New Program Available - BlackBerry Alerts
 

Hi,

I've released a new application, BlackBerry Alerts, for sale that may be of some interest. It provides capability for repeating audible alerts for:

Missed Calls
SMS Messages
Voicemail (may not always work perfectly since there is no access to the voicemail flag)
Emails
PIN Messages

The alert can be set to repeat every 1, 3 or 9 minutes. There are a lot of options so it is highly customizable... mostly you will want to check out missed calls, sms and voice mail alerts.
You can set it up to use a profile so can choose any of your existing ring tones.

Version is compatible with the Pearl but there is an issue with the Pearl dialog for Missed Call view/close (thanks to PaulQ from this board for lots of testing). Still working on a Pearly Only version with Paul but license keys will be transferrable between the two.

Product Link

OTA Link (Demo Only, not available late night)

Let me know any problems/suggestions. Working on future version to include separate notification for each alert type. Free future upgrades provided (keep license key).

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0) BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

How does it compete with message alerts from webmessenger?



-jk

I haven't tried using Message Alerts but by looking at the listed product features, they are focusing on filtering of your email messages and bringing attention to specific emails.

My program works differently as it alerts you when you miss a phone call or sms or email, whatever you choose. It doesn't filter messages but alerts you if you recieve one and don't check your BlackBerry for the specified email. The BlackBerry won't continuously remind you like my program will.

So I think the Message Alerts is ideal for you if you are getting too much email or text messages and want to filter out messages while my program is more for people that are conerned about missing a phone call, voicemail or sms.

Just my impressions by looking at their features though... I would suggest trying them both out as both have trial versions available.

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0) BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Thanks. If you haven't tried it, you probably should at least look at Message Alerts - it can be customized to do this sort of repeating notices, but with optional logic to pick and choose a subset of the messages, etc., it fires off on.

(Disclaimer: I'm not with them, but have been using their software for some time. Always on the lookout for new stuff, though.)

Regards,

-jk

I'd love to give this a try as I miss this feature from my pager.

How much?

What is the difference between the demo and full version?

Can you post a link I can type in my BB as I don't come to these groups using it?

I wonder how it compares to WebMessenger Alerts.

Typable OTA Link (Available from about 8 AM to 10 PM EST):
http://74.119.5.86:8080/BlackBerryAlerts.jad

The different between the demo and full version is that the demo version stops working after 7 days until you register it by purchasing a license key. With the full version you would just get the key right away.

I'd rather not post the exact price because it could change but right now it is ballpark $10 USD.

I am giving it a try now, one thing I noticed is you did not include level 1 messages and calander appointments. I need those options the most.

Also, I would like a way to set a different tone for just reminders. Not a different one for each reminder but one tone that is my reminder tone. I want like two beeps or just a single chirp. In other words, I don't want to wear the battery down or piss off the people in my office if I leave my BB on the desk I just want a simple audible tone that says, "hey, I need attention".

Always good to get new ideas, I didn't even think of Calendar appointments, I will see if it is possible. Yeah the program does not distinguish between level 1 or not, I'll check if that is possible too.

Hmm, not quite 100% sure by what you mean by general reminder. The program right now is just one general reminder, go to your profiles and select BlackBerry Alerts. You should be able to change your tune to beep or chirp or anything that is on there. Make sure program audio option is set to profile.

I have looked into the Calendar options and there is really nothing that can be done. The Calendar runs as a separate program on the device and doesn't allow other programs to access it.

Yeah changing profiles would be amazing of course. I am looking at adding a schedule where you could have it not alert you depending on the schedule but this would not interface with the calendar at all.

Also I'm wondering if anyone has run this on an 8700 model and could let me know of any problems as I was having problems on an 8703e, alerts weren't working as the device was coming out of idle on its own do to a backlight timeout.

As you read, I have been involved in some of the testing of this program... all I can say is it is AWESOME!

I tried Message Alerts and worked with them for several days to get it to work. It never worked right for me. It kept causing problems. I know that many people use it without incident but for me, it didn't work.

BlackBerry Alerts makes the Pearl do what it should have done all along. It reminds on missed activity.

A lot of people are asking what difference is between this and Message Alerts. Both are good programs.

