BlackBerry has finally started the “Keep Moving Projects” cultural influencer program, which was announced at the launch of new Blackberry products earlier this year. The brand’s creative director Alicia Keys along with Robert Rodriguez and Neil Gaiman are inviting the global audience to work with them on a series of projects, which require creative vision and desire to leave a mark. Alicia’s and Neil’s projects have already been launched, while Robert’s one is yet to come.

The smartphones market welcomes a new product—yesterday, January 30, RIM launched “the re-designed, re-engineered, and re-invented BlackBerry platform” at the event, which was held in six cities—New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Dubai, and Johannesburg—at the same time. Along with the unveiling of the new platform and product, the tech giant has made another major announcement—the company’s name was changed from RIM to BlackBerry to build a stronger connection between the product and the manufacturer.

Samsung continues its smartphones war, but now the rival is not iPhone, but BlackBerry. While in the spot, which mocked the Apple phone fans, Samsung focused on entertainment, in the new BlackBerry-targeting video it highlights the benefits of its Galaxy Note II for business users. Of course, it’s not a coincidence that the new ad got revealed ahead of the launch of the long-awaited Blackberry 10 (BB10) operating system on January 30.

Starbucks announced the expansion of its Starbucks Card Mobile payment test to nearly 300 company-operated stores in New York City, and Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. This builds on the successful launch of Starbucks Card Mobile App for select BlackBerry® smartphones, iPhone® and iPod® touch, and the Starbucks mobile payment test which started in fall 2009. Now, Starbucks next mobile move will offer customers in the New York City area an enhanced Starbucks Experience, including the ease and convenience of paying for their favorite Starbucks® beverage with their mobile phone.