infracom has launched the Evolve and Evolve X in India. Both phones include an 18:9 display, 4000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0, wireless charging, and face unlock. Both devices sport a 5.99-inch FHD+ (2160x1080) 18:9 screen, backed by a layer of Gorilla Glass 5, and the LTPS display has a maximum brightness of 500nits and oleophobic coating.
AndroidDevices and OSIndiaBlackBerry
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BlackBerry WorkLife brings more admin and app features

BlackBerry has rolled out an update to BlackBerry WorkLife, bringing new features for both administrators and users. The new administrator features for the latest release of BlackBerry WorkLife brings the ability to block calls (for example, spam) from unwanted numbers for all users.
AppsBlackBerry
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Mazda finally bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Mazda 6

Mazda has announced that its 2018 Mazda 6 mid-size sedan will soon be Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto-compatible = and retrofittable. Beginning in September, dealers will be able to retrofit Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trim levels of its mid-size sedan with a kit that adds Apple and Android compatibility to the automaker's built-in infotainment system.
ConnectedAutomotive
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Samsung

Samsung Announces Second Quarter 2018 Results

Samsung released its official Q2 2018 earnings results today and results are in line with the guidance that Samsung issued earlier this month. It posted 58.48 trillion won or about $52 billion in revenue compared to 61 trillion won or $54.7 billion in the same period last year, a 4 percent dip.
FinancialSamsung
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BlackBerry KEY2 now available in India

Optiemus launched the BlackBerry KEY2 in India last week and the device is now available to purchase in the country. Optiemus is manufacturing the BlackBerry KEY2 for Indian customers locally at its world-class facility at Noida, further strengthening the company's support of the 'Make-in-India' initiative.
AndroidDevices and OSIndiaBlackBerry
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YouTube dark mode finally comes to Android

Dark Mode for the YouTube app on Android has finally started rolling out with a number of users beginning to see the feature appearing over the weekend. YouTube added a dark mode to its desktop site last year, and the company says that it became one of the most requested features for its apps.
AppsAndroid
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BlackBerry rolls out BlackBerry Spark Communications Platform for Developers

Back in February 2017, BlackBerry entered the Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) market with the introduction of its BBM Enterprise SDK, enabling developers to integrate secure messaging, voice and video capabilities into applications and services. However, the name didn't really do the development platform justice, and was re-branded to the BlackBerry Spark Communications Platform,.
DevelopersBlackBerry
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BBM for iOS

BBM launches PlanetF1 for motorsport fans worldwide

Following the successful introduction of popular sports services Football365 and Tennis365, BBM and Planet Sport Publishing have extended their partnership to launch PlanetF1 for avid motorsport fans worldwide.
Apps
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iOS 12

Apple releases iOS 12 Public Beta Three

Apple has released the third iOS 12 public beta for iPhone and iPad. The new version follows iOS 12 developer beta 4 which was released yesterday. Members of Apple's Beta Software Program can download the previews now and register devices now. If you have already installed iOS 12 public beta, then you can simply update using your iPhone in the normal manner.
Devices and OSApple
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Planet Computers launches Agenda application for Gemini PDA

Planet Computers today launched its official agenda application for the Gemini PDA. Available for download on Android from the Google Play store, the app is inspired by the iconic agenda function of the Psion organiser series. Developed specifically for a landscape user interface (UI) and keyboard control, the Gemini Agenda application is packed with features
AppsAndroid
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BlackBerry Contacts

BlackBerry Contacts for Android brings easier contact creation

BlackBerry have released an update to their Contacts app for Android bringing easier contact creation. Creating a new contact is now even easier. If you search for name, email address or a phone number and these are not found in your contact list, creating a new contact will pre-populate these in the appropriate field of the new contact card.
AppsBlackBerryAndroid
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Workspaces

BlackBerry Workspaces app for Mac brings improvements to the onboarding process and more

BlackBerry have released an updated version of BlackBerry Workspaces app for Mac bringing significant improvements to the onboarding process and email flow for new users. Image files are now protected by default and open in the protected viewer with full options, where applicable. Opening images in 3rd party applications is now controlled by the organizational policy of supported formats and permissions.
AppsBlackBerryApple
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iOS 12

Apple releases iOS 12 Public Beta 1

Apple has released the first iOS 12 public beta. Members of Apple's Beta Software Program can download the previews now and register devices now. There are loads of new features in iOS 12 that won't be officially available until September.
Devices and OSApple
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BlackBerry

BlackBerry FY 2019 First Quarter Results Beat Estimates as Stock Falls

BlackBerry today reported financial results for the three months ended May 31, 2018. BlackBerry's results were better than analysts were expecting, but a double-digit revenue decline and a worsening GAAP net income appears to be driving down the stock. Another factor would be that guidance for the full year calls for a slowdown in software and services growth compared to the first quarter.
FinancialBlackBerry
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BlackBerry signs Licensing Deal with Bullitt Group

BlackBerry today announced it has entered into a partnership with Bullitt Group, a British smartphone and consumer electronics maker, to develop new highly-secure connected devices that are certified as "BlackBerry Secure." Bullitt intends to embed BlackBerry cybersecurity technology into a range of rugged Cat (Caterpillar Inc.) and Land Rover branded products to address the needs of their security-conscious consumer and enterprise customers.
BlackBerry
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BlackBerry

BlackBerry Announces Election Results for Company’s Board of Directors

BlackBerry announced today that the eight nominees listed in the Company’s management information circular dated May 4, 2018 for the Company’s annual and special meeting of shareholders held on June 20, 2018, were elected as directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company or until their successors are elected or appointed.
BlackBerry
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Registration opens for BlackBerry Security Summit 2018

Back in May we reported how BlackBerry will hold the 2018 Annual BlackBerry Security Summit event in London and New York to address the current situation and trends in secure enterprise mobility. At that point in time registration was unavailable but we are pleased to say that registration is now open for the London event.
BlackBerryUK
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BlackBerry Concept phone is simply beautiful

I'm not a huge fan of concept phones. They tend to be very futuristic and extremely unrealistic. However, Designers Anish Shakthi, Phaniram Lalpet, Kamaljeet Kaur, Raghavendra Rao & Prateyush Das have produced a BlackBerry concept "phone" (Opus) that is not only simply beautiful but it's not beyond the realms of imagination that it could be produced.
BlackBerryAndroid
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BlackBerry Privacy Shade for Android brings New Redactor Mode

BlackBerry has released an update to their BlackBerry Privacy Shade app for Android, bringing a new Redactor mode, allowing you to take a screenshot anywhere on your device and block sensitive content. Users can redact content with horizontal swipes, rectangles and circles, share their redacted content seamlessly with social media and email applications, as well as switch quickly between Redactor mode and Privacy Shade mode.
BlackBerryAndroidApps
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Security

BlackBerry release June 2018 Android Security Update

BlackBerry has today rolled out the June 2018 Android Security update to BlackBerry-branded Android devices. The Android Security Bulletin contains details of security vulnerabilities affecting Android devices. The Android Security Bulletin contains details of security vulnerabilities affecting Android devices. BlackBerry releases security bulletins to notify users of its Android smartphones about available security fixes.
AndroidDevices and OSBlackBerry
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BlackBerry-QNX-Autonomous-Vehicle-Innovation-Centre

ITTIA adds support for QNX SDP 7.0

ITTIA has announced support for QNX SDP 7.0. QNX SDP 7.0 provides a comprehensive, multi-level, policy-driven security model incorporating best-in-class security technologies from BlackBerry which help guard against system malfunctions, malware and cybersecurity breaches.
BlackBerryConnectedAutomotive
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BlackBerry KEY2 available to pre-order in UK from Selfridges

TCL launched the BlackBerry KEY2 yesterday at events in New York and China, featuring an iconic BlackBerry physical keyboard and a lot of upgrades from the BlackBerry KEYone. The mid-range device is now available to pre-order in the UK from Selfridges for £579 ($649 USD / €649 EUR / / $829 CAD) and at the time of publishing, we are unaware if this is for an exclusive period or not. Pre-orders are available until June 27.
Devices and OSBlackBerryAndroidUK
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BlackBerry

BlackBerry to Webcast Annual Meeting on June 20, 2018

BlackBerry will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. ET in Waterloo, Ontario. There will be a live audio webcast that can be accessed by registering here. It can also be accessed by dialing 1-877-385-4099 and entering Access code 7797528#.
FinancialBlackBerry
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TCL launches the BlackBerry KEY2

TCL today launched the BlackBerry KEY2. Featuring an iconic BlackBerry physical keyboard and loaded with BlackBerry's best security and privacy enhancements, this all-new BlackBerry smartphone packs a number of features that are firsts for any BlackBerry smartphone.
Devices and OSBlackBerryAndroid
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BlackBerry joins OmniAir Consortium as executive member

BlackBerry has joined the OmniAir Consortium as an executive member to help advance the testing, certification, and deployment of technologies for connected vehicles and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). BlackBerry successfully demonstrated the interoperability of its V2X certificates at the May 2018 OmniAir MotorCity PlugFest.
BlackBerryAutomotive
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BBM Enterprise for BlackBerry 10 gets a bug fix release

BlackBerry has rolled out an update to BBM Enterprise for BlackBerry 10 (yes BB10). BBM Enterprise for BlackBerry 10 v20.3.0.5 doesn't bring any new features and brings fixes to customer issues. BBM Enterprise allows employees to take advantage of the speed, reliability and privacy of BBM for faster communication.
Apps
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BlackBerry Secure World Tour 2018

Zia Consulting Joins BlackBerry Secure World Tour 2018

Zia Consulting announced today that it will participate in and sponsor three stops of the BlackBerry Secure World Tour 2018, the premier industry event for business leaders to gain insights into the hyperconnected world of people, enterprises, assets, and infrastructure.
USBlackBerry
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Carbon Black files for IPO

Carbon Black is looking to go public this year, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. The Waltham, Mass.-based cybersecurity company said it hopes to raise up to $100 million in an initial public offering, but that amount is usually a placeholder and is revised in future filings.
Financial
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Snapchat

BlackBerry files patent infringement lawsuit against Snap Inc

BlackBerry has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Snap Inc. SImilar to the companies lawsuit against Facebook last month, BlackBerry says that Snap has infringed on intellectual property, including innovations on real-time activity location for maps, message notification techniques and methods for integrating advertising on mobile devices.
BlackBerryUS
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BlackBerry

BlackBerry Announces Filing of Annual Report on Form 40-F

BlackBerry announced today that it has filed its 2018 annual report on Form 40-F with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). BlackBerry’s Form 40-F includes the company’s 2018 annual information form (“AIF”) and the management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) and audited financial statements of the company for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018.
FinancialBlackBerry
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Security

BlackBerry and Honeywell join ICASI

BlackBerry and Honeywell are the latest two companies to join the Industry Consortium for Advancement of Security on the Internet (ICASI). ICASI continues to be a voice for better multi-party vulnerability disclosure that makes a real difference in customer security.
BlackBerry
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BlackBerry 10 Jam

BlackBerry to face amended lawsuit over Misleading BlackBerry 10 prospects

Back in March of 2015, BlackBerry won the dismissal of a U.S. lawsuit accusing it of fraudulently inflating its stock price by painting a misleadingly upbeat picture of the prospects for its BlackBerry 10 smartphones. However, after the plaintiffs submitted an amended lawsuit, over statements related to blackberry 10, a US Judge has rejected BlackBerry's request to dismiss the amended lawsuit.
USBlackBerry
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BlackBerry and Microsoft partner to release BlackBerry Enterprise BRIDGE

BlackBerry and Microsoft announced today that they have partnered to release BlackBerry Enterprise BRIDGE, combining some of Microsoft's most popular programs with BlackBerry's secure, mobile working tools. The new service allows customers to access Microsoft mobile apps from within the BlackBerry Dynamics service - available on any iOS or Android device.
BlackBerryMicrosoft
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BlackBerry’s India managing director Narendra Nayak quits company

BlackBerry's India managing director Narendra Nayak has quit the company, two years after joining. Nayak was responsible for driving BlackBerry's software and services business through all channels in India, direct enterprise customers, network operators, distribution partners and BlackBerry's growing ecosystem of indirect channels in India
BlackBerryIndia
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BBMoji

BBMoji Personalized BBM Stickers rolls out for iOS

Just last week, MomentCam Hong Kong released BBMoji for Android, an app allowing users to create customised emojis and "expressive and funny stickers of yourself" and your friends on BBM. The iOS version is now available for for iOS.
Apps
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BBM for iPhone

BBM for iOS brings Video Sharing in groups and more

Creative Media Works has released the latest update to BBM for iPhone, which brings the ability to share videos in groups and add albums to your profile. In addition, users can now easily share content with more people with the new contact multi-picker.
AppsApple
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John-Chen-Code-Mobile

John Chen to extend BlackBerry contract until 2023

Judas or Saviour? That is a question that can keep BlackBerry users in a heated debate for hours on end.  Whether you think he destroyed BlackBerry, or indeed saved  the company from extinction, is a topic of discussion that that has been going on since 2013, when Chen joined the company.
BlackBerry
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Android P Developer Preview unveiled by Google

Google has today announced Android P, which won’t get a real name or version number at the moment due to the fact that this is an early baseline build for developers only. Like Android Oreo, the P release doesn’t come with a lot of major feature additions. There are several notable additions, and then a massive number of small tweaks and API changes for developers.
Devices and OSGoogleAndroid
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Video Chat comes to Facebook Messenger Lite for Android

Facebook has implemented video chatting in Messenger Lite, a slimmed down version of Messenger for Android that offers the core features of the app while giving everyone the opportunity to stay connected to their friends and family, intended for people with older Android devices and/or slower Internet connections.
AndroidApps
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BlackBerry

BlackBerry Licenses “BlackBerry Secure”to Swiss Consumer Electronics Maker Punkt

Back in August of last year, BlackBerry revealed that the company was in talks with various global smartphone makers to provide its version of a secure Android operating system under a licensing deal as part of the second phase of its licensing strategy. BlackBerry today announced it has signed a technology and brand licensing deal for “BlackBerry Secure” with Swiss consumer electronics maker, Punkt Tronics AG.
BlackBerryConnected
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