Blackberry Alerts is a simpler approach. It doesn't filter and create individual reactions for every type of message. It reminds you of basic events that occur on your phone should you happen to miss the initial ring/vibrate. It is neatly incorporated into your profiles - you set the "missed event" response. For example, when my phone is set to vibrate, it vibrates reminders. When I am set to "Phone only", it only uses an LED reminder.

Blackberry Alerts is also half the price.

They are two different programs. If you don't need filtering, Blackberry Alerts will definately do the trick!

I love it. It's not complicated, it's customizable, and it works!! This is the best update to my Pearl since I bought it! :smile: :razz:

(nope, I am not profitting from the sales)

Day 1, worked as advertised. You are correct Logan, Buzzer is the tone I prefer though the name made me think it would be different. I can't really her the audible tone on my 7290.

I think the log that shows all your missed activities should go newest at the top to oldest at the bottom. Example, I may not have answered a level 1 message while at the job because I responded via outlook. It's ok to have it in the log but I would prefer the most recent activity to be first in the list.

Unlike Paul, I don't need a different tone for each type activity. Good over all product, solid, simple and works as advertised. Now if only you could get the calendar to work I would send you my old Army boots as my gift to you. They're genuine GI issue :)

I should clarify in case I might have given the wrong impression - you cannot indicate a different reminder TONE for each message type. The reminder sound/vibrate/buzz is set in the profile and applies to all reminders. Again, very straightforward.

You can, however, set a different sound/virbate/buzz for each profile.

I agree with SoapM on the order of the log. It didn't strike me at first but now that you mention it, you're right, it would be a lot more logical.

GREAT PROGRAM!!!

The horror. NEVER leave your BB unattended. :shock:

Good call on having the newest logs on the top, I will work on that change. Yeah sorry about Calendar support, from what I have looked at there is basically no way to do much with Calendar entries.

Day 2... I got a page from the job at 6:30 AM. I got up about 7:30 and heard the reminder while taking my morning dump. Worked as advertised. Way to go Logan! (y)

Why not just set Snooze in the calendar options. There you can select the reminder time and its already part of the OS.

Ungh... not the picture I needed in my mind so early in the morning. Thanks! :razz:

That's if you are there when the alarm or reminder goes off, I take walks in the morning and may forget I have an early morning meeting. If the alarm goes off while I'm out on my walk then I don't catch it till I am dressed and ready to leave. That's why I want my Berry to speak up and say, "hey, something happened while you were out". That little chirp will get me to look at it and possible pick up my pace so I don't end up late for my meeting.

Some pictures are worth a thousand words, some words are better than a real picture...

Is anyone having trouble downloading this program OTA. I keep getting a timeout. The link is to a .jad file. Is there a way to use DM to load this?

The Handango link has a desktop manager version click trial download... working on some possible bugs with 7100 and 8700 series though... let me know if you have one of those models.

I have the Pearl (8100). Can I use the Handango link?

Yup Pearl is working, I'm also working on a better pearl version. Maybe by midnight or so it'll be working pretty awesome.

Well, I downloaded it, installed it, clicked on it, and it promptly crashed my OS. Have to do a battery pull reboot. Not a good start.

YMark... I have installed and removed various incarnations of this program on my Pearl roughly... errr.... 50 times now. It only locked on me once and that was a very beta version.

It was probably just a little glitch. At least I hope so because it is so handy.

Did you download it from Handango? If not, where else can I get it, maybe Handango has a bad app.

Give me an hour or so and I'll upload a new desktop loadable version.

Desktop Manager Version Link
 

Desktop Link:

BlackBerryToday: Software: Utilities: BlackBerry Alerts

I downloaded the program onto my 8100 (Rogers Network) and ran into a problem...

Here is how I have the setup..

Audio Type - Profile
Frequency - 3Mins
Color - User Assigned
Notify On - Calls, SMS, Email, PIN
Mark Calls as Read/Opened
Popup on notification

Here was the problem..

I called my cell and didnt answer it. The program worked as it should and notified my of the missed call. I Cleared the Log and cleared it in the Call Log of the phone as well. But.... even after that, the LED continued to keep flashing red. I even re-booted the phone and it kept blinking red. It did however go out after about 10mins.

Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks

Yeah no problem. You should select program controls LED if you want it to. This way you will also get colored LED depending on how you did assign colors (assuming you downloaded from the link posted one reply above).

