Rogers BlackBerry Bold 9700 Will Be TalkSpot Compatible

10/31/2009 04:33:00 PM View Comments



We've already seen images of the Rogers BlackBerry Bold 9700 dummy phones beginning to arrive at Rogers deployment warehouses and some stores. Now, according to this chart, which shows the specs of the BlackBerry devices Rogers carries, the Bold 9700 will Talkspot compatible. We're hoping nothing changes and Talkspot is available at release, which is supposed to be November 4th.

The Rogers Talkspot is an awesome feature that lets you make unlimited calls as long as you are in your "home calling zone". The Rogers Bold 9700 will be available for $299.99 on a 3-year contract with a minimum $45 monthly Voice and Data plan.

Michael Jackson Autopsy Photo Leaked on a BlackBerry?

10/29/2009 02:07:00 PM View Comments


The coroner is denying that there have been any leaked images of the autopsy on the 'king of pop', Michael Jackson. However, there are rumors that a Los Angeles restaurant owner is in possession of a high-resolution image of Michael Jackson during his autopsy.
The rumored man trying to sell the image was reported to have attained it from a BlackBerry that was obtained from a police source. He's said to be selling the image for $1million or to the highest bidder. The rumored image from the BlackBerry is said to show Jackon's head, featuring his shaved scalp minus make-up. A scar is supposedly visible and his tattooed eyebrows.

So you think Michael Jackson would be scarier looking alive of dead? RIP MJ!

PhoneSnoop BlackBerry Spying App Warning Issued

10/29/2009 01:53:00 PM View Comments


Uh oh, to all you who like to spy on others, the US-CERT has issued an official warning against PhoneSnoop. This BlackBerry app allows an attacker to call a user's BlackBerry and listen to personal conversations. In order to install and setup the PhoneSnoop application, attackers must have physical access to the user's device or convince a user to install PhoneSnoop.

Here's a nice video showing exactly how it works, straight from the developer:

Here’s how it works:
You install and run PhoneSnoop on a victims’ BlackBerry.  PhoneSnoop sets up a PhoneListener and waits for an incoming call from a specific number.  Once it detects a call from that specific number, it automatically answers the victims’ phone and puts the phone into SpeakerPhone mode.  This way, the attacker that called can now hear whats going on at the victims end.  Pretty simple right?

It will be interesting to see if this app becomes blacklisted and can no longer be downloaded. Are you using this app or plan to? Tell us what you think about it and why you'd use it.

Boingo Wi-Fi Now Available for BlackBerry Curve and Bold

10/29/2009 01:28:00 PM View Comments


For those looking to get the most out of their Wi-Fi enabled BlackBerrys need to consider a Boingo account. Currently only available for the Curve 8900, 8320 and Bold 9000 (we're hoping they'll cover most devices very soon) Boingo lets you have a dedicated Wi-Fi connection almost where ever you travel. So far, Boingo has over 100,000 hotspots nationwide!


Read more details from the press release after the break...

Good Charlotte Helps Launch BlackBerry Curve 8520 in Australia

10/29/2009 01:13:00 PM View Comments


Joel Madden and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte arrives at the launch of the new 'Blackberry Curve' at Simmer On The Bay in Sydney, Australia. We've seen a lot of celebrities starting to push the new BlackBerry devices. Recently it was Will.I.Am, of the Black Eyed Peas, that helped push the Curve to the Aussies. Tara Reid was also spotted in Germany helping get the word out on the BlackBerry Bold 9700. RIM is obviously spending quite a bit of money on advertising and promotions for their BlackBerry devices. Do you think they'll get any celebs to push the Storm2?

Deal of the Day: Beyond160 only $3.49

10/29/2009 12:58:00 PM View Comments



Tired of composing a text message and seeing "Field Full" when you still have more to say? Then go Beyond160!

