The awesome and free browser alternative known as Opera Mini is now (finally) available for download in BlackBerry App World. This mobile web browser is available for direct download at Opera’s site but if you’re like me and prefer keeping everything in one place, then getting it from App World is a plus. Here’s the description for those that aren’t familiar with Opera Mini:

A web browser for mobile devices offering fast speed, Opera Mini uses Opera’s servers to compress webpages so they load faster. You also save money on data charges, since it uses as little as a tenth of the data of normal browsers.

Facebook, Google, Yahoo!—with Opera Mini, all your favorite sites load faster than you’ve ever seen on your phone.

More Features:
-Our new interface looks better on your device and gives Opera Mini a sleek, modern appearance.
-Synchronize bookmarks, Speed Dial and more with your computer or other mobile devices via Opera Link.
-Twitter and Facebook support is built in, so you can easily share web content with others.

This fast browser is the ultimate for browsing on slow Internet connections or while paying per megabyte of data used.

For more info go to m.opera.com, get the app in BlackBerry App World or check out the press release below.

FULL PRESS RELEASE!

RIM is back with another great promo where BlackBerry users running a BlackBerry 7 OS can get free apps and games! The last time they had a promo like this was to apologize for a long outage last year, which they called Thank You Gifts. This time it’s just a thank you and “Compliments of BlackBerry” for using a BlackBerry 7 smartphone. One thing I did notice is that this promo seems to be targeted at the United States .

They also seem to be having a “Free For Your All-Touch BlackBerry Smartphone” promo. Apps included in this promo range in original price but include Aces 3D Pool, BeWeather, Easy Smiley Pack Pro, Endomondo Sports Tracker Pro, Fixmo Tools, iSpeech Dictation and FB Chat Pro, and a bunch more. To get these free apps and games search BlackBerry App World for “Compliments of BlackBerry” or click here! Don’t forget, this promo ends May 31st.

Even if you don’t think you’ll use the apps, you should at least download them so they stay in your My World catalog for later. Just in case .

A few weeks ago I let you know that the WordPress team was planning to release an app refresh of their application for BlackBerry smartphones. Today they’ve launched a public beta of version 1.6 which is available for most devices running OS 4.5 or higher. Danilo from WordPress would like your help in testing the following:

• Are all of your blogs still in the app if you upgraded?
• Try to post a quick photo.
• If you have a WordPress.com blog in the app, try out the new Read function. Change filters, like some posts, view Freshly Pressed, and more.
• Try the new File Picker, is it fast? Responsive? (It now sort files by last-modification date.)
• The Posts/Pages/Comments lists now have infinite loading. Check to make sure it keeps loading your content.
• Is the new Dashboard rendered like it should? See example.

Here are the download links:

• For BlackBerry OS v4.5
• For BlackBerry OS v4.6
• For BlackBerry OS v4.7
• For BlackBerry OS v5.x
• For BlackBerry OS6
• For BlackBerry Torch with OS6
• For BlackBerry OS7

For more info check out the WP BlackBerry Developer Blog post or feel free to leave a comment with your findings below. You can also post feedback in the BBRocks! Forums.

BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v7.1.0.921 (All Languages)

Package Version: 7.1.0.921
Consisting of:

• Applications: 7.1.0.267
• Software Platform: 5.1.0.230
• File name: 9900jAllLang_PBr7.1.0_rel921_PL5.1.0.230_A7.1.0.267_SK_Telecom__.exe
• File size: 261.47MB

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

Download:

• OS 7.1.0.267 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 from SK Telecom

How To:

• Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
• Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments or in the forums.

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. *

Software For BlackBerry® Bold™ 9930 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v7.1.0.921 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 7.1.0.921
Consisting of:

• Applications: 7.1.0.267
• Software Platform: 5.1.0.230
• File name: 9930AMEA_PBr7.1.0_rel921_PL5.1.0.230_A7.1.0.267_Element_Mobile.exe
• File size: 208.26MB

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

Download:

• OS 7.1.0.267 for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 from Element Mobile

How To:

• Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
• Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments or in the forums.

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. *

Software For BlackBerry® Torch™ 9850 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v7.1.0.921 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 7.1.0.921
Consisting of:

• Applications: 7.1.0.267
• Software Platform: 5.1.0.230
• File name: 9850AMEA_PBr7.1.0_rel921_PL5.1.0.230_A7.1.0.267_Element_Mobile.exe
• File size: 217.83MB

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

Download:

• OS 7.1.0.267 for the BlackBerry Torch 9850 from Element Mobile

How To:

• Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
• Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments or in the forums.

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. *

Software For BlackBerry® Curve™ 9350 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v7.1.0.921 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 7.1.0.921
Consisting of:

• Applications: 7.1.0.267
• Software Platform: 5.1.0.230
• File name: 9350_9370AMEA_PBr7.1.0_rel921_PL5.1.0.230_A7.1.0.267_Element_Mobile.exe
• File size: 204.98MB

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

Download:

• OS 7.1.0.267 for the BlackBerry Curve 9350 from Element Mobile

How To:

• Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
• Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments or in the forums.

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 no secret that Netflix has absolutely no presence on BlackBerry devices other than third-party apps which don’t offer full functionality. Many of you have asked, complained and some even begged Netflix to release an official app for BlackBerry smartphones and the PlayBook. Why they don’t offer us apps is unknown but Philip Whittle let me know he took it upon himself to publish a petition on Change.org to make it happen.

As of now the petition has been signed over 5,000 times with a target of 7,500. Here is why Philip believes this is important:

A blackberry user tweeted “@netflixhelps @netflix @netflix_CA where is my #playbook app? You’ve had enough time and no more excuses! Thanks!” Netflix’s response was “We don’t have any current plans to support Blackberry devices, incluing [sic] Playbook.”

I have always been a Blackberry user. When I purchased my Playbook I expected there to be a Netflix App on it from day one.

Nextflix, I have paid for your services for years along with many of the other 70 million Blackberry users. Part of my expectation of you being my online streaming provider is that you will provide service the devices I choose to utilize. Especially when you have the capabilities!

There is a Netflix App for the Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita.. Give me a break!

Let’s go BlackBerry Rockers, head on over and sign the petition on Change.org to get Netflix on BlackBerry!