You can run the LED test if you suspect an LED is hanging. Oh also the mark calls as read will not work on the 8100 as it handles messages differently.

The LED that was flashing was the BlackBerry OS (since you still have an unread phone call in your folder).

Logan....

Thanks!.. made the changes and everything is working fine!

I don't see the LED test on my 7290. I get a blur which is the test running, I can tell some failed but can't read it cuz it clears the screen too fast.

Well the LED test is to show you what colors work for your model, newer models can show red, blue, green, etc. But no point in running it if you have a 7200 series since the only color is red... you will get a red led for all alerts.

If there is a color led then if you have program controls led turned on then you will get a different color led to flash depending on the alert.

Question:

Does this app work on the 8703e?

I have it running on an 8703, it has a few quirks though. The device comes out of idle on its own so that can cause problems once in a while.

Make sure to leave missed calls notification on though as that is one thing that will bring it out of idle.

It'll work great if you are the type of person that usually leaves it in the holster.

Also color LEDs will work for you so that's good.

Right, I knew that which is why I was telling the other fellas now to worry about the LED on a 7200 series :)

Logan....

I have been unable to find the LED test..

The options I have are...

Clear All Calls
Audio Test
Options
Assign Colors
Minimize
Help
Register

Im using the latest software you posted for the 8100.

All I have to say is "AWESOME!" Not only is the program great..but the programmer, who I think his name is Logan, is very quick to respond and help with any questions or problems...at least with me. Great Great job!! This program finally makes my 7130e complete. Why they don't even have this option is beyond me...but either way great to have and thanks again for a great program!!!!

Stoxx,

You are just using an older version that's all. I released a non color LED version while working on the new features with PaulQ.

If you download the software again you will get the LED test and colored LEDs.

very cool. i love the led colors. is there any way for it to not give me notifications when i go to bed? i tried changing my profile to phone only then sent myself an email. there was no initial notification (just led) but after 1 minute it vibrated. i leave my phone on my desk so the rattling makes quite a bit of noise.

8703e

Well you would have to go into your phone only profile, select blackberry alerts - set out of holster to none and in holster to none. Set it to tone if you want tone but no vibrate.
You will have to do this with all the profiles but default I think they are set to none in phone only.
LED will still work as it is independant of profile when you select "program controls LED". The LED will run all night though as there is no auto shutoff like the existing blackberry LED (after 10 minutes or so).

Logan...

Thanks again for your help! I have d/l new program and everything
works great.. Purchased a Licence as well

Cheers
Ed

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I really like this so far. For those of you that have been using it for a few days now...have you noticed any major battery drain? That's my only concern.

No, I get most messages when they come in so haven't used it much. It's just good to know it's there for ya.

From what I've seen of the 8703 it has a pretty solid battery. The app will sit in the background and since it's event driven should take up very little cpu usage. When it is in notification mode I would imagine it would use up more juice though... I don't think it would use much power compared to the radio or backlight but I'm not sure exactly how much it uses when in notification mode.

So I would imagine there would be some battery drain but not sure if it would be noticeable or not.

Questions
 

Adrian, thanks for a really helpful piece of software! It does pretty much exactly what
I wanted. I had a couple of questions.

I had been using the .jad file downloaded OTA from an earlier post, This has a limited selection of colors for the LED but the ability to set duration and frequency times.
It appears in the application list as version 1.0.

I also found a version from blackberrytoday claiming to be version 1.1 I installed it and found many more colors for the LED, but no option to set the duration and frequency of the LED (and no more LED test). But it also shows up in the application list as version 1.0 (it also is identified by script on the Icon in the home page icon list).

I would like to see both, more colors and ability to set flashing timing, which version is the most up-to-date?
What do you see for future versions of the application (in the short term)? (e.g. what's on your TODO list?)
(If your taking votes/requests, some sort of "only during the hours of x-y on days a,b and d" would be next on my list)

I'm a Blackberry noob: I would also like to understand more about the interaction between BlackBerry Alerts and sleep/wake on the Berry: what kinds of events causes the berry to "wake up" and how does that affect BlackBerry Alerts (programmatically)?

I'm using a Verzion 8703e.

Thanks again, I'll be registering. - Scott

Hi Scott,

Sorry for the confusion over the versions, the latest version has always been the OTA one. The ones on BlackBerryToday and Handango are a bit behind but I'll be updating them.