Buy Beyond160 for only $3.49! (was $6.99) >>

Features:
  • A must-have application for users on Verizon, Sprint, Alltel, U.S. Cellular, Bell, Telus, and all other CDMA carriers with a 160 (or 140) character limit when composing a text message.
  • Field full? Simply hit Menu --> Go Beyond160 and continue typing as much as you want.
  • Make your message as long as you want and Beyond160 will automatically send it in multiple parts with the appropriate markers... (1/3), (2/3), (3/3).
  • Sent messages will go to your normal Outbox.
  • Saved drafts will go to your normal Inbox.
  • Send to one recipient, multiple recipients, or even contact groups you've created.
  • If you're tired of re-wording your text to try and make it fit... If you're tired of creating another message just to finish your thoughts... If you're tired of switching to MMS and not knowing if they'll receive it... Then get Beyond160 and experience the freedom!
  • Beyond160 will also work with QuickText, if installed, so try them both for the ultimate in texting efficiency.
  • Fully Operational 14 Day Trial Period
  • PLEASE NOTE - Each message part is just like a normal SMS text message sent from your BlackBerry. So, if you don't have an unlimited text messaging plan, then carrier charges may apply. For example... If you type a message that is 350 characters long, Beyond160 will send it in 3 parts, which is the same as sending 3 individual text messages.

Kanye West Gets Slapped for His Berry Addiction

10/29/2009 12:34:00 PM View Comments


I know us BlackBerry addicts are constantly getting harassed for paying too much attention to our phones instead of what we're supposed to be doing or whom we're supposed to be talking to. In this case, Kanye is indulging into his BlackBerry Curve and it's too much for Spike Jonze to handle before Spike gives Kanye the slap! 

BlackBerry Curve 8520 Now Available in Hong Kong

10/29/2009 10:51:00 AM View Comments



The first BlackBerry smartphone in Hong Kong with innovative touch-sensitive trackpad and integrated media keys

Hong Kong - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520 smartphone in Hong Kong. The slim and stylish handset, a new addition to the BlackBerry Curve series of smartphones, is expected to be available from 3 Hong Kong, China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, PCCW mobile and SmarTone-Vodafone from early November*.

The new BlackBerry Curve 8520 introduces an innovative touch-sensitive trackpad which makes scrolling and selection smooth and easy for an exceptional navigation experience. It is also the first BlackBerry® smartphone to feature dedicated media keys, which are smoothly integrated along the top of the handset giving customers an easy, convenient way to control their music and videos.

The user-friendly BlackBerry Curve 8520 provides easy access to email, messaging (IM, SMS, MMS) and social networking sites (including Facebook® and MySpace), and features a highly tactile full-QWERTY keyboard for comfortable, accurate typing. It is also Wi-Fi®-enabled and includes rich multimedia capabilities with easy access to music, games and other mobile apps for entertainment on the go.

“The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is an incredibly approachable and feature-rich handset that delivers all the great messaging, social networking and multimedia features that customers have come to love about BlackBerry smartphones. It's an ideal choice for the first-time smartphone user and we are very pleased to launch the BlackBerry Curve 8520 with our carrier partners in Hong Kong,” said Norm Lo, Vice President, Asia Pacific at Research In Motion.



Read more after break...

Verizon Officially Releases OS 5.0.0.320 for Storm2 9550

10/29/2009 10:24:00 AM View Comments


Many BlackBerry users were worried that the new Storm2 from Verizon was going to be behind in it's launching OS (much like the original Storm was). Luckily, for all the new Storm2 9550 owners, Verizon has officially released OS 5.0.0.320! We're not sure of the changes or upgrades that have been included, but we're sure the new OS will make the Storm2 run even better. Get OS 5.0.0.320 from here.

If we get any tidbits on what was changed we'll let you know. To all the Storm2 owners, have you upraded? If so, what changes have you noticed, if any?

BlackBerry Tour2 Essex Video

10/28/2009 01:23:00 PM View Comments



CrackBerry got a chance to preview the BlackBerry Tour2, otherwise known as the Essex. The Essex won't be too different from the original Tour. The new additions are slight button aesthetic changes, the inclusion of Wi-Fi, and an optical trackpad.

The Essex is supposed to become available around January/February 2010, but reports are saying that RIM and Verizon want to get this device out even sooner. They would like to include the Essex in Verizon's current 'Buy On Get One' promotion, which the recently released Storm2 is apart of.

Verizon Storm2 TV Commercial

10/28/2009 11:37:00 AM View Comments

The official TV commercial for the BlackBerry Storm2 from Verizon.


[Click Here to watch on your Mobile]


That's a pretty hot video. With a silent launch as this, it will be interesting to see how well the Storm2 sells.

Storm2 9550 Released; BOGO Deal Confirmed

10/28/2009 12:46:00 AM View Comments

For everyone looking to purchase the BlackBerry Storm2 9550 from Verizon, wait is over. The Storm2 has officially released online for $179.99 w/ 2yr contract and after a $100 rebate. After some speculation, this is a "Buy One, Get One Free" or "Buy One, Get Up to 4 Free" promotion limited to 1 set per order!
Go ahead, buy the Storm2 here.


