Since I posted the BlackBerry Bold 9700 unboxing video many of you sent me some emails about problems with the battery door. I’ll admit at first it was a bit weird to deal with but once you know how to do it, it couldn’t be easier.

I’ve put together a quick video showing how to easily remove and replace the Bold 9700 battery door in a few ways. Check it out above and let me know if it helped you in the comments.

I’ve been a big fan of Seesmic Desktop for quite some time now and have been wondering when and if they planned on releasing a Seesmic application for BlackBerry smartphones. @BRSDiddy just brought it to my attention that they have just released one!

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.

According to the Seesmic download page there are two versions available. A beta v1.0 for BlackBerry devices running OS 4.6 and higher, and an alpha v1.0b for the Tour 9630 and Storm 9500/9530/9520/9550. Right now there is no support for devices running OS 4.5 and lower.

To download Seesmic head to seesmic.com from your BlackBerry Browser or check out the product page here for more info. Since these applications are beta and alpha I would recommend first making a backup before installing them.  Also keep in mind that since these are beta and alpha versions they might not be perfect just yet so if you have feedback or need help email Seesmic at support@seesmic.com.

I’ve included some of the demonstration videos after the jump. Let me know how you like the Seesmic Twitter app in the comments!

CONTINUE READING »

This OS was already released a few weeks back by Bluegrass Cellular but here it is for Verizon customers.

Note: You can still access the download even if you don’t have a Verizon number by entering a random number and then clicking on the “Download Now” button.

• Download: OS 4.7.1.61 for the BlackBerry Tour 9630 from Verizon
• 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. *

It’s been a while since Salomondrin leaked some unreleased device information but they’re back with some pictures and a video of the unreleased 3G BlackBerry Pearl 9100, aka the Stratus/Striker!

If you recall back in September I posted a photo of what appeared to be the Pearl 9100. Taking a look at Sal’s photos and video you can see that the photo was the real deal. I’ve included some of the photos after the jump.

Any Pearl fans out there planning on getting the 9100 when it comes out?

CONTINUE READING »

A few days ago I mentioned that the BeejiveIM Beta would be getting updated to support OS 5.0. Jim over at Beejive posted in their forums that beta version 1.9.7 is now available with some new features from the current production version:

• support for 5.0 OS
• 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

This beta version is only for BlackBerry devices running OS 4.2.1 and higher. As always, since this is a beta and not guaranteed to be stable, install at your own risk and make sure you backup your data first.

• Over the air (direct download to BB via web browser):
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta5.0storm (5.0 OS Storm & Storm 2 ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.7storm (4.7 OS Storm ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta5.(5.0 OS Tour, 9700 Bold)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: 9000 Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.2.1 (4.2.1 OS and higher)
• Desktop Install:
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta5.0storm (5.0 OS Storm & Storm 2 ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.7storm (4.7 OS Storm ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta5.0 (5.0 OS Tour, 9700 Bold)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: 9000 Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.2.1(4.2.1 OS and higher)
• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager

Thanks @sgtd!

The Facebook application for BlackBerry smartphones has been updated to version 1.7.0.22. There’s no changelog and I haven’t noticed anything new or different yet so if you find something let me know in the comments!

Go to blackberry.com/facebook from your BlackBerry Browser to download the updated version or check for the new version from within the Facebook application options.

This leaked OS just came to my attention but it looks like whoever uploaded it ran out of download slots for free users. It says you can try again later so keep on eye on the RapidShare page for when a download slot opens up. I’ll see if I can find alternative download links.

• Download via RapidShare: OS 5.0.0.351 for the BlackBerry Bold 9700
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments.

DISCLAIMER: Install at your own risk. This is Leaked/Beta software that is not guaranteed to be stable, and therefore will not be supported by RIM or your wireless carrier should you run into some problems. As a precaution, if you decide to upgrade, it is highly recommended that you make a backup before using this software. If you are not comfortable using Leaked/Beta software you should probably wait for the next official release. *

Free themes for older BlackBerry devices are scarce these days so when I find one I think many of you would like I try to mention it here on BBRocks! The BlackMesh Today Plus theme was created by T4BB member Phoenix Des. and is available in a few different versions for all BlackBerry Pearl 8100 series devices running OS 4.5 and higher.

• Download via OTA:
  • Weather and Calendar Today+
  • Weather and Messages Today+
  • Weather and Call Log Today+
  • Messages and Calendar Today+
  • Calendar And Call Log Today+
  • Messages and Call Log Today+
• Info: BlackMesh Today Plus Theme Page
• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager

Additional screenshots and ZIP files for desktop installation are available at the theme page.

Here’s a great looking theme by CB member VinceThePrice called ONYXia v1.4, available for the BlackBerry Curve 8900, Tour 9630, Bold 9000 and 9700.

Features:

• simple, yet professional-looking design
• 12 main icons + 6 side icons for folders / option-related apps (look at the screenshot example to get an idea)
• theme studio 5.0 transitions
• hidden today
• dedicated weather icon (place weather app in the first column of row four in the app screen aka. 19th slot)
• launch QuickLaunch with the space key, and launch SMS And MMS with the dollar sign key
• homescreen is wallpaper-friendly

While these theme may not be fully skinned it definitely offers some great features and will give your compatible BlackBerry a good look. Download ONYXia v1.4:

• Bold 9700/Tour 9630/Curve 8900:
  • OS 5.0 OTA: Click here
  • OS 4.7 OTA: Click here
    
• Bold 9000:
  • OS 5.0 OTA: Click here
  • OS 4.6 OTA: Click here
• Info: ONYXia v1.4 Theme Page
• How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data

It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned Phrehnck here on BBRocks! but he’s back and has released shaqBerry, a free little app that’s good for killing time when you’re extremely bored.

Phrehnk was quick to jump on the idea after an episode of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien last week where they featured a new skit called “New Trends.” I was able to find a video clip and thanks to Hulu, was able to cut it down to just when the New Trends skit is beginning and ending right after the shaqBerry part. No thanks to Hulu, there is a quick ad in the beginning of the video that is unavoidable.

I’m not sure why I found this app so amusing, but I did. Best of all…it’s free! Check out the video clip above to get an idea of what shaqBerry does or download it now from the BBRocks! store.