Why No Love For The Touchscreen Mike?

*UPDATE* RIM has informed us that we misunderstood Mike Lazaridis' comments. Supposedly, what Mike truly meant was that (according to surveys) the public does not want "touch-only" phones, but would rather have a Touchscreen/QWERTY hybrid device. Obviously, we can understand this is to be their belief and direction, with a 'Slider' in the works. We can be confident again that Mike does love touchscreen phones...at least ones with full QWERTY keyboards. Please read the full Q&A after the break...

NeatCall BlackBerry Application

So we have just gotten word that Neatcall, a mobile scheduling and conferencing solutions provider, has just released a new BlackBerry application.  The app is specifically focused on the needs of the business community.  Neatcall can be downloaded from www.neatcall.com/blackberry or from BlackBerry App World.  The main idea of the application is that it allows its users to find the best time slot for any interaction and connects all users to a preferred communication tool.  Some key features include:  Time saving, choosing the best time slot, and determining the meeting type.  Users can connect to the system by email, Web, or SMS and it also synchronizes with the device calendar and the Blackberry contacts list.

Also, make sure that you check out the full overview or download the free, pro, and gold versions here.

Blackberry Bold 9650 Features and Specifications - May 27th Release?

So our friends over at Crackberry got their hands on some info about the features and specifications of the Bold 9650.  The image above shows that this BlackBerry device may be released on May 27th, 2010.  Some of the features listed are:

  • 1xEVDO/3G
  • 3.2 Megapixel Camera
  • GPRS/UMTS
  • GSM Quad Band 850/9001800/1900 mHz
  • GSM Dual Band 900/1800 Mhz
  • 2.4" TFT LCD Display, 480x360 65k color support
  • Bluetooth
There has been a lot of buzz developing around the release of this Blackberry lately, so hopefully more details will surface in the near future about the Bold 9650 and when it will actually become available.  How many of you are going to make this your next device?  Let us know in the comments!

Otterbox Defender Case for BlackBerry Review



We've tried a number of different cases for our beloved BlackBerry, but couldn't find a case we felt was 100% protective. We heard many great things about the structural integrity of Otterbox cases, but needed personal assurance so we tested one ourselves. You can read the full review or simply skip to the very bottom to watch a video with stress test, after the break...

T-Mobile USA Getting White BlackBerry Bold 9700 on May 15th



We've heard about European T-Mobile receiving the BlackBerry Bold 9700 in white. The guys at TMoNews have uncovered that it will release in the USA as speculated. According to the leaked internal document it shows the white 9700 should release by May 15th. The white color follows along a new color scheme RIM seems to like and so do we as this 9700 looks quite sexy.

BlackBerry Curve 8520 OS 5.0.0.610 Leaked Online



The guys over at CrackBerry got their hands on OS 5.0.0.610 for the Curve 8520. There shouldn't be too much different with this OS from the 9000 and 8900 we leaked earlier today. In truth OS .610 is still the same platform as the last leaked OS', so probably not a huge change. Nevertheless, it should still improve your berry so fire it up!


*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. 

MemoryUp Pro Updated to v3.5; Get 50% Off!



eMobiStudio let us know that MemoryUp Pro had been updated to version 3.5! MemoryUp Pro is a powerful mobile RAM boosting tool and Java virtual machine (JVM) management application specially designed for BlackBerry. Get it for 50% OFF by using the promo code "BBLEAKS" when ordering through MobiHand valid April 16th thru 23rd 2010.

Find out more about MemoryUp Pro after the break...

BlackBerry Bold 9000 / Curve 8900 OS 5.0.0.610 Leaked



This was a bit of an unexpected surprise, but definitely a welcomed leak. It seems these devices are getting new OS' left and right, which is a good sign for progress towards OS 6! If you're a Bold 9000 or Curve 8900 user you will find this OS .610 very handy if you've got time to load it up.


*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. 

