FileScout, a file management application for BlackBerry, has been updated to version 1.5.0.0 with a bunch of new features as well as some bug fixes.

What’s new?

• Display of thumbnails in search result (if thumbnail display is enabled and images are in the ‘FileScout Image Cache’)
• Thumbnail-Options: New Button to generate all all thumbnails for all images on your device (incl. the SDCard) – this operation can take a while till it’s completed – please be patient!
• When resizing images to device resolution size you can now select to keep the aspect ratio of the original image. If this option is selected, then FileScout will cut (left & right or top & bottom) of the image so that it will fit to your device screen resolution.
• UserDefined resolution (image resizing) can be now be max 9999 pixel [but it's recommended not use more then 1200px]
• Support for DesktopManager Backup & Restore (FileScout settings)
• A ” in the Screen Title indicating that the background threads (required for Search and other extended features) are still running (after FileScout is started) – once the threads are completed the ” will disappear.
• Integration in the RIMs FileExplorer Application: a ‘Explore with FileScout’ MenuItem is added

What’s fixed?

• Search files in the current Directory only function fixed to be usable multiple times
• Potential OutOfMemeory Error during start of FileScout (when the thumbnail store is getting too large)
• Accessing OS5 System Folder for Bold, Bold2, Storm and Storm2

To download FileScout OTA click here or visit the emacberry.com page for more info and a desktop download. This software is available as donationware and without limitations so if you find it useful consider sending a donation to the developer, Matthias.

If you recall I posted about KB17984 a few weeks back and the BlackBerry Curve 8520 was not listed as a device that would be getting OS 5.0 even though a version was leaked before this KB was posted. It looks like the list was incomplete and/or wrong because RIM has deleted that KB article and another OS 5.0 has been leaked for the Curve 8520!

• Download via MegaUpload: OS 5.0.0.348 for the Curve 8520
• 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. *

This is not the latest official OS for the Bold 9700, but here it is for those who prefer using their own carriers software.  The latest is 5.0.0.344 from Bell. A few things that are odd to me: US carriers don’t usually have the latest official OS, AT&T has released this software but their Bold 9700 is not (generally) available, T-Mobile already launched theirs but they have yet to update their site with their own Bold 9700 software. Fails all around!

Software For BlackBerry® Bold (TM) 9700 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v5.0.0.463 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 5.0.0.463
Consisting of:

• Applications: 5.0.0.296
• Software Platform: 5.1.0.83
• File name: 9700M_PBr5.0.0_rel463_PL5.1.0.83_A5.0.0.296_AT_amp_T.exe
• File size: 136.51MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download: OS 5.0.0.296 for the Bold 9700 from AT&T
• 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. *

Joe from BBSites sent me a tweet letting me know that all BlackBerry instant messaging clients have been updated to v2.5.30.

The BlackBerry IM clients include AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk and ICQ. No info is available about what /changed in this new version so if you notice anything different be sure to leave it in the comments. You can find and download all of the BlackBerry IM clients from mobile.blackberry.com.

UPDATE It looks like this outage is occurring in many more areas than previously reported. Please refer to the comments of this post. *

I’ve received numerous reports from @DavePeckens, @BRSDiddy and a few others, letting me know that BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) seems to be down for them. So far it looks like the areas being affected are California, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan and I can confirm that BIS is having trouble in New Jersey.

At first it seemed like only the BlackBerry Browser wasn’t working but it looks like third-party applications are also being affected, although some are having more luck connecting to the internet.

If you’re being affected by this data outage let me know what’s not working and where you are in the comments.

AT&T has announced the BlackBerry Curve 8520 as being “available in the coming weeks.” Earlier today I let you know that AT&T would be launching the BlackBerry Bold 9700 on November 22nd but CrackBerry Bla1ze found out that customers with a business account can buy it as of today in addition to it being available through the AT&T Premier site.

Since the Bold 9700 is (generally) launching before the Curve 8520, I’m wondering if it will affect the Curve 8520’s sales especially with all the 9700 hype. Of course, the two devices are different in various ways so personal preference (or even the price tag) will be some deciding factors, even though the Bold 9700 is supposed to be the best BlackBerry yet. Decisions, decisions…

Curve 8520 pricing info:

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone will be available in the coming weeks for $99.99 after mail-in rebate. (Pay $199.99 and receive $100 AT&T Promotion Card. 2-year agreement on a min. $69.99 plan required.) AT&T smartphones require the purchase of a monthly data plan. Other monthly charges apply.

For more info about the Curve 8520 check out the AT&T press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

Jason let me know that JMal Designs and AHazDesigns are having a 50% off sale on all their premium BlackBerry themes until Tuesday of next week. With a combined total of 28 premium themes to choose from, JMal and AHaz have developed some great looking themes in various styles that I’m sure many of you would enjoy.

Pricing for JMal and AHaz themes range from $0.99 to $6.99 so if you’ve been waiting to save on a premium BlackBerry theme here’s your chance. For the next week you can use the coupon codes jmal50 and ahaz50 to get 50% off any theme(s) from JMal Designs and AHazDesigns in the store. These coupon codes will also work in the BBRocks! Mobile App Store.

The last time TwitterBerry was updated was back in August and it looks like Orangatame is trying to stay in the game with the re-release of their client as OpenBeak.

Even though more updated Twitter clients like SocialScope, ÜberTwitter and TweetGenius are around, believe it or not, TwitterBerry continues to hold its position as second most used BlackBerry Twitter app. I’m not sure if the ranking system is by Twitter name or some sort of client ID, so I’m wondering if the name change will affect their stats or their following.

New client description:

OpenBeak is mobile client for posting updates to Twitter. It works over the data network, so you don’t need to use SMS. OpenBeak is the evolution of TwitterBerry, and gives a name that allows the app to grow beyond both the Twitter platform and BlackBerry smartphones.

OpenBeak is available for all BlackBerry devices running OS 4.2.1 and higher. To download OpenBeak directly to your device visit m.openbeak.com from your BlackBerry Browser or visit the product page from your desktop for more info.

@FabianMH is having a sale on his LaterDude Pro BlackBerry application where you can get 50% off today only!

For those who aren’t familiar with LaterDude Pro, here is the app’s description:

LaterDude Pro is an application that reminds you to call, SMS or email someone. The efficiency of it is that it interacts with the system and creates a new event into the internal calendar or task application.

LaterDude Pro is available in the store for $1.47 until 12AM CST tonight, after that it goes up to $2.95. This app will work on devices running OS 4.5 and higher including OS 5.0. Let me know if you get a copy and if it increased your day-to-day productivity in the comments!

Software For BlackBerry® Pearl (TM) 8130 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.295 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.5.0.295
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.5.0.175
• Software Platform: 3.4.0.55
• File name: 8130uAMEA_PBr4.5.0_rel295_PL3.4.0.55_A4.5.0.175_Sprint_L.P.exe
• File size: 88.01MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download: OS 4.5.0.175 for the Pearl 8130 from Sprint
• 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. *

Thanks @ghozali!