Verizon Storm2 Accessories Appear Before Launch

10/27/2009 10:21:00 PM View Comments


Oh, look what we found online already...38 accessories for the Storm2 9550 from Verizon! There is everything from Bluetooth headsets to leather pouches. However, the unit itself hasn't appeared. There's only 1 1/2hrs left until it's October 28th! Guess, we'll see if it's truly launching then or not...

Check out all of the accessories here.

Meet BlackBerry Storm2 Product Manager Yasser Mirza

10/27/2009 10:11:00 PM View Comments


Over at the official BlackBerry blog, Inside BlackBerry, they sat down with the product manager, Yasser Mirza, for the BlackBerry Storm2.  Here are the first few Q&A:

Who are you and what do you do?

I'm a CDMA Handhelds Product Manager, which means it's my job to work with the various engineering, marketing, and business groups to help identify, plan and bring to market new BlackBerry smartphone solutions for the CDMA network standard. 
 
When you were first named Product Manager for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone, what went through your mind?
 
I was definitely a little nervous given the magnitude of the project, but also very excited and pumped to hit the ground running managing the development of such a key product. My ambition was to deliver the best possible touch screen phone experience. As a group, we wanted to be sure the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone was seen as a significant evolution of the BlackBerry touch screen platform.


Read the rest of the interview here.

Rogers White Bold 9000 and Bold 9700 Dummy Units Arriving

10/27/2009 07:11:00 PM View Comments


The dummy units for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and white Bold 9000 have started arriving at Rogers stores. The Bold 9700 is about to release with other carriers soon too. The white Bold 9000 has already released under AT&T. It's a shame that they couldn't make the Bold 9700 Onyx in white too! Hopefully they will do so in the near future.

More photos after break...

Curve2 Shows Up In Leaked Verizon Holiday Lineup

10/27/2009 10:11:00 AM View Comments


Some of the BlackBerry devices that are going to be in Verizon's holiday launch aren't news. What hasn't been said is the Curve2 is coming for the holidays! While there isn't necessarily a date, we're assuming it will become available during November. Something that is odd about the holiday lineup brochure is it says the Curve2 will include a private sale...whatever that means. 


Verizon Officially Announces BlackBerry Storm2

10/26/2009 08:46:00 AM View Comments



Verizon has finally announced the Storm2. Finally everyone looking to get this device will get their hands on it in 2 day!

PRESS RELEASE

A Powerful New Storm Rolls Onto Verizon Wireless' Network on Oct. 28

New Operating System for Existing BlackBerry Storm Customers
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY and WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 26, 2009) - Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry(R) Storm2(TM) smartphone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications stores, online at www.verizonwireless.com, and through business sales channels beginning Oct. 28. The BlackBerry Storm2 with BlackBerry(R) OS 5.0 evolves the BlackBerry(R) touchscreen platform with hundreds of hardware and software enhancements - including new SurePress(TM) "clickable" display technology and built-in Wi-Fi(R) - delivering the exceptional multimedia experience and communications capabilities customers have come to expect from their BlackBerry smartphones.

Read more after break....


InPulse SmartWatch Announced; Pre-Orders Begin Today

10/26/2009 08:37:00 AM View Comments


- Only US $149. Roughly half the price of Sony-Ericsson, LG Prada, etc.
- Pre-orders can be entered right now. Not processing CC info at this point, but you need to pre-order to bag your place in line. The first production run will be limited.
-February 2010: first shipping units to consumers

Tech specs:
  • Charges via micro USB
  • 1.3" colour OLED
  • vibrating motor built in
  • Dimensions: 51mm height x 38mm width x 12mm depth (it's a fairly big-style watch, but hey, they're in style this year!)
  • Firmware updates can be pushed to the watch over-the-air, which allows us to have a really short development cycle. New features asap!
Read more after break...


Verizon Officially Releases OS 5.0.0.328 for Storm 9530

10/26/2009 12:48:00 AM View Comments


Verizon has officially released OS 5.0.0.328 for the BlackBerry Storm 9530. Many speculated it was going to release on monday, but we got it as it was originally scheduled. I am personally glad that OS 5.0 is finally official for the Storm 9530. As far as I can tell, with just recently upgrading to .328, the phone is running swift and smooth, like it should have when the Storm first released. If you haven't already open of Desktop Manager on your PC or Mac and it should automatically prompt you for the update. Otherwise, visit http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/