The reasons I reduced the number of colors is that I was finding through myself and PaulQ that some colors did not show well on the LED so the final colors were:
Red, Green, Cyan (Turqouise), Purple, Blue and White. Yellow was dropped as it looked almost identical to green and Magenta is the same as purple.

So the newest version is the one with an LED test that stays on the screen until you hit escape but has less colors than the original version. Also it has a silent mode setting where just the LED will turn on.

Next on this app will be a simple scheduling component where you can setup time frames when to alert (audio or LED). Also I am looking into some Calendar alerts too but have not had any luck in finding anything I can use.

As for waking up I think I have pretty much solved those issues with timers. The events that I have found that were waking up the device were the backlight dropping to 50% brightness and an incoming phone call. So for some of the blackberries (8700 , 7100) series I am recommending to have missed call alerts on... until I can think of something (I can detect when a phone call is incoming).

Everyone:

I purchased the program and love it. But I have one question.I am a little confused, but I think I already know the answer. I have this really neat ringtone for my missed calls and one for my voicemails. I wanted to be able to use both with BB Alerts. that is, a repeating message for missed calls and a different repeating message for voicemails. But all in the same "NORMAL Profile." I don't think Alerts will let me do that. I am getting the impresssion that I have to use the same repeating alert message for voicemail and missed calls and emails. Is that correct. Can someone suggest how I can get a different repeating alert message using BB Alerts.

Also I am not getting any sort of call log when I have missed calls. All I get is the standard BB alert notification window

What you are asking for is basically to have a separate audible alert for each alert type? So in your profile you would have BlackBerry Alerts - Calls, BlackBerry Alerts - Voicemail. This was discussed a little bit and is certainly possible, what I ended up putting in was separate LED colors for each alert instead.

I can add a separate audio alert for each one and have maybe an option for one alert tone or one per selected alert. I'm just concerned about cluttering up the user interface too much with a million different options; maybe other users have some input.

Which call logs are not showing up, in your messages application or in BlackBerry Alerts? Could be that you have selected to mark all calls as read in BlackBerry Alerts and your blackberry is set to only show missed calls.

FYI you can call back from my program by highlighting the missed call and selecting "call back user" with the trackwheel but apparently if you have a pearl you may have to select "full menu" first. You can also read an email, PIN or sms message the same way.

I'm happy as it is, I just needed something to tell me it needs attention since I last looked at it.

Logan:

Thanks for the quick reply. I do want a separate alert for each alert type. One for missed calls, one for voice mail and one for emails. As I want to know which matter I am being reminded on without necessarily having to view the screen.

If this poses a problem for the other forum members, I will be willing to pay for this additional benefit personally. Please PM me if that is the only way that this can be made possible for me, because for me this distinction in alerts is very important

Charlester

Well I'll take a look at adding it as an option. I believe you have an 8700C according to Handango Charlster. You have played with the option program controls LED right and Assign colors as your model will support his?

If not check that out too as that will tell you what alert it is without pulling it out of the holster (you'll be able to tell by what color the LED is flashing).

Normally customized development is many hundreds of dollars per day so I'll look at adding to the public version unless you want to buy a few hundred copies :smile:

Logan:

Yes you are correct. After getting your mesage I went and played with the LED color assignments and I see how that works. That along with the basic alert gives me what I want. this is a fantastic application/ Perhaps the best I have seen so far

Thanks so much Logan

Charlester

I downloaded the trial version and I am giving it a try as I type. For me, a must have before purchase is the option of "level 1" messages given that I filter only critical emails to "level 1" so I can treat them as pages. With this new software, I will be able to selectively allow which emails get repeat notification. Please keep us posted on how soon you can add this option. Thanks again for a simple but needed program.

Logan:

One thing I noticed is if you assign a caller a custom ringtone, you have to except them from a particular profile in order for the custom ring to work. Once you do that, the profile that is assigned the BB Alerts no longer applies to that caller.

Real Life: For calls coming from my office I have a custom ringtone. I have excepted my office calls from the Normal Profile that I use for all other calls. And it is the Normal Profile that I have BB Alerts governing. Since my office calls are excepted from the Normal Profile because they have a custom ringtone, then I cannot get the repeated alert for my office calls.

So, I am forced to choose between having a custom ringtone for my office and other important clients and not having repeated alerts for those most important calls OR having no custom ringtones for my office and impt clients to be able to get repeated alerts if I miss their calls.

