RIM recently updated all the official BlackBerry instant messaging clients to version 2.5.63. If you’re a member of the BlackBerry Beta Zone you’ll notice that these apps are no longer listed since they’ve been updated. I’m personally not a big fan of these apps as I use IM+ Pro (which has a free version), but I know many who still do especially now that BlackBerry 6 integrates them in the Social Feeds app.

For more info or to download the instant messaging apps go to one of the following links from your BlackBerry browser:

• Google Talk
• AOL Instant Messenger
• Windows Live Messenger
• Yahoo! Messenger
• ICQ

You can also find the new versions in the BlackBerry App World. If you spot any changes be sure to mention them in the comments!

T-Mobile yesterday released OS 5.0.0.822 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 and 8900. This version has been available from a few other carriers for a while now but if you prefer using your own carrier’s version and are on T-Mobile, here’s your chance to update!

• Download: OS 5.0.0.822 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 & 8900 from T-Mobile
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments.

REMEMBER: It is recommended that you make a backup before attempting to upgrade your BlackBerry just in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process. *

Quite a few readers let me know that RIM updated the BlackBerry Traffic application to beta version 1.2.0.869. This new version “adds BlackBerry Torch support and important safety warning language” as well as a “few minor tweaks to the user interface (improved banner design and revised icons)”. No new functionality has been added in this version but there are plans to add some in upcoming versions.

If you’re interested in the new version of BlackBerry Traffic you can download it from the Test Center in the BlackBerry App World or sign in to the Beta Zone for more info.

Just a quick note for anyone who’s interested in RIM’s financial well-being. A conference call will be held at 5PM ET on September 16th where they will be reporting results for the second quarter of fiscal 2011. The details:

Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) will be reporting results for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 on September 16, 2010 after the close of the market.  A conference call and live webcast will be held beginning at 5 pm ET, which can be accessed by dialing 800-814-4859 or by logging on at www.rim.com/investors/events/index.shtml. A replay of the conference call will also be available at approximately 7 pm by dialing 416-640-1917 and entering passcode 4310309#. This replay will be available until midnight ET September 30, 2010.

RIM usually posts a replay of the webcast after it ends so if you can’t make it to the live conference call, I’ll most likely be posting the replay and a transcript (if I can find one) afterwards.

Verizon yesterday announced new prepaid offerings for 3G smartphones and multimedia phones on the Verizon Wireless network. The plans for BlackBerry users are available for $30 a month for unlimited data. Right now customers can add these plans to their accounts in stores but they won’t be available on the Verizon website until September 28th.

“These new data offerings will help our prepaid customers experience the full breadth of Verizon Wireless’ robust device portfolio and the many engaging, informative and helpful applications that depend on a data plan,” said Jim Sullivan, director of marketing for Verizon Wireless. “Our prepaid customers will now have the freedom to enjoy all of the capabilities that these phones have to offer, while controlling costs and without being tied to a contract.”

Here are the BlackBerry smartphones that have access to these plans:

• BlackBerry® Curve™ 8330
• BlackBerry® Curve™ 8530
• BlackBerry® Storm™ 9530
• BlackBerry® Storm2™ 9550
• BlackBerry® Tour™ 9630
• BlackBerry® Bold™ 9650

It’s interesting to see Verizon offering prepaid data plans for the BlackBerry smartphones mentioned above even though most of them are supposedly getting axed very soon. Of course there are those of us that will have these devices for some time before upgrading to a new one, so I guess it makes sense. For more info on the Verizon Wireless prepaid plans go to verizonwireless.com/prepaid.

via VZW

First Rogers announced it, then Telus announced it, now both Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile Canada have announced that they’ll be launching the BlackBerry Torch 9800 on September 24th. In their email, Bell let me know that the Torch 9800 will be available for as low as $199.99 on a three-year contract. Virgin Mobile Canada announced it through Twitter but did not mention any pricing info.

For more info go to blackberry.com/torch, Bell’s page at bell.ca/torch or keep an eye on Virgin Mobile Canada’s website (since they didn’t mention a specific page). Lots of carrier options for potential Torch owners up in Canada!

We’ve heard about the rumored clamshell BlackBerry 9670 more than a few times and have even seen a video of it running BlackBerry 6.  The one thing that hasn’t been definite about this device is its brand name but a new rumor has come to light courtesy of Kevin over at CrackBerry. Apparently the brand name for the BlackBerry 9670 will be the “Style”.

I guess RIM’s Pearl Flip line wasn’t doing too well so they decided to give this BlackBerry flip its own name, which makes sense considering how different it is. If you compare the image above with some past images you’ll notice that there are two different keyboard types. I wonder if the Style 9670 will be available with both or just one when launched. Keep in mind that this is only a rumor since RIM hasn’t made the brand name for it (or the device itself) official. You never know, the Torch’s name was unofficially the “Bold” for a while so something could change here too.

What do you think about the BlackBerry Style as a name?

via CB

Starbucks yesterday released a new BlackBerry application, the Starbucks Card Mobile app. This app replaces Starbucks payment cards so you don’t have to carry it around. From their app site:

Just enter your Starbucks Card number and your BlackBerry Tour, Curve or Storm becomes your Starbucks Card. You can register your card, check your balance and track the Stars you earn toward free beverages through My Starbucks Rewards.

And here’s the coolest feature: in some places you can pay for your drink using the Starbucks Card Mobile app. Enter your card number and your device will display a barcode you can use as your Starbucks Card to make purchases. It’s fast. It’s easy. And it’s a revolution in mobile payment. Mobile Pay is available at select stores in Seattle and Silicon Valley, and at all Target® Starbucks stores in the United States. To find a store, use our Store Locator and select the Mobile Payment filter.

For more info or to get the Starbucks Card Mobile app for BlackBerry, text the word GO to 70845 or check out the Starbucks Card Mobile site. Keep in mind only a few locations support the Mobile Pay feature now but it’s still good to have if you want to track your Starbucks Card.

via Mashable