We oftentimes use lingo here on BBGeeks that might be foreign to some users. In an effort to clear up any confusion as to what we mean with certain acronyms, we’re going to take the time to explain as many of them as possible. First up: OTA.
The acronym stands for Over The Air. This usually refers to downloads. You might see links saying OTA. In such an instance, it means that you can download the application directly to your device, without having to download it to your computer and load it with BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
The advantage of downloading OTA is that it’s one process. Instead of using multiple devices and taking multiple steps to download and install software, OTA downloads offer instant installation. Once you hit “Download” (example shown below), that’s it. You’re done. The application (or theme) is yours.
The disadvantage is that it uses your data plan. For those of us in the U.S., that’s not much of a problem. We have essentially unlimited transfers from our BlackBerry devices, so Over The Air downloads mean little in the long run. However, up in Canada there are caps on data usage, so downloading applications over the air can eat into that and run up your bill.
I hope this explains things on a basic level. Any questions?
7 comments… read them below or add one
WTF? Why do people always post “In Canada we have limits on our data plans”? I’ve had UNLIMITED data from Telus since Feb 2008!
Can you please tell me if I can create personal folders for the SMS messages on my BB curve 8900?
Thanks a lot
Unfortunately you can not make sub folders in your Sms on the BlackBerry
Très favorable journée à vous tous ,
Premièrement, donnez-moi la chance de vous montrer mon appréciation pour chacune des excellentes informations que j’ai rencontrées sur cet formidable phorum .
Je ne suis pas convaincue d’être au bon endroit mais je n’en ai pas trouvé de meilleur.
Je réside à Ottawa, usa. J’ai 30 années et j’éduque quatre super enfants qui sont tous âgés entre deux ou 10 ans (1 est adoptée ). J’aime énormément beaucoup les animaux et j’essaie de leur donner les fournitures qui leur rendent la vie plus à l’aise .
Merci à l’avance pour toutes les palpitantes débats à venir et je vous remercie de votre compréhension pour mon français moins qu’idéal : ma langue de naissance est l’espagnol et je fais de mon mieux de m’enseigner mais c’est très difficile!
A une autre fois
Arthru
My Canadian plan in Quebec with Koodo in DEC 2010 for a Curve demands a $25 data plan, which I can switch out of at any time. However, that would mean no more access to data. I was told that because BBs are more secure, not like Androids or other phones, that is the reason it costs morw. Now that I read about Telus’ deal, it makes me feel as though I’ve been had. Is it true? I use WiFi mostly at home, but occasionally the transmission signal for the web access. Any comments are helpful.
So once I downloaded the application by OTA method. How can I remove it. It doesn’t show anywhere I can’t trace the file to delete it. Help!
Pat, it should be listed under Options, Advanced Options, Applications. Or, if you have OS 6 or 7, it’s under Options, Device, Application Management. You should be able to delete any application from this screen.