Is there any way to make the BB Alerts work with calls that have been assigned custom ringtones

I hope all of this is making sense. I want to be able to distinquish when my office and clients are calling versus general public calls while having the BB Alerts program alert me to their calls like it does for the general public calls

Charlester

OK Charlester, I think I understand. I haven't really tested this scenario but you are adding numbers as exceptions in your profile? In the menu it looks to me like it allows you to choose a custom phone tune but still use a profile (Active profile by default). This is not working for you?
You could try setting the audio type in BB Alerts to audio instead of profile, but you won't get to choose a ringtone that way, it'll be an escalating beep tone.

Logan:

I think you have me wrong. I can select the default profile (let's say NORMAL). Now when you have custom ringtones assigned to the default, you have to check exceptions to the default for those custom ringtones to work. And it does for me. For all of my incoming calls, they are handled by the Norml Profile, which I have assigned BB Alerts too. However, because the calls that have a custom ringtone assigned to them are excepted from the Nomal Profile because they have custom ringtones assigned to them, they cannot have the repeated alerts provided by BB Alerts, because BB Alerts is assigned to the profile.

this creates a quandry because usually the numbers you assign custom ringtones to are important callers whose calls you do not want to miss, thus comes in BB Alerts. But the way it stands now, BB Alerts cannot be used with the numbers you assign custom ringtones to because those calls have to be excepted from the profile you assign BB Alerts to.

To see what I am talking about, assign a custom ringtone from your home or office, and then see if once you except it from the regular ringtone for the profile the handles all of your other calls (and that has BB Alert assigned to it), if you can get alerts for the missed calls from your home or office number.

Of course this does not pose a problem for the repeated alerts for emails and voice mail/ these are working quite well

Charlester

Colored LED not working
 

Hi, was wondering if there's anyone out there using this program with a 7130e (4.1.0.359)? I downloaded it from the OTA link in the topmost message, but for the life of me I can't get the LED to work. I selected to let the program manage the LED, but the LED test doesn't do anything, and the LED doesn't light up for any of the alerts. I've tried deleting, resetting, and then reinstalling the program, to no effect. I don't have any other notification programs installed, so I don't think there would be any conflicts there. Any ideas?

Great program. If I can get this LED problem sorted out, I'll plunk down my money for a license. Thanks in advance!

Can you read off what the LED Test says on screen? Should say testing color or LED is not polychromatic or something.

LED test results
 

Hi, thanks for checking in Logan. When I activate the LED test, it outputs:

Current Color Test: Tests Complete
LED is multicolored
Testing PURPLE
Complete
Testing BLUE
Complete
Testing GREEN
Complete
Testing RED
Complete
Testing WHITE
Complete

To make things weirder, it turns out that green does work! So, when it says Testing GREEN, the LED immediately turns green, and then immediately turns off when it says Complete.

Thanks again,
Mike M

Charlester maybe you can send me a more detailed explaination about the exception to .

I tested on an 8703 by adding an exception and a custom ringtone. The custom ringtone played while the phone was ringing. After missing the call the BlackBerry Alert tone played every minute like it should.
The exception said Use Profile: Active Profile. Maybe check the BlackBerry Alerts setting in whatever profile you have active. Make sure you have tone in there and volume not on mute.

PaulQ also tested on 8100 and it worked there too.

Logan, maybe I am missing something but it appears for the software to work you must minimize the application as opposed to close. Is it possible to add an option to the menu to indicate "minimize on start-up" and allow the user to select this option as desired. My fear is that after a reboot, purposely or accidently, you have to remember to go into the application and reset to minimize. My concern is I will fail to remember until after a missed event. There was some indicator in the initial prompts about running as a server(?) but when I go into options, applications and select permissions I do not see that option. I am not sure if that would solve the problem anway given I don't know what that option serves?

Additionally, looking forward as to when you can add level 1 messages. When this is added you have a new customer.

Thanks

Logan:

You are right. I went back and tried the BB Alerts with the custom ringtones and it worked perfectly with no problems. Maybe I was sleepy last night and forgot to actually try the program with the custom ringtones. I got into hypothesizing and thought I tried the program with the custom ringtones. Well maybe it is age.

Logan, thanks for going through the trouble of troubleshooting this. I am so glad you were right.

