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November 12, 2008
BlackBerry 101: Interactive Guide Educates Smartphone Users
By Michelle Robart, TMCnet Editor
Research in Motion (RIM), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the global mobile communications market, today released a new, interactive guide for BlackBerry (News - Alert) smartphone users.
This step-by-step guide is lined with fully illustrated pages and educates new users on the various features and functions of their BlackBerry smartphone.
The user-friendly guide reads like an online book. To get started, users just move the hand icon with their computer mouse to turn the first page, and then watch as a new page is revealed. To view the next page, users just click the black “Next” button at the bottom of the page.
If users prefer to sit back and watch the guide continuously unfold, they just click “Play.” At any time, they can use the menus to quickly find topics of their interest.
The guide first focuses on device set-up by instructing users to insert the SIM card and battery. On the right page, an interactive demonstration shows users exactly how to do this.
The device set-up guide gives instructions on:
-- SIM Card and Battery
-- Charge Battery
-- Setup Wizard
-- Media Card
Next, users can learn about the basics of their smartphone. The guide offers a “device tour,” which outlines each main BlackBerry button and describes their function. On the right page, a BlackBerry is shown, and users just click their mouse on the icon (calendar, contacts, maps, messages, etc.) to learn how to navigate these options. A yellow dot will appear over the icon selected to symbolize a fingertip. Users can switch between viewing the BlackBerry sideways or normally, as if it were in their hand.
The overview of the basic elements of the BlackBerry includes everything from how to navigate the device, open a menu, utilize applications, and how to type on the keyboard.
The fourth section of the interactive guide helps users understand how to use their device. It instructs them on how to make calls, send e-mails, surf the Internet, schedule an appointment, and play a media file. It also offers general tips on each function of the BlackBerry highlighted.
With this guide, BlackBerry users will also learn about the advanced functions of their device. This includes information on switching devices, desktop software, media manager, and synchronizing data.
Thanks to RIM, smartphone users will no longer have to keep their traditional paper user guide in a safe spot. All they have to do now is log on to the guide site, click on the feature they need help with, read the instructions, and watch the demonstration unfold.
In other company news, RIM, along with T-Mobile Germany, today launched the BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone in Germany, which offers a wide feature set that keeps users easily connected with their office, friends and family. Besides offering superior phone, e-mail, messaging, organizer, Web browser and multimedia applications, the new BlackBerry Curve 8900 also features global connectivity support, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, a fast processor (512Mhz) and an attractive hi-resolution display.
Michelle Robart is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Michelle's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Michelle Robart
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