RIM Does Buyback; Repurchases 2 Million Shares



Research In Motion today announced the completion of 2 million shares or about 0.36% of its common shares. The purchase largely completes the $1.2 billion buyback RIM announced in November 2009, along with a previous purchase of 3.9 million shares.

RIM said in 2009 it plans on buying up to 21 million shares or 3.6% of their common shares.

[via Reuters]

BlackBerry Bold 9650 Releasing On US Cellular With Mail-In-Rebate?



An image emerged today on HowardForums showing a new mail-in-rebate promotion by US Cellular. To our surprise it shows one of the eligible devices to be the BlackBerry Bold 9650! What is even stranger is the promotion starts April 16th and ends July 15th 2010.

While we doubt the 9650 will be available in two days on US Cellular, it is still interesting that it may be up for an MIR. When do you think the Bold 9650 will release?


BlackBerry Pearl 9100 / 9105 OS 5.0.0.623 Leaked



Yes, we know that many, many of you will not find OS .623 for the BlackBerry Pearl 9100/9105 very useful (since it still hasn't released). However, many hybrid builders will find this as gold for making you all great hybrid OS' for your devices. Nevertheless, if you are lucky enough to have the next Pearl, fire this "OS 6" up and let us know how it is.


*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. 

BlackBerry Bold 9650 OS 5.0.0.591 Leaked Online



Our good friends over at GizmoFusion got their hands on OS .591 for the Bold 9650. There was already a leak for OS .601, but that was the Sprint version and .591 is the Verizon edition. It will be great for this device to release in end of April, beginning of May so the OS' are of use!


*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. 

BigTinCan FaceOff Preview Release

We have gotten word that the popular application maker, BigTinCan, plans to release an application for the BlackBerry Storm.  The app is called FaceOff, and is essentially a quick and easy way to switch back and forth between two sound profiles by using the Storm's accelerometer.  When you place your device on a surface with the phone face up, the sound profile will be set to loud/normal (user defined).  If you place the device on a surface with the phone face down, the sound profile will be set to vibrate/silent (user defined).  The app itself is very intuitive and easy to use and could be a great tool for those of us who spend time in meetings or classroom settings on a regular basis.  The expected release date for FaceOff is mid-April, and it will be available in the BlackBerry AppWorld and Mobihand for $4.99. Screen shots after the jump.

Verizon Indirectly Confirms BlackBerry Bold 9650 on NFL App Website



Our friends over at GizmoFusion let us know that Verizon had mistakenly listed the BlackBerry Bold 9650 on the official NFL app website. It is interesting they would let this slip out. What else is strange is they did not capitalize the 'b' in the 'Berry' part of BlackBerry, as they did in the others listed.

Even more strange is the fact that we're getting reports some people can still see the Bold 9650 on the list, while some others say it has been taken off of the list. Try using different web browsers and check out www.verizonwireless.com/nfl Let us know if you can still see it by clicking on 'view compatible devices'.

BlackBerry OEM Accessories Still Shipping Out With 'Tour 2' Labeling?



We've just been given this screenshot of a RIM OEM BlackBerry accessory. Nothing looks too special right? Well, take a closer look to the lower left-hand corner. You will see it says Tour 2!

Kik Chat Launches for BlackBerry; Offers Free Texting to Anyone




Kik let us know that they have officially launched their chat service for BlackBerry and iPhone. Kik lets you chat with any of your contacts for free; even if they aren't a Kik user too.

BlackBerry Storm2 9520 OS 5.0.0.612 Leaked



The BlackBerry Storm2 9520 has been getting a lot of OS love lately. OS .580 was recently made official and we've seen various leaked OS', which is understood considering the 9520 is more widely available then the 9550. On that note, any 9520 users looking to upgrade now can check out .612! This is not a DRM release, but you should look into using a hybrid (since they're just as easy to install).


*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur. 

UAProf Doc Shows BlackBerry 9800 With OS 6.0!



There has been a lot of buzz lately with new devices being found using BlackBerry.net. This time model 9800 has been found through this UAProf document, running OS 6.0, full QWERTY keyboard, 360x480 display, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity.