CrackBerry.com blogs

Just a few contests this week, but still some great apps. We have offerings of Stop Turning!, MeterBerry and Leave It On, as well as some unlock codes from CellUnlock. If you haven't entered yet, you still have a few hours to get in on the fun. Just head over to the original contest posts and leave a comment. Thanks as always to the generous developers and retailers who make our contests possible week after week. If you'd like to run a contest of your own, shoot and email to editorial(at)crackberry.com for more info.

• Leave It On Updated to v.1.5 - 100 Free Copies >>
• MeterBerry System Information Utility - 100 Free Copies >> 
• Stop Turning! Locks Your Storm Screen Orientation - 50 Free Copies >>
  
• Contest: Demo Video Of Telenav GPS Navigator Running On BlackBerry Bold 9700 And Giveaway >>
  
• Contest: Win 1 of 100 Free Unlock Codes For Your BlackBerry Bold 9700! >>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Contest Reminder: BlackBerry Unlock Codes, Stop Turning!, Meterberry and Leave It On

With the BlackBerry Developers Conference now in the history books, the next big event for Research In Motion is the EMEA Alliance Summit 2009, which is to be held in Rome, Italy on November 25th - 27th. The Alliance Summit is set up in order for Alliance members to meet up and learn about the new tools and innovations coming from Research In Motion and give insight into where technology is headed.

In addition to the social networking aspect of the summit, it will also give way to opening discussion regarding the BlackBerry Alliance program offerings and how it may be improved for the better. You'll also wanna check out one of the highlights of the event. The EMEA BlackBerry Innovation Awards, which will showcase how BlackBerry Alliance Members are delivering innovative and compelling services and products to end-users.

• For More Information Head On Over To The BlackBerry Developers Blog >>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. EMEA BlackBerry Alliance Summit 2009 To Be Held In Rome, Italy, This Week

Elecite has got an interesting new theme available. Sentient, looking like BumbleBee from Transformers is another from their cyborg series of themes. 6 user customizable icons take front stage to help get this one started and customized icons behind the "shield" keep the flow of the theme going nicely. If you wanna see Sentient in action, be sure to check out the video here.

Sentient is currently available for the BlackBerry Curve 8900, 95xx, 96xx and finally, 9700 series devices for only $6.99, check out all the screenshots at the Elecite website.

• Purchase And Download Sentient Via The Elecite Website Today>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Sentient- New Premium Theme From Elecite!

I just checked out SmartSig and I have to say it is very cool. One of my long running gripes with BIS email signatures is that they show up at the very bottom of an email, after all the text in the email - even reply or quoted text. With SmartSig you can change that and have your signatures show up right where they belong. The app lets you choose custom signatures for email and SMS, and you can create and edit them right on your device. You'll need to delete your BIS signature for SmartSig to work properly, but from there you're all set. SmartSig runs on all devices with OS 4.3 and higher and is available for $1.50 in the CrackBerry App Store.

• More information and download of SmartSig>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. SmartSig Gives Your More Control Over Email Signatures

It looks like the AT&T branded Curve 8520 dummy units have started to arrive in some stores. The new device is ready for AT&T and was stated to be arriving "in the coming weeks", but no exact date just yet. We've seen this in the past over and over with dummy units and accessories popping up just a few days before the actual device is released. So if you've been waiting on this one, you may not have much longer to go.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. AT&T Curve 8520 Dummy Units Arriving In Stores

Seesmic, one the larger provides of desktop applications for Twitter has moved into the mobile market. As of now, heading on over to the Seesmic website from your BlackBerry will enable you to download the all new BlackBerry Twitter client.

Features:

• All your timelines-Seesmic for BlackBerry groups all your Twitter timelines into one simple application. Whether you want to scroll through your friends timeline, check on a saved search, view a list or want to find a private conversation with a friend, everything is one click away from the main menu.
• Saved search and list support- Searches and lists saved on your Twitter account are automatically imported and made available inside the BlackBerry application – a first for a Twitter application the BlackBerry.
• URL Shortening -We integrated the same URL shortening capability than in our popular Desktop client. Just type a URL, press the shortening button and we’ll transform your long URL into a really small one so you have more space for your tweets.
• Background Notifications -While it is running in the background, Seesmic for BlackBerry will alert you to received Direct Messages and @Replies that require your attention. This is done using the familiar system-wide icon notification bar that alerts you to new mail, sms messages and voicemails.

Two versions are currently available while in beta and alpha stages v1.0 for BlackBerry devices running OS 4.6 and higher, and an alpha v1.0b for the Tour 9630 and Storm series devices. No support to be found for 4.5 or anything less then, but in all reality who would be running anything less then anyways? Give it a shot, let us know how it works in the comments.

• More Information And Downloads Available Via The Seesmic Website>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Seesmic Releases Twitter Application For BlackBerry Smartphones!

As more and more BlackBerry lovers are getting their hands onto the BlackBerry Bold 9700 it's time for us to go ahead and have a contest for you all. We've teamed up with CellUnlock once again to bring you all 100 free unlock codes for ANY BlackBerry Bold 9700 carrier.

In addition to the 100 free codes, CellUnlock will give away 100 more additional unlock codes if we can help them break 1,000 followers on Twitter so be sure to follow CellUnlocknet and give em a shout.

[Contest will run until Novemeber 25th. Please enter only once, duplicate entries will be ignored and of course, big thanks go out to CellUnlock for offering this up. Good luck to you all.] 

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Contest: Win 1 of 100 Free Unlock Codes For Your BlackBerry Bold 9700!!

Sick of your Storm's screen rotating when you don't want it to? Would you just like to keep it in landscape or portrait mode? Well Epic Applications has the solution for you. Stop Turning! does just what its name implies - it stops your screen from rotating when you don't want it to. Simply hit the menu key and select Stop Turning! to lock your device's screen into its current orientation. I have found this application to be extremely useful when I put my Storm down to read an email, and the screen keeps jumping between orientations. Stop Turning! supports OS 4.7 and 5.0 on the Storm and Storm2. Its on sale in the Crackberry App Store for $1.49 till November 22nd.

Contest: We have 50 free copies of Stop Turning! to give away. Just leave a comment on this post to enter. Contest ends this Sunday at Midnight PST. Please only leave one comment - multiple entries won't count.

• More information and download of Stop Turning!>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Stop Turning! Locks Your Storm Screen Orientation - 50 Free Copies

Beejive has released a new beta of their all-in-one IM client. Beta 1.9.7 is geared toward OS 5.0 users, and has a bunch of updated features. Beejive was kind of shaky on some 5.0 builds, so the new beta hopes to get closer to a fully working version. Features include:

• file transfers via link, you can now transfer files to buddies on all IM accounts.
  
• email push when app running in background (see preferences in app).
  
• send voice notes
  
• send GPS location (if supported by phone)
  
• new chat styles & background images
  
• new buddy list layouts
  
• improved battery life
  
• overall UI redesign
  
• facebook IM
  
• various other bug fixes & enhancements

You can give it a go if you've been having issues with the application on 5.0. Download links and support are available from the Beejive forums.

• Download Beejive IM Beta 1.9.7 for OS 5.0>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Beejive IM Beta 1.9.7 for OS 5.0 Devices

In my hunting for a new theme for my 9700 last night I came across Liquid Chrome. Liquid Chrome is one of the new theme builder 5.0 themes that are now starting to show up, practically on a hourly basis in the theme shop. While I'm not typically a fan of yellow, the transitions in Liquid chrome caught my eye enough to give it a shot and I have to say I don't mind yellow so much any more. The theme developer, Jake has taken the time to make sure all the transistions flow nicely throughout the theme and let's face it that wallpaper is just plain cool. Liquid chrome has a full hidden dock and hidden today sections to keep it looking clean, while keeping you up to date as well.

Liquid Chrome is available for the Bold, Storm, Tour, Curve 8900 and 8520 as well as the Pearl Flip for only $3.99 until November 30th. Be sure to check it out - and if you are running a 5.0 device be sure to use the 5.0 version if you want to have the transitions work as noted.

• Purchase And Download Liquid Chrome Today For Only $3.99>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Liquid Chrome Premium Theme Now Available For $3.99 With Updated Support For 5.0 Devices

Our I Love My BlackBerry Contest was a HUGE success. Thanks to all those who entered. You should have received an email about your prizes (if not contact sitesupport(at)crackberry.com). We just have to give a shout to all of our sponsors for providing awesome prizes for the contest - we couldn't have done it without them. Big thanks to Schlage, Slacker, ShaoSoft, Dreamtheme, Coveroo, SmrtGuard and ShopCrackBerry for the goods. Hit the jump to check out all the generous donations from our sponsors.

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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. I Love My BlackBerry Contest - Thank You Sponsors!

This one is for the Hockey fans out there that just want quick update access to all the NHL hockey scores. Hockey Scores is a small app that does just that and nothing more. In your hand and up to the minute scores from the NHL every time you open that app. Lightweight and fast, Hockey Scores is currently available for all devices and can be picked up in BlackBerry App World. If you are looking for a more feature rich application, you may wish to have a look at The Hockey News Mobile or Scoremobile

• Download Hockey Scores From BlackBerry App World Today>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Get Your Hockey Updates Quickly with Hockey Scores

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Get It Now: Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 FREE!

Mid-November greetings to you all. This week I'm mixing things up just a bit. I'm doing away with the 'on sale' portion just for now... and have added another title into the 'new' and 'in case you missed it' sections. Not much of a 'spicing up', but a change is as good as a rest. Covered in this weeks' edition of the roundup are the following apps:

In Case You Missed It: WordPress Mobile Updated... Moving out of Beta Soon, BlackBerry IM Clients Updated, TwitterBerry Becomes OpenBeak, FileScout 1.5.0.0 Released, Berry Wars Renamed and Revamped

New This Week: Revball, Mytopia Texas Holdem Live for the Bold and Storm, e-Mobile GPS FindMe, Android Theme for the Bold 9700, Colorbeat

Cool at BlackBerry App World: Fierce Towers

Freebie of the Week: shaqBerry

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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry App Roundup for November 20th, 2009!

The BlackBerry Curve 8530 Smartphone is now available from Verizon Wireless. The device is available in both Black and Smoky Violet, and will run you $99.99 with a new 2-year contract (and online discount). The latest CDMA device supports Wifi, has a 2.0 MP camera, music player, bluetooth capability and more. You an also grab the Curve 8530 as part of Verizon's BOGO promo and pick up another 8530 (or select other devices) free. Head over to verizonwireless.com to check it out, or swing by your local Verizon retailer.

• More information on the BlackBerry Curve 8530>> 
• Check out our 8530 features: 8530 Review | 8530 Image Gallery | 8530 Unboxing | 8530 features and Specifications

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry Curve 8530 Now Available From Verizon Wireless

When it rains it pours!! If you didn't see our Photos of the new BlackBerry Pearl 9100 (codenamed stratus/striker), be sure to check them out along with the photos spotted/posted by our buddy salomondrin. He also posted up the sweet video above (though it's not him in the video doing the talking per usual - but we're sure that'll happen soon and we'll post all the good stuff he brings). Be sure to watch the video. The new BlackBerry Pearl is going to be one SWEET device.

• Discuss this video in our new BlackBerry Pearl 8100 forum >>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Video First Look: BlackBerry Pearl 9100!

First Live Photos of the new BlackBerry Pearl 9100!!

OoohHHH BaBy!! Any BlackBerry Pearl fans out there? I know there are. And I know so many of you have been waiting for Research in Motion to release an updated version of the candybar-styled BlackBerry Pearl 81xx Series Smartphone. Good news. The wait is getting shorter, because what you're looking at in these photos is the new BlackBerry Pearl 9100! 

We've actually been sitting on these pictures of the new 3G BlackBerry Pearl 9100 for a while now with this post sitting in the queue ready to go live (for obvious reasons -- source's request -- we can't always post stuff the second we have it), but now that it's out there (good stuff Sal!!) we can post these babies up. Be sure to look below for more photos.

As you can see, the new BlackBerry Pearl (has gone by the codename stratus and/or striker we think.... codenames are so confusing sometimes) gets its styling from the latest generation of the BlackBerry Smartphones. The new Pearl really looks like a narrowed down BlackBerry Bold 9700, but with the full physical qwerty keyboard swapped out in favor of a slick new SureType design. We didn't post any photos of it here, but under the battery door the new Pearl features a newly-designed battery. Lots more specs and info to come soon, but for now enjoy the photos! For those who appreciate a small device, this is going to be the one you want. 

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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Live Images of the New 3G BlackBerry Pearl 9100!!

Ever since I had a chance to play with the Curve 8520, I have held a special place in my BlackBerry heart for the revamped 85xx series devices. It flashes me back to the days of my 8830 and being a new BlackBerry user. I think the Curve 8530 would have been a much better starting point, and is definitely a great choice for those entering the BlackBerry world for the first time. The smooth design and lightweight build make the device one that just feels good. Its easy to hold, has great trackpad navigation and sports the familiar Curve keyboard. The addition of the dedicated media buttons along the top of the device are an added bonus as well. So lets jump in and find out why the Curve 8530 is not a step back like some may think, and rather a great "starter" device for new BlackBerry users and "dumbphone" converts.

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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 Review

While trying to crank out the Curve 8530 review, it was kind enough to take a few minutes and pose solo and with some friends. Not much new to show off, but I tried to catch the best angles so you get the idea of how sleek the device really is. Hit the jump for some shots from all sides, as well as a few side-by-side with some Verizon buddies both old and new.

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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 Image Gallery

Here is a quick look at the new BlackBerry Curve 8530 from Verizon Wireless. In the box you'll find the device, wall charger, USB cable and headset. This is a reveiw unit so it most likely isn't what the retail box will look like (they will have a sleeve with artwork etc) so don't worry about the looks too much. Take a look at the video for a quick unboxing, and then jump into the Curve 8530 Features and Specifications, Curve 8530 Image Gallery or the Curve 8530 Review.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 Unboxing Video

Full Features and Specs List for the BlackBerry Curve 8530

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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 Features and Specifications

We just got word that Facebook has been updated to version 1.7.0.22. No notes on what is new, but most likely nothing major. The last release was a pretty decent overhaul, so I would think nothing more than a few tweaks and bug fixes this time. You can upgrade by heading over to blackberry.com/facebook from your device.

On a side note, check out the image after the jump. I tried to upgrade the app from the Facebook mobile site on my Bold 9700 and saw "Download a Facebook bookmark for your Onyx". The link took me to a download page for a launcher of some sort. On every other device I have I've been able to download the app from the same page. Just found it interesting to say the least.

• Download Facebook 1.7.0.22 for BlackBerry>>

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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Facebook for BlackBerry Updated to 1.7.0.22

One of the most useful apps I have found for my BlackBerry has to be RailBandit. I frequently take the train from New Jersey into New York City, so having the live schedules right on my device have made life so much easier. I got word today that RailBandit has added an NYC Subway app to their lineup. The new application allows you to find the fastest route between any two subway stations taking into account the current schedules. It will show you departure and arrival times as well as any wait time. There is also a map to help you locate the nearest station and it stores your trips as favorites. The best part is that the app works offline so you don't have to worry about having data coverage when you're underground. NYC Subway sells for $5.95 in the CrackBerry App Store and has a 5 day free trial.

• More information and download of NYC Subway>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. NYC Subway for BlackBerry Smartphones Shows Maps, Locations and More

Here is a new OS leak for all of the new Bold 9700 owners. You've got it all setup, so why not jump in and get a new OS installed? No reports of what is new/different with this one, so install at your own risk. The stock 5.0 seems to be running well across most devices, so its up to you to decide if you want to jump on this one or not.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). Follow the links below for more information and instructions. *

• Download leaked OS 5.0.0.351 for the Bold 9700>>
• Instructions: How to Upgrade your BlackBerry's Operating System >>
• Instructions: How to Downgrade your BlackBerry's Operating System >>
• Instructions: Mess things up? Fix a Bricked BlackBerry Here >>

[ The BlackBerry Zone ]

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Leaked: OS 5.0.0.351 for the BlackBerry Bold 9700

Word on the street is that US Cellular may be the next carrier in line for the Curve 8530. The device is soon to be available on both Verizon and Sprint, and US Cellular may be the next in line on December 10th. US Cellular customers just recently had a chance to grab the Tour 9630, so having another new device in such a short time is a great addition to their lineup. Verizon customers only have a few hours to wait until the release, while Sprint customers can sign up to be notified of the release.

[BlackBerry Rocks]

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry Curve 8530 Headed to US Cellular on December 10th?

*UPDATE: Looks like we were right - no 5.0 this time. Verizon has posted OS 4.7.1.61 on their update page, so go ahead and grab it from this link if you're still rocking the stock OS.*

Rumor has it that the Verizon Tour 9630 will be receiving and official OS update from Verizon tonight. Before you get too excited, it may not be that 5.0 that everyone is looking for. If the rumors are true, it may only be OS 4.7.1.61 that is being made official. The update will be available through Desktop Manager and the Smith Micro update site. We only have a few hours to go since the update should show up around 5pm EST. Check out this thread in the forums for more info, and we'll update this post later when/if the update pops up.

• Discuss more in the CrackBerry forums>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Verizon OS Update for the Tour 9630 Tonight?

Save 55% when you purchase these five best-selling accessories together....

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Introducing the Storm2 SuperBundle: Get FIVE Best-Selling Accessories for your BlackBerry Storm2 at One LOW Price!

Mad Skillz - Entry #51 - Professional Yo-Yo Berry

OK folks, this is our last shout-outs post in what was a purely awesome I Love My BlackBerry Video contest. For this final round, I went through the videos and have highlighted in this post nine entries that really grabbed my attention for different reasons. I'll give a brief overview, and then you can watch all the videos below. As for the video above... well... let's just say it hit a sweet spot with me because back when I was 8 years old (in '88) I remember watching the Smothers Brothers reunion season on CBS. The Yo-Yo Man (Tom Smothers) was my HERO. Seriously, I was addicted to yo-yos long before I became addicted to BlackBerrys.

More Shout Out Awards:

• Mad Skillz Award - Aron Bendet is the Yo-Yo Berry
• First Entry In - Props to Matthios Rios for getting this video in just hours after we announced the competition
• From the Heart - Robert Sinisi's video is straight from the heart. Our best wishes go out to his sister
• Most Educational - We can now sign BlackBerry thanks to Jenna Endicott's entry
• More Mad Skilz - Marco Hartig killed his BlackBerry... in style
• Most Money Spent on a Video - Troy Peterson.. you is crazy! Watch him buy 7,000 shares of RIMM for close to half a million dollars :)
• Passion & Awesomeness - Troy Reynold's Inglorious BlackBerry Addict tale is a must-watch!
• Gag Reel Award - Troy Anderson's documentary had an awesome Gag Reel at the end. Kudos to that!!
• CrackBerry Crazy Awesome - BlackBerrying while Sky Diving? YOU BET!

In addition to our Slacker, SmrtGuard and ShaoSoft Prizes going out to all contestants that put in an entry, all of our shout-out winners will also get their own Coveroo and DreamTheme Prime Theme! 

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CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. iluvmybb contest - Other Awesome Entry Video Shout Outs!

Drivesafe.ly, the application which reads you emails and SMS messages to you while you are driving has hit a big milestone. 1 Million users are now putting Drivesafe.ly to work for them and making the roads a little bit safer for all. The application is great for those who need to have their information asap but not willing to put their and others safety at risk while driving.

Drivesafe.ly comes in two versions, free and premium with the premium version eliminating ad's that are played before hearing your messages. One thing to note though if you are planning on using the app, which I really wish Drivesafe.ly would make more obvious is that it will email the sender of every message read to let them know you are using Drivesafe.ly. Rather annoying if you do not adjust the settings.

Contest: We have 25 free copies of Drivesafe.ly to give away. Just leave a comment on this post to enter. Contet ends this Sunday at Midnight PST. Please only leave one comment, multiple entries won't count.

• Download Drivesafe.ly For All BlackBerry Devices Today>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Drivesafe.ly Hits 1 Million Users Helping Keep The Roads We Drive On Safer - 25 Free Copies

T-Mobile looks to be revamping all kinds of plans and devices lately, and their latest offering dubbed T-Mobile Complete just adds to the fun. The new program allows for contract-free devices, namely the Curve 8520. According to Engadget, you can grab the Curve 8520 for $299.99 or a Pearl for $149.99. The first month of service is including free, but you're on your own after that. The plans start around $59.99, so not a bad deal if you are weary of getting in on a contract. The T-Mobile Complete packages should be arriving in Best Buy and WalMart just in time for the holiday season.

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. T-Mobile Complete Offers Contract Free BlackBerry Devices