Viigo just let me know about a few important notes intended for BlackBerry Storm and Corporate Edition users.

Storm users running version 3.0.710 of the Viigo application should upgrade to the new release (3.0.861) because of a number of important features and enhancements (especially performance) over that of the Alpha (3.0.710). Uninstall version 3.0.710 before installing the new update.

Corporate Edition users of the Viigo application (i.e you downloaded Viigo for “BlackBerries with Corporate IT Policies“) should update to release 3.0.864. This release corrects a number of issues that might have caused your updates to periodically fail.

• Download: getviigo.com (select appropriate edition)

Artem over at GemBlock just released a new theme for the BlackBerry Bold 9000 called iBerry Today Plus.

iBerry Today Plus is the first ever, free iPhone theme for the BlackBerry Bold. If you’ve been waiting for a sweet, new theme to hook up your Bold with here it is!

Theme developer tools for the BlackBerry Curve 8900 seriously need to be released already .

• Download: iBerry Today Plus Theme – GemBlock

Looks like Sprint and RIM are planning on releasing some software updates for the BlackBerry Curve 8350i.

Check out a message that was sent to CrackBerry:

We’ve seen several posts on Crackberry discussing Sprint’s BlackBerry Curve 8350i. We wanted to share the information below with you for your readers.

Sprint is working very closely with RIM to develop maintenance release software to resolve issues identified on BlackBerry Curve 8350i. The first software maintenance release will be available on www.sprint.com/downloads next week. Sprint will notify BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers the maintenance release is available through their IT administrators, and Sprint BlackBerry Internet Service customers will be notified through a PIN to PIN message.

We are diligently working on a fix for the known echo issue. It will not be fixed in this first release, but we are doing our best to identify the issue and correct it and hoping to include that fix in the next software release. One option that helps alleviate the problem would be to use the headset that comes packaged with the phone.

Sprint is also working with RIM on a second maintenance release to address the remaining issues, and hope to have it available shortly. Any customers have issues during the upgrade they can call care at 1-800-639-6111.

That’s good news for all you Curve 8350i owners. Anyone else have any insider info?

Case-Mate let me know that they have just released some new holsters called Universal Hipsters.

The only BlackBerry that is definitely compatible is the BlackBerry Pearl 8100, but since they are universal holsters they should fit most BlackBerrys. I don’t know if it’s just me but if you look closely at the photo above, it looks like all the phones in the holsters are BlackBerrys.

From the description:

Keeping your cell phone styled and protected just got a whole lot easier. Handcrafted from the world’s finest-grade Italian leathers, the Hipster from Case-mate is the perfect complement to your cell phone. Our durable, yet supple leather polishes easily with a soft cloth. The 180-degree swivel belt clip means you can carry your phone with you anywhere while being fully protected in the Unique Hipster pouch.

…

• Check it out: http://www.case-mate.com/phones/misc

If you get one be sure to leave some comments on the Universal Hipster’s compatibility with your BlackBerry.

BGR pointed out that AT&T now has OS 4.5 available for all of the following supported BlackBerrys:

• Pearl 8100
• Pearl 8110
• Pearl 8120
• Curve 8300
• Curve 8310
• Curve 8320
• 8800
• 8820
• 8700

That’s more than I can say for T-Mobile! I’m still amazed that T-Mobile has yet to officially release OS 4.5 for the Pearl 8100 when everyone else pretty much has.

Every AT&T user that owns a supported BlackBerry from the list above can now get the new OS at RIM’s AT&T downloads page.

• Check it out: http://www.att.com/bbdownloads

REMEMBER: Install at your own risk. Always make backups before making major changes/upgrades/downgrades to your BlackBerry.

The iStockManager application is now available for the BlackBerry Storm, Bold and Curve 8900.

iStockManager gives you secure, quick and simple access to your TD AMERITRADE account so you can trade and check the market on the go. It also gives you access to equity and option trading, streaming data, real-time balances and positions, news and more.

• Download: http://istockmanager.com/blackberry/

If this application doesn’t interest you check out the free MarketSimplified Mobile Trading Application for TD AMERITRADE users.

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Ronen over at BerryReview found out that Google has updated their Google Maps Mobile  with Latitude application to version 3.0.1 with some bug fixes.

Check out the fixes:

• BlackBerry: Signing in error with repeated invalid username/password
  If you cannot sign in to Latitude on your BlackBerry after entering a username/password repeatedly and receiving a verification prompt (ie. you need to enter a CAPTCHA or unique set of letters and numbers), you’ll need to download a new version of Google Maps for mobile in order to sign into Latitude. There was a bug in the verification prompt that we have fixed. Please download v3.0.1 by going to http://www.google.com/latitude on your device.
• BlackBerry: “Login failed” error
  Please make sure all your device’s permissions for Google Maps are set to ‘Allow’ since signing into Latitude requires secure network connections. See the path to these settings below:
  Options > Advanced Options > Applications > Google Maps > Edit Permissions (using the BlackBerry menu button)

Here is the answer for those of you who have been having problems with version 3.0.0 of Google Maps Mobile with Latitude. Be sure to leave some comments on whether or not this worked on your BlackBerry!

• Download: google.com/gmm

Verizon just let me know about an online exclusive offer they are having where you can get either a white or pink BlackBerry Pearl 8130 for free after an instant online discount.

Check out the fine print:

• BlackBerry® Pearl offer available with new 2yr activation per phone after $119.99 instant online discount on voice plan with email feature or email plan.
• Activation fee/line: $35 ($25 for secondary Family SharePlan lines w/2 yr Agmts)
• IMPORTANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION: Subject to Customer Agmt, Calling Plan. Up to $175 early termination fee & other charges. Device capabilities: Add’l charges & conditions apply. Offers & coverage, varying by service, not available everywhere. While supplies last.
• Free Overnight Shipping is only available for purchases placed on VerizonWireless.com within the U.S. only, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Orders placed by 4:30 pm local time Monday – Friday excluding holidays will deliver by the next business day. (Orders placed after 4:30 pm local time on Friday and before 4:30 pm local time on Monday will deliver on Tuesday.) Subject to credit authorization, verification and inventory availability. Signature will be required upon delivery.

Check it out: Verizon online exclusive for the BlackBerry Pearl 8130

BGR just found out that Verizon is going to have a buy one get one free sale starting tomorrow February 6, 2009 and ending March 31, 2009.

Check out how it’s going to work:

• The promotion runs from tomorrow, February 6th, until March 31st.
• Buy any BlackBerry Verizon offers and get another one for free (equal or lesser value).
• There is no mail in debit card necessary when purchasing the Storm, for the Curve 8330 and 8830, you’ll still get a $70 debit card back from the purchase of the first device.
• Each device requires a two-year activation with corresponding data plan (BlackBerry data plan).

And the rules, regulations and pricing info:

• BlackBerry Storm, $199.99, no debit card on either first or second Storm
• BlackBerry Curve 8330, $79.99 after a $70 debit card (after Valentine’s Day, it jumps to $99.99)
• BlackBerry 8830 Global, $99.99 after $70 debit card
• BlackBerrry Pearl 8130, $19.99 after $100 debit card
• Palm Centro, $49.99 after a $70 debit card
• Samsung Alias, $49.99 after a $50 debit card

BG also mentioned that they have insider info about a new BlackBerry Storm OS which should be available on March 31, 2009.

Thanks for sending this in Chad!

I have 10 free 1 month subscriptions for Slacker Radio Plus to give away!

What is Slacker?

Listen to all of your favorite personalized Slacker stations on your BlackBerry for free! You can listen to over 100 stations programmed by music experts or create your own custom stations right from your BlackBerry.

You’ll have detailed artist biographies, full album reviews and more. Best of all, the music can be stored on your phone so you can listen even when you don’t have a connection!

…

So here is how the contest will work:

• Go to Slacker.com, sign up (free) and download Slacker Personal Radio onto your BlackBerry.
• Play with it for a little.
• Come back and comment on your favorite feature.
• That’s it, you’re entered into the contest!

Slacker Personal Radio is a must have application for music lovers who own a BlackBerry!

Keep in mind that you have to have already signed up for Slacker Personal Radio (with  a valid email) in order to receive the free, one month subscription for Slacker Radio Plus.

THIS CONTEST ENDS FEBRUARY 12, 2009

Good luck and thanks Slacker, Inc!