All of my issues are resolved (given that they never actually existed).

I can say unequivocally that this is the best application that I have run across for my everyday use of the blackberry.

By the way fellas: What is this Level 1 messages that everyone is concerned about. I do not know what Level 1 messages are. Please inform

Charlester

Level 1 message is just a high priority message, email only or can sms be level one? Maybe someone can chime in there.

Usually they show up in your inbox with a red exclamation mark beside the message.

Mwyarm, the program actually runs on startup and then minimizes itself. So when you are selecting it on the ribbon you are opening it for a second time and that's why it's coming on screen. You shouldn't have to open it at all if you don't want to see the alert log. You can also minimize while in the program by hitting the escape key.

You can press alt - escape while on your homescreen to verify what apps are running (you will get like a taskbar come up).

Has anyone else had the problem with this program crashing their OS when selecting the "BB Alerts" icon? I'm running the O2 OS on a Pearl.

After the OS crashes, I need to do a battery pull hard reboot and then the boot process stops on the "security check". I then need to uninstall the program using DM in order to get my Pearl back up and running.

I used the OTA update in the first post on this thread. I got the same results using the downloaded zip file on Handango's website.

Thanks for any help.

Level 1 messages are set using the desktop manager and act as filters so the user can use the "to", "from", "subject", and I also think you can select "body" by identifying certain key words in any of the fields identified above to set the record flag to "level 1." Within profiles, you can then select "level 1" emails to get different notifications than regular email. In my case, these become my "pager" notifications except I don't have the repeating notification which you are trying to solve.

Priority 1 is much different and is a different flag which allows email systems to identify the message and sort differently within a view. Blackberry does show priority messages with an exclamation point but does not treat them uniquely in the profiles.

Thanks

p.s. I posted private message to you in your forum inbox. Thanks

i had the SAME problem!!! i figured FORGET THIS PROGRAM!

i installed OTA and immediately my pearl froze and then on EVERY reboot it froze as well. the only thing it could do was receive incoming phone calls. i couldnt even dial out. so i was forced to remove via USB cable.

shame. i wonder whats causing it to do that. id love to try the program

Crashed the pearl
 

SAME Problem, tried several times to get it to work, stll crashes.

Logan, any ideas on the above issue. It seems that several people are having problems.

From what I have heard it doesn't work on some 8100 Operating Systems, for sure it is not working on the Orange version of the OS, not sure if it is my program or the OS; I think they have since pulled their OS for download.

It seems to work ok on the T-Mobile original and the T-Mobile update. I believe it works on the original Rogers load.

Anyone having problems not on the 8100? I haven't heard of any crashes. Sorry it is difficult for me to troubleshoot it as there are no errors displayed, it just crashes.

Several sources, including some on this site have said that the O2 .64 version and T-Mobile's .64 version are identical. Some have even attempted to upgrade to the TMO version when they are running the O2 version. Destop manager says no update required.

I'd like to hear from anyone that is running this application on the .64 version of the OS. I can understand that it is tough to debug when you have virtually nothing to go on. Is there a way you can install the .64 software and then put some kind of debugger on your application?

Great program. One thing has me stumped, I have it set to repeat alert every minute on my 8700g. It flashes great when an SMS first comes in, but every repeat after has the LED lighting solid, not flashing. Any ideas? Thanks

Peterme, haven't heard of that one yet. So it flashes for a minute and then goes on solid after that, maybe flickers every minute?
Maybe try changing up the LED on/off times in the assing colors menu. Also you could try a reinstall. Try downloading from the OTA link maybe tomorrow (after noon EST), there is a pretty stable version that will be up... added in suport for high priority messages and separate audible alerts through your profiles.

http://74.119.5.86:8080/BlackBerryAlerts.jad

Going to be working on schedules next so you can auto turn off the alerts. Will probably look to mirror the way the device does the auto shutoff time, so would have a weekday time span where alerts would be enable and a weekend time span where alerts would be enabled.

How to purchase
 

I've got your BlackBerry alert demo . It looks great. How does one purchase the product, how much does it cost, etc.

thanks

Product page is here

Or you can click the link on my signature.

Hi Logan. I tried downloading the new OTA version of the program, to see if it would fix the LED problem I'm having. When the install completed, it gave this message: "Uncaught exception: Module with handle [2210] and index [0] has no application entry point", but when I hit OK, another popup says that the application has installed correctly. The program seems to run fine, but I have the same LED color problem as before, in that only the green LED lights up during the test.

Thank you, Mike M.

Hmm not sure Mike. Yeah your install is fine i've seen that error once before too. I'm not sure what's up with the LEDs on your 7130. I think the only way you will be able to run is without the program controlling the LED. Now though you can select audio as separate profiles and then put custom ringtones in for each alert you chose. So you'll still know what the alert is but will have to wait until it plays the sound.

I use my 'berry on slient mode only when I'm at work, so using different tones isn't an option for me really -- that's why I was so excited about changing the LED color. I'd be more than happy to test out any new versions of the program you might have, or get you any diagnostic information that might be of help, but as is, the program isn't useful to me. Great idea though.

I just noticed my level 1 reminder isn't working on my 7290. I don't even see them registering in the even log.

I have notify on missed email unchecked
Notify on High Priority is checked (might help to rename this level 1 since that is what we know them as)

In my regular profile I have level one set to a tone but I don't have it notify me for regular messages.

Thoughts?

Hi sorry SOAPM, I was a little confused by level 1 message. I thought it was refering to the priority of the email (high medium or low). So that is what that option does, if it is high priority email or PIN it will alert you.
Yeah level 1 alerts doesn't get treated differently by my program as there is nothing to go off of for my program. I would have to add the ability to create filters which my program was never really designed to do, sorry about the confusion.

Do you know what makes the BB acknowledge it as Level 1?

I'll play with it some more, that is something I need because the boss sends me emails and I make her mails level 1.

When the web client or BES forwards you the email it sends it as level 1 which the blackberry picks up but this is not accessable through the APIs useable by 3rd party developers from what I can see.
It basically uses PIN like notification but to send an email message, but the message is considered email and not PIN.

Logan

I know you said that the OTA link isn't available round the clock but have been trying to download on fairly regular intervals since last night and the page appears unavailable? Unfortunately I'm out of the office this week so all my new stuff has to be OTA as my home computers all run Vista which Desktop Manager doesn't work with yet!!!

Any update appreciated!

OTA server is up right now, but the version on there will not autostart as I'm trying to fix crashing with the 8100... so you will have to start it every boot. You should probably hold off if you have 4.2.64 pearl version since you have no access to desktop manager if it starts crashing.

OTA Link:
http://74.119.5.86:8080/BlackBerryAlerts.jad

LED control
 

Logon, I find that if I let the program control the LED on my 8700g (fyi, I've only selected to be notified of missed calls and SMS options) it works fine when say a missed call occurs. However, after I view the call, the LED light just stays off unless and until I reboot; i.e., no regular flashing green (or red when an e-mail comes in). Have you noticed this; any suggestions? I'd like to use the LED as well as the audible notification, but I'd also prefer to get my regular flashing LED lights back as soon as I've responded to the special notice. Thanks. lponz7

Yeah the LED control is pretty much all or nothing. One thing you can do with the latest version (still in testing) is you can set separate alerts up (instead of just one generic alert), so you could set to be notified for all events and then in the profiles just set sound to none. This way you will get LED for whatever color you choose but not get an audible alert.

i'm running the .64 version and with it you CANNOT use BlackBerry Alerts.

unfortunately i cannot afford to downgrade the OS in order to use the program because it fixes many problems that need to be fixed with the 8100.

so the only way myself or anyone else running .64 will be able to run BlackBerry Alerts is if the program is re-coded in some way to make it compatible with .64. The only thing that boggles my mind is that Logan says it works on the original T-Mo and Rogers OS's, something I can't confirm, but something that suggests there to be a big bug in the .64 release, or there has been some major update in the execution of Java code that is affecting BlackBerry Alerts' code.

Don't know what else to say other than I hope this can be remedied soon. I'd love to try the program, but cant!

Anyone with 4.2.64 can try this version here:

http://74.119.5.86:8080/debug/BlackBerryAlerts.jad
it won't autostart so won't cause a continuous crash loop and it tested OK on T-Mobile 4.2.64. The program has a load screen where you need to click trackwheel and choose "run all at once" If that version works than try:
http://74.119.5.86:8080/BlackBerryAlerts.jad

Logan, is this the version that you emailed to me the other day?

No this version was created last night with the help of PaulQ.

There is definitely something whacko in .64 because Blackberry Alerts caused my phone to crash when I installed it after I upgraded to .64. There was no change in the BB Alerts code. I don’t know why RIM allows this kind of thing to happen.

All of this crashing had nothing to with BB Alerts. It was .64’s changes on the Pearl.

Anyway, in usual form, logan jumped on it and spent hours with me trying to iron out the problem. We finally got it to work again with .64.

Excellent program!

I'm going to give it another try when I get home. BUT.... I wouldn't be so quick to blame RIM and their .64 OS. Sure, every OS has some bugs, but I've written enough software in my life to know that it is very tough to write an application that will work with numerous releases.

From what I've read, BB Alerts is the only application that is running without issues on pre .64 but has issues on .64. This leads me to believe that it is something with BB Alerts not the RIM OS.

I'm in no way demeaning your efforts or your application, I wish all developers attacked problems as quickly as you two. I'll let you know how it goes.

Good point. :smile:

brilliant! it finally installs without making me want to use my blackberry as a stress ball! :)

it runs now, so ill see how it goes over a couple days of testing.

i should note that i was rather impatient and skipped the first link provided to a "debug" version. instead i clicked on the second link when the email came through to my berry of your new post in the thread and it ALSO seems like a "debug" version.

are these simply two different links to the same version of the software, or did you accidentally post the debug version in the second link meaning to provide a different version there?

thanks in advance, and as stated a post or two above, i WISH developers of other software would tackle software bugs with such dedication

Well I have it running on .64 and this is definately a "debug" version. I'm playing around with it now. Ran all of the LED tests, but nothing is happening on a missed call.

I never saw the load screen that gave me the "load all at once" option. Also, the alert log say the trial version has expired. Might be the reason for nothing happening with the missed call.

Thanks for the continued work on this.

the load all at once is in the debug version. Umm yeah I just need to change the title of the first screen to loading screen rather than debug screen :)

The difference in the two version I posted is that the debug will stop at the loading screen until you tell it to load while the non debug will fire up after about 3 seconds.

edit: sorry both version allow you to do the load all at once if you click the trackwheel on the load screen. There is no need to do this on the non debug version. I'll be removing that menu shortly.

thanks I will give it a try!

Well, I've been messing around with this for a couple of hours and so far so good. Below are a few observations and questions:

- I don't quite get the Audio Type. What is Seperate Profiles? Also, is the audio supposed to go off at the selected "Alert Repeat Frequency"? It appears just the LED goes off.

- The "Program Controls LED" must be checked to observe the different color LEDs for Calls, emails, messages. Is this correct?

- If you "Close" the program, your alerts stop. You must minimize, correct?

- If I set the time range from 10:00 - 20:00, does this mean the audible won't go off outside of that range? The LEDs will continue providing the "LED Alert Always" box is checked?

- If I power off my Blackberry, when I power it back on I have to restart the BB Alerts program. Is this just in this "debug" version I'm running or is this standard operation?

That's all for now. I'll continue testing, but so far this is a well done application.

I don't want to step on logan's toes here but I can answer a few of your questions. Leave him to do more programming! He should answer the rest:

Seperate Profiles causes the program to create seperate entires in your built in BB OS Profile window. For example, one for SMS and one for Voicemail. Using this, you can change the type of reminder you get for each of the different events. You may want to be vibrated for SMS reminders but get an audio reminder on missed voicemail. If you just select Profiles, it will use the same setting for all types.

The LED settings are applied across the board regardless of how you have the AUDIO TYPE set. You control the LED actions seperately using the LED assignment option.

The frequency applies to all reminders. If you are only getting the LED, my guess is that you have not set the BB Alert sound in your regular OS profiles. Logan might have another idea. I am assuing the audio test produced sound.

Absolutely! It starts with that unchecked by default. You must check it if you want to use the awesome LED effects.


Yes, it has to remain running in the background. On my Pearl, I just use the ESCAPE key to "exit".


LOGAN SHOULD ANSWER THOSE LAST TWO. I'm not sure which version is actually up on the server(s) and the scheduling feature is new.


I have been using the current version for days now and it works great on my Pearl. I have not extensively tested the schedule feature though. I think it will really grow on you - you'll become addicted like me!

Definitely let Logan know if you notice any problems.