RIM (s RIMM) desperately wants its BlackBerry devices to become more than just email. It wants them to become multimedia hubs, thanks to a bit of iPhone envy. And video is getting some serious attention. Yesterday, Liz had the scoop about their new TV show streaming service. And now Sling Media, a place-shifting gear maker, reported that it’s releasing SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry, which is now available for over-the-air downloads for $30 a download. Yikes…that is expensive. The app — for now — works only when using the Wi-Fi connection and shuns the 3G connections. As a result, the software works only with many of the newer, WiFi-enabled BlackBerry devices, such as the Bold, Curve 8900 and Pearl Flip 8220. Sorry Storm owners — no Sling love for you guys. These announcements are ahead of the likely launch of the BlackBerry App store.
Fact – there are currently no CDMA RIM devices with WiFi and thus the Storm, with its wonderful display, cannot take advantage of this offering nor the upcoming TV offering. Apparently the new 9630 (a smaller yet equally excellent display) that is coming to Verizon in a few months will not have WiFi either. Many have blamed this on Verizon but you have to wonder why the trend continues (I doubt Sprint’s version will change this trend as they have no weight to throw around!). It would seem that both RIM and the CDMA carriers would want to offer WiFi on this type of device in today’s market – and with RIM trying to expand its market to the “media” consumer.
CDMA curves can now stream 3G with the slingplayer mobile. But, you need the 4.5.0.131 OS released by sprint. Verizon phones can also install it too though. After you install the OS, go to this link on your phone and download slingplayer mobile http://download.slingmedia.com/player/mobile/bbbeta503/US/SlingPlayer_def_EN_US.jad
Install with the radio turned off. In slingplayer mobile settings change connectino method to mobile, and turn off “Show Roaming Status”. I have been using this on my verizon 8330 curve and enjoying it this past week.
Om,
Thanks for the clear description of what the new sling could actually be used on. This is why I have your feed on my iGoogle as the first thing I read! Always useful information.
Om,
SPM can stream over the carrier network. I use it on the Bold over 3G with AT&T all the time. Works great and looks awesome!
It’s not officially supported, but the new version of slingplayer works fine on the Storm. At least it does on mine…
Really? I got a storm just for that and was bummed to find out I couldn’t use it for that….there’s a few new versions…do you know which one?
Where can I get the install file to install the slingmedia software for my